"This energy… Signora?"
I was honestly expecting this, but not this early. Following the energy traces, I saw an old man. The energy was surrounding him… Sothing isn't right here. Dangit, if only I had soone…
"OH SHIT I FORGOT TO BRING PAIMON AGAIN!"
*anwhile in the teapot*
"THAT POLYAMOROUS BASTARD! NOW PAIMON CAN'T TASTE INAZUMAN FOOD!"
"Calm down Paimon, I'm sure Ae didn't really an to forget you…" Ganyu tried her best to calm down the glutton known as Paimon, but to no avail.
"How about I cook for you, little one?" Luckily, Havria was there to save the day.
"Hmph! Fine, Aether's lucky that he has such caring wives."
'I think you ant good cooks, Paimon.' Ganyu smiled nervously. 'Still… be careful, dear. We don't want our child to grow up without their father…'
*Back to Aether*
"Ah… Luckily Paimon can't choke to death…" I said as cold sweat ford on my forehead. Shaking that thought off for a mont, I began to formulate a plan so that I could question the old man.
'I can't really abduct him… Maybe…'
Much like earlier with the woman who checked my docunts, maybe I can alter his ntal state. However, I need to think this through carefully. This is my first ti doing sothing like this, not just with this power, but in my whole lifeti. If I use Gluttony, it might do irreparable damage to his brain. That's why, for this first attempt, I'll use Pride.
Creating a small ember, small enough to not be noticed during dayti, I made it float near the old man. As soon as it was near enough, I snapped my fingers. The flas of Pride surrounded the old man and as soon as it did, I stopped ti.
Five seconds have passed, and within those five seconds, his mind has fallen into my control. Ti resud to flow as I made the old man walk to where I was. Once there, I leaned to the wall and began to question the man.
"Did Signora co here?"
"Yes. The Fair Lady just left a while ago."
That's quite concerning. She already has two Gnoses with her, if she gets another one… I need to prevent this at any cost.
"Did she say anything?"
"Yes. She said to prevent a traveler by the na of Aether from ever getting out of Ritou."
"Well, you already failed."
Reaching out, I covered my hand with the flas of Pride, resulting in my arm glowing a brilliant gold. I held his head and began to erase any sort of mory that he has about or Signora. However, while rummaging through his mories, I saw how the rchants from other nations that have been stuck here were oppressed. This, of course, ticked off.
So, I did a little mischief and adjusted his personality as well. This should do for now.
Letting go of his head, I made him go back to where he was earlier. With a heavy sigh, I swiftly left the premises and went back to where Thoma was.
"What the-"
"Shush, I just made so small changes to Ritou." I said with a devious smile.
"Uh… okay…?" Thoma just looked at confusedly. I didn't mind it really, after all, the effects of what I did will soon show.
"Now, you said that a young miss is interested in , right? Lead the way."
"Ah, right! Follow ."
-x-X-x-
Another detour happened as we ca across a shrine maiden with a fox mask. Sothing about her… intrigued . I couldn't sense this at all. No, rather, I couldn't even tell what she is. Her presence is mostly… foggy. Like she isn't even there at all.
"...That is the gist of it."
"So you're telling , this Sacred Sakura that protects Inazuma has been getting corrupted for a while now?"
"Yes. That is why I ask for your help on this matter."
I looked towards my companion, and based my decision on his expression. He looked worried. Really worried. I guess this Sacred Sakura really is a big deal here in Inazuma.
"Alright then, I'll help. We can take a little detour, right Thoma?"
"Ah- Yes. This is an important matter. I'm sure that the young lady won't mind if it's this."
With a smile, I nodded at the Shrine Maiden. This should be an interesting developnt. Who knows, maybe I can get the Electro Archon owe a favor. That's just wishful thinking, but it's no sin to hope, right?
"Very well, follow ."
She guided and Thoma to a place called Konda Village. As soon as I stepped foot into the village, I felt it. The amount of corruption in that place… This could be problematic actually. If that thing spreads, who knows what kind of damage it will do.
"Uh… You're creeping us out with that smile of yours, Aether."
I was snapped out of my musings when Thoma called my na. Was I really smiling? Co to think of it, I feel a bit hungrier than usual. I'm not hungry for food, but sothing else… Haah, Gluttony has been acting weird lately.
"Don't mind it, I just thought of sothing funny." I quickly made an excuse to soothe their worries. What we should focus on right now is that clump of corruption that's under this village. Now that I've felt just how dangerous this thing can be for normal people, I can't leave it alone now.
"We should ask the village chief for-"
"Nah, they won't believe us." I quickly cut off Thoma, already having a vague image of what's about to happen if we did what he suggested.
"Why? It feels wrong doing sothing on their grounds without asking for permission."
"Instinct." I wasn't lying on that one. Sothing tells there's more to this village than ets the eye. I would love to uncover secrets, but I don't have the ti now with this current problem. Life is more important than excitent.
[Bonus] eting Furina
"Rejoice, dear Traveler, for you shall have the chance to duel with one as-" Just as she was about to finish her statent, she felt it. Sothing greater than her was gazing at her very core. Then, he was gone.
"W-what?"
"So, shall we use just our weapons or can we use elents?"
"!?" Furina twirled around, seeing the Traveler now behind her. Clorinde jumped to her side, ready to strike Aether down, only to also freeze in place under his gaze.
"A 2v1? That isn't fair~ You're a god aren't you?" Aether smiled, a genuine kind smile. He was just kidding around after all. Furina can guess that much as well, so she told Clorinde to stand down.
It was at this mont that Furina… smiled internally. 'FINALLY! Things are about to be more interesting!'
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