Wayne reached out and held Ranni's doll, turning it over in his hands a few times.
He noticed that the doll's material was quite unusual. Although it looked wooden, it felt warm and smooth, almost like jade, with a warmth resembling human skin. It was as if it were alive.
Anyone familiar with Elden Ring lore knows that the puppet masters in the Lands Between are formidable. They excel in using various materials unique to their realm to craft puppets, even going so far as to use living beings as components to create magical puppet life.
The doll Wayne held reflected this craftsmanship.
As one of the three Empyreans, Ranni, known as the Princess of the Moon, possessed both demigod status and significant magical prowess. She was not only highly skilled in sorcery but also held a distinct vision. She saw through the influence of the Greater Will and the oppressive Golden Order, leading her to set forth plans for change.
In fact, she was the architect behind the upheaval in the Lands Between, a figure of both power and cunning, as well as extraordinary beauty. This combination made her one of the most beloved characters in the entire game.
As Wayne was handling the doll, reminiscing about his own time in Elden Ring, a low, alluring voice echoed in his mind.
"Interesting… I find myself in a strange realm, blinded by unknown magic, removed from the Lands Between."
"Did you bring me here, mortal?"
Hearing this voice, Wayne's expression shifted, and he silently cursed the system for throwing him into such unexpected situations.
He refrained from answering. Instead, he quickly took out the Ring of Protection he had recently acquired, placing the Blade of the Dark Empire—radiating an ominous, shadowy aura—within the ring and storing it in his pocket.
He chose not to place it in his space bracelet, which held many volatile items. If something went wrong, it would spell trouble.
The barrier of the space ring seemed effective because, after he stored the ancient god's dagger, the ominous presence vanished.
Wayne breathed a sigh of relief, though he couldn't shake his frustration. The epic treasure chest had rewarded him with a powerful weapon, yet he couldn't safely wield it.
Of course, it was possible he was overestimating the dagger's dangers. After all, in World of Warcraft, the Shadow Priest wielded Xal'atath effectively, even using it to combat the Burning Legion.
But Wayne was cautious by nature and preferred to avoid unnecessary risks. He was a Witcher, not a master sorcerer, so he planned to consult a true expert before even considering the dagger's use.
As he reflected, Wayne suddenly noticed that the doll he'd set down had opened one eye.
Even with just one open eye, those gemstone-like irises seemed to possess a soul-stirring magic. They held a divine detachment, an otherworldly rationality that drew Wayne in.
Momentarily speechless, Wayne observed the doll for several seconds, watching as its lips moved, and a soft, ethereal voice devoid of warmth reached his ears.
"Ah, what a peculiar world…"
"I sense no familiar laws here, nor any force that would explain how my doll arrived."
"Stranger, where am I?"
"And why does my vessel lie before you?"
Hearing Ranni's ethereal words, Wayne took a few moments to gather his thoughts. He decided against sealing the doll away with the Blade of the Dark Empire.
Instead, he placed the doll gently on the table and took a seat across from it. Carefully choosing his words, he began:
"Greetings, my lady."
"My name is Wayne, and this is my home realm."
"May I ask your name?"
"When you tell me, I shall explain why you find yourself here."
Upon hearing Wayne's request, Ranni's doll rose from the table. She glanced around the room, then looked up to meet Wayne's eyes with a steady gaze before speaking:
"Someone with little regard for reason has stolen my doll and brought it here without a trace, only to demand my name."
"But if you must know, you may call me Witch Ranni."
"I am a sorceress and am quite intrigued by this world. I wish to study the underlying laws of your realm. If you can aid me in understanding this world, I, in turn, may assist you within the scope of my abilities."
Hearing Ranni's rather imperious response, Wayne couldn't help but smile, reminded of the enjoyable times he'd had playing Elden Ring. First impressions truly do matter, he mused. Despite being a demigod and a sorceress from another world, Ranni isn't exactly the kind and innocent figure she might appear to be. Yet to any player who has adventured alongside her, Ranni's character inspires admiration, almost inevitably.
Ranni's doll, sensitive to the slightest change, noticed the smile on Wayne's face. Her calm eyes seemed to spark with slight irritation as she asked, her tone tinged with indignation:
"Impudent man, what are you smiling at?"
Wayne quickly adjusted his expression, not wanting to leave a poor impression on Ranni. In a respectful tone, he replied:
"Ranni, the reason your doll has appeared here is actually connected to a deal I've struck with a being of immense power. Whenever I complete specific tasks, I receive rewards from it."
"The influence of this being spans countless worlds, and it gifts me items of various natures depending on the difficulty of the tasks I complete."
"Your doll, Ranni, was given to me as a reward for my recent success in defeating an army of beasts."
Wayne's words were respectful, but they carried several underlying messages. He subtly conveyed that he was under the protection of an incredibly powerful entity and implied his own strength, hinting that he had single-handedly taken on an army.
Although Ranni possesses the status of an Empyrean, she has lost her physical form, and this realm, unlike the Lands Between, operates under a set of different laws that greatly restrict her power. This world does not allow her to wield her abilities freely.
Ranni's puppet remained silent for several moments, a hint of complex emotion flashing in its gem-like eyes. After a pause, she looked back at Wayne, and with a flick of her puppet's arm, a small bell engraved with intricate runes appeared on the table before her.
Ranni spoke calmly, her tone measured and composed:
"It seems you consider yourself something of a mercenary. Very well."
"This bell I give you can summon a spectral warhorse. It is a remarkable mount, far superior to any common steed."
"I offer it as a gift to offset the value of my doll."
"Moreover, I hope you will accept my commission, as I mentioned before, to help me decipher the laws governing this world."
"Upon completing the commission, you will be rewarded generously."
As Ranni finished, a sudden system prompt echoed in Wayne's mind.
Ding!
Special mission triggered: [Moon Princess's Commission] (Mythical Level)
Current Progress: 1/100
Note: For every 5% of this mission completed, you will receive a reward and advance to the next stage, each stage offering unique rewards. At 50% completion, you will be granted a mythical treasure chest. Upon full completion at 100%, you will receive a second mythical treasure chest, totaling two.
Next Stage Reward: Two ability points.