The days that followed the cataclysmic battle between the Raiden Shogun and the enigmatic Honorary Knight, Momon, were marked by a profound shift in the fabric of Inazuma. The clash of their powers had reverberated across the islands, sending shockwaves that reached the farthest corners of Teyvat. It was a battle that defied comprehension, a duel between a god and a being whose origins remained shrouded in mystery. And yet, against all odds, Momon had emerged victorious. The people of Inazuma—indeed, the people of Teyvat—were left in awe, their minds racing with questions about the masked warrior who had stood toe-to-toe with an Archon and prevailed.

Rumors spread like wildfire. Some whispered that Momon was a god in disguise, a divine being who had descended to test the resolve of mortals. Others speculated that he was a fallen deity, cast out from the heavens and forced to walk among men. There were even those who feared he was a creature of the Abyss, a harbinger of destruction cloaked in human form. And then there were the wildest theories—that he was not of this world at all, a god from a realm beyond Teyvat, his presence a portent of things to come. Yet, despite the countless stories that swirled around him, Momon remained an enigma, his true nature hidden behind the impenetrable mask he wore.

In the wake of the battle, Inazuma began to change. The Vision Hunt Decree was abolished, and the oppressive grip of the Shogunate's army began to loosen. The people, once cowed by fear, now dared to hope. The execution of Kujou Takayuki and Hiiragi Shinsuke had sent a clear message: betrayal would not be tolerated, and the Shogun's justice was absolute. The sight of the Raiden Shogun herself wielding her blade, Musou Isshin, to deliver the final blow had been both terrifying and awe-inspiring. The two clan leaders had begged for mercy, their cries echoing in the stillness of the morning, but Ei had shown none. Her resolve was unshakable, her commitment to eternity unwavering.

Now, Inazuma stood at a crossroads. The civil war that had torn the nation apart was officially over, but the wounds it had left behind were far from healed. The Shogunate's forces and the Watatsumi army faced each other across Nazuchi Beach, the tension between them palpable. A single misstep, a single arrow loosed in anger, could reignite the conflict. Raiden Ei knew that true peace would require more than just the end of hostilities. It would require unity—a unity that had eluded Inazuma for far too long.

It was with this goal in mind that Sangonomiya Kokomi, the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island, had sailed to Narukami Island. Accompanied by General Gorou and a small contingent of soldiers, she had come to negotiate terms of peace with the Raiden Shogun. The journey was fraught with uncertainty, but Kokomi was determined to secure a future for her people—a future free from the shadow of war.

As Kokomi entered the grand throne room of Tenshukaku, she was struck by the solemnity of the moment. The Raiden Shogun stood at the center of the room, her presence as commanding as ever. Beside her stood two figures: General Kujou Sara, her expression stern and unyielding, and the mysterious Honorary Knight, Momon. His dark, gothic armor was partially concealed beneath a flowing hooded cape, the mask he wore obscuring his face entirely. Kokomi's eyes lingered on him for a moment, her curiosity piqued. She had heard the tales of his battle with the Shogun, of his inexplicable power and the aura of dread that seemed to follow him wherever he went. Yet, seeing him in person was another matter entirely. He was unlike anyone she had ever encountered, his very presence unsettling yet strangely compelling.

Kokomi stepped forward, her movements graceful and deliberate. She bowed her head respectfully, her voice calm and measured as she addressed the Shogun. "Almighty Shogun, I come on behalf of Watatsumi Island to discuss terms of peace. It is my hope that we can find a path forward—one that benefits both our peoples and brings an end to the strife that has divided us."

Ei's voice broke the silence, her tone steady and authoritative, yet carrying an undercurrent of something deeper—perhaps respect, perhaps caution. "Sangonomiya Kokomi," she began, her words measured and deliberate. "I've heard of your prowess as a strategist, your mastery of the art of war. Someone of your talent would be a great asset to the Shogunate."

Kokomi met Ei's gaze, her own eyes calm but unwavering. She offered a small, polite smile, though it did not reach her eyes. "That is high praise coming from you, Almighty Shogun. However, I believe our focus should be on ensuring that the peace terms we agree upon are beneficial for both Watatsumi Island and the Shogunate. Only then can we truly move forward."

Ei's expression remained impassive, though a flicker of something—perhaps approval—passed through her eyes. "The war is over," she stated firmly. "I have executed those responsible for the conflict and ordered my army to halt all offensives. But I will not allow Inazuma to remain divided. Watatsumi Island must once again fly under the banner of the Shogunate."

Kokomi's smile faded, replaced by a look of quiet determination. "With all due respect, Almighty Shogun, the war lasted for a year. Countless lives were lost, and the scars of that conflict run deep. Are you suggesting that all that bloodshed, all that suffering, should simply be forgotten? That it should mean nothing in the end?"

Ei's gaze hardened, her voice taking on a sharper edge. "Do not mistake my desire for unity as a dismissal of the past. The war was a tragedy, one born of corruption and betrayal. But I will not allow it to define our future. If you refuse to accept peace, then you leave me no choice but to consider other means of reuniting Inazuma. Do you truly wish to see history repeat itself? You know well what happened to your god, Orobashi, when he chose to defy me centuries ago."

The mention of Orobashi sent a ripple of unease through Kokomi's entourage. Gorou's ears twitched, his tail stiffening, while the soldiers exchanged uneasy glances. Kokomi herself felt a chill run down her spine, though she refused to let it show. She swallowed hard, her voice steady but softer now. "Yes, I know. The tale of Orobashi's fall is one that every child on Watatsumi Island learns from birth. It is a reminder of the consequences of defiance—and of the power of the Raiden Shogun."

Ei's expression softened ever so slightly, though her tone remained firm. "Then you understand the gravity of this moment. I do not wish to resort to force, but I will not allow Inazuma to remain fractured. Speak your terms, Sangonomiya Kokomi. Let us find a path forward together."

Kokomi took a deep breath, her mind racing as she weighed her words carefully. This was not just a negotiation; it was a pivotal moment in Inazuma's history, one that would shape the future of her people. She straightened her posture, her voice clear and resolute as she began. "Watatsumi Island is willing to rejoin the Shogunate, but under specific conditions. We request to be recognized as an autonomous province, with the right to govern ourselves and maintain our own army. The wounds of this war are still fresh, and the distrust between our people and yours runs deep. It will take time to heal, and until then, we cannot fully integrate into the Shogunate's military structure."

Ei listened intently, her expression unreadable. When Kokomi finished, there was a moment of silence before Ei responded. "An autonomous province with its own army... That is a significant request. But if it is the price of unity, then I am willing to consider it. However, know this: Watatsumi Island will be expected to come to the aid of the Shogunate when called upon. Inazuma must stand as one, especially in times of crisis."

Kokomi nodded, her expression one of solemn agreement. "And in turn, the Shogunate will come to the aid of Watatsumi Island when we are in need. This must be a partnership, not a subjugation. Only then can we begin to rebuild the trust that has been broken."

Ei's lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile, though it was gone as quickly as it appeared. "Very well. Your terms are reasonable, and I accept them. Watatsumi Island shall be recognized as an autonomous province under the Shogunate, with the right to maintain its own army."

Kokomi bowed her head slightly, her voice steady but laced with curiosity and a hint of trepidation. "I have a question, Almighty Shogun."

Ei's violet eyes narrowed ever so slightly, her expression unreadable. "Ask," she replied, her tone firm but not unkind.

Kokomi hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "What is to become of Enkanomiya? Its sudden emergence from the depths has left my people in awe—and in fear. It is a place of great significance to Watatsumi Island, and its current state raises many questions."

Ei's gaze shifted momentarily to Momon before returning to Kokomi. Her voice was calm but carried an undercurrent of finality. "Enkanomiya no longer belongs to either of us. He is the new owner of that territory."

Kokomi's eyes widened in surprise, her gaze flickering to Momon. She had heard whispers of his power, of his role in the battle that had shaken Inazuma to its core, but this was something else entirely. The idea that a single individual could claim dominion over a place as ancient and powerful as Enkanomiya was almost incomprehensible. She studied him for a moment, her mind racing. His dark, gothic armor, the hooded cape that seemed to blend into the shadows, and the featureless mask that hid his face all contributed to an aura of otherworldly menace. Yet, there was something else—a quiet intensity, a sense of purpose that made it clear he was no mere mortal.

"You might have seen us fighting, I assume?" Ei asked, her tone almost casual, as if discussing a minor skirmish rather than a battle that had reshaped the heavens and the earth.

Kokomi blinked, her composure faltering for the briefest of moments. "Oh… So-So you were fighting him?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. The realization was staggering. The clash that had sent shockwaves across Inazuma, the battle that had been felt even on the distant shores of Watatsumi Island—it had been between the Raiden Shogun and this mysterious figure. And yet, here he stood, alive and seemingly unharmed, a testament to his unimaginable power.

Momon stepped forward slightly, his deep, resonant voice breaking the silence. "My name's Momon, Honorary Knight from Mondstadt." The introduction was simple, almost understated, but it did little to dispel the aura of mystery that surrounded him.

Kokomi's mind raced as she tried to process the information. "So you are the Honorary Knight… but what makes you the new owner of Enkanomiya?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly despite her best efforts to remain composed. She turned to Ei, seeking clarification.

Ei's expression was impassive, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—respect, perhaps, or even a hint of caution. "Because it was his power that brought Enkanomiya back to the surface," she explained, her tone matter-of-fact. "The energy required to lift an entire civilization from the depths of the ocean and into the sky is beyond the reach of mortals—and even most gods. It is because of him that we are making changes in Inazuma. His actions have forced us to reconsider our path."

Kokomi's breath caught in her throat. The implications of Ei's words were staggering. This man—this being—had wielded power on a scale that defied comprehension. And now, Enkanomiya, a place of immense cultural and historical significance to her people, was under his control. She turned back to Momon, her heart pounding in her chest. "Now, if you have any objection to the matter of Enkanomiya," Ei continued, her voice firm, "you had better speak to Momon. Those islands never belonged to the territory of Inazuma, and their current state is a result of his actions."

Kokomi opened her mouth to respond, but the words caught in her throat. She looked at Momon, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and awe. His masked face gave nothing away, but the aura he exuded was overwhelming. It was as if the very air around him was charged with power, a constant reminder of the forces he commanded. For a moment, she felt like a small, fragile creature standing before a predator—a sheep before a wolf. Her usual composure, her strategic mind, all seemed to falter in the face of his presence.

"I…" she began, her voice barely audible. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet his gaze—or at least, the blank void where his eyes should have been. "I have no objection."

The words felt heavy, almost like a surrender, but Kokomi knew there was no other choice. To challenge Momon, to question his claim over Enkanomiya, would be to invite disaster. And yet, as she stood there, she couldn't help but wonder what his intentions were. What did he plan to do with Enkanomiya? What role would he play in the future of Inazuma? And perhaps most importantly, who—or what—was he truly?

Ei nodded, seemingly satisfied with Kokomi's response. "Then it is settled. Enkanomiya will remain under Momon's control, and we will focus on rebuilding the trust between our people. This is a new era for Inazuma, and we must all play our part in shaping its future."

As the meeting drew to a close, Kokomi couldn't shake the feeling that the balance of power in Inazuma had shifted in ways she couldn't yet fully understand. Momon's presence loomed large, a shadow that seemed to stretch across the entire nation. And as she left the throne room, her mind was filled with questions—questions that had no easy answers, and a sense of unease that would linger long after the negotiations were over.

The grand throne room of Tenshukaku was now eerily silent, the echoing footsteps of the last departing officials fading into the distance. Only two figures remained—Raiden Ei, the ruler of Inazuma, and Momon, the enigmatic warrior from another land.

Momon stood firm, his gothic cloak draped over his imposing frame, his masked face concealing whatever emotions might be stirring within. The faint glow of the electro sigils flickered against his dark armor as he tilted his head slightly, his voice even but inquisitive.

"Why did you give Enkanomiya to me?"

Ei's violet eyes narrowed, her lips pressing into a thin line. For a moment, she seemed to struggle with her words, as if debating how much to reveal. Finally, she sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. "I gave Enkanomiya to you because it was the only way to ensure that the priestess of Watatsumi wouldn't try to claim it as her own territory. By placing it under your control, I removed that possibility."

Momon tilted his head slightly, the movement almost imperceptible beneath his mask. "That's low, Ei. You gave those islands to me, a stranger, instead of your own subject. It feels like you're using me as a pawn in your political games."

Ei's cheeks flushed a faint red, her composure slipping for just a moment. "That's not true!" she snapped, her voice rising slightly. She took a step closer to Momon, her eyes blazing with a mix of frustration and something else—something softer, almost pleading. "You and I are not strangers anymore, Momon. As I said before, you are the reason this nation is changing. You are the reason I have changed. I trust you with Enkanomiya because I believe you will use its power wisely. This isn't about politics—it's about trust."

Before Momon could respond, a familiar voice cut through the tension, its playful tone a stark contrast to the seriousness of the moment. "Aww, look who's become soft," Yae Miko teased, stepping out from the shadows with her usual grace. Her lips curled into a mischievous smile as she approached the two, her eyes dancing with amusement.

Ei turned sharply, her expression a mix of surprise and irritation. "Miko? What are you doing here?" she demanded, her voice tinged with exasperation.

Miko placed a hand on her chest, feigning offense. "Am I not important enough, Ei? Am I not your dearest friend?" she asked, her tone dripping with mock hurt. "And here I thought you valued my company."

Ei sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as if trying to stave off a headache. "Miko, this is not a joke. Enkanomiya is one of the oldest human civilizations in Teyvat. It sank beneath the waves during the war between the Heavenly Principles and the Second Throne. By the orders of Celestia, I was forced to slay Orobashi for daring to seek the secrets of the Heavenly Principles. Do you not understand how deep this goes? How dangerous is it?"

Miko's smile faded, her expression growing more serious. She crossed her arms, her gaze shifting between Ei and Momon. "I understand more than you think, Ei. But perhaps it's you who doesn't fully grasp the implications of your actions. By giving Enkanomiya to Momon, you've placed a tremendous burden on his shoulders—and you've tied his fate even more closely to Inazuma's. Are you prepared for what that might mean?"

Ei's gaze softened, her frustration giving way to a more contemplative expression. She looked at Momon, her voice quieter now, almost hesitant. "I… I didn't mean to burden you. But I believe in you, Momon. You've already done so much for Inazuma, and I know you'll continue to do what's right. Enkanomiya is a place of immense knowledge. If anyone can wield it responsibly, it's you."

Momon shook his head. "Fine. I'll look after Enkanomiya. But if some ancient horror from the abyss crawls out of there, don't come crying to me."

Ei gave a rare, small smile. "I won't."

Miko giggled. "Oh, now I must see what kind of kingdom our dear Momon will carve out of those forgotten ruins. Perhaps I should pay a visit."

Momon's deep, resonant voice broke the silence, his words carrying a weight that hinted at the enormity of his responsibilities. "The Domain of Nazarick is growing larger. I must teleport Enkanomiya away from Watatsumi Island… somewhere in the middle of the ocean."

Ei's brow furrowed, her violet eyes narrowing in confusion. "The Domain of Nazarick?" she repeated, her tone laced with curiosity. "What do you mean by that?"

Momon turned his masked face toward her, his presence as imposing as ever. "The old Mondstadt, Dragonspine, and Guyun Stone Forest—these realms are under my ownership. I came to possess them in a similar manner to Enkanomiya. Since they are mine, I've taken to calling them collectively as the Domain of Nazarick."

Yae Miko's lips curled into a sly smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "My, my, Momon. Are you looking to create your own kingdom? It seems you've been quite busy amassing territories."

Momon shook his head, his tone calm but firm. "I'm an adventurer, not a king. My goal isn't to rule or to build an empire. These places… they came under my care by circumstance, not by design. And besides," he added, a hint of dry humor in his voice, "wouldn't your beloved Celestia get rather upset if a new nation just popped out of nowhere in the middle of Teyvat?"

Ei's expression softened, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You have a point," she admitted. "Celestia has always been… particular about the balance of power in Teyvat. The emergence of a new nation, especially one as powerful as yours would undoubtedly be, would not go unnoticed—or unchallenged."

Miko chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh, let them fret. What can they do? Smite him? Please." She glanced at Momon with an almost mischievous glint in her eye. "If anything, I'd say Celestia should be the one worried, not you."

Momon let out a small scoff, but there was a flicker of something in his gaze—an unspoken challenge, perhaps, or mere amusement at Miko's boldness. "That's assuming they see me as a threat," he mused. "For now, I just want to keep my domains away from unnecessary conflict. Moving Enkanomiya out of Watatsumi's reach is the first step."

Miko's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "And where, pray tell, do you plan to relocate an entire floating civilization? The middle of the ocean sounds rather… vague."

"What I meant in the middle of the ocean was to be near Inazuma but also near the mainland," said Momon.

Ei's gaze softened, a hint of admiration in her eyes. "You've thought this through," she said. "I appreciate that. Inazuma has been through enough turmoil; the last thing we need is another conflict over territory."

Miko, ever the provocateur, couldn't resist adding, "Though I must say, Momon, you're becoming quite the landowner. First Dragonspine, then Guyun Stone Forest, and now Enkanomiya. If you're not careful, people might start calling you the 'Lord of Lost Realms.'"

Momon's response was dry, almost amused. "I'll leave the titles to the poets and storytellers."

Miko, watching the exchange, simply smiled. "How interesting," she murmured, crossing her arms. "I wonder… just how far will your 'Nazarick' spread, Momon?"

Momon's deep, resonant voice broke the silence, his tone laced with a mixture of confusion and mild exasperation. "Aren't you getting a little too deep into this, Miko? Is it really that exciting for you?"

Ei, unable to resist joining in, added with a raised eyebrow, "Yeah, Miko. It's almost like you want him to create a kingdom or something. What's with the obsession?"

Miko's lips curled into her signature sly smile, her eyes sparkling with unabashed delight. "Fufufu~ You have no idea just how epic it is to imagine it all," she said, her voice dripping with playful enthusiasm. "In fact, I've been so inspired that I've started writing Light Novels about you, Momon."

Momon's masked face tilted slightly, his confusion palpable even through the featureless visage. "You're writing Light Novels about me?" he asked, his tone a mix of disbelief and curiosity. Internally, he was even more baffled. They have Light Novels in this world? he thought, though he kept that particular revelation to himself.

Miko's smile widened, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush as she clasped her hands together, clearly delighted by his reaction. "Fufu~ Yes, indeed! One of them is called 'The Wandering Skeleton and the Kitsune Maiden.' It's quite the tale, if I do say so myself."

Momon's reaction was immediate and visceral. He turned away, one hand rising to his masked face as if to shield himself from the sheer embarrassment of it all. "Lord have mercy," he muttered, his deep voice tinged with a rare note of mortification. "That's… that's just embarrassing."

Ei, unable to contain herself, let out a soft chuckle, her usual stoic demeanor cracking under the weight of the absurdity. "I have to admit, Miko, even I'm a little impressed by your… creativity. Though I'm not sure Momon shares the sentiment."

Miko waved a hand dismissively, her smile never wavering. "Oh, don't be such a spoilsport, Ei. It's all in good fun! Besides, Momon's adventures are the perfect material for a Light Novel. Mysterious masked warrior, wielder of unimaginable power, protector of lost realms—it practically writes itself!"

Momon turned back to face her, his tone dry but tinged with amusement. "I'm not sure whether to be flattered or horrified. But if you're going to write about me, could you at least make it… I don't know, less embarrassing?"

Miko's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Oh, but where's the fun in that? Besides, the readers love a little drama. And a kitsune maiden pining after a brooding, mysterious hero? That's pure gold."

Momon sighed, the sound heavy with resignation. "I don't even want to know what else you've written about me. Please tell me there's at least some accuracy in these… stories."

Miko's grin turned positively wicked. "Oh, I take some creative liberties, of course. But don't worry, I make sure to capture your essence. Brooding, mysterious, and just a touch of tragic heroism. The readers eat it up."

Momon shook his head, his tone wry. "I'm not sure whether to thank you or demand you stop. But either way, I think I've had enough of this conversation."

Ei chuckled softly, her expression softening as she looked at Momon. "Don't take it too seriously. Miko's just… being Miko. Though I have to admit, it's refreshing to see you flustered for once."

Momon crossed his arms, his tone dry but not unkind. "Glad I could provide some entertainment."

Miko's voice was light and teasing as she tightened her grip on Momon's arm, her tone dripping with playful affection. "Oh, don't be like that, Momon. For an undead, you're showing quite the shy side. Fufu~ I think it's cute."

Ei's violet eyes widened slightly, her usual stoic demeanor cracking under the weight of the revelation. She turned her gaze to Momon, her voice tinged with surprise. "Momon… she knows?"

Momon, his masked face giving nothing away, shifted slightly under Ei's scrutiny. His deep, resonant voice was calm but carried a hint of awkwardness. "Uh, well, didn't I tell you that I met her a day before our battle?"

Ei's brow furrowed as she tried to recall their previous conversations. "You mentioned meeting her, but you didn't say anything about… this."

Miko giggled, her golden eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, Ei, you should have been there~" she purred, giving Momon's arm a playful squeeze before finally releasing him. "We had such an amazing night at Chinju Forest." She sighed dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. "The moonlight filtering through the trees, the gentle hum of nature all around us… And best of all, I got to see what he looks like beneath that mask."

A deep silence filled the room.

Ei blinked. Slowly.

"Miko…" Ei finally spoke, her voice low, almost disbelieving. "You mean to tell me… that you made him remove his mask for you?"

Miko's lips curled into a knowing smile as she brought a finger to her chin. "Oh? Now that's an interesting way to phrase it," she mused playfully. "I didn't make him do anything, Ei. I was simply very persuasive. You know how irresistible I can be~"

Ei sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as a sense of resigned understanding dawned upon her. "Of course," she said dryly. "Of course you would make someone like Momon reveal himself just to satisfy your curiosity, Miko."

Miko beamed, utterly unashamed. "Naturally~" she admitted without a hint of guilt. "How could I possibly resist such a rare opportunity? The great and mysterious 'Momon' unmasked before my very eyes… Fufu~ I assure you, Ei, it was a sight to behold."

Ei shot Momon a look, half-expecting him to deny it, but he merely let out a defeated sigh.

"This is exactly why I didn't want to talk about it," he grumbled.

Ei shook her head. "Miko, you really do test everyone's patience."

Miko simply grinned. "That's part of my charm, dear Ei."

"I'm going to my companions," Momon said, his voice flat as he turned away, eager to put some distance between himself and the mischievous fox.

Before he could take a step, however, a familiar voice chimed in, light and playful.

"Hey, hey, hey, don't be so hasty." Miko stepped beside him, reaching out to gently hook her arm around his. "Let's go together~"

Momon immediately stiffened at the unexpected contact. His first instinct was to pull away, but he realized doing so would only encourage her to tease him further. He sighed in defeat. "Must you always do this?" he muttered under his breath.

Miko smiled up at him, her golden eyes gleaming with amusement. "Do what? Be adorable? Be charming?" she asked innocently. "I can't help it, Momon. It's simply who I am."

Ei, who had been watching from a short distance, suddenly gawked at the sight before her. The Raiden Shogun—an unshakable warrior, a divine ruler—was left speechless. Her violet eyes widened as she took in the way Miko clung to Momon's arm, looking as natural as if they were lovers on a casual stroll.

Ei's eyes widened further, her usual stoic demeanor cracking under the weight of Miko's audacity. "M-Miko, you're going to hold Momon's arm like a couple? Out in the city? In public?" she stammered, her voice rising slightly in disbelief.

Miko turned to her longtime friend, her fox-like grin widening. "And what exactly is wrong with that?" she asked with a sly tilt of her head. "Isn't it fair for Momon to have a lovely female companion by his side? After all, his dear friend Aether seems to be quite close to Ayaka~"

Ei's expression faltered slightly, and a subtle blush dusted her cheeks. "T-That's… Ayaka is a noblewoman, and Aether is—"

"Aether is an outsider like Momon," Miko interjected smoothly. "And yet, no one seems to bat an eye at their growing bond, do they?" She gently squeezed Momon's arm, her voice carrying a teasing lilt. "So why shouldn't I offer my company to this handsome adventurer?"

Momon groaned inwardly. He had fought against overwhelming forces, had been the target of gods' suspicions, had faced monstrous beings beyond mortal comprehension—but this?

This was hell.

Momon, for his part, could only shake his head in resignation. "Lord have mercy," he thought to himself, his internal monologue a mix of exasperation and amusement. "I can't wait to leave this country and return to a bit of normalcy." Despite his discomfort, there was a part of him that couldn't help but appreciate the absurdity of the situation.