Gale-force winds whipped against Mohg's body, making his eyes sting as he flew through the air. However, it wasn't enough to severely impair his vision, so he found the discomfort manageable.
He had successfully located the Ruin-Strown Precipice. He couldn't help but feel relieved that this wasn't the era of the Tarnished; otherwise, a certain "Magma Wyrm" would likely be down there waiting to give him a warm welcome.
He had to admit, having an aerial view was incredibly advantageous. At this point in time, there were no major aerial threats that could pose a serious danger to him.
Well, at least not yet. This was the Altus Plateau, after all. Before long, this region would likely host the highest concentration of Ancient Dragons outside of Farum Azula.
Boom!
Mohg flapped his wings violently just before landing to kill his momentum. He touched down in a swirl of dust and scanned his surroundings.
Currently, the Ruin-Strown Precipice bore no signs of being excavated or mined. This meant that a wealth of ancient artifacts and forgotten lore likely remained undisturbed within its depths.
The question was: should he risk an exploration?
Mohg knew there was much to find. This place wasn't just a site of ancient ruins; it was also a prime location for mining Glintstones and Smithing Stones. While it seemed undiscovered for now, it was only a matter of time before someone stumbled upon it.
"Hmm... Undiscovered means high potential for loot, but it also means high risk..."
In his memory of the game, the primary enemies here were Vulgar Militiamen, miners, Giant Bats, Chanting Winged Dames, and Land Octopuses—not to mention the final boss, Magma Wyrm Makar.
Thinking on it, Makar likely hadn't taken up residence here yet. Magma Wyrms were once human heroes who had performed the rite of Dragon Communion, only to be transformed into their current wretched states as a result. He wasn't sure if Makar had already become a "hero" or if he was still a nobody.
Mohg didn't linger at the edge for long. After spotting a suitable ledge to rest further down, he spread his wings once more.
He had also noticed an interesting architectural complex near the cliffside, but he had no intention of approaching it. He was worried they might mistake him for an enemy and shoot him out of the sky.
That complex, of course, was Caria Manor.
After gauging the distance, Mohg carefully stepped off the cliff and plummeted toward the base.
He dove through the howling winds, soon spotting the arena where Magma Wyrm Makar would eventually reside. At this time, the area wasn't as ruined as he remembered it, though the resemblance was striking.
"The Lux Ruins are just above... It seems the local lord hasn't discovered the mineral resources here yet, or perhaps they're just afraid their neighbors would try to seize the mine the moment excavation begins."
Mohg didn't dwell on the politics. He folded his wings and dove deeper into the canyon.
Seeing a platform that offered a stable landing, he touched down without hesitation and moved past the stone steps to explore the interior of the ancient ruins.
The internal space was cavernous. It was clear that the beings who built this place must have been of staggering proportions. Some areas were adorned with scripts and carvings he didn't recognize, as well as various statues.
Mohg suspected these statues represented the deities worshipped by these ancient beings. As for who those gods were... that was anyone's guess.
However, he did remember that a "Snake-God's Curved Sword" was supposed to be somewhere in this region.
He recalled that the blade was a relic of the Snake-God faith born in Mt. Gelmir—a belief that would later be known as a "lost faith." He wondered if there were still traces of that religion here, or if the weapon itself was already in place.
Mohg wandered through the massive hall for a while, using his blood to record some of the strange scripts before leaving. Perhaps they would prove useful in the future.
After all, the Lands Between during the ancient era had been home to many powerful entities. There had even been a period known as the Age of the Gods.
"Speaking of which... where did all the Land Octopuses go...?"
Mohg scratched his head. The reason he was thinking about them was simple: he was curious about what they tasted like. He didn't have many hobbies, but eating was definitely one of them.
Confirming there were no signs of Land Octopuses for now, Mohg took to the air again with a look of disappointment, gliding further down.
As he was flying through the mid-air of the canyon, a hauntingly beautiful yet profoundly desolate song suddenly reached his ears. His body stiffened mid-flight.
After a moment of hesitation, Mohg flew toward the source of the music. He knew exactly what was singing: the Chanting Winged Dames.
The reason he was so drawn to it this time was... he could actually understand a portion of the lyrics. It sent a chill down his spine.
The language they used was not the common tongue of the current Lands Between.
The phrases that truly caught Mohg's attention were: "We were once blessed," and "The golden object in the distance is angered."
Whoosh—
Mohg landed, kicking up a gust of wind, and came to a stop before the singing Chanting Winged Dame.
The creature's face was ancient and hideous, her body skeletal and frail—a jarring contrast to the exquisite melody she had been weaving.
Upon Mohg's sudden arrival, the Dame and the surrounding bats immediately panicked. Within seconds, the Giant Bats began to circle him, growling as they moved to surround him.
Mohg narrowed his eyes. He had initially hoped these creatures were capable of communication, but it seemed he might have been overoptimistic.
Screech—!
Suddenly, a sonic pulse rippled from the Dame. The surrounding bats immediately scattered, flying back to perch on the high stone pillars.
Mohg looked on with a surprised expression.
He watched as the Chanting Winged Dame took a few steps back, then slowly lowered her head until it touched the ground, signaling her absolute submission.
The sudden turn of events left Mohg stunned. He had only come here to gather information; he hadn't expected the creature to suddenly swear fealty.
And... he hadn't even made a move yet. What the hell was going on?
"Can you understand my words?" Mohg asked, frowning as he looked down at the prostrate Dame.
"Yes, my Lord. You are the one who gathers the blessings of all Aspects. I once believed I would never again gaze upon the Lord of the Crucible, but your presence has given me hope once more..."
"The 'Lord of the Aspects of the Crucible'? What exactly is your origin?"
Mohg narrowed his eyes at the creature. He hadn't expected a random encounter to involve such ancient secrets.
Moreover, the creature could actually speak the common tongue of the Lands Between. It seemed the song she had been singing was an heirloom passed down through the generations.
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Elden Ring: As the Consort, I Reject Miquella (260 Chapters – Ongoing)
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