"Of course. I wonder if the Priestess has any specific requests of her own?" Mohg asked, nodding to Noxi.
"Before we proceed, I would like to know the nature of the agreement you reached with Nokstella," Noxi replied, her eyes locked onto his.
"That reminds me..." Mohg lowered his head slightly before looking back up.
In front of Noxi, he reached into a pocket of blood-red space—the localized dimension he used to store his belongings—and retrieved a parchment. "This is a letter I asked the Priestess of Nokstella, Namya, to write for you."
He handed the letter to Noxi. She took it and broke the seal immediately, scanning the contents while occasionally glancing up at Mohg.
Though he didn't know exactly what Namya had written, Mohg remained composed, his expression a mask of calm indifference.
"...I see. I have finished Namya's letter," Noxi said after a long silence. "To be honest, we haven't been in contact with that side of the Eternal City for a very long time, so their choices don't influence us much. However, this has value. At the very least, I know I can trust you."
"And what are your thoughts, Lady Noxi?"
"As I said just now."
"I see. It is no secret that back then, the Dynasty was still weak. Much of that deal involved aid from Lady Namya. In exchange, we provided a detachment of guards and a promise to intervene should they face a crisis. A mutual defense pact, if you will."
"Understood. We require similar terms," Noxi said, pausing before she continued. "Furthermore... I would like you to teach us some of the spiritual rituals belonging to the Mohgwyn Dynasty. We are also quite interested in the derivatives of Cursed Blood."
She hesitated for a beat. "In exchange, we can provide personnel to join your ranks. They may receive your blessing and become members of the Dynasty. Additionally, we wish to attempt integrating a portion of the Blood Blessing into our Silver Tears. We have... experiments in mind."
Mohg considered her requests for a moment before nodding. "Agreed. However, I require Nokron to provide us with technical support and resources."
"Such as?"
"Food, for one. And access to the Eternal City's engineering research regarding the Silver Tears. I don't need everything—just a portion of the data."
"That is acceptable. We shall consider it a technical exchange between our peoples."
Noxi nodded in return. The cooperation was proceeding quite harmoniously, largely because both parties were eager for the alliance. After ironed out a few more general points, they reached an agreement. The finer details would be left to their respective subordinates to negotiate later.
"By the way, Lady Noxi," Mohg interjected, "I would like to know more about that 'third method' of repair you mentioned earlier."
"...It involves an experiment we've been conducting," Noxi admitted. "It isn't fully completed yet, which is why I felt it might be inappropriate for a Sovereign."
"An experiment? Regarding the Silver Tears?"
"Correct." Noxi nodded and began to explain. "We want the Silver Tears to possess greater intelligence and power. We... we wish to create a King of our own. But so far, our experiments are far from successful." A look of regret crossed her face.
"So the method you mentioned..."
"Is to absorb the experimental Silver Tear into your body. Although we haven't 'succeeded' in the traditional sense, this specific Tear has the innate ability to absorb and repair. It wouldn't require future material supplements; as long as there is an energy source, it can repair itself indefinitely."
Mohg narrowed his eyes. His intuition told him there was a catch—and likely a big one.
Noxi stopped speaking. On the surface, she seemed reluctant to even bring it up, but Mohg could sense her underlying desire. Her previous conversation had been laced with subtle leading statements; she wanted him to choose this method, but she didn't want to be the one to suggest it outright.
This proved the experiment was indeed "fishy."
As for what that catch was... since it involved Silver Tears and "making a King," Mohg could only think of one thing: the legendary Mimic Tear project. The being known as Asimi.
Realizing this, Mohg found himself torn. He knew the Eternal City wanted to use him as a "cradle" to strengthen Asimi's power. Yet, he was equally covetous of the power a Mimic Tear provided. He wanted the right to wield that strength.
"Lady Noxi, may I see this 'special' Silver Tear?"
A glint of triumph flashed deep in Noxi's eyes. She feigned hesitation for a moment before nodding. "Very well. Since it is your request, Sovereign, I shall take you there."
They exchanged a look—each harboring their own hidden agendas—and walked toward a sealed chamber.
Inside, Noxi stepped aside to reveal a silver pool. No, it wasn't water. The basin was filled to the brim with a liquid Silver Tear, resting in silent, metallic stillness.
"This is it? The special one?"
"Yes." Noxi nodded. She leaned down and carefully extended her hand toward the pool.
As if sensing her presence, a silver tentacle rose from the liquid and gently touched her fingertips. A smile touched Noxi's lips. "Sovereign, would you like to try?"
Mohg didn't refuse. He stepped up beside her, crouched down, and mimicked her gesture. Sensing the lack of hostility, the Silver Tear responded, its cool, metallic surface brushing against his finger.
The moment they touched, a faint, incredibly weak ripple of thought entered Mohg's mind. It was a sense of profound curiosity toward his existence.
"It seems you weren't entirely truthful, Lady Noxi," Mohg said, withdrawing his hand and looking at her. "This 'Mr. Silver Tear' just reached out to me."
"It is merely instinct," Noxi countered, shaking her head. "It has not yet birthed true sapience or wisdom. It is like the common animals of the Lands Between—possessing basic awareness, but lacking a higher mind."
"Fine. Even if I believe you... how is a pool of liquid this size supposed to enter my body?"
"Rest assured. Most of what you see is just the substance spread thin to fill the basin. Its true core is no larger than a small sphere. Once it enters your body, it will no longer maintain this form; it will permeate your system, much like the Larval Tear you currently host."
"...What must I do?"
"You only need to... aim it at your mouth."
The urgency in Noxi's voice was now barely concealed. Mohg shot her a suspicious, knowing look. Her expression froze as she realized she had let her mask slip.
"...Lady Noxi, I think it's best if you speak the truth."
"...Very well. I was in the wrong. I wish to use your body to better nurture Asimi. She needs an exceptional environment to grow her physique and her mind. None among us Nox can provide the conditions she requires. Only you, Sovereign, can achieve this."
"Do you have any idea what you are asking?" Mohg's voice turned cold as he glared at her. It was a calculated front; he was just as eager as she was, but since she had exposed her hand first, he intended to extract every bit of leverage he could.
"I do... and we are willing to compensate you for the risk. It was our mistake. But I implore you to take Asimi into yourself. It will not harm you; in fact, it will help you grow in strength. On this, I swear."
Meanwhile, Asimi—silently absorbing the exchange from within the pool—was radiating waves of budding emotion and fragmented thoughts. However, since she had no direct contact and had yet to mimic vocal organs, her presence went unnoticed by Noxi.
"Asimi..." Mohg repeated the name as he approached the pool again. The Mimic Tear was still in its larval state, unable to fully replicate biological forms, only capable of learning from them.
This time, Mohg submerged his hand into the pool. Asimi's body hesitated for a heartbeat before instinctively flowing up his arm. Noxi watched with visible excitement.
Soon, Mohg's entire right hand turned a shimmering silver, completely encased by the Mimic Tear. Without further delay, Mohg opened his mouth. Understanding his intent, Asimi flowed inside.
A silver light flashed in the depths of Mohg's eyes. Asimi integrated with his physiology, and in the process, she completely consumed the original Silver Tear that had been residing within him.
That original tear, having been part of Mohg for some time, acted as a catalyst, drastically accelerating Asimi's development.
A split second later, a tiny, delicate voice echoed within Mohg's mind.
"Hello... great one... My name is Asimi. I am honored... by your trust... To grow within you... my host... I look forward to our time together..."
With that, Asimi activated her innate ability, wrapping around Mohg's internal structure. His human form, previously marred by minor imperfections, was instantly smoothed into a flawless, perfect state.
"Sovereign?"
"Mhm. I can feel her. After absorbing the Silver Tear within me, she has matured significantly. She already possesses enough wisdom to communicate."
Noxi's face lit up with joy. She looked at Mohg with newfound solemnity. "Sovereign, if you have any requests in the future, do not hesitate to ask. Especially regarding Asimi. And... a correction. You should refer to her as 'she,' not 'he.'"
"...Asimi is female?" Mohg blinked, a metaphorical question mark appearing over his head. "Aren't Silver Tears genderless?"
"Most are... but Asimi is special. She is female."
"...I see."
Mohg nodded to Noxi and turned his focus inward to speak with Asimi.
"Asimi?"
"Yes, Host. Is there something you need?"
"To what extent have you matured?"
"Matured? Oh, I see. Not much, really. I only absorbed your previous Silver Tear and the memories of your recent journey. It allowed me to learn a few things. By mimicking your body, I have mastered the art of shaping... but I still require more knowledge and training." Asimi took a moment to process the concept of "growth" before explaining.
"Is there anything you need to grow further?"
"I... I am not sure. I do not feel a lack of anything at the moment..."
"I see. If you find yourself in need of anything, tell me directly."
"I will. And... thank you, Host."
With that, Asimi's voice faded. Why was she thanking him? Because of the wisdom he had inadvertently provided. Without him, she would have needed to inhabit and mimic countless hosts before attaining this level of sapience.
The Silver Tear previously within Mohg had changed drastically under his influence, touched by the power of a Great Rune, Cursed Blood, and the Aspects of the Crucible. These potent life energies and primordial origins had allowed Asimi to evolve the moment she consumed them. In fact, had Asimi not appeared, the original Silver Tear would have eventually birthed its own consciousness given enough time.
----Support me here: https://[email protected]/AuAuMon
If you'd like to read ahead, you can subscribe for early access. I also have several other novels in my collection that you might enjoy!
Also, if there's a particular novel you're enjoying on Patreon, please give it a 'like' so I know to focus on updating it.
Join the journey and become part of the story!