A moment ago, Melina hadn't mentioned her brother’s name. According to her, her memories had not fully returned; a portion seemed to remain sealed away. Back then, the full-moon queen had used most of her power to break the seal on the Gloam Eye, neglecting some of the peripheral details. Of course, with Rennala now beyond communication, it was possible there was an even deeper seal on Melina that she had been powerless to remove. In any case, Melina said that if she ever met him face-to-face, she would definitely recognize him as her brother. For now, Bai Shi tentatively identified Messmer as Melina’s brother. Messmer was a character unmentioned in the game, and both were children of Marika with names starting with ‘Me’. However, there was one detail that Bai Shi found peculiar and couldn’t ignore. According to the old king, Messmer possessed serpentine traits and wielded fire. The only certainty for now was that their mother was Queen Marika. As for their father, that was much harder to say. Snakes, fire, the Gloam Eye, Black Flame. Among these traits, the figure Bai Shi knew to be most closely related was the Gloam-Eyed Queen. The Black Flame and the Gloam Eye were obvious connections, but the Godskin Apostles and Godskin Nobles also had serpentine tails. The Gloam-Eyed Queen managed to fit three of the traits at once. Could it be that Queen Marika got together with the Gloam-Eyed Queen and they had these two children?! Bai Shi shook his head repeatedly, earning a confused look from Melina. However, Melina knew he was likely pondering her origins, so she didn’t disturb him. Bai Shi quickly dismissed the idea. The probability was too low; it was just a funny thought. He recalled the Great Rune he possessed, the one capable of absorbing all sorts of powers. Could it be that Melina and her brother were conceived by Marika using the power of other Empyreans she had defeated? Not offspring born of natural reproduction, but children created for a specific purpose, inheriting the strength of her enemies. Perhaps Messmer, like Melina, was born into this world shouldering some kind of mission. Whatever... He would stop thinking about it for now. Bai Shi turned his head to look at Melina. At that moment, Melina had reopened her Gloam Eye, stealing a glance at his chest while he was lost in thought. When she saw him turn back to her, she immediately shut it again. Melina reached out and poked Bai Shi’s chest. "Is that Miss Ashmi still inside you?" “It seems I can see her with the Gloam Eye.” “Aren’t you going to take this opportunity to properly introduce me?” Bai Shi scratched his head. After dealing with the apparitions of Morgott and his brother, he had already sent Ashmi back. The night's events in the bedroom had been a series of twists and turns, completely ruining the atmosphere. Bai Shi felt there was no way they could continue, so he hadn’t let Ashmi keep wandering around outside. Bai Shi called out to Ashmi in his mind, summoning her forth. Ashmi's form slowly materialized in the room. Once her body had fully solidified, Ashmi looked at Melina and took the initiative to greet her. "Ah, hello. We meet again." “My apologies. Because I didn’t deal with that strange fellow in time, I ended up interrupting you two.” Melina recalled the earlier scene, her face flushing as she quickly shook her head. “No... it’s alright.” “Business comes first.” Ashmi was a little confused. Wasn’t mating an important business? It was a vital ritual for the continuation of life and an expression of affection. As expected, human ways were still too difficult to understand. Melina studied Ashmi, whose features were remarkably similar to Bai Shi's. Ashmi’s appearance was so much like Bai Shi’s that she looked exactly like a female version of him. “Calling her your sister is certainly fitting.” “But I never thought a female version of Bai Shi would be so unexpectedly attractive...” Melina then shifted her gaze back to Bai Shi. “So, Ashmi really has been staying inside your body all this time?” “To think you made such a decision while I was away... you’re really something else.” “Although I can tell Ashmi means no harm, this is still a form of parasitic existence.” He, of course, knew that Ashmi was harmless. Besides, the Mimic Tear was a powerful fighter. Having her cooperation would make things much easier in the future. Melina sighed. Bai Shi had been a little too audacious this time. But then again, it seemed nothing he’d done so far had ever gone wrong, and every bizarre place he journeyed to always yielded the desired results. Melina looked at Ashmi and said with a smile: “My name is Melina. I travel with Bai Shi.” “It seems we’ll be spending quite some time together. I look forward to it.” The next morning, Bai Shi awoke and headed to the Roundtable Hold. The day he and Master Hewg had agreed upon had arrived, and it was time to pick up his upgraded weapons. He needed to retrieve his enhanced Crystal Staff in preparation for his upcoming journey. After paying Master Hewg the reinforcement fee, Bai Shi held the Crystal Staff before him and examined it. The staff's appearance hadn't changed at all; it was still a jewel of exceptionally pure crystal. He had no idea how the Somber Smithing Stones had been fused into it. His Crystal Staff was now enhanced to +7. Its magic bonus was significantly higher than before, making it Bai Shi's best option for casting spells at present. After retrieving the Crystal Staff, Bai Shi immediately hurried to another location within Stormveil. The sword-lance that Master Iji had been crafting for him was also complete. This sword-lance was much larger than the previous one. Even when shrunk to its smallest size, it was still nearly a full head taller than Bai Shi, its length astonishing. Bai Shi gave it a few swings. It still felt excellent in his hands. As he wielded it, he could feel the different styles of the two masters' works, each with its unique character. This feeling was particularly noticeable on sword-lances of the same design. However, Bai Shi couldn’t describe the technical differences between the two weapons. As long as they were usable, that was all that mattered. Upgrading both weapons to +7 this time had consumed all the Somber Smithing Stones [7] in his possession. But that wasn't a problem. He would be collecting even rarer smithing stones in the days to come. When that time came, he could upgrade all the weapons in his arsenal. Currently, Bai Shi’s most powerful weapon was the Starscourge Greatsword he obtained from General Radahn, a precious weapon enhanced to +9. Most of his other weapons were at the +7 level. A +9 enhancement was already considered the pinnacle for weapons in the Lands Between. Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones were exceedingly rare in the current Lands Between, even rarer than in the game. Those were scales from the Dragonlord himself. A weapon forged to its apex with one could be called a 'god-slaying weapon'—the most powerful of all. Moreover, even with an Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone, a blacksmith needed the skill to fuse it with the weapon for reinforcement. Even some purple-quality weapons might not be able to withstand the power of the Dragonlord and become a god-slaying weapon, let alone ordinary, lower-quality armaments. There was good news, however. Once Bai Shi killed the Dragonlord, he would have an endless supply of Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones. The number of god-slaying weapons he could forge would only be limited by Master Hewg’s stamina. After stowing both weapons away, Bai Shi headed for the reception hall in Stormveil, where a guest was already waiting. Bai Shi arrived at the hall and saw his first guest there: Leda. Leda had come early, hoping for an audience with Bai Shi. But since Bai Shi had happened to be out that morning, the attendants had no choice but to have her wait in the reception hall. Upon seeing Leda, Bai Shi paused for a moment. Leda had taken off her helmet and was sitting upright on a chair in the hall. Seeing Leda’s face, Bai Shi was momentarily stunned. Of course, Bai Shi wasn't stunned by her beauty. While Leda was indeed beautiful, he had seen many beautiful women on his journey and was no longer easily surprised by such things. What truly astonished Bai Shi was that Leda’s appearance bore a striking resemblance to Artoria, one of the most popular characters from a certain massive, long-running media franchise. The resemblance was uncanny. Truly uncanny. Wasn't this face that of a certain Knight King? Combined with her resolute female knight aura and her shining suit of armor, she certainly had the look. If Elden Ring were a gacha game, Leda would definitely rake in a ton of money! After a brief moment of surprise, Bai Shi quickly returned to his usual composure. The resemblance was real, but in the end, it was just her appearance. On the inside, she was a completely different person. Seeing Bai Shi arrive, Leda rose to greet him, and the two sat facing each other at a table. Bai Shi looked at Leda, assuming she was growing impatient, and asked: "Are you all in a hurry?" Leda shook her head and replied: “When we depart is entirely up to your arrangement.” “I have come this time hoping to establish a meeting point in the Consecrated Snowfield and discuss a plan beforehand.” It was a reasonable idea. Bai Shi prompted Leda to continue. "Lord Bai Shi, have you ever been to the Consecrated Snowfield?" “I went there once before.” “It was filled with mist, and the snowstorm was so intense that it obscured my vision to the point where I could barely see the path ahead.” “I eventually found a shack there and a Site of Grace. I haven’t explored it since.” “If I use the Site of Grace to travel, I can go directly to that location.” “However, I don't know where that place is myself.” After hearing Bai Shi’s description, Leda thought for a moment before speaking again: “I think I know the place you visited.” “We call that area the Mist Zone.” “The Consecrated Snowfield is perilous and ancient, predating even the age of the Erdtree.” “We have explored less than half of the Snowfield.” “And the Mist Zone is considered a place so dangerous, even within the Snowfield, that it should be avoided.” After finishing, Leda looked at Bai Shi with a smile. “However, the dangers there should not be a problem for you.” “With a map, you should be able to leave easily. Alternatively, we can come and guide you out.” “Please accept this map. It should be of some help.” Leda produced a rolled-up parchment, undid the thin cord tied around it, and spread it out in front of Bai Shi. It was a map of the Consecrated Snowfield, and clearly a newly drawn one at that; the ink on it still had a noticeable sheen. This map was likely drawn by Leda and her companions just last night. The map marked many large natural landmarks, but it conspicuously omitted the more prominent man-made structures. Areas like Ordina, Liturgical Town, were completely blank. It was unclear whether they saw no need to draw them or if they were deliberately concealing the information, not wanting Bai Shi to find his way there easily. At least he had a map now, which would help him get his bearings. After Bai Shi’s eyes had scanned the map once, he looked back at Leda. Just now, she said they could come to the Mist Zone to guide him out. “Even with a map, I imagine it wouldn’t be easy to find my location.” “From what I recall, the mountains and the shack were quite remote, with no particularly striking landmarks nearby.” “I’m curious, do you have a way to find me under those circumstances?” Leda was clearly prepared for this question and produced another item. It was a somewhat ethereal branch that glowed with a golden light, a few red petals growing from it. Upon seeing it, Bai Shi instinctively felt a sense of caution. The branch’s design resembled a Bewitching Branch, which forced him to be wary. Leda then took out another branch with her other hand, nearly identical in shape but slightly larger. She placed both items on the table and began to explain to Bai Shi: “This is an item unique to our Haligtree.” “These branches come in pairs, closely twinned.” “They were likely influenced by the Haligtree, which was jointly nurtured by Lord Miquella and Lady Malenia, and thus adopted the concept of 'twins.'” “Therefore, when these two branches are separated, they form a connection with each other and begin to call out to one another.” “By using this, combined with the map, we can easily rendezvous in the vast expanse of the Consecrated Snowfield.” Bai Shi picked up one of the branches and moved it away from the other. Just as she said, a golden gleam, similar to the light of Grace, drifted from the branch, pointing distantly toward the other one. This golden radiance formed a straight line between the two branches. Seeing the connected golden line, Leda couldn’t help but feel a wave of emotion. It reminded her of the honorable mark of the Needle Knights, the vow to which she had dedicated herself and always upheld: To calm and ward off all, Lord Miquella threads us a line of gold. If everything went smoothly, she would soon be able to bask in Lord Miquella’s light once more. Bai Shi observed the light, understood the function of the two branches, and nodded. Newest update provıded by 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵·𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮·𝓷𝓮𝓽 “Alright, I understand.” “With these two branches, it will indeed be easy to meet up in the snowfield.” “As for coming to get me, that won’t be necessary. I can use this branch to find my own way out of the Mist Zone.” Seeing that Bai Shi didn't require their help, Leda agreed, saving them the trouble. “Very well. When the time comes, we will wait at a conspicuous location outside the Mist Zone and use this light to guide you out.” “Then, Lord Bai Shi, when do you plan to depart?” Bai Shi thought for a moment and set the itinerary. “Let’s make it tomorrow. Everyone should prepare well today, and we’ll meet in the Consecrated Snowfield.” “Once we reach the portal to the Mohgwyn Dynasty, I will no longer interfere with your actions.” A smile appeared on Leda's face as she stood up. “Excellent. In that case, I will take my leave.” “I look forward to witnessing the moment of Mohg’s death.” Bai Shi remained seated in the reception hall, not in a hurry to leave, his mind racing. After a while, Bai Shi summoned Slude. There were some matters he needed her to handle. Slude quickly arrived from outside and stood before Bai Shi. She usually had little to do, with last night being an exception. Being called upon by Bai Shi after so long was somewhat of a surprise for Slude. Bai Shi tapped his fingers on the table and spoke to Slude before him: “I have a task for you.” “I will give you the locations where the Black Knife Assassins are hiding.” “Go and bring them back.” The Black Knife Assassins didn't know each other's hiding spots; these locations were given to Bai Shi by Ranni earlier. For various reasons, Bai Shi hadn't been in a hurry to gather all the Black Knife Assassins. After all, they had each been in their respective spots for who knows how many centuries; staying a little longer wouldn't matter. However, now that Mohg and Morgott had extended their reach into Stormveil itself, Bai Shi felt he had to consolidate all the power he could muster. He had to assemble his forces immediately. The Black Knife Assassins were highly mobile, and those who participated in the Night of the Black Knives could all wield the power of Destined Death. For example, when Stormveil was attacked by Mohgwyn Dynasty Knights and Bloody Fingers last night, if the Black Knife Assassins had been there to hunt them down, those intruders would have barely been able to cause a stir in the city. Even against the apparitions of Mohg and Morgott, a single strike of Destined Death from each assassin would have likely been enough to take care of them. Slude accepted the order and was about to leave. But before she departed, Slude turned back and asked: “After I bring them back, what are your instructions?” Bai Shi thought for a moment. For the time being, there was nothing that required their immediate action. “First, check for any injuries and see that they are all treated.” “Then, just like you did, have them change into different clothes, nothing too conspicuous.” “After that, let them follow you for now, familiarize themselves with Stormveil, and keep an eye out for any unusual individuals.” “I will issue new orders when I need you to act.” Slude nodded, took the simple map from Bai Shi's hand, and then silently departed. Only then did Bai Shi leave the reception hall. As soon as he stepped outside, he found Melina had been waiting for some time. “There was no one else in there. Why didn’t you just come in and find me?” Melina shook her head. “I had nothing else to do, anyway.” Bai Shi remembered their impending trip to the Consecrated Snowfield and asked Melina: “The Site of Grace we lit in the Consecrated Snowfield, can you still travel there?” Melina nodded with great certainty. “Of course. The Grace is bound to the soul.” “We went there together, so a record was naturally left.” Bai Shi smiled and took Melina’s hand. “It’s time to continue our journey.”