Part 18

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"I just returned from Mondstadt; I had no idea Aether accepted a commission," said Momon, his voice carrying a faint trace of concern.

Katheryne tilted her head slightly, her neutral expression unwavering. "It's not unusual for Adventurers' Guild members to take on tasks independently, especially those with Aether's reputation. But this one seemed urgent."

Momon folded his arms, his masked face turned toward the ground as he pondered the situation. While it was indeed normal for guild members to accept commissions separately, what puzzled him was the fact that Aether, his usual partner, had taken it without consulting him. That was unlike Aether, especially given their mutual trust and teamwork.

"Did he go alone?" Momon asked, his tone sharper this time.

Katheryne nodded. "Yes or maybe Paimon went with him. He didn't indicate he would bring anyone along.

Momon's fingers drummed lightly on his forearm. Aether was strong and resourceful, no doubt, but there was an underlying unease that Momon couldn't shake. The mention of the Abyss Order's involvement only deepened his suspicion.

"So, which direction did he head?" Momon asked again, his gaze now fixated on Katheryne as though demanding every detail.

"He went northeast," Katheryne replied, pointing toward the distant mountain ranges. "Near Chenyu Vale. That's where the Treasure Hoarders and Abyss Order were last sighted."

Momon turned his gaze toward the horizon, his mind racing. "This must have been very important to him—important enough to accept the commission without hesitation. Did he feel this was personal? Or is he trying to prove himself for some... misguided reason?"

The thought unsettled Momon. Aether was skilled, but reckless bravery in the face of the Abyss Order could lead to disastrous consequences.

"I hope he isn't doing this out of pride," Momon muttered under his breath, loud enough for Katheryne to catch the tail end of his words.

"Mister Momon, should I inform the Guild that you'll follow up on this commission?" Katheryne asked, her voice steady but carrying a hint of curiosity.

"Yes," Momon replied without hesitation. "Let them know I'll handle it personally. I'll find Aether and ensure he's safe."

Katheryne smiled faintly. "The Adventurers' Guild is grateful for your dedication, Mister Momon. Please, take care."


Momon studied the map, his crimson eyes glowing faintly beneath his mask as he memorized the marked location. Katheryne's "X" gave him a starting point, but he knew Liyue's sprawling wilderness would make locating Aether and Paimon a challenge. Time was of the essence, and he couldn't afford distractions.

He raised his hand to initiate teleportation when a mocking laugh interrupted him.

"Hahaha, well, well, look who we have here."

Momon froze, slowly turning his head toward the source of the voice. Standing there, arms crossed with an insufferably smug look on her face, was none other than Mona Megistus. Her starry cape billowed slightly in the breeze, and her confident stance made it clear she intended to have his attention.

"...Oh, it's you," Momon said flatly. He turned back to his map as though she weren't even there. "I don't have time for this. I have to leave."

Mona's expression faltered at his dismissive tone, and she quickly stepped forward, placing herself directly in his line of sight. "He-Hey! Don't just ignore me like that!"

Momon sighed, visibly annoyed, but didn't bother looking at her. "Mona, I'm busy. Go lecture someone else about their 'fate' or whatever it is you do."

Her cheeks puffed out in indignation. "Excuse me?! Do you even know how rare it is to be in the presence of the Mona Megistus? You should consider yourself lucky!"

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