"We are the remnants of the Ancient Erdtree era. We were once blessed by the Primordial Crucible of Life, gaining diverse forms. In that era, no one was discriminated against because of their appearance; everyone took pride in their unique blessings..."
"Until the dawn of the current Erdtree era, correct?" Mohg interrupted.
"...Yes. Queen Marika the Eternal holds great malice toward sapient races born of the Crucible's blessing, especially the 'Divine Children' who bore its deepest marks."
As she spoke, the Chanting Winged Dame couldn't help but look up at Mohg.
"I find it hard to imagine how you could grow to such height and still live. You are the being with the deepest Crucible blessing I have ever seen. I firmly believe you can lead us back to that era..."
"I think you're mistaken. I have no obligation to lead you back to the age of the Crucible. And who said I even desire such a thing?" Mohg remarked, eyeing her. He felt as though he were being dragged into something troublesome.
"...I see. Even so, please let me follow you. I no longer wish to remain here, singing these desolate songs. Since you've come here, it means you have no desire to stay within the Golden Dynasty's seat of power, doesn't it?"
"Even if the one I believe in is not the Primordial Crucible of Life?" Mohg asked curiously.
"Yes, even then..." The Dame bowed her head.
Hearing this, Mohg fell into a moment of hesitation before making a decision. Regardless, these bats and Winged Dames were a form of power, and his faction was in its expansion phase. Taking them in would have its benefits.
"Then, you must accept a new blessing..."
Mohg reached out toward her. The power of the Mother of Truth manifested, and a faint blood-red mist began to coil in the air.
"Please, bestow your blessing..." The Dame didn't hesitate, pressing her forehead to the ground.
"Sacrifice your kin. Let their blood flow as the offering for your blessing."
"I understand." The Dame let out another cry, and the surrounding bats flocked toward her.
Mohg raised his hand. A massive blood sigil appeared above him. In the next second, a rain of crimson bloodflame cascaded down.
The bats hit by the flames let out shrieks before their blood seeped out uncontrollably, ending their lives. The Dame watched without reaction, as if the fallen were unrelated to her. In truth, they weren't her kin, but a subordinate species she cultivated.
The blood mist dissipated, leaving a floor soaked in gore.
"Have you made up your mind?" Mohg asked.
"Yes, my Lord. The Crucible blood flowing within you is the greatest proof I need."
Mohg nodded and gestured. The blood on the floor surged toward the Dame, wrapping her in a cocoon. This was the second being he had personally blessed, though he didn't add his own blood this time.
As the blessing settled and the blood turned dark, the Dame's new form was revealed.
Her dark red wings now bore two small horns at the tips. Her silver-gray hair had turned a deep crimson, and she had grown two sickle-like claws.
Whoosh—
As her wings folded, the face of a beautiful young woman appeared before Mohg. With her wings tucked, she looked like a girl wearing a flowing black robe.
However, it was a mere disguise. Beneath the folded wings, her body remained grotesque, now adorned with sharp spikes. Her lethality and ability to cause hemorrhage had been greatly enhanced.
"Master." The Winged Dame knelt in submission.
"Rise. Use your disguised form and follow me to the levels below."
Mohg tossed her a tattered piece of cloth. "Cover your face. I don't want any unnecessary trouble on the way."
"I understand."
Yao knew her true form, but others didn't. He didn't want to deal with bandits or nosy travelers being distracted by her appearance. Satisfied with the result, Mohg gestured for her to follow and dove off the cliff.
The Dame blinked, her tiny eyes filled with confusion. She felt her master had a misunderstanding of her flight capabilities—she couldn't dive like a bird quite like he could...
But seeing Mohg didn't look back, she grit her teeth and flapped her wings to follow. If she could report him, she'd definitely sue for elder abuse!
The rest of the journey was uneventful. They quickly reached the bottom of the Ruin-Strown Precipice. This place was shrouded in darkness; without deliberate exploration, few would discover these ancient ruins.
Mohg also spotted several large Land Octopuses in the distance. Even with his appetite, he didn't feel much of a craving for those...
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Elden Ring: As the Consort, I Reject Miquella (260 Chapters – Ongoing)
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