Finally, Momon reached the summit of Mt. Yougou, standing before the Grand Narukami Shrine. The journey up the treacherous path had been swift for him, his supernatural resilience and undead nature rendering the climb almost effortless. For ordinary mortals, however, this ascent would have been an arduous trial. The ancient path was riddled with missing ladders, crumbling stones, and perilous drops that could test even the most devoted pilgrim's resolve.
As he stepped onto the plateau, the scene before him was a stark contrast to the rugged climb. The Grand Narukami Shrine stood as a testament to architectural grandeur and spiritual reverence, a place where the divine seemed to meet the mortal world.
The shrine was immense, its crimson gates towering high into the sky, framed by intricately carved wooden beams adorned with golden inlays. Sacred sakura trees flanked the shrine, their branches heavy with blossoms that cascaded down in gentle showers of pink petals, carried by the wind like whispers from the heavens. The air here was crisp and filled with a serene energy, the faint sound of wind chimes and rustling leaves creating a soothing melody.
The courtyard stretched wide, its stones immaculately clean despite the mountain's harsh conditions. Lanterns lined the edges, their soft glow adding an ethereal touch to the already divine atmosphere. The shrine's main hall rose majestically at the far end, its tiled roof gleaming in the sunlight. It was a sight that seemed to defy the mortal realm, a haven of peace and beauty perched atop the world.
For a moment, even Momon paused, his gaze lingering on the shrine. Though he had no true mortal soul to feel awe, there was something about this place that resonated deeply. It was a place of history, of faith, and of reverence—a stark reminder of what humanity and the divine could create together.
"To a pilgrim," he mused aloud, his voice low and almost reverent, "this must feel as if they've reached heaven itself."
The quiet atmosphere was broken only by the distant murmur of shrine maidens chanting within the shrine. Momon's crimson eyes scanned the area, noting every detail. Though this was a place of peace, his instincts remained sharp. His presence here was anything but ordinary, and he knew it.
A Miko, dressed in traditional red and white robes, noticed his arrival and stepped forward to greet him. Her expression was serene at first, her hands folded neatly in front of her as she began to speak.
"Welcome, dear vi—"
Her words caught in her throat as her gaze fell upon him. The figure before her was unlike anything she had ever seen at the shrine. The dark mask obscuring his face and the glint of armor beneath his cloak exuded an aura of both power and danger. She could feel the weight of his presence, a force that seemed to press against the tranquility of the sacred grounds.
For a moment, her breath hitched. Why would someone so ominous come to a place so holy? The question danced on the edge of her lips, but fear kept her silent. She lowered her gaze, unsure if meeting his eyes—or whatever lay behind that mask—would bring fortune or doom.
"Greetings," Momon said, his voice low and calm yet carrying an unsettling edge that sent a shiver down her spine.
The miko froze in place, her fingers clutching the edges of her sleeves as he walked past her without a second glance. Her heart raced as she watched his towering figure move deeper into the shrine grounds, his dark cloak flowing like a shadow against the backdrop of cherry blossoms.
Momon didn't turn back, nor did he falter in his steps. He wasn't here to frighten the faithful, though he couldn't help the unease his appearance caused. This place was serene, but it was not his. He felt like an intruder in a world of light, but he had come for his own reasons, not to blend in.

YOU ARE READING
The Overlord of Teyvat: Genshin Impact x Overlord crossover
FantasíaA new deity has fallen into the mysterious world of Teyvat. Will this deity bring salvation or damnation?