The events that transpired in Liyue Harbor on this fateful day would undoubtedly be etched into the annals of history, a day when the harmony between the city's guardians and its protectors was shattered and then tenuously restored by the intervention of outsiders. The conflict between the Liyue Qixing and the Adepti had teetered on the brink of cataclysm, but the combined efforts of Momon and Aether had narrowly averted what could have been an unparalleled disaster.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the ancient city, Ningguang led the Liyue Qixing and the Millelith on a grim tour of the aftermath. The usually bustling streets of Liyue Harbor were now eerily silent, the air heavy with the scent of blood and the stench of death. What they encountered as they moved through the city was nothing short of a scene from a nightmare.
Decapitated heads and severed limbs littered the cobblestone streets, their presence a stark reminder of the brutal conflict that had unfolded just hours earlier. Pools of blood had formed in the gutters, slowly seeping into the cracks of the pavement, while the once-proud bodies of Adepti lay lifeless, their guts spilled out in gruesome displays of carnage. The streets, once filled with the vibrant life of traders and travelers, now seemed haunted by the remnants of battle.
Ningguang's heart weighed heavily as she surveyed the devastation. She had always known that the Adepti were formidable, but what she saw now was beyond anything she had ever imagined. The power that had been unleashed was nothing short of monstrous. And as her gaze settled on the twisted remains of the Adepti who had once been revered as protectors, a cold realization dawned upon her.
She knew, with absolute certainty, that Aether had not been the one to wreak this havoc. The blonde traveler, though powerful in his own right, lacked the sheer brutality required to commit such acts. No, this was the work of his companion, the enigmatic and terrifying Momon. The realization sent a shiver down her spine. Momon was not the hero of legend, the noble warrior who saved the day with honor and valor. He was something far more dangerous, a force of nature that cut down his enemies with a ruthlessness that bordered on inhuman.
As Ningguang walked through the streets, she could see the fear etched on the faces of the citizens who had witnessed the slaughter. Their expressions were pale, their eyes wide with horror as they recoiled from the carnage. The people of Liyue had always revered the Adepti, but now they were faced with the chilling reality that even these powerful beings were not invincible—and that their defeat had come at the hands of a being who showed no mercy.
The ruthless efficiency with which Momon had dispatched the Adepti left Ningguang unsettled. She had always believed that power should be wielded with restraint, that even in conflict, there was a code of honor to be upheld. But Momon had shattered that belief, cutting down the Adepti with a savagery that defied reason. There was no honor in what he had done, only cold, calculated violence.
Ningguang paused, her gaze lingering on one particularly gruesome scene—a decapitated Adeptus, his head resting several feet away from his body, his once-vibrant robes now soaked in blood. She turned away, unable to look any longer, her mind racing with the implications of what had occurred.
Momon was a protector, yes, but he was also a monster, one who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals. And while he had saved Liyue from a potentially devastating conflict, he had also left the city with scars that would not soon heal. The people might remember this day as the one when their city was spared from destruction, but they would also not forget the terror that accompanied it—the terror of a being who wielded power without restraint.
The remaining Adepti who had chosen to lay down their arms and side with reason moved solemnly through the blood-soaked streets of Liyue. The gravity of the day's events weighed heavily on them, their faces a mix of grief, shame, and determination. They had come to Liyue Harbor with the intent to deliver justice, but now they found themselves burdened with the task of honoring their fallen comrades.
With careful hands and heavy hearts, the Adepti began the grim work of collecting the bodies of their brethren. Each lifeless form was handled with reverence, their once-majestic figures now draped in silence. The powerful beings who had stood as guardians of Liyue for millennia were now being prepared for their final journey back to their sacred homeland, where they would be laid to rest.
Cloud Retainer, in her human form, led the effort, her graceful movements belying the sorrow in her eyes. She directed the others with quiet authority, ensuring that each fallen Adeptus was treated with the respect they deserved. Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper worked alongside her, their expressions somber as they lifted the bodies of those they had once fought beside.
As the Adepti gathered their fallen, a somber silence enveloped the city. The citizens of Liyue, still shaken by the violence that had erupted in their midst, watched from a distance, their hearts heavy with conflicting emotions. The Adepti had always been revered, but now they were seen in a different light—a mix of reverence and fear, of gratitude and sorrow.
The bodies were carried out of the city, away from the scenes of carnage and destruction. The Adepti moved with a quiet dignity, their eyes forward as they made their way toward the cliffs that overlooked the harbor. There, they would take to the skies, carrying their fallen comrades back to the sacred lands where they would find eternal rest.
As Ningguang stood at the port, surveying the damage that stretched across Liyue Harbor, her mind raced with the countless tasks that lay ahead. The once-bustling city was now a place of eerie quiet, the aftermath of the battle weighing heavily on her shoulders. She knew that the road to recovery would be long and arduous, but the sight of the broken city, and the people who still needed her, steeled her resolve.
Just as she was about to turn and give orders to the Millelith, a familiar voice broke through her thoughts.
"Seems like you will have your hands full for some time, Ningguang," came the voice, smooth and commanding.
Ningguang's heart almost skipped a beat as she turned to see Momon approaching. His presence was as imposing as ever, yet there was a strange calmness about him now, a stark contrast to the fury he had unleashed earlier. The sight of him brought a mix of relief and unease—relief that the immediate threat had been quelled, but unease at the memory of the power he had wielded.
"Ahh, Momon…" Ningguang replied, her voice catching slightly as she gathered her composure. "You're right, there is so much to be done, and it's hard to know where to even begin."
Momon's gaze swept over the harbor, taking in the damage with a detached expression. He nodded slowly, as if weighing her words. "Let me know if you need assistance. I will help if you wish."
The offer, though unexpected, was not unwelcome. Ningguang studied him for a moment, trying to gauge the true intentions behind his words. There was something about Momon—something beyond the raw power he possessed—that intrigued her. He was an enigma, a force that seemed to exist beyond the usual rules that governed Teyvat. And now, here he was, offering his aid in the wake of the chaos.
"You're ready for anything, aren't you?" she said, a small, appreciative smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I admire that… Thank you, Momon."
Her words were genuine, and though there was still an underlying wariness, Ningguang couldn't deny that Momon's strength had been instrumental in saving Liyue. The way he had handled the Adepti, though brutal, had prevented a greater disaster. For that, she was grateful.
"Would you look at that! I'm late to the party, ain't I?"
Ningguang turned on her heel, her eyes narrowing as she spotted the source of the voice. There, standing at the edge of the port, was none other than Beidou, the captain of the Crux Fleet. The wind tousled her short, dark hair as she stood with one hand on her hip, a wide grin plastered across her face. Her crimson coat billowed behind her, and the heavy blade she carried was slung casually over her shoulder as if it weighed nothing.
"You certainly have a knack for timing, Beidou," Ningguang replied, a faint smile crossing her lips. "But I suppose it's better late than
Beidou laughed, a deep, hearty sound that seemed to cut through the tension in the air. "Well, I'd have been here sooner, but the sea was a bit choppy. You know how it is. But it looks like I missed all the fun." Her eyes flicked to the remnants of the chaos that had engulfed the harbor, and she let out a low whistle. "Though, from the looks of it, maybe I'm lucky I didn't get here earlier."
Ningguang couldn't help but smile at Beidou's characteristic nonchalance. Even in the face of such destruction, Beidou's unwavering confidence was infectious. "We had… unexpected help," she said, her gaze shifting briefly to where Momon stood, his back turned to them as he prepared to assist in the cleanup. "But yes, we managed."
Beidou followed Ningguang's gaze, her eyebrow-raising in curiosity. "That so?" she mused, eyeing Momon with interest. "I've heard rumors about a mysterious figure causing quite a stir lately. Guess I'll have to thank him for keeping the city in one piece."
Beidou strolled confidently toward Momon, her eyes gleaming with curiosity and amusement. As she drew nearer, she couldn't help but marvel at his imposing presence. Momon stood tall and stern, his masked face giving little away, but his aura was undeniably commanding.
"Wow, you're tall, aren't you? Makes me feel like a little shrimp!" she joked, her voice full of warmth and energy. "You've got quite the imposing figure. I bet you had a blast kicking some Adepti ass, didn't you?"
Momon, who had been standing quietly, his imposing figure casting a long shadow in the afternoon sun, turned his head slightly to face Beidou. The expression behind his mask was unreadable, but his voice was calm and measured. "I wouldn't say I was excited. But given the situation, extreme actions were necessary to end the conflict swiftly and decisively."
Beidou nodded, her grin widening at his words. There was a spark of admiration in her eyes—she appreciated someone who could make tough decisions when the moment called for it. "True, true! Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. No room for hesitation when lives are on the line." She gave him a solid pat on the shoulder, the force of it friendly but strong. "I like your style, Momon."
Beidou's expression shifted from light-hearted to serious as she turned back to Ningguang. "Hey, there's a reason I couldn't make it here sooner," she said, her tone now carrying a note of concern. "The sea's not looking normal today."
Ningguang's brow furrowed in response. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity and a hint of unease.
Beidou crossed her arms, her gaze hardening as she recalled the troubling sights she had encountered. "There's something beneath the waves that's been stirring up the sea. It's not your average sea monster either—if it were, I'd have already put its head on a spear by now." She paused, her eyes narrowing as she considered the implications. "Whatever it is, it's dangerous. And it's coming."
The weight of Beidou's words settled over Ningguang like a heavy fog. She turned her gaze toward the distant horizon, her eyes locking onto the direction of the Guyun Stone Forest, an archipelago of seven large islands and countless smaller offshoots that lay far from Liyue Harbor. The towering stone pillars seemed to pierce the sky, shrouded in mist and mystery.
Ningguang's voice dropped to a near whisper, her expression tightening as she stared at the distant Guyun Stone Forest. "Guyun Stone Forest…" she murmured, her eyes narrowing as she pieced together the implications. "If the legends are true, then doom is upon us."
Beidou's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, you mean…" she began, the weight of Ningguang's words sinking in.
Ningguang nodded solemnly, her gaze unwavering. "Since the Geo Archon is dead, his old enemy might have awakened. Osial…"
The name hung in the air like a death knell, sending a shiver down Beidou's spine. "The ancient god, huh…" Beidou muttered, her usual bravado faltering as the gravity of the situation became clear. "This is bad."
Momon's curiosity about the ancient god Osial piqued, but something more urgent captured his attention. A deep, foreboding sensation emanated from the sea, growing stronger with each passing second. His gaze turned towards the horizon, his senses sharpening as he felt a disturbance beneath the waves.
"I guess you two are right…" Momon said, his voice carrying a blunt, almost ominous tone.
Ningguang and Beidou exchanged confused glances, their concern growing. "What do you mean?" Ningguang asked, her voice laced with unease.
Momon's eyes remained fixed on the distant ocean. "Something big is about to come. Hold yourselves tight…" The warning was delivered bluntly, with no room for doubt or hesitation.
Before Ningguang or Beidou could press him for answers, the air around them seemed to ripple with unseen energy. The calm waters of Liyue Harbor suddenly churned, and in an instant, a powerful shockwave erupted from the depths of the sea.
The force of the shockwave was overwhelming. It hit the port with a thunderous roar, the impact sending tremors through the ground. Ships anchored at the harbor were violently tossed, their masts creaking under the strain, while the buildings along the shoreline rattled and groaned as if they might collapse at any moment.
Ningguang staggered, nearly losing her balance as the ground heaved beneath her feet. Beidou, ever the seasoned sailor, instinctively braced herself, though even she struggled to withstand the force that seemed to shake the very foundation of Liyue Harbor.
Momon stood firm amidst the chaos, his presence unyielding as the shockwave tore through the port. The wind whipped around him, tugging at his cloak, but he remained unfazed, his gaze unwavering as he assessed the situation.
When the shockwave finally subsided, a heavy silence fell over the harbor. The sea, though still restless, began to calm, but the air was thick with tension. The sense of dread that had been building only intensified as if something monstrous was lurking just out of sight.
Ningguang's voice trembled as she looked to Momon for answers. "What… what just happened?"
Momon's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "That was a shockwave, and it came from the direction of those islands."
Beidou's face darkened as she connected the dots. "The Guyun Stone Forest? Then it's true—Osial is free. Only such a monster could control the sea so aggressively."
Before anyone could respond, Keqing and Ganyu arrived at the port, flanked by Aether and Paimon. Their expressions mirrored the urgency of the situation.
"Lady Ningguang!" Keqing called out, breathless. "We came as quickly as we could."
Cloud Retainer and Shenhe landed gracefully beside them, their eyes widening at the sight of the turbulent sea.
"The beast of the deep is back…" Cloud Retainer murmured, her usually composed demeanor shaken.
Paimon, hovering anxiously near Aether, blurted out, "This is bad! Disaster after disaster—it just can't stop!"
Ningguang's mind was already racing with the possibilities. She turned to Momon with a determined look. "We need to go to the Jade Chamber!"
Momon raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "That floating palace?"
"Yes," Ningguang confirmed, her voice filled with urgency. "The Jade Chamber has the best vantage point over Liyue. We must not let Osial reach the city, or everything will be submerged."
Momon didn't hesitate. "Don't worry. Aether and I will help too."
Aether nodded firmly, his resolve matching Momon's. "We're with you, Ningguang."
Paimon, however, wasn't as confident. "Eh, we're going to fight a god?!" she squeaked, her tiny form trembling with fear.
Momon placed a reassuring hand on Aether's shoulder, his voice calm but resolute. "We've faced impossible odds before, Paimon. We can do this."
Aether smiled reassuringly at his floating companion. "Momon's right. We've come this far, and we're not backing down now."
Ningguang glanced at the group, feeling a surge of hope despite the looming threat. With warriors like Momon, Aether, and the rest by her side, perhaps Liyue stood a chance.
"Then let's not waste any time," Ningguang said, her voice carrying the weight of command. "To the Jade Chamber!"
With a simple wave of his hand, Momon muttered, "[Mass Fly]."
Before anyone could react, the entire group felt an unfamiliar sensation lifting them from the ground. They rose into the air, the port of Liyue Harbor shrinking below them. Aether, Paimon, Ningguang, Beidou, Keqing, Ganyu, Cloud Retainer, and Shenhe were all caught off guard by the sudden weightlessness.
Paimon let out a startled yelp, flailing her tiny arms. "Wha—what's happening?!"
Aether, eyes wide, quickly grabbed her before she floated away. "We're… flying?"
Beidou looked around, her usual confident grin replaced by a look of astonishment. "Well, I'll be damned… Didn't think I'd see the day when I could fly without a ship."
Keqing's sharp eyes darted to Momon, the gears turning in her mind as she tried to comprehend the power he wielded. "You're full of surprises, aren't you?"
Ganyu, though amazed, remained focused. "This will get us to the Jade Chamber faster. We should make the most of it."
Ningguang, who usually prided herself on having all the answers, found herself momentarily speechless. She glanced at Momon, whose expression remained unseen behind the mask. For a moment, she considered asking him how he managed such a feat, but she quickly dismissed the thought. This mysterious figure was doing so much for Liyue—now wasn't the time to question his methods.
As they landed on the Jade Chamber, Ningguang wasted no time, immediately giving orders to her attendants and setting the vast floating palace into motion. The chamber began to hum with energy as it shifted course, heading directly towards the ominous Guyun Stone Forest.
Aether, still trying to process everything, turned to Ningguang. "So, what's the plan?"
Ningguang paused for a moment, her gaze resolute. "I'll sacrifice the Jade Chamber."
Her words hung in the air, heavy and shocking. The group exchanged glances, disbelief and concern etched on their faces.
Paimon's eyes widened in panic. "Wait, you're going to destroy the Jade Chamber? But… will that be enough to kill an ancient god?!"
Ganyu stepped forward, her usually composed demeanor cracking under the weight of the situation. "Lady Ningguang, are you sure about this? The Jade Chamber is our last line of defense. If we lose it…"
Ningguang nodded, her expression unwavering. "I've prepared for this. From the moment I conceived of the Jade Chamber, I knew a time might come when we'd face a threat beyond our means. That's why I designed the Jade Chamber not just as a symbol of Liyue's prosperity, but also as a weapon. It will be our final stand."
Momon, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up, his tone cold and distant. "That's a shame."
Ningguang turned to him, confusion and unease flickering in her eyes. She had seen Momon's terrifying power firsthand, and she couldn't help but wonder what he meant. "A shame? What do you mean, Momon?"
Momon's gaze was inscrutable, his expression hidden behind his mask. "You're willing to destroy your greatest creation, yet you doubt whether it will be enough to defeat Osial. Such a loss… for a gamble."
Beidou, always direct, couldn't help but ask, "So, what are you suggesting? You have something better in mind?"
Ningguang's mind raced. This man, this enigma who had saved Liyue Harbor, was offering no clear answers—only hints that he might have something up his sleeve. She didn't know whether to feel reassured or even more anxious.
Momon strode forward with an air of quiet determination, passing through the gathered group without a word. His presence seemed to command the attention of all around him, drawing their gazes as he approached the edge of the Jade Chamber. The sky above had darkened, the atmosphere heavy with anticipation and the looming threat of Osial.
Without warning, a massive magical circle materialized beneath their feet, radiating an otherworldly glow. The intricate patterns within the circle pulsated with energy, casting a surreal light across the Jade Chamber. At the center of this arcane design stood Momon, his figure calm and imposing. Surrounding him, smaller magical circles began to orbit like planets in a solar system, each one humming with power.
A collective gasp rippled through the group, the sheer scale and complexity of the magic overwhelming their senses. The air buzzed with the intensity of the spell, a force that felt ancient and incomprehensible.
"By the heavens…" Cloud Retainer's voice trembled with disbelief as she gazed at the phenomenon unfolding before her. Her usual composed demeanor was shaken. "What in the world is this?"
Even Ningguang, who had seen and commanded many wonders in her time, found herself momentarily at a loss for words. The Jade Chamber, a structure of unmatched elegance and strength, now seemed insignificant compared to the power Momon was channeling. She watched in awe as the smaller circles continued their orbit, each one resonating with a different, yet harmonious, frequency.
"This is beyond anything I've ever witnessed…" Ganyu whispered, her voice tinged with both fear and admiration. Cloud Retainer, including Shenhe, could only stare in silent astonishment, their previous doubts about Momon's strength now completely dispelled.
Paimon, clinging to Aether, could barely contain her nerves. "Aether… What is he doing? Is this really going to stop Osial?"
Aether didn't respond, his eyes fixed on Momon. He had fought gods and monsters, but the sheer scale of what he was witnessing now was unlike anything he had ever encountered. This wasn't just a display of power; it was something far more profound and terrifying.
Momon stood at the center of the swirling energy, his expression under the mask calmed as if this immense power was merely an extension of himself.
"Aether and all of you-" they listened to Momon. "Buy me some time. This spell will take a few minutes to activate." said Momon.
"Got it!" said Aether, ready to aid his friend.
The sea beneath the Jade Chamber churned violently, its once-calm surface now a roiling mass of waves that crashed against each other with ferocious intensity. The very air was charged with tension, thick with the impending threat that lurked beneath the water's surface. The Jade Chamber, suspended in the sky, trembled as if sensing the monstrous presence that was about to emerge.
Then, with a deafening roar that seemed to shake the heavens themselves, the ancient god Osial erupted from the depths. The sea parted in colossal waves, revealing the beast in all its terrifying glory. Five long, serpentine heads broke through the water, each one stretching upward as if trying to pierce the sky. The heads were covered in dark, glistening scales that shimmered ominously in the faint light, their eyes glowing with an ancient and malevolent intelligence.
The sheer size of Osial was almost impossible to comprehend. Each of the serpentine heads towered above the Jade Chamber, casting enormous shadows across the sea. The necks, impossibly long and sinuous, writhed and twisted as the creature adjusted to its newfound freedom. The ocean responded in kind, its waves rising to meet the god's movements, creating an apocalyptic scene of chaos and destruction.
The roar of Osial reverberated across the battlefield, a sound that was both a challenge and a declaration of its return. The sea god's very presence seemed to warp reality, bending the elements to its will. Lightning crackled in the storm clouds that had gathered overhead, and the wind howled in response to the beast's awakening.
Ningguang nodded firmly, her resolve matching the intensity of the situation. "Alright, we are ready, Momon!" she declared, her voice steady despite the chaos around them.
Ningguang and the others exchanged confused glances as the massive magical circle beneath their feet vanished without a trace. The intricate symbols and radiant energy that had surrounded Momon moments ago were gone, leaving the group standing on the edge of the Jade Chamber with a sense of bewilderment. They had braced themselves for some overwhelming display of power, but now all they could do was stare at Momon in confusion.
Momon, however, seemed completely unfazed. With a calmness that belied the chaos around them, he raised his hand and pointed directly at the monstrous figure of Osial, the ancient god whose five serpent heads loomed menacingly above the turbulent sea.
"That's it? That's the god?" Momon's voice, laced with disappointment, cut through the tension like a knife.
Ningguang blinked, her mind racing to comprehend what he meant. "What do you mean, Momon? Osial is an ancient god—one of the most powerful entities ever sealed away by Rex Lapis."
Aether, gripping his sword tightly, looked equally baffled. "What do you mean, 'that's it'?"
Momon turned slightly, casting a glance back at Aether and the others, his expression one of mild indifference. "I was expecting something more... formidable. This creature hardly lives up to the title of 'god' in my eyes."
Beidou, who had been preparing herself for the fight of her life, raised an eyebrow. "You're saying you can take it down that easily?"
Momon didn't respond immediately. Instead, he shifted his stance, his presence exuding an aura of calm control. "Just watch."
Momon's body rocketed off the edge of the Jade Chamber like a speeding bullet, the sheer force of his launch creating a powerful shockwave that rippled through the air. The impact was so intense that those on the Jade Chamber had to brace themselves against the force, shielding their eyes as the wind howled around them.
Beidou instinctively raised an arm to block the gust, her eyes widening in shock. "What the—?"
Ningguang staggered but quickly regained her balance, her gaze locked on the streak of dark energy hurtling toward Osial. "He's… he's faster than anything I've ever seen," she muttered, awe mingling with disbelief.
Aether crouched low, anchoring himself as the shockwave passed, while Paimon clung to his shoulder, her wings fluttering wildly in the turbulent air. "What kind of power is that?!" Paimon exclaimed, her voice tinged with both fear and amazement.
Cloud Retainer and Shenhe, both accustomed to the incredible feats of the Adepti, found themselves equally stunned. The sheer speed and power that Momon displayed were unlike anything they had ever witnessed. Even for beings as ancient and powerful as they were, this was on another level entirely.
Momon hurtled through the air, a streak of darkness against the stormy sky, his eyes locked onto the colossal form of Osial. The hydra god, with its five serpentine heads towering over the sea, roared in defiance, sensing the approaching threat. But before it could react, Momon was upon it.
He crashed into one of Osial's heads with the force of a meteor, the impact sending a shockwave through the air that made the previous one seem like a mere breeze. The serpent's massive form recoiled, its roar turning into a pained shriek as Momon's dark energy enveloped it.
From the Jade Chamber, the others could only watch in awe as Momon began his assault on the ancient god. Each strike he delivered sent ripples through the sea, the power of his attacks reverberating through the air.
"This is beyond anything we imagined…" Ganyu whispered, her voice barely audible over the roaring wind and crashing waves.
Momon floated in the air, his gaze fixed on the writhing form of Osial below. The ancient god, despite the devastating impact of Momon's initial assault, was already beginning to regenerate, its serpentine heads reforming with a grotesque swiftness. The sight of Osial's resilience might have been enough to discourage any ordinary warrior, but Momon's expression remained unreadable behind his mask, devoid of any concern.
"Oh, I know just the spell to put you to sleep—forever," Momon said, his voice cold and unwavering.
He raised his hand, and the very air around him seemed to tremble in response. "[Maximize Magic - Cruel Angel," he intoned, his voice carrying the weight of an inevitable doom.
From the heavens, a colossal pillar of searing light materialized, burning with an intensity that outshone the sun. It descended upon Osial with the speed of a falling star, its brilliance casting long shadows over the sea and the Jade Chamber.
Osial, the ancient hydra god who had once brought terror to the lands, had no time to react. The burning pillar struck with an earth-shattering force, piercing through Osial's regenerating form like a divine blade. The impact was so profound that the sea itself seemed to bow beneath the weight of the attack, waves parting as the pillar drove Osial deep into the ocean's depths.
Then, silence.
For a brief moment, the world held its breath as the pillar of light anchored itself in the ocean. And then it exploded.
The explosion was nothing short of cataclysmic. A blinding light consumed the horizon, and the resulting shockwave radiated outward, tearing through the skies and churning the sea into a frenzy. Ningguang, Beidou, Aether, and the others in the Jade Chamber instinctively raised their arms to shield their eyes, the sheer brilliance of the explosion overwhelming their senses. The Jade Chamber itself shuddered, its powerful structure straining against the force unleashed by Momon's spell.
Down below, in Liyue Harbor, the citizens watched in awe and terror as shockwave after shockwave pounded the shores. The waters of the harbor roiled violently, sending massive waves crashing against the docks. The force of the explosion was so immense that it sent tremors across the region, with the echoes of Momon's power reaching even the distant shores of Inazuma and Sumeru.
In the aftermath, the sea was left eerily still, the once-mighty form of Osial now nothing more than a memory. The burning pillar had left no trace of the ancient god, its destructive power having obliterated every fragment of Osial's existence. The only remnants were the ripples spreading across the ocean's surface as if the sea itself was trying to recover from the devastation it had just witnessed.
Momon descended slowly from the sky, landing on the edge of the Jade Chamber with an almost casual grace. His presence, once again, cast a heavy shadow over those around him, the sheer magnitude of his power leaving everyone speechless.
Ningguang, her usual composure shattered, stared at him in disbelief. The others—Beidou, Aether, Ganyu, and even Cloud Retainer—could do little more than share stunned glances.
Momon's power was not just overwhelming; it was catastrophic and terrifying. He had not only defeated an ancient god but had done so with an ease that left no doubt about the true extent of his strength.
The people of Liyue, the distant lands of Inazuma and Sumeru, all now bore witness to the terrifying might of Momon—a power that could reshape the very world itself.
"See, it's done," Momon said with a tone of casual indifference, as if obliterating an ancient god was no more difficult than taking a stroll through the park.
Ningguang stared at him, her mind struggling to process the sheer magnitude of what had just occurred. It was as if she were looking at a force of nature rather than a man. The Jade Chamber, designed to be Liyue's ultimate defense, suddenly felt small and insignificant in comparison to the power Momon had just unleashed.
Beidou, normally unflappable, was uncharacteristically quiet, her usual bravado muted by the reality of what she had just witnessed. "You... you make it look so easy," she finally managed, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Aether exchanged a look with Paimon, who was still trembling from the shockwaves. "Paimon can't believe what just happened..." Paimon whispered, her voice barely above a squeak.
Momon turned to face them, his expression unreadable beneath his mask. "It needed to be done," he replied simply as if the matter was already forgotten.
Cloud Retainer, who had been watching from a distance, finally spoke, her voice carrying a note of awe. "One has never witnessed such power... Not even in the oldest of tales."
Ningguang, regaining some of her composure, took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Liyue owes you a debt that can never be repaid, Momon. You saved us from a disaster that would have consumed the entire city."
"No problem at all, Ningguang. But I have to admit, the fact that you considered using this magnificent flying palace as a weapon really bothered me," Momon remarked, his tone light but with an edge of critique.
Ningguang, ever composed, managed a small, graceful smile despite the lingering tension. "I am honored that the great Honorary Knight holds the Jade Chamber in such high regard," she replied, her voice as smooth as silk. "It is a marvel of both design and functionality. Given your prowess and the role you've played today, I may well extend an invitation to you to visit this place as if it were your own house."
Momon nodded, his gaze lingering on the Jade Chamber for a moment before returning to Ningguang. "It's a fine place, no doubt. But I prefer to keep my home on solid ground. Still, I'll keep your invitation in mind."
Ningguang's smile widened slightly, a hint of relief in her eyes. "I look forward to it. Liyue is in your debt, Momon. Your presence here has changed the course of our history."
As the last remnants of the shockwaves from the battle with Osial faded into the distance, Keqing made her way over to Aether, who was standing near the edge of the Jade Chamber, his gaze still fixed on the horizon where the sea had once roiled with fury.
"Hey," Keqing began, her tone carrying a note of genuine admiration, "your friend is pretty awesome. I've never seen such power before."
Aether nodded, still somewhat awed by the events. "He truly is. I'm actually shocked by his power and the ease with which he handles such overwhelming situations. It's not something you encounter every day."
Keqing glanced over at Momon, who was conversing with Ningguang and the others. "Seems like you two have recently become friends, then?"
Aether smiled, his eyes reflecting the complex emotions of the day. "More like comrades, but yes. We met in Mondstadt during the time when the nation was struggling with Stormterror. Momon was a crucial ally in that conflict."
As they spoke, Paimon fluttered up beside them, her eyes wide with excitement. "Wanna know something even more surprising?"
"What's that?" Keqing asked, curious.
Paimon leaned in conspiratorially, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Momon is actually not human. We don't even know what he truly is."
Keqing's eyebrows arched in surprise. She turned to Aether, her gaze searching. "Is that so? And here I thought he was just an incredibly powerful human."
Aether's expression grew serious. "Paimon, remember that Momon doesn't prefer to talk about this topic. It's a sensitive subject for him, so we should respect his privacy regarding it."
Keqing nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I see. It's clear that there's much more to him than meets the eye. In any case, his actions today have certainly made a lasting impression."
Paimon nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah, he's done so much for Liyue. Even if we don't know everything about him, I'm grateful he's on our side."
Keqing nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Understood. It's just… after everything that's happened, I'm trying to piece together the puzzle of what's really going on."
Aether placed a reassuring hand on Paimon's tiny shoulder. "I get it. There's a lot of mystery surrounding Momon, but he's been a great ally and a powerful force for good. That's what matters most right now."
Cloud Retainer stood a short distance away, her eyes observing the interactions between the others with a mixture of relief and unease. Her transformation had not only made her appearance stunning but had also sharpened her senses to the intricacies of the conversations happening around her.
As Aether and Keqing continued their discussion, Cloud Retainer's thoughts swirled with the revelations about Momon. She was grateful that the mysterious figure was not an extraordinary human, as she had feared. Yet, this newfound knowledge did little to ease her anxiety.
The problem lay in the ambiguity surrounding Momon's true nature. To Cloud Retainer, who had long held firm beliefs about the nature of beings in Teyvat, Momon was an enigma—a being who defied easy classification.
Cloud Retainer mulled over the possibilities: A dragon, perhaps, with powers beyond mortal comprehension? A spirit, embodying forces ancient and primordial? Or, most troubling of all, a demon—given the sheer destructiveness of Momon's magic and the ruthless efficiency with which he had dealt with Osial.
Her mind kept returning to the image of Momon's battle—a display of raw, cataclysmic power that had reshaped the very fabric of their world. The way he had effortlessly obliterated Osial, sending shockwaves across nations, only deepened her fears. The closest comparison in her mind was a demon—a being of terrifying might and indifference to the collateral damage wrought upon the world.
Cloud Retainer's gaze hardened as she thought about the implications. Such a being, if left unchecked, could pose a significant threat to all of Teyvat. Yet, the respect Momon commanded from Ningguang and the others, coupled with his apparent willingness to assist, added layers of complexity to her understanding.
Despite her wariness, she resolved to remain vigilant and cautious. The safety of Liyue and the balance of their world depended not only on their ability to confront external threats but also on their capacity to understand and, if necessary, contain unknown entities like Momon.