Chapter 217 Phoenix Egg
“This… is still a fragment of hers. Take care of my sister.”
The Flame Goddess left these last words.
She did not take the Mistetinn’s Staff that grew on the ground. The brilliant firelight igniting the divine power, shone with the faint golden flame in the young man’s hand, casting his shadow on the ground.
“Iget!”
The Wood Elf Girl hurried to his side. The Fire Pigeon on her shoulder flapped its wings, turning into Niya on the ground. The red-haired loli ran a few steps towards the black-haired young man who was kneeling on the ground, a hint of shock in her ruby-like big eyes, and said childishly:
“This, this is Veer sister!”
Suddenly, the dark mist spread over the young man, and Anderdun’s phantom appeared from his body. The flame’s light passed through his body, and he hurriedly shouted: “Kid, do you want to save Verafia?”
“What did you say? Anderdun, do you have a way?”
Facing the young man who suddenly looked up and questioned him, Anderdun said, “What the Flame Goddess gave you is not only Verafia’s will fragment, but also her purest life origin. She is still a deity, and this fragment’s interpretation of her is far above the souls of mortals.”
“What you need to do is find a medium, a container that can carry Verafia’s origin!”
“A container for Veer’s origin?”
Iget was stunned.
However, a container that could carry the will of a goddess was considered extremely rare in the entire world.
Even in the legends of the Temple of Light, the holy spirit used by the Lord of Radiance to descend came from the Divine Realm of Light, and had been repeatedly washed and tempered by the divine power of light for tens of thousands of years before it could carry a wisp of His radiance.
Not to mention, it needed to be perfectly compatible with his girl.
In a short period of time, where could he find a medium that could carry the young girl?
The joy that had just appeared was replaced by anxiety. Iget was burning with impatience, his gaze shifted to Mistetinn’s Staff and the End.
This was the staff that Verafia had once used, leaving behind her divine power and will; and the End was even tempered from her origin.
“I have a better suggestion for a container for Verafia!”
Seeing Iget’s hesitant eyes, Anderdun said urgently, fearing that he would make a decision.
“Iget, you still possess the Creation Divine Spark. It is the divine power law of the life system, and it also possesses infinite creativity. Moreover, the flame ignited by Herafir’s divine power is enough to melt this divine spark. More importantly, it originally belonged to you, and will not resist your decision.”
“As Verafia’s container, this is the best choice!”
Iget’s gaze trembled. Without any hesitation, pure demonic power condensed in his hand, and he directly cut open his chest.
The blade cut through flesh and blood, and the scene of bloody flesh startled Aishaiel, causing her to take a step back. Iget’s gaze was steady, and a layer of thin luster appeared on his palm. Enduring the pain, he took out this divine spark from the depths of his body.
The moment the Creation Divine Spark appeared, it stirred up vast and boundless law fluctuations, covering the black-haired young man like emerald ripples, causing people to exclaim.
Casslet noticed the greedy gazes in the crowd and subtly moved her body, blocking in front of Iget.
Anderdun was rapidly drawing runes.
At the request of the Black-winged Monarch, Aishaiel also picked up Niya and had her shed a drop of blood, which also came from Verafia’s divine power. The bright red flame quickly ignited the rune array drawn by Anderdun.
The firelight played on his face, and Iget’s gaze fell on the emerald divine spark in his hand.
Iget had once given this divine spark to Chrisis. After Verafia obtained it and came to this continent, fearing that Anderdun, who was residing in her body, would be detrimental to him, the young girl returned this divine spark to him.
Iget vaguely guessed Anderdun’s urgent reason.
However, this choice was unquestionable for him.
Iget walked closer, knelt before the burning flames, and placed the divine spark in his hand into the blazing flame.
The brilliant radiance of life flowed with golden and jade colors, filling the entire sky.
The Creation Divine Spark melted in the flames, and the divine law source self-wrote countless obscure runes, becoming brighter like a lit sun, and filling with endless vitality.
From afar, it seemed like life was born in the burning sun, or perhaps, a young but incomparably noble deity was being born.
“Will the Creation Divine Spark bring the young lady back?”
Iget lowered his face, looking at the delicate, golden, shimmering flame fragment in his hand. The brilliant golden blazing flame lit up on the fragment, but in his hand, it was like a moon, quiet and gentle.
Niya and the law runes drawn by Anderdun had been pushed to the limit, and the lines of the runes were steeped in emerald-gold law radiance.
“Hey… the Creation Divine Spark not only possesses infinite vitality, but it also represents infinite possibilities. All life can be derived from it.”
Anderdun, flickering in the mist, made a sound, and said proudly.
“To mold her body with its law origin, perhaps only then will the Verafia who finally appears be the most complete and pure her. Even her Flame Divine Spark cannot do this.”
Iget’s ears echoed with his voice.
Just like Herafir, she was the immortal Flame God King from ancient times. The Flame Divine Spark was born from her initial flame. Even her reborn flame was her derivative.
But even so, after reawakening, she would be influenced by Verafia.
“However, the one who finally appears may not be the Verafia you remember.”
Anderdun’s words made the young man’s actions pause slightly.
The other party explained: “The laws condensed by creation will give birth to a new Verafia according to her will. Moreover, she does not have true consciousness now, and everything will be based on her purest wishes. In other words, based on Verafia’s will, the Verafia who truly exists.”
“So, the young lady will become what she wants to be?”
Anderdun’s explanation was a bit obscure, but Iget understood and nodded.
No matter what his girl would choose in the end, wasn’t that still the girl he loved, still his Veer?
Seeing the young man’s expression, Anderdun curled his lips into a cold smile: “Hmph, kid, don’t be happy too soon… How do you know she will choose to remain female?”
Iget paused.
Verafia was not just the Goddess of Flame. A hundred years ago, her identity was also Lothel, the Hero who saved the world.
Although the girl rarely showed it, the experience of being Lothel in the past still held a significant place in her memory. Even her current life as Verafia was born from this obsession.
Seeing the hesitation on Iget’s face, Anderdun was annoyed and regretted speaking so carelessly.
“If this human kid is afraid of such a thing, and chooses to use the sword spirit of the End as a carrier instead of shaping her body with the Creation Divine Spark…”
As if sensing Anderdun’s thoughts, Iget looked up and smiled slightly.
“If this is the young lady’s choice, it proves that she has something more important in her heart. If I can help her… I will only be happy for her.”
Verafia was the girl he deeply loved, and he wanted to possess her completely… but this did not mean that Iget could treat her as his possession.
Iget had accompanied the girl to read many knight novels written by bards.
Among them, there were quite a few characters who, in the name of love, restrained and imprisoned the girls they loved. At that time, although the girl was very interested, Iget remembered that he just ruffled her hair and sneered.
Love… although selfish, should also have freedom. This kind of morbid emotion that used the name of “love” to become a chain, restraining the girl, Iget
She didn’t want to impose her to be Princess Princess on him.
The girl she loved, she should have her own choice, her own freedom.
“Besides, Veil said she would become my wife. I believe her.”
The light of fire and life touched his face. Ig knelt on the ground, carefully placing the golden shard in his hand.
The divine splendor circled the ground. The crowd gasped. They could feel the rich life aura. The entire land covered by ice and snow sprouted verdant green, as if representing the arrival of spring.
The power of life was creating something more important.
The dazzling radiance of laws and divine sources covered that delicate and beautiful golden hue.
The smile he tried to put on his face was melted by the glorious light, as if it had also merged into the domain of laws. Ig raised his eyes and stared motionlessly at the center where laws and divine power condensed. He found that only intense worry remained in his heart.
Although the girl said she would bless him… when facing such a possibility, he felt it was difficult to face it…
That’s why he felt uneasy.
Ig suddenly remembered the pure white saintess who walked out of the dark abyss in the night of Lorinc.
The pure white maiden had asked him a question. It was questioning him whether he would choose Lothel, who had influenced his entire life as the lifelong belief, or Verafia, who had accompanied him.
At that time, such a question made him almost unable to breathe or make a decision, and he even had to refute the maiden with fierce words.
Although Ig understood later, after the past, that all this was just a misunderstanding, his girl was also someone he once admired as a senior… Remembering the past, he often blushed with shame and anger on her face, which made him smile.
Now, the question reappeared before Ig.
However, now, no choice was needed.
He wanted Veil to be his girl, to be his young lady…
Suddenly, a golden radiant flame light spread in the brilliant vitality, but it was melted in an instant. Ig subconsciously raised his eyes. In a blur, magnificent feathers ignited golden flames, and a clear and beautiful cry struck the strings condensed by laws.
The light of laws gradually dissipated, still surrounded by magnificent golden flames, but what was born in the light could be seen.
It was not the slender figure of a maiden—
Ain, who stood beside Ig, widened her eyes in disbelief: “This is… an egg? A phoenix egg?”
The Fire Pigeon, which had returned to rest on her shoulder, chirped twice.
It was not as hard as a dragon egg. It was like solidified golden flames dotted the surface of the eggshell, plated with a layer of beautiful gold. The transparent divine splendor and the luster of the flames were slightly refracted, giving it a delicate and exquisite feel.
What Veil truly wanted to become was not the current divine maiden, nor was she the Sword Saint Hero she once was… but the Young Lady of the Phoenix they first met as.
…
Standing in the distance, Herafir saw the young man rush into the ocean of laws that still contained fierce flames and tightly embrace the small phoenix egg.
The tears overflowing from his eyes wet his face. His smile was filled with joy and relief.
“It’s like having an extra daughter?”
For some reason, he thought of such a funny scene.
The Goddess’s lips curved into a gentle smile. She took another deep look, then turned and left.
Epilogue
Half a year ago, the wind and frost that had shrouded the mainland all day long stopped howling.
That was also the day the warriors marching towards the northern ice fields achieved victory.
The sound of the early spring warm wind brought not only the joy of victory but also countless heroic and memorable stories.
Whether they were noble lords, believers of gods, or ordinary soldiers and warriors, they advanced into the domain of calamity at the cost of their lives. During the expedition, more than half of them died in the frosty land. Their oaths finally resounded above the frost.
“We come with fire—the sword of blazing flames, marching to melt the frost. May the Lord of Fire Saints bless us, we will surely achieve victory.”
Of course, the indelible memories also included the last moment when the dark starry sky and the ice froze in the firmament, the brilliant flames imprinted in eternal history.
The magnificent and flawless Goddess Princess once again held the divine sword and stood before the frost. The sword of Yanran melted the frost and the night.
The evil deity of ice was killed under the divine sword of flames.
The magnificent and beautiful sword, along with the slender yet incredibly sacred figure of the Flame Goddess under the collapsing darkness, was witnessed by all living beings on the continent.
Besides the praise and devout faith towards the Goddess, the story of the Goddess always included the figure of a black-haired young man.
Legend had it that before the Goddess awakened, the young man was her lover. Troubled by love, the young man, for his beloved, actually awakened the demon god alone, trying to devour Him… However, the Goddess opened her flame-ignited pupils and personally stopped the young man’s reckless act.
“Then, what about the Goddess Princess?”
Rumor had it that after the Goddess burned the frost, she fell into a deep sleep in the flames again due to the exhaustion of her power. But some people said that the southern ice ocean melted, and after the Flame Goddess killed the Ice God, she returned to her hometown.
“Then, what about the young man who loved the Goddess?”
Someone replied: “He awakened the evil god of frost, and in the end, he was possessed instead. The Goddess Princess had the memory of being in love with him, but her love for the world was greater than him. Finally, with a sigh, the Goddess’s sword fell, melting the frost of the evil god together.”
Some people also said: “He was greedy for the divine splendor. Even though the Goddess Princess chose to leave, he still chased her footsteps and finally drowned in the melting ice ocean.”
Compared to the legends of the Goddess, the rumors about this young man were bizarre.
However, regardless of whether the young man in each story was infatuated and brave, or insidious and greedy, he who awakened the evil god could not escape the punishment of death, ending his story in various strange ways.
Besides the stories of the Goddess and the young man, many other rumors circulated on the continent.
Legend had it that an unknown young girl became the new God of Ice but never appeared before the world; the Kasha Cult replaced the title of evil cult, and the followers established temples to worship the unknown Goddess of Ice.
There were also rumors that the Blazing Flame Church received the divine oracle and returned. In various churches, they erected statues of the Goddess of Salvation, with gentle and sacred soft gold eyes; the Goddess bestowed her laws upon the church, and a young swordsman became her knight.
But no matter what, the disaster of frost had completely passed.
The land that was once destroyed also regained its vitality.
…
“The Goddess is clearly red-haired, like fire! That’s what my dad told me, and he wouldn’t lie to me. Moreover, the Goddess possesses the Red Lotus Sword that destroys ice, and with just one swing, she can melt a whole snow mountain!”
A brown-haired young man, like a half-grown child, argued loudly with a flushed face.
However, his arguments only drew laughter from his companions.
“She’s clearly like the warm and moving bright gold of dawn sunlight, as soft and smooth as silk… If the Goddess was really red-haired, why are the statues erected by the church and the lords still like that?”
Another girl asked in a childlike voice, pointing towards the distant statue of the Goddess, then blinking her big eyes and proudly raising her face.
Her words won the applause of most of the children. Most of them obviously had considerable interest in being able to tease their companion who always regarded himself as an “heir of the hero.”
The young children bustled, and the debate about the Goddess’s hair color was still ongoing.
In the distance, soft dawn light dotted the exquisitely carved bright gold pupils of the Goddess, who gazed at them peacefully and gently.
“I never thought that there would still be someone
“Don’t argue about Veer’s hair color…”
Standing high on the city wall, her delicate ice-blue long hair seemed to be adorned with sparkling fluorescent light, driven by the gentle sea breeze. Ophi, resting her chin on her hands, blinked her long eyelashes with interest.
“That’s the Goddess, who saved the world.”
A light maiden’s laugh rang in her ears like a melodious wind chime.
Compared to half a year ago, Shiel hadn’t changed much, except she was now in an exquisite maiden’s dress. Her facial lines remained delicate and soft, exuding a subtle aura of a true lord.
Currently, Shiel’s status was still the Countess of Vinash City.
She had once served as the ruler of this territory, but as a maiden. Six months ago, the council discussed whether the late count’s title should be transferred to Azer.
However, Azer, as the “Envoy of the Gods,” strongly refused. Coupled with the intervention of Grand Duke Ilboa, the council had to make a concession, allowing Shiel to retain the title of Countess of Vinash as a maiden.
Regarding Vinash City, which had been completely destroyed in the frost calamity, Grand Duke Ilboa had proposed granting Shiel the territory of a recently deceased duke to show appreciation for Shiel’s contribution to the frost war and her respect for the Goddess.
However, Shiel politely refused this proposal, choosing instead to return to Vinash City.
“Vinash City is a city built by the Gasolan family, and it’s the territory my father handed down to me… I should bear the responsibilities of the Countess of Vinash.”
The maiden’s skirt fluttered slightly as she replied, “Moreover, Vinash is the most conveniently located port city on the entire continent. Only here can we accommodate a vast harbor and offshore shipyards, enabling us to build ships that can traverse the entire ocean.”
Shiel had not forgotten her promises to Verafia and Ig.
Fortunately, although Vinash City was utterly destroyed by the frost, its city ruins remained relatively intact.
With special funding from the council and over half a year of effort, nearly half of the destroyed city of Vinash has been repaired.
Under the gentle and warm morning sun, golden light scattered on the sea surface. Over the past six months, the ocean-going ships, built with the efforts of countless people, were docked in the harbor, undergoing final testing.
Shiel gazed at the distant goddess statue and the city gradually filling with life. A beautiful smile curved her lips, and her slender fingers brushed a strand of silky hair.
However, after looking several times, the maiden could not find the black-haired young man.
“Then, what about Ig…”
“Uh, Ig is with Veer…”
Ophi fluttered her slender eyelashes, recalling, “But Miss Ain went to see him earlier. Now, he should be on the ship.”
Gently swinging her dragon tail, the Ice Dragon Girl reflected seriously once more. She realized that during the six months spent on Aer Continent, Ig had seldom appeared in public, spending all his time with Verafia.
In contrast, while she herself was intelligent, cute, and renowned throughout the continent, Ig’s name was virtually unknown.
In fact, not many people knew he was still on the continent, as if he had truly died after the Flame Goddess’s departure, just as the rumors suggested.
Tilting her head slightly, Ophi curved her lips and let out a pleasant laugh.
“Then, Ig, and Miss Ophi, are you both leaving…”
Shiel’s light smile slightly faded, and a hint of sadness appeared in her light gold eyes as she looked at the Ice Dragon Girl, saying with some reluctance.
Although there was no immediate need to search for the Elf’s deity, Ophi and Ig decided to continue on to the Elf kingdom.
“Well, after all, Veer needs a lot of energy. Ain told us that perhaps their Life Spring can help Veer.”
“Is that so… But you’ve helped me so much, and I haven’t had a chance to thank you.”
Shiel lowered her face, gently clenching her slender fingertips. She knew the wishes of the young man and the Ice Dragon Girl and knew she shouldn’t stop them, but her heart ached for the friends she had made over the past year.
She turned her head again and saw the silver-haired elf standing beside the Ice Dragon Girl, her delicate eyelashes lowered. “Besides, even Irene is leaving…”
The silver moon elf, who had been quiet, showed a smile and reached out, gently stroking Shiel’s delicate hair.
The girl with blue-pink hair seemed to be acting spoiled, but her pupils, hidden by her eyelashes, revealed a hint of sadness.
“Because I’ve been away from home for a long time… since Count rescued me and I’ve been with you, Miss, for nearly twenty years. I’m starting to forget what the Goddess’s Moon Well will become.”
Irene gently stroked the maiden’s delicate hair and saw the reluctance in her raised eyes. She softly wiped away a glistening tear track. “I’ll be back soon, just accompanying Ig and Miss Ophi to the Elf Forest.”
She gave a gentle smile at the corner of her mouth. “Besides, Azer promised me he would take good care of you, Miss.”
“That guy…”
Shiel’s face turned slightly red.
However, she also knew that no matter how much she tried to hold them back, she couldn’t keep her friends.
Shiel raised her eyes again and looked at Ophi.
“Then, Miss Ophi, please tell Ig that after Miss Verafia recovers, remember to come visit me and Azer.”
Her fingertips lightly touched the hem of her skirt, and she lowered her face slightly, her light gold eyes showing a hint of sadness. “Actually, Miss Verafia has helped me so much… I never had the chance to thank her in person.”
“Veer can hear what Shiel says.”
Suddenly, a young man’s voice echoed. Shiel, startled, looked up and saw the black-haired young man walking with the wood elf girl, a smile on his face.
“Ig?”
Ig approached her, not seeming as suppressed as she had imagined. Just like when they first met, he looked at the maiden and smiled relaxedly. “Besides, coming to this continent, it should be me and Veer thanking Shiel.”
“Mm…”
The young countess lowered her face. “Then, are Ig and Miss Ophi leaving now?”
Ig paused his words, seemingly deep in thought, and then put on a serious expression. “Actually, we should stay to attend Shiel and Azer’s wedding.”
“Oh, don’t mention that guy!”
Shiel’s fair face instantly flushed red. She suddenly said in a voice as soft as a mosquito’s hum,
“Brother Azer told me that we should hold our wedding ceremony after our city is fully restored… At that time, Ig, and Miss Verafia, you must come.”
The maiden’s slender voice grew softer and softer. Shiel suddenly clenched her little fists, as if to dispel her embarrassment.
“Yes, if we can have the Goddess’s blessing, Azer’s wedding will surely be enviable!”
Before her voice even faded, Shiel buried her face, her fingertips intertwined, her delicate fair face flushed with a blush, filled with embarrassment.
Ig smiled, and his gaze could see the fleeting anticipation and sweetness hidden in the maiden’s downcast golden eyes.
He felt a moment of daze.
It was as if in that pure white dream, the beautiful and enchanting girl, adorned in a bridal gown like a precious artwork, gently offered her small hand, shyly saying she wanted to become a true little wife.
Like a delicate piece of pure white glass, fragile and easily broken, yet so captivating.
That unforgettable memory.
Ig felt a touch of melancholy, but the emotion on his lips was quickly replaced by a smile.
His girl…
Ig’s fingertips softly touched the object in his embrace.
The slightly hard shell of the phoenix egg conveyed a delicate warmth; his fingertips felt smooth, as if touching the maiden’s tenderness.
His girl was sleeping peacefully.
A faint, gentle arc appeared at the corner of his lips. Ig tilted his head slightly, gazing into the distance at the melted ice ocean, adorned with soft golden brilliance.
The sea breeze blew from the boundless sea, brushing past his eyes with his slightly longer black hair. Ig’s clothes were slightly blown open, and the phoenix egg held within his chest emanated a beautiful, radiant golden hue, reflecting faintly amidst the soft dawn light.
Ig gazed at the boundless ocean.
This was a continent once sealed by frost. It was by accident that they, from a foreign land, were sent here from beyond the sea.
Having been on this continent for over a year, whether facing the flames ignited within the young girl’s body or the darkness and frost shrouding the sky, Ig had felt sadness and despair more than once.
But it had been a journey worth cherishing.
The boy’s fingertips gently touched his girl. The phoenix egg’s magnificent flame patterns, adorned with delicate golden brilliance, shimmered softly as if responding to him.
And they left, carrying hope.
(End of Volume 4)
Lingering Echoes: Fire and Light
The night and moon were melted by magnificent flames.
The Goddess of Fire held the sword blade in her hand.
The endless ocean burned with fierce fire. Deep within the frost, beneath the endless ocean, a colossal evil beast lay buried amidst the burning flames. A sword’s trace pierced its heart, and the blood flowing out seemed to dye the entire ice ocean red, only to be ignited by the raging flames that scorched the sea.
With light steps, delicate crimson lotuses adorned the burning giant beast. Herafir’s gaze was calm as she felt the power constantly mending her divine spark.
“This beast… is it the sea beast that originally coveted Veer’s power, wanting to devour her, thus causing her to arrive on that continent? It has already been wounded by her… no wonder it possesses near-divine power yet is so weak.”
Her delicate lips softly murmured. Herafir’s fingertips ignited crimson flames, continuously burning the giant beast’s blood and demonic power.
This was the seventh sea beast she had hunted, a beast heavily wounded by Verafia, who had reignited her Flame Divine Power after it had been gravely injured by Verafia when she faced Lancaster on the night of Lichen.
Herafir could also sense a thick power of frost.
“But, mending the divine spark is not enough.”
A faint sound of wind caressed, as if melted by the soft red lotus firelight, gently blowing the goddess’s crimson hair. A hint of abnormal paleness still showed between her flawless jade-like cheeks.
The Flame Divine Spark had been nearly shattered when Verafia faced Lancaster on the night of Lichen. Moreover, six months prior, the separation of Verafia’s fragment had almost shattered the entirety of the “Flame Goddess.”
Thinking of the girl’s stubborn gaze, a faint smile spread across Herafir’s lips, and she then gently shook her head. She raised her face, and the flames slid down with it.
Born from flames, she was undoubtedly her sister… She should have faced her with more guilt.
“I hope Veer can have the life she desires.”
Her soft voice conveyed the goddess’s blessing. Herafir slightly lowered her crimson jade-like red eyes, gently gripping the Flaming Divine Sword in her hand. Though merely a condensation of law, it still held the phantom of “LeVatin, the Sword of Destruction.”
As the goddess of destruction, she also had a destiny to face.
First, she needed to possess the power of the God King.
Suddenly, the waves fluctuated on the sea surface, and Herafir’s gaze shifted.
A grand golden ship passed through the domain of flames. Countless sonorous voices from the primeval era recalled her memory… Herafir’s delicate fingertips caressed the blade of the flaming sword, but she did not draw it.
However, the divine radiance of the flames still enveloped the deck of the golden ship, as if stripping away the entire space and transforming it into her divine domain.
The golden-haired youth stepped into the flame-scorched divine domain. He respectfully bowed, but it was in facing the goddess’s gaze: “Your Majesty, the God King, it is an honor to see you.”
Her crimson hair blew in the wind. Herafir gazed at the youth standing directly under the divine radiance. Beside him, an ancient soul existed.
“An Orc of the Golden Lion.”
The goddess lightly parted her lips, her gaze falling on William, but she said, “This soul… did you rescue it from the human world while Veer and the Sacred Sword King were fighting?”
The entire world echoed with the goddess’s gentle voice. On the golden ship, Orc warriors prostrated themselves. She slightly shook her head.
“Orc warriors, you have come to see me. What do you seek?”
Her tone was still melodious, but it seemed to carry a hint of coolness, entwined with magnificent flames, revealing her authority as the God King for the first time.
William knelt before the goddess and said, “The Royal Court of the Orcs humbly requests that you become our deity.”
“Become your deity?”
Herafir said, “Golden Lion, you tried to approach Veer. Were you originally preparing her to be your goddess?”
“If Miss Verafia is willing to accept.”
The goddess slightly raised her head: “However, you know, I am not her.”
“If it were Your Highness Princess, I would rather not know how to ask her.”
William revealed a smile: “However, Your Majesty, the God King… have you returned to this world to awaken the memories once hidden by fate?”
“Twilight has passed; they should be buried.”
“But, Your Majesty, the God King, you have awakened. And you still choose to face such responsibility.”
Herafir fell into a brief silence, then slowly raised her magnificent crimson eyes, as if burning with flames: “Orcs, do you wish to take revenge on humanity?”
“The price of hatred is too high. We merely wish to have a chance to continue under your flames… at the moment of fate’s judgment.”
The Goddess of Fire showed no discernible expression. The night was adorned in her gaze, appearing cold. Suddenly, she raised her divine sword and slashed; beside the golden ship, thousands of tons of seawater boiled, stirring up a tsunami, but the next moment, it was evaporated by the flames.
William, however, let out a sigh of relief, a look of gratitude on his face.
This action meant that the God King had not refused their request.
The blade of the flaming sword gradually extinguished in the red-haired goddess’s hand. Her brilliant long hair, reaching her waist, swayed slightly, and the laws of flame intertwined around her, shaping her magnificent divine attire.
“Orcs, if you wish to believe in me… first, come with me to see an old acquaintance.”
The clear voice of the God King of Flames echoed across the entire sea surface burning with flames.
…
Within the Holy Temple, light shone eternally. The culmination of all light converged at the pure white arc of the Holy Seat Palace, its holy gold trim reflecting the brilliance of dawn.
However, the Holy See of the Church appeared chaotic.
Traces of magic burns and holy light clashes ignited on the holy white floor tiles. Sacred murals were erased, and statues of saints crumbled down.
Beneath the Holy Seat, the sacred Church, which for thousands of years had not been defiled even by the demonic king’s forces, was littered with the corpses of holy armored guards and dark swordsmen. Clearly, a fierce battle had erupted in this sacred land.
A faint sound echoed in the dimness. The staff of the God of Light illuminated eternal holy light, and the Pope, clad in a sacred white robe, returned before the Holy Seat.
However, even the eccentric and seemingly endless night-like approach of the Demon King Fatter, caused by magic, had not shaken the sacred and pure light.
The Pope’s gaze fell behind the Holy Seat. The young, tender little princess tightly clutched her skirt with her delicate fingers. She tried hard to lift her face, wanting to appear brave.
But the panic flashing in the girl’s ruby-like big eyes betrayed her fear.
The Pope extended his thin hand, stroking the princess’s soft hair. The little princess’s eyes were filled with terror, and her delicate body trembled slightly, yet she allowed the Pope’s hand to stroke her.
“Princess Siya, there is no need to fear. You are the Saintess of Light… and Light shall shine eternally.”
Like a distant morning bell, the Pope’s voice was kind and amiable, flowing gently into the endless light.
But the eternal light suddenly paused for a moment.
A slender figure walked into the endless light, and the blazing crimson flames gently spread out like a painting.
“It’s Veer.”
“Sister?”
The princess, hiding behind the stone throne, witnessed the bright flame light and shouted urgently, “Veer, be careful—”
But Siya’s voice abruptly stopped. The girl saw the goddess emerge from the crimson flame, her big eyes filled with surprise.
The Pope slowly turned around, a hint of curiosity appearing in his cloudy eyes:
“Flame Goddess? However, to have His Majesty the God King personally grace us… I thought it would be her.”
“You are the messenger of light.”
Herafir stepped out of the flames and looked at the human with the white robe and scepter: “Her memory contains you. However, I am not here for you…”
“Let the light come out and see me.”
—
After thinking about it, I felt it would be better to add a section before starting a new volume…
Prologue
The vast sea was calm.
Blue birds streaked across the azure sea, their wings creating subtle ripples and leaving behind melodious cries.
Ig looked up at their traces. They only lightly touched the sea waves, flapped their wings to fly onto the deck and sails, and their slender beaks gently pecked at their wet feathers. Their clear, beautiful songs were bathed in the twilight sunlight.
The young man shook his head and chuckled.
Birds that flew across the sea, besides rocks, naturally found human ships places to rest temporarily. Perhaps, sometimes, idle sailors even brought them fresh water and food.
As he was pondering this, several sailors approached the deck.
Ig lowered his head slightly, his hair blown aside by the wind. His gaze fell on the phoenix egg he held in his arms. The thinly delicate, soft gold eggshell reflected threads of light.
“Veer…”
He softly whispered the name. Ig suddenly had a whimsical thought: Veer, who would hatch from the phoenix egg, should also be a small bird with beautiful feathers?
A smile involuntarily spread across Ig’s lips. Carefully putting his girl away, the young man stood up from the deck.
The horizon was already twilight, the faint red fishing lights dissolving into the golden afterglow. The golden-red colors spread across the sky like soft rosy clouds, then were scattered by the gentle sea breeze.
The ship parted the waves, the shimmering water seeming to turn golden. It splashed against the ship’s hull, the soft, bright golden light akin to branches and leaves blown by the west wind, making Ig involuntarily recall the golden tree that Ainseil had once described.
However, on the side where the light was blocked, the seawater appeared deep and silent, touching everyone’s perception without a sound.
Even with the setting sun, the moon in the sky had already revealed its shadow. Although the sun had not yet set, the Moon Goddess still calmly watched over this shadowed sea, adorning it with her cold tranquility.
Ig gazed into the distance at the moon’s shadow. Under the twilight light, the moonlight did not fall into his eyes but seemed to feel hazy, like a dreamscape, unable to be stained even by the dazzling gold.
“But, the end of that is the elven kingdom…”
That was also the world where he and his girl needed to go.
The twilight sunlight left soft, bright golden glows in the sky. However, the sun was setting faster than expected.
By the time Ig found the several girls on the ship, the sky had completely darkened. The frost moon illuminated the silver moonlight, a hazy, thin veil covering the entire dreamscape.
The Silver Moon Elf and the Wood Elf girls were sitting together, whispering and talking. Delicate moonlight touched their light green and silver hair, while Ophi sat beside them, resting her chin on her small hands in a duck-like pose. Her frost-blue gem-like big eyes were charmingly cut by her delicate eyelashes.
“In the world of elves, besides the goddess Silusery, whom Miss Ain mentioned, is there also the moon? Then, why is this Goddess Princess, who is a sister to the Life Goddess, just watching her people betray?”
The Ice Dragon Girl raised her head. Her exquisite dragon horns, which twinkled with gem-like luster, and a pair of crystal-like dragon wings adorned with starlight moonlight. She slightly swayed the tail beneath her skirt, her slightly drawn-out, confused voice hanging in the quiet night sky.
The tranquil moonlight shrouded the deep, dreamlike landscape.
—
Ig had not expected that they would stay for a full year outside the elven world.
Since the Great Tide of the Black Moon, the elven kingdom had fallen into silence, cut off from the outside world. Legend had it that only the Mountain Kingdom of the dwarves still maintained contact with the Elven Forest.
Shiel had prepared experienced sailors for them, and under the guidance of the envoy, it did not take too long for Ig, Ophi, and several other girls to find the dwarf kingdom in the mountains.
Then came the thunderous collapse of the secret realm.
No one knew what peculiar events had occurred in the elven world. Soon, King Mud, the legendary dwarf warrior who had once fought the Demon King, was assassinated by a dark shadow and fell into a deep sleep. The entire Mountain Kingdom plunged into darkness and the turmoil of usurpation.
There were rumors that shadowy assassins from the “Magic Kingdom” of Halankton were responsible for this murder, weaving a vast web of conspiracy over the entire dwarven nation.
“Magic Kingdom, the Magic Monarch Fatter…”
Struggling to hold his sword, Ig managed to stand up with difficulty on the square filled with corpses and tainted blood. His dry lips silently uttered that name.
Only he and the remaining dwarf warriors were here.
Ophi, along with two elven girls, including the Eternal End who could transform into a sword spirit, were reminded by Ig to go to the dwarf royal palace to protect King Mud of the dwarves. He, on the other hand, blocked the square in front of the royal palace with the dwarf warriors.
The sounds of battle echoed with brutality. He recalled the name of the Magic Monarch.
Even though it was not frequent, Ig had uttered this name many times. And regarding this Mage, who had once fought alongside his girl as a companion, even though they had never met, Ig was no stranger.
“Fatter, is he plotting against King Mud… or is he plotting against the elven kingdom?”
Ig couldn’t help but murmur.
He ultimately shook his head, channeling his magic to heal his body’s injuries.
No matter what, the final attacks of the magic assassins and usurpers had been completely destroyed. Moreover, Ig had noticed the terrifying fluctuations stirred by Thor’s Hammer in the dwarf royal palace.
Since King Mud had awakened, as a hero who had once accompanied the Young Lady to fight the Demon King, even a terrifying swordsman named “Agneti” could hardly injure him, right?
The collapsing and fleeing rebels also proved their victory.
Ig endured the pain, supported himself to stand, and looked at the palm holding his sword.
A year was long enough for many things to happen.
Not only had Ig advanced from the Crystal Realm to the Star Realm, but he had also heard that many changes had occurred in the outside world.
“It was also Fatter. Legend has it that he personally came to the Holy See of Light and led his retinue into the temple… yet, he retreated before the light.”
Besides this, there were many other rumors.
Legend had it that a goddess calling herself Blazing Flame stepped before the Light but still retreated before the Holy See Pope… The Holy Son of Light, Andes, was denounced as a heretic worshipping evil gods, stripped of his clerical status, and wanted by the Church; at the same time, Princess Siya of the Empire was crowned the Saintess of Light…
“Princess Siya, I wonder how she is doing.”
Ig couldn’t help but show a trace of worry. But he could only shake his head.
His fingertips gently moved, carefully touching the phoenix egg with its subtle golden glow in his arms. A smile appeared on his lips.
No matter what, he was fortunate that his girl was not harmed and remained by his side.
“Ig! His Majesty Mud wants to see you!”
Suddenly, a rough voice came from a distance, filled with excitement.
