The first light of dawn crept through the delicate paper windows of the lavishly adorned chamber, casting soft golden hues over the disheveled silken sheets. The air was thick with the lingering warmth of passion, a quiet testament to the hours of indulgence that had passed.

Miko stirred slightly, the steady rise and fall of her chest betraying the exhaustion that had finally claimed her. Strands of her lustrous pink hair clung to her flushed skin, her usually immaculate appearance now undone in a way that was unfamiliar yet strangely satisfying.

She had always prided herself on control—on teasing, on orchestrating moments to her liking, on never truly being swept away. And yet, tonight… tonight had been different. Never in her long life had she imagined that she would surrender to something so primal, so intoxicating, so utterly unpredictable. And what was even more surprising… was bringing Ei into it.

Miko opened her eyes thinking she would also see Ei asleep and tired as her but surprisingly that was not the case. Not at all…

"Ah~"

She saw Momon lying in bed and there was Ei bouncing on his thing. Miko was amused to see this side of Ei. Way more pleasant than her cold nature. Turns out the quiet ones are more horny. Truly the arrival of Momon in Inazuma was a blessing for the whole nation, herself, and her best friend.

"You two never stopped all night, hmm~," said Miko while getting up.

She crawled onto the bed and then hugged Ei kissing her on the lips.

"Miko– this feels so good~!" said as they kissed deeply with their tongue.

"Mm~ how sweet~" she purred, her voice laced with mischief as she gazed at him with smoldering purple eyes.

Before Momon could respond, Ei moved first. She suddenly pressed herself against him, wrapping her arms around his frame as her lips met his in a deep, possessive kiss. Her long violet locks cascaded over them both, strands damp from the steam-filled room.

"No, Miko, he's mine right now," she murmured between breaths, tightening her hold as if unwilling to let him slip away so easily.

Miko let out a melodious chuckle, resting her chin on her hand as she tilted her head in amusement. "How greedy of you, Ei~" she teased. "You weren't this bold last night… but I suppose even the Electro Archon can become enlightened under the right circumstances."

Momon exhaled a sigh—though it was more out of exasperation than exhaustion. The night had certainly been… an experience. But now?

"You two…" He shook his head before placing a firm hand on Ei's shoulder, gently pushing her away. "We have to get out of this hot spring. Go get dressed—that Mizuki won't be pleased when she finds the mess we've made here."

But neither of them moved. Instead, they exchanged playful glances before turning their attention back to him.

Before he could react, they both leaned in, pressing their soft lips against his jaw in perfect synchrony.

Momon let out another sigh, this time heavier.

"Enough of this," he muttered.

With a sudden shift, he maneuvered them both, pressing Ei aside before toppling Miko onto the bed. A surprised laugh escaped her lips as she fell back, only for Ei to collapse beside her, their bodies entwining as if drawn together by an unseen force.

Miko's melodic giggle echoed in the chamber. "Haha~" she hummed, pulling Ei close into an embrace before running her fingers along her cheek. Then, in an unexpected moment of mischief, she leaned in, capturing Ei's lips with her own in a lingering, teasing kiss.

Ei's eyes widened slightly, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she let herself be drawn into the moment, her hands gripping Miko's wrists as she surrendered—for just a fleeting second.

Momon watched them with a measured gaze, arms crossed as he took in the sight before him. The two women before him were proving to be some of the most unpredictable forces he had encountered.

"You two are… very close friends…" he remarked dryly, shaking his head.

Miko, still cradling Ei in her arms, smirked. "Oh, Momon, you say that as if last night didn't change everything~"

Momon said nothing. He simply stood up from the bed, rolling his shoulders before activating his skill.

In an instant, his skeletal form was engulfed in an eerie glow, and his armor reformed around him. The jet-black plating and hooded cape returned, shrouding him in his usual aura of mystery and dominance.

Miko pouted slightly. "Must you cover up so soon? What a shame~"

"This was already getting out of hand," Momon stated firmly. "Don't you two have any work to do?"

Ei sighed, stretching as she slowly sat up, her long hair draping over her bare shoulders. "You're right," she admitted. Though her voice was composed, there was a certain softness to her demeanor—a quiet reluctance, a lingering warmth that had not been there before.

She reached for the towel, wrapping it around her body before stepping closer to him. Momon watched her approach, noticing the faintest hint of pink dusting her cheeks.

She was embarrassed.

For the first time in a long, long while, the mighty Raiden Ei was… flustered.

Momon's crimson gaze softened for a brief moment before he reached out, his gauntleted fingers gently brushing against her cheek. Ei stiffened slightly but did not pull away.

Then, he kissed her.

It was not demanding. Not possessive. Just… gentle.

Ei's breath hitched, and for a split second, her grip on the towel tightened.

But she didn't resist.

Instead, she closed her eyes, allowing herself to bask in the sensation, the warmth of his lips against hers, the way her heartbeat quickened despite her best efforts to remain composed.

When he pulled away, she remained still, her expression unreadable.

Then, ever so slightly, her lips curved into a rare, genuine smile.

Saying nothing more, she turned and left, making her way toward the changing area to prepare for their departure.

Momon watched her go before glancing back at Miko.

Still lounging on the bed, she stretched with a lazy grin, her fox-like eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Mmm~ we really should have done more, don't you think?" she mused playfully.

Momon narrowed his crimson dots at her.

Miko simply laughed.

"Well then, dear knight, I suppose we'll just have to continue another time~"

Momon stepped out of the Aisa Bathhouse, his imposing frame shrouded once more in his signature dark armor and flowing cape. The morning air was crisp, carrying the fresh scent of damp stone and lingering steam from the hot springs. Beneath his mask, his expression remained unreadable, his crimson dots scanning his surroundings with calculated calm.

Standing just outside the entrance, Mizuki, the proprietor of the bathhouse, bowed deeply at the sight of him, her hands pressed together in a show of respect. Her long, dark hair was styled immaculately, and her elegant kimono bore the golden emblem of the Aisa Bathhouse—a mark of refined hospitality.

"Thank you for gracing our humble establishment, Lord Momon," she said with a warm, professional smile. "I hope your time here was to your satisfaction."

Momon gave a small nod, his deep voice steady yet polite. "It was amazing, and I apologize for staying there all night. I hope I did not cause any inconvenience."

Mizuki straightened, shaking her head with a gentle chuckle. "Please don't say such things. If anything, I should apologize for failing to keep Lady Miko from invading your personal space… but with the Archon herself at her side, it would have been impossible to intervene."

Momon exhaled, amused by the subtle exhaustion in her voice. "It's alright, I understand," he said, his tone carrying the weight of experience—an understanding that some forces, like Miko, were simply beyond control.

At that moment, Mizuki quickly bowed her head once more as two more figures emerged from the misty warmth of the bathhouse.

Miko stepped out first, her long, lustrous pink hair cascading down her back like flowing silk. She was dressed in a deep violet kimono adorned with intricate sakura petal embroidery, a teasing smirk playing on her lips as she cast a knowing glance at Momon.

Trailing just behind her was Ei, radiating a different kind of presence—composed, yet strikingly regal. Her dark purple hair was neatly arranged, and her sleeveless kimono was decorated with lightning motifs, a subtle nod to her divine nature. Her amethyst gaze flickered toward the gathering crowd with quiet contemplation, though she said nothing.

"Ara, Mizuki~" Miko cooed, her voice rich with amusement. "Thank you ever so much for your hospitality. I must say, we had a truly wonderful time last night."

Mizuki folded her hands neatly, nodding. "I'm pleased to hear that, Miko."

As they spoke, murmurs from the streets began to ripple through the air like waves upon a still pond.

The people of Inazuma had begun to take notice.

For a moment, there was only hushed whispering—curious eyes peeking from around corners, hesitant glances exchanged between merchants and passersby. But soon, the whispers gave way to bolder movement, and the crowd began to grow.

The Electro Archon, the Grand Narukami Shrine's High Priestess, and the enigmatic Honorary Knight—all standing before the Aisa Bathhouse? It was a sight no one had expected to see.

A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd, and soon, more people began gathering, eager to witness the occasion.

Mizuki, watching the scene unfold, smiled ever so slightly.

Her plan had worked.

This was exactly what she had intended.

The Aisa Bathhouse, though already an esteemed establishment, had now gained a new kind of prestige. With three of the most revered figures in Inazuma publicly seen here, interest in the bathhouse would skyrocket. Nobles, merchants, travelers—anyone with the means would want to experience the very same luxury enjoyed by such prominent guests.

A few particularly eager citizens were already approaching, peering toward the entrance as if considering stepping inside. Mizuki turned her attention back to Momon, her expression unreadable but tinged with satisfaction.

With the crowd still growing, he turned to Ei and Miko. "We should leave before this gathering turns into something more troublesome."

Ei, who had been quietly observing the people, nodded in agreement. "Yes. The last thing we need is a full-scale event forming around us."

Miko, on the other hand, let out a playful sigh. "Oh, but wouldn't it be fun to let the people admire us a little longer?" She shot a sideways glance at Momon, tilting her head. "Though I suppose you aren't one for public adoration~"

Momon ignored her teasing and turned, beginning to walk toward the main road. Ei followed closely behind, her presence a silent command for the gathering citizens to remain respectful.

Miko, ever the mischievous one, gave Mizuki a knowing wink before trailing after them.

Mizuki watched them go, then turned back to her staff, already issuing quiet instructions. Within minutes, attendants were guiding the newly gathered patrons inside, eager to capitalize on the opportunity.

As they walked down the paved road, the distant sounds of the city murmured around them—street vendors calling out their wares, the rhythmic clatter of footsteps on stone, and the gentle rustling of banners swaying in the breeze. The sky above was painted in soft hues of violet and amber, a reminder that morning had fully settled in.

After a short distance, Momon came to a halt. Ei and Miko, walking beside him, also stopped, their gazes turning toward him with quiet curiosity.

"Momon," Ei spoke first, her voice as serene as ever, yet carrying an underlying tone of duty. "I must return to Tenshukaku for now. There are matters I must attend to."

Momon gave a slight nod, understanding the weight of responsibility that came with being the ruler of Inazuma. "Very well, Ei."

She hesitated for a moment before asking, "Are you leaving Inazuma soon?"

Momon crossed his arms beneath his cape, considering his next move. "I believe that's correct, but before I do, I need to speak with Aether about our next destination."

Ei lowered her gaze slightly as if processing his words. "I see…" she murmured, a faint hint of something unspoken in her tone.

Miko, ever perceptive, let out a playful sigh before leaning in toward Momon. "Aww~ you've gone and made Ei sad, Momon." She tapped a manicured finger against her cheek, her teasing smile as mischievous as ever.

Momon shook his head. "I'm not leaving forever. I'll return to visit you both again, so there's no need to make a big deal out of this." His golden eyes softened slightly behind his mask as he added, "This is not a farewell—just a temporary parting."

Ei looked up at him then, her violet eyes shimmering like polished amethyst under the morning light. "Then I will be waiting," she said, her voice warm, carrying a sincerity that was rare from her.

Miko, on the other hand, leaned in closer, her fox-like smile widening. "I'll be waiting too, but impatiently, Momon~" Her tone was rich with amusement, though there was something deeper beneath the playfulness—an unspoken promise of future encounters.

Momon exhaled lightly, realizing that no matter how long he stayed in Inazuma, these two would always find a way to draw him back. "Until next time," he said simply.

Ei gave him one last lingering glance before turning away, her movements as graceful as a falling petal. Miko trailed behind her, but not before giving Momon a final smirk, her tails swaying lightly with each step. Together, they walked toward the towering palace of Tenshukaku, their figures gradually fading into the crowd.

Momon watched them for a moment before turning his attention elsewhere.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted two familiar figures near a traditional-looking building nestled between the bustling streets—Komore Teahouse.

Aether and Paimon.

Without hesitation, he adjusted his cloak and made his way toward them.

His eyes, hidden behind the darkness of his mask, observed the scene before him. Aether stood among familiar faces—Ayaka, Thoma, as well as a few strangers who stood out in their own unique ways.

The first was a girl of medium height, her pale skin stark against the mask covering the lower half of her face. Her light green hair framed her narrow reddish-violet eyes, which were sharp and observant despite the veil of mystery surrounding her.

The second individual, however, was far stranger.

A man, almost as tall as himself, standing at around 1.92 meters, just a few centimeters shorter than Momon. His wild white hair, streaked with pale red, cascaded down his back in chaotic waves. His eyes burned with a faded red-to-yellow gradient, their diamond-shaped pupils gleaming with mischief. Two pointed red horns jutted from his forehead, complementing the red markings painted across his face, arms, and body.

The loudest among them, this horned man had an infectious energy, filling the space with boisterous laughter as he exchanged jokes with Aether and Thoma.

Momon silently observed how easily Aether integrated himself into different groups. He could befriend warriors, nobles, outcasts, and strangers alike with a natural ease that Momon himself lacked. It was an admirable, yet foreign trait to him. He was not like Aether. He never would be.

As he stepped forward, his presence did what it always did—it drained the warmth from the air.

Aether was the first to notice him, turning with a friendly wave. "Momon!"

Instantly, the lively conversation came to a halt. The group turned to face him, their expressions shifting from joy to uncertainty.

Even though they couldn't see his face, his aura was enough. A silent, cold weight that pressed upon them, like the shadow of an unshakable force.

Paimon, floating beside Aether, broke the silence first. "Finally, you showed up, Momon!" she said, her voice slightly nervous. "You stayed at the Aisa Bathhouse all night!"

Momon's gaze flicked to her. "Yeah, what about it?"

Paimon tensed slightly. "Ehehe, nothing! I just thought you must have enjoyed the hot spring a lot!" she blurted, laughing awkwardly.

Aether smiled knowingly but said nothing, watching as Momon remained unreadable.

Paimon always had to think twice before speaking to Momon. Unlike Aether, who carried a natural warmth, Momon's presence was as still and unreadable as a frozen abyss. One misstep in conversation, and she never knew if she had said something wrong.

The horned man, previously loud and unbothered, finally broke the tension.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold up a second! Who's this guy?!" The stranger leaned forward, examining Momon with an exaggerated squint.

Thoma cleared his throat, attempting to ease the atmosphere. "Uh, Itto, this is—"

"The legendary Arataki 'The One and Oni' Itto doesn't need an introduction!" the man interrupted, pointing at himself with his thumb before dramatically flipping his hair back.

He then pointed at Momon. "But YOU, my friend, are a mystery! What's with the getup? The mask? The whole 'dark and brooding' thing? You some kinda secret boss fight waiting to happen?!"

Momon simply stared at him, silent.

Itto blinked. The lack of reaction made him hesitate for a split second, but he quickly recovered. "Alright, alright, you're the quiet type. I get it! We got one of those in our gang too! So, what do they call ya, spooky guy?"

Aether, trying not to laugh, finally stepped in. "Itto, this is Momon. He's… well, let's just say he's not exactly a regular traveler like me."

Momon sighed, finally addressing Itto. "I am not a 'spooky guy.' I simply do not waste time on unnecessary things."

Itto's grin widened. "Hah! Unnecessary things? Buddy, you're talking to the king of unnecessary! So, what, you don't like fun? Laughing? Good food? Arm-wrestling contests? Because let me tell you," he flexed, "I am undefeated!"

Momon remained silent for a moment before saying flatly, "I don't eat."

Dead silence.

Itto's jaw dropped. "Wait—you don't eat?!"

Ayaka, who had been quiet until now, stepped forward gracefully. "Momon, it is good to see you again." She gave a respectful bow. "You seem well. I trust your time in Inazuma has been… interesting?"

"Absolutely," said Momon.

Miko and Ei's antics had been… far more than he had expected.

Before Ayaka could reply, Itto dramatically pointed at Momon again. "Wait, wait, wait! Hold up—what do you mean you 'don't eat'?! What kinda life are you living, man?! That's tragic!"

Momon turned to Aether, his crimson-red eyes gleaming faintly beneath his dark mask. He ignored the loud presence beside him as though he weren't even there. "Who's man is this?" he asked, his voice even and composed, yet carrying a weight of authority that made Aether stand a little straighter.

Aether sighed, rubbing the back of his neck before replying, "We just met this morning. He's friends with Thoma." There was an exasperation in his voice as if he had already spent too much time dealing with the excitable oni's antics.

Before Momon could respond, a loud yelp of pain cut through the air.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch! Shinobu! Sorry, sorry—come on, not the ear!"

Momon turned his head just in time to see the wild-haired oni, Arataki Itto, being pulled down by the masked young woman gripping his ear between her fingers with practiced ease. Despite the oni's size and strength, he was practically doubled over, wincing as the woman dragged him to a halt. Her presence exuded both authority and weariness, as if she had done this a hundred times before.

"Itto, stop causing trouble for once!" she scolded, her voice sharp but not unkind. "Do you even realize who you're talking to? That man right there—he's the reason you got your Vision back!"

Itto, still rubbing his sore ear, blinked in surprise before his eyes went wide. "Wait, hold up—FOR REAL? On God?! No way!" His shock was so genuine that it was almost comical, his mouth slightly agape as he stared at Momon as if seeing him for the first time.

The masked girl—Shinobu—sighed heavily before releasing him and straightening her posture. She turned to Momon, bowing her head slightly in apology. "Forgive us for disturbing you, Sir Momon. Our boss here just got out of prison last night, and, well… he had no idea who fought the Raiden Shogun." Her tone was respectful but tinged with exhaustion, as if she was all too familiar with the chaos that followed Itto wherever he went.

Momon regarded her silently for a moment before finally speaking. His tone, while calm, held a slight amusement beneath its usual indifference. "No problem at all. I was just surprised by how lively he is… unlike me."

The statement was simple, but it carried a strange weight to it, as though it held a deeper meaning beyond just personality differences. Shinobu gave a small, knowing nod, while Itto, seemingly oblivious, grinned broadly.

"Wait, wait, wait—so you're tellin' me this guy fought the Raiden Shogun and won?!" Itto gestured wildly toward Momon, his excitement only growing. "That's insane, bro! No way! You must be crazy strong! What kinda training do you do? Do you lift mountains? Punch through boulders? Wait—don't tell me—you train by wrestling bears, right?!"

Shinobu shook her head, already foreseeing the trouble that would come from Itto getting too comfortable. "Boss, let's not push our luck today. Sir Momon has far more important things to do than listen to your nonsense."

Itto huffed. "Tch. You say 'nonsense,' I say 'fun times!'"

As the group stood there, Itto suddenly threw an arm around Momon's shoulder with his signature grin, his sharp teeth flashing.

"Hey, Momon! I just had the most genius idea! How about you join our gang? The Arataki Gang! We'd be one hell of a team, don'tcha think?" Itto declared, puffing out his chest with pride.

Shinobu's eyes widened in horror, and without hesitation, she moved to grab Itto by the collar. "Boss! Stop embarrassing yourself!" she hissed, her voice filled with disbelief. She looked like she was debating whether to physically restrain him or just give him a well-deserved beating for saying something so reckless.

Momon, meanwhile, slowly turned his gaze toward the so-called gang. He studied them briefly—the ragtag group of misfits, Itto's carefree and somewhat clueless energy, Shinobu's exasperation at her leader's antics, and the rest of their crew who didn't seem particularly impressive.

"...Uhh, no," Momon stated flatly, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. "Paimon could probably beat you."

A heavy silence followed.

"EH?!" Paimon's high-pitched squeal cut through the air as she flailed her tiny arms. She turned toward Momon with wide, panicked eyes. "H-Hey! What's that supposed to mean?! Are you joking or what?!"

Itto, however, didn't take offense. Instead, he burst into a loud, boisterous laugh that echoed through the area. "PHUUHAHAHA! What's this little flying snowball gonna do? Punch me against a tree?"

Momon, completely deadpan, turned to Paimon.

"Go ahead, Paimon. Do it."

Paimon's wings fluttered anxiously as she pointed at herself. "W-Wait, what?! Momon, you know I can't—"

"HAHAHAHA! Oh, this I gotta see!" Itto clapped his hands together, getting more excited by the second. "Alright then, little lady, gimme your best shot! Right here!" He tapped the side of his face, grinning down at her. "Let's see what you got, snowball!"

Paimon hesitated, her big, round eyes darting between Itto and Momon. Was he serious? Did he really expect her to—?

But then she saw the faintest nod from Momon.

He wasn't joking.

The small floating companion clenched her tiny fists, gulping as she mentally prepared herself. She had no idea what was about to happen, but if Momon was giving her the go-ahead… well, she trusted him.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Momon silently cast five spells in quick succession, layering enchantments onto Paimon's small frame—boosting her physical strength far beyond what anyone in Teyvat could have imagined.

The moment Paimon launched herself forward, the air around her shifted.

Aether barely had time to register what was happening before she struck.

Her tiny fist connected squarely with the left side of Itto's face.

For a split second, there was only stillness.

Then—

BOOM!

A deafening shockwave rippled through the air, kicking up dust and sending leaves flying. The sheer force of the impact sent Itto hurtling backward as if he had been struck by a raging beast rather than a small floating girl. His massive frame crashed into a thick Sakura tree with enough power to shake its branches violently, causing a cascade of petals to rain down.

The silence that followed was deafening.

Everyone's eyes were wide, mouths hanging open in utter disbelief.

No one could comprehend what they had just witnessed.

Paimon hovered there, frozen in place, staring at her own tiny fist as if it were a foreign object. Her body trembled slightly, her expression twisted in confusion and mild horror.

"What the hell…?" she muttered under her breath.

The Arataki Gang scrambled toward their fallen leader, their faces etched with concern.

"Boss!"

"Are you okay?!"

"That was insane!"

Itto groaned as he slowly pulled himself up, rubbing the side of his face where a nasty bruise was already forming. His red eyes darted toward Paimon, filled with shock. "The hell was that?! Man, that hurt a lot!" he complained, shaking his head as if trying to process what had just happened.

Aether cautiously approached Paimon, his brows furrowed. "Paimon… how did you even do that?"

She turned toward him, still staring at her fist as if it belonged to someone else. "I—I have no idea! Oh no, I'm kinda scared now!"

Aether shifted his gaze toward Momon, who stood there with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable behind the mask.

But Aether wasn't an idiot. He knew something was up.

Momon had been the one to insist that Paimon take the punch. Momon had been calm—too calm—right before it happened. And now, standing there with that knowing, eerie silence, he was practically radiating amusement.

Aether narrowed his eyes.

"You did something, didn't you?"

Momon didn't respond. He didn't have to. The faintest flicker of amusement in his glowing crimson eyes told Aether everything he needed to know.

Meanwhile, Itto shook his head, his Oni pride refusing to accept defeat just yet.

"I want a rematch!" he barked, pointing a dramatic finger at Paimon. "There is no way for me to accept defeat like this!"

Before he could even take a step forward, Shinobu swiftly struck him in the back of the head with a sharp chop.

"Shut up, you!" she snapped, her voice carrying the weight of absolute authority.

"Okay." Itto immediately straightened up, his excitement vanishing as he cowered under her glare.

Momon let out the softest, almost imperceptible chuckle.

This had been a rather… entertaining distraction.

After spending a pleasant time at the Komore Teahouse with the Arataki Gang, Thoma, and Ayaka, the trio found themselves back in their usual rhythm—just the three of them, once again adventurers on the road. The lively atmosphere of the teahouse, filled with laughter, friendly banter, and delicious tea, was now just a memory as they stepped into the cool evening air.

The sun had begun its descent, casting an amber glow across the rooftops of Inazuma City. Lanterns flickered to life, illuminating the streets in a soft golden light, while the scent of fresh sea breeze drifted in from the docks. The distant hum of the city's nightlife filled the air—merchants closing up shop, distant voices of samurai on patrol, and the occasional clinking of tea cups from open-air establishments.

Momon, Aether, and Paimon had walked to the outskirts of the city, where the towering walls and sturdy torii gates marked the boundary between urban life and the wilds beyond. The road stretched ahead, leading toward unknown adventures, but before they could continue, there was something Aether needed to address.

"Momon," Aether started, his voice steady yet curious. "Did you actually do something to Paimon back there?" His golden eyes studied Momon with quiet intensity, still searching for an explanation for what had happened earlier.

Paimon, who had been floating along lazily, suddenly jolted upright. "Yeah, yeah! That whole thing was totally crazy! There's no way Paimon is that strong!" She waved her tiny hands frantically, as if trying to shake off the thought. "I mean, sure, I can do a lot of things, but sending a big Oni like Itto flying with one punch? That ain't normal!"

"Yes, Aether, I did," he admitted with a calm nod. "I used a few spells that significantly increased Paimon's strength. Nothing too complicated, just a few well-placed enchantments to enhance her physical capabilities."

Aether sighed, crossing his arms. "I knew it. You were way too confident about it back there. But why didn't you tell us?"

Momon's red eyes glowed faintly under the dim evening light as he tilted his head slightly, amused. "Would it have been as entertaining if you had known?"

Aether groaned, shaking his head. "Unbelievable. So you were just messing with us?"

"I wouldn't say 'messing with you'—more like... experimenting," Momon corrected, his tone playful but holding an undeniable edge of truth. "And come to think of it, I'm actually glad I didn't overdo it."

Paimon blinked. "Huh? What do you mean by that?"

Momon glanced at her, his expression unreadable under the mask. "Well, if I had pushed the enchantments any further… you might have removed that guy's head from his shoulders."

A chilling silence followed.

Paimon's entire body stiffened mid-air, her little wings flapping erratically.

"EEEEEEHHHHH?!" she shrieked, clutching her head with both hands in sheer horror. "That's terrifying! That would've been way too much! If that had actually happened, Paimon wouldn't have slept for days!"

Aether sighed again, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Honestly, I should've expected something like this from you, Momon. You really don't do anything halfway, do you?"

Momon simply shrugged. "Precision is key in everything I do."

Paimon, still shaken, looked down at her tiny hands, curling and uncurling her fingers as if they now carried some hidden destructive power. "Geez… Paimon's never punching anyone ever again… that was way too close!"

Aether, seeing how rattled she was, decided to lighten the mood. He leaned closer with a small smirk. "Well… you were pretty cool, though. Not gonna lie."

Paimon instantly perked up, her wings fluttering as she turned to face him. "Really?! Aww, thank you, Traveler!" Her previous fear seemed to evaporate in an instant, replaced by a proud and smug expression as she folded her arms. "Heheh! I mean, of course Paimon's cool! Did you see that punch? That was a once-in-a-lifetime performance!"

Momon chuckled under his mask, watching the two of them with mild amusement. Their dynamic was always refreshing—Aether, the calm and rational adventurer, and Paimon, the lively and dramatic companion. He had grown used to their playful bickering and found it oddly enjoyable.

Momon, clad in his dark armor and signature mask, turned to Aether. His crimson eyes, veiled behind the ominous helmet, studied the young Traveler. "Anyway," he began, his deep voice cutting through the quiet night, "where do you think we should go now? Do you want to stay here for a while or set out for the next nation?"

Aether crossed his arms in thought, glancing up at the star-filled sky. He had spent a good deal of time in Inazuma, overcoming countless challenges and uncovering secrets that shaped the course of his journey. But now, with the dust settling, the path forward became clear. "I guess we're leaving for Sumeru this time," Aether said, turning back to his companion. "What do you think?"

Momon tilted his head slightly at the mention of the unfamiliar land. "Sumeru, huh…" he mused. "I know next to nothing about it. Just that there's some… academia?" His tone carried a hint of disinterest, as if the mere thought of scholars and libraries did little to intrigue him.

Paimon, ever eager to educate, floated up with an enthusiastic twirl. "Allow me!" she chirped, placing her hands on her hips with a proud expression. "Sumeru is located to the west of Liyue—oh wait, or was it east? Uh… anyway! It's a nation covered in lush jungles and vast deserts! Super unique, right? And about the Academia… uh, well, I'm not that well-informed about them, but I hear they're super smart bookworms!"

Momon let out a slow sigh, his posture betraying his lack of enthusiasm. "A jungle, huh?"

Something in his tone caught Aether's attention. Though his face was hidden behind the mask, the weight in his voice was unmistakable.

Aether narrowed his eyes slightly. "Is there a problem, Momon?"

Momon was silent for a moment before he exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "I hate jungles," he admitted flatly. "They're too humid… too dense. The air is thick, the ground is a mess, and everything is either trying to bite, poison, or drown you."

Paimon blinked, tilting her head. "Wait, wait, wait—this is the first time Paimon's ever heard you complain about anything!" She floated closer, hands on her hips. "So you're telling me you can handle fighting ancient sea gods, staring down Archons, and dealing with crazy Adepti, but a little jungle is what gets under your skin?"

Momon huffed, his arms crossing over his chest. "There's nothing 'little' about a jungle," he muttered. "The terrain is unpredictable, vision is constantly obstructed, and the humidity seeps into everything. It's the perfect place for ambushes, disease, and endless pests. And don't get me started on swamps."

Aether chuckled. "I think I get it now. You just don't like feeling uncomfortable."

Momon gave a short shrug. "Who does?"

Paimon tapped her chin, pretending to be deep in thought. "Huh. So what you're saying is… you'd rather be back in Dragonspine than trekking through a jungle?"

Momon answered immediately. "Absolutely."

Paimon gawked. "But it's freezing there!"

"At least the cold is predictable," Momon replied coolly. "I don't need to worry about stepping on something venomous or being eaten alive by insects. And besides… extreme cold doesn't bother me."

Aether exchanged a knowing glance with Paimon. Momon had revealed very little about himself, but small details like this painted a bigger picture of what kind of being he truly was.

Though his undead skeletal body was immune to the hardships of extreme climates—be it scorching deserts, freezing tundras, or dense jungles—he still had his preferences. Pine forests, with their towering trees, crisp air, and serene silence, were far more to his liking. The tangled mess of humid jungles, however, was another story entirely.

Before they could proceed further, a thought crossed Momon's mind. "Oh, I almost forgot…" he muttered, his crimson eyes narrowing beneath his mask. "I still have to deal with Enkanomiya. Those massive floating islands are still hovering around Watatsumi Island."

Paimon gasped. "Oh yeah! That's right! Those islands are just… floating there like some kinda giant puzzle waiting to crash down on someone's head!" She flailed her tiny arms in exasperation.

Aether chuckled at Paimon's reaction before turning back to Momon. "Right… those are your new 'property,' aren't they?" He smirked slightly. "You're going to be busy handling all that, so how about this—we go ahead to Sumeru first? That way, by the time you're done, we'll already be waiting for you in their main city."

Momon tilted his head slightly. "Are you sure about that?" he asked, his voice carrying an edge of skepticism. "This is an entirely new nation we're talking about, with different rules, different customs… We have no idea how they treat outsiders. There's no guarantee they'll be welcoming."

Aether remained unfazed. "That's nothing new," he said, shrugging. "Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma… Every nation we've entered had its own obstacles, and we handled them just fine. Besides," he added, flexing his fingers slightly, "I'm pretty interested in getting my hands on Dendro power."

Momon studied Aether for a moment. The Traveler's confidence wasn't misplaced—he had navigated through far worse situations and always managed to adapt. If anyone could figure out how to survive in an unknown land, it was him.

Finally, Momon gave a slow nod. "Very well," he said. "If you're that certain, then I won't stop you. I'll handle Enkanomiya first, and once I'm done, I'll head to Sumeru to find you."

Paimon grinned, floating up excitedly. "Alrighty then! Paimon's looking forward to checking out Sumeru's food! I hear they've got all sorts of spicy dishes!"

Aether chuckled. "Just don't eat anything too suspicious."

Momon turned his gaze toward the distant ocean, where the silhouette of Watatsumi Island rested beneath the moonlit sky. "I won't take long," he assured them. "Just don't get into too much trouble while I'm gone."

Aether smirked. "No promises."

Paimon huffed. "Hey! That's Paimon's line!"

With that, their paths momentarily diverged—Aether and Paimon setting sail for Sumeru, and Momon turning his attention toward Enkanomiya, ready to handle yet another problem of godly proportions.