I was once weak, now look at me

Chapter 26: The Lord of Gilded Gold

The Lands Between, Limgrave, Church of Elleh, Night

The church was silent, as everyone nearby was fast asleep, save for two individuals. Jaune studied the blue-skinned witch, who in turn observed him intently, both trying to glean as much as possible about each other during their first encounter. Jaune could sense an immense surge of magic emanating from her, yet she remained unaware of his abilities thanks to the power of his pendant. The quiet was broken when the witch finally spoke.

"A pleasure to meet thee, Tarnished. I am the witch Renna. I'd heard tell of a Tarnished hurtling about atop a spectral steed. And upon looking into the matter, the talk, I surmise, is of thee. Thou'rt possessed of the power, no? To call forth the spectral steed named Torrent." spoke Ranni, giving the false name of her mentor, Renna. She had come to Limgrave for two reasons: first, to investigate the rumors of a new Tarnished riding a spectral steed, and second, to meet the individual who had captured her stepbrother's interest.

"You heard correctly." Jaune replied, then blew his whistle to summon Torrent, confirming the truth of her words with his action.

"Ah. As I had hoped. I was entrusted this, for thee. By Torrent's former master." Ranni said, a glimmer of satisfaction in her voice upon realizing that both individuals she sought were the same. She reached into her cloak, producing a small bell and a tiny box filled with ashes. "Tis a bell for calling forth spirits. Summon them with it, from ash unreturned to the Erdtree. The spirits will obey thine command but briefly, as they recall battles past. Now it is thine. To do with as thou wishest." Jaune examined the two objects Ranni held, his gaze settling on the ashes rather than the bell, as he already possessed the ability to summon beings through his own power.

"Pass me the ashes." he requested, extending his hand. Ranni, intrigued by Jaune's intent, handed over the box, her eyes curious.

"Arise." Jaune commanded, the ashes swirled from the box onto the ground, coalescing into three shadowy wolves that bowed before dissolving into his own shadow, ready for whatever he intended.

[Shadow Wolf Lv. 1] x3

Rank: Common

Ranni was utterly stunned by what she had just witnessed, her eyes wide with shock as she stared at the scene before her. Blaidd had already shared what he knew about Jaune's mastery of swordsmanship and shadow control, but this display went beyond anything she had expected. While spirits being temporarily resurrected to fight or simply existing was commonplace in the Lands Between—she herself being a spirit inhabiting a doll's body—what Jaune had done was entirely unprecedented, a feat never before seen in these lands. The power he wielded felt very familiar, reminiscent of that colossal explosion of energy, like a fragment of something far greater.

"I hope you enjoyed the show." Jaune said, deliberately showcasing his Shadow Extraction skill. He sensed that Renna was a significant figure in the Lands Between, her magic radiating formidable strength. Deciding to make an impression, he revealed a bit more of his abilities, asserting that he was not to be underestimated. Ranni quickly composed herself, her initial disbelief fading as her curiosity about Jaune deepened. She needed to learn more about this enigmatic and powerful individual.

"Tell me, what are you hoping to achieve in these lands? As a tarnished, are you here in search of the Elden Ring?" Ranni inquired, noting that all tarnished she had encountered shared the same goal—their sole reason for returning from the dead.

"That question again. No, I'm not seeking the Elden Ring; my true goals are something else, and none of your concern." Jaune retorted, his tone edged with irritation. He was sick of the repetitive inquiry; it seemed everyone here was fixated on the same obsession.