Prologue: The Turning Wheel of Fate
“Clang!”
A wooden cup fell to the ground, spilling its contents. A light green liquid concentrated with pure life energy. Just one sip of this elixir could extend an ordinary person’s life by decades.
However, the figure who had accidentally knocked it over, the owner of this treehouse and the Goddess of Life, [Sethlin], paid no attention to the precious sap from the Divine Tree of Life now wasted on the floor. Her face was pale, as if she had been struck by a great shock.
“The resonance… has completely vanished? How is this possible? How could it disappear so suddenly? Violet…”
She stretched out her hand, and a delicate web of erald-green threads slowly materialized in the air. The goddess plucked and guided the threads, as though trying to locate sothing within them.
But she failed.
“Could she already be gone from this world? Otherwise, how could there be no trace at all…?”
No, there was another possibility.
Sethlin dismissed the green web, resting her chin in her hand as she pondered.
“If… if she is currently within the divine realm of another Main God, or in a place shrouded by a law-grade barrier similar to this world, it could indeed sever my perception. But who could it be…?”
“No, I can’t just sit here and wait.”
As if resolving herself, she waved her hand once more. A green curtain of light appeared before her, revealing the image of a grand hall.
In the hall, a young woman with pure white wings sensed her summons and respectfully knelt before the goddess.
“I greet the Goddess of Life.”
[Estila, I have a task for you and your group.]
“Understood~”
…………………………………
The Holy Empire, Angel City of the Eastern Capital.
The Holy Court.
“Any news?”
In a spacious and brightly lit conference room, a young woman nad Edwina Cecilia sat facing three other young won of remarkable presence. Without turning her head, she directed her question to a trusted family retainer, who stood respectfully below and had just delivered the latest intelligence.
The retainer, clearly nervous, hesitated before delivering the answer that caused all four won to darken their expressions slightly.
“M-My apologies, Your Highnesses. The Church has mobilized all 871 temples worldwide, in coordination with the [Light Worshipper Church], to conduct a joint search. But… we’ve found no information regarding the White Fox Saintess…”
“…Hah.”
Exhaling softly, Edwina waved her hand dismissively at the retainer.
“Understood. Continue to maintain strict surveillance and keep searching. The mont you discover even the slightest clue, report it imdiately. This is *extrely* important. Do you understand?”
“Y-Yes! Understood!”
“You may go.”
“Y-Yes…”
The young cleric wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, bowed again, and retreated.
His nervousness was understandable, given the extraordinary gathering in the room. These four won represented nearly all the top leaders of the [Light Worshipper Church] in the Holy Empire.
Yuna Sumrfield, the Bright Light Saintess.
Frederica Cecilia, the Judgent Saintess.
Philona Lambert, the Redemption Saintess.
And… the newly elected Pope of the Holy Order, Edwina Cecilia, who won an overwhelming victory in both the voting and evaluations, is set to be crowned on the [Day of Divine Arrival] six months from now. Her predecessor, Pope August Lambert, has stepped down to make way for her.
A heavy silence lingered in the small space where these high-ranking figures had gathered.
Finally, it was Miss Holy Knight, who had gradually beco the leader of the new generation of the Holy Empire, who broke the stillness with a somber voice.
“It’s been over a month now.”
“Indeed. She appeared so suddenly, rescuing believers on the brink of destruction, only to vanish without a trace once again… We didn’t even have the chance to hold a formal ceremony to offer our gratitude and praise.”
The remarks of Edwina and Yuna prompted a reaction from the other two won.
“Could it be that the burden of descending upon the [River of Ti] and wielding the [Sword of Origin] to sever history was too great, and that’s why…”
“Lady Philona, such a thought shows great disrespect to the Goddess’s power. I witnessed Miss Dawn’s strength with my own eyes. Although I now think that it was probably just the tip of the iceberg of Her divine power, how could the [Goddess of Radiance], who possesses power equivalent to the [Tree of Creation], be weakened by rely using an artifact once?”
“Uh…”
As she listened to the exchange between the Redemption Saintess and the Judgent Saintess, Yuna turned her gaze toward the pink-haired girl in the room, who was the least familiar with [Dawn] among them.
“Lady Philona, what is the current state of the [Ring of Salvation]?”
“Huh?”
Caught off guard for a mont, the Redemption Saintess quickly realized what Yuna ant.
The won present were all core figures in the Holy Empire, and there was no need to conceal certain topics or secrets. Pulling back her sleeve, Philona revealed the dazzling holy ring on her arm.
“To be honest, it’s excellent, better than ever before. The original [Ring of Salvation] had flaws. It required successive Redemption Saintesses to accumulate and supplent its power over long periods, and could only be used during the most critical monts. However…”
“After the holy ritual concluded and the three holy artifacts were once again separated, I initially thought that the series of miracles would have drained all the accumulated power within the [Ring of Salvation], returning it to its original state. But when I held it in my hands, I discovered that its energy had beco more abundant than ever before. It’s truly incredible…”
The Bright Light Saintess nodded slightly.
“In that case, we can rule out the possibility that Her Grace, the Goddess, lost contact with us because she had exhausted her power. If she had truly been unable to control the [Sword of Origin], she would have had to rely on far more of the artifacts’ stored energy when she severed the [River of Ti]. How could there be so much energy left over?”
“That… makes sense,” Philona admitted.
Edwina also nodded slightly, raising one hand as if to add to Yuna’s explanation. In her palm, a radiant and sacred light gathered, forming into a spear of pure, divine brilliance.
This was not rely holy light magic derived from the light elent, but sothing purer and more sacred, imbued with unique rhythms and energy. Though many in the Holy Empire might no longer recognize this power, Yuna and the other Saintesses imdiately recognized its nature.
“This is… faith-based magic?”
“Yes.”
Miss Holy Knight placed the spear on the table, allowing the other three Saintesses to examine it closely, then explained in a calm but firm tone.
“When the Goddess descended and channeled Her divine power through my body to wield the [Sword of Origin] and correct history, a small portion of Her divine power remained within . Since then, I’ve felt an even stronger connection to Her presence, and faith-based magic, long thought to have vanished—has sohow remained with .”
“You three know that I was rumored to be divinely chosen, possessing powers that ordinary believers could neither understand nor wield. It was this power that ultimately earned the majority vote to beco the new Pope. In truth, this divine power is exactly what you see here.”
“I believe this is likely the true nature of faith-based magic. It can only be wielded by those chosen by the Goddess. It does not manifest out of thin air as a divine gift but still requires the wielder’s energy to activate. However, it is more sacred and vast than ordinary holy light magic, a blessing born from faith.”
Edwina paused briefly before continuing, “Of course, I’m not ntioning this to boast about my fortune. My point is that since the true ‘faith-based magic’ bestowed by the Goddess remains usable, it signifies that She has not abandoned us.”
“Although I don’t know why Her Grace has temporarily lost contact, I believe that one day, the [Primordial Light] will return to us. After all… She is that kind of reassuring presence.”
“……”
The three Saintesses exchanged glances, and the discussion montarily fell into silence.
Eventually, it was Frederica who spoke, seemingly trying to lighten the mood. “By the way, Nana, how are Miss Dawn’s companions doing now?”
The golden-haired girl, who had erged as the chosen candidate for the next Pope and was already starting to familiarize herself with the managent of the Angel City, nodded slightly.
“Leil… Those two angel ladies and the other two girls are still in Angel City. I’m currently arranging for one of the younger girls to enroll in the Holy Academy. It seems they intend to wait here for Miss Dawn’s return and likely won’t leave anyti soon.”
“Miss Xiao Guang disappeared not long after Miss Dawn went missing. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure where she went. But considering her imnse strength, there’s probably nothing in this world that could pose a threat to her. I doubt we need to worry.”
“Miss Xiao Guang…”
Yuna nodded thoughtfully, but she didn’t pursue the topic further. Instead, she subtly guided the conversation away, assisting Edwina in moving past the matter.
“Alright, while the whereabouts and status of the Goddess are undoubtedly of utmost importance, the aftermath of the demon war also requires our imdiate attention. Addressing the follow-up matters, as well as treating and resettling the displaced refugees across the land, is a top priority.”
“Particularly those [Defilent] infected individuals whom Miss Dawn had been protecting. According to reports, they seem to have recently returned to the mortal world through the designated exits. They are now undergoing phased quarantine and treatnt, which indirectly suggests that She is currently safe and sound.”
“Now, let us begin the first official Holy Council eting.”
…………………………………
In the shadowy grandeur of a void-like hall, a fiery red fla radiating explosive energy floated into a circular chamber composed of a round table and seats.
Unlike the clamor and noise from the last ti it arrived, the chamber now exuded a heavy silence. Even a certain clown, who had previously taunted and jeered ceaselessly, was nowhere to be found.
The fla took its designated seat, floating above it, as it seed to cast its perception like a gaze across the room.
[Five, six, seven… Even fewer than last ti. Is our council on the verge of disbanding?]
A figure cloaked entirely in black robes, with only faint gray currents swirling faintly around their face, replied indifferently.
[It was unusually crowded last ti. Flam, perhaps you’ve never attended a eting where only four mbers showed up. After all, participation in the council has never been mandatory. You’re free not to co if you prefer.]
[……]
The God of Blazing Flas let out a cold snort and turned its attention to a vacant stone seat carved with countless masks, a trace of glee and mischief creeping into its tone.
[Exmont, I heard Musk went looking for that Violet but ended up getting his ho blown to bits by so random fox. Is that true? Is that fool really dead this ti?]
The aura of Exmont, the God of Subversion and Paradox, remained indifferent, as though the unfortunate disaster had not befallen a colleague and forr ally, but rather a complete stranger.
[His divine form was obliterated in a single strike, his followers annihilated, and the world he ruled shattered into several fragnts. However, it was rely an abandoned colonial world, so its destruction is conveniently an opportunity for reclamation and repurposing. As for Musk himself, it will likely take him about 300 years to recover. A minor setback, you could say.]
Hearing this description of such catastrophic devastation as rely a “minor setback,” even the seasoned God of Blazing Flas let out a sound of disbelief, its previously mocking attitude giving way to a more serious tone.
[Just one strike? What kind of forbidden magic can achieve that? First Violet, and now a strange fox. How is it that powerful entities in this era seem to be increasing rather than diminishing?]
Exmont shrugged, replying with certainty:
[Not only that, but there was a divinity crystallized from the techniques I devised, nearing maturity in the mortal realm. I was preparing to claim it myself, but that lunatic Sluthel suddenly barged into the mortal realm and, amidst the chaos, soone else beat us to it. It’s now lost without a trace.]
[I don’t believe it’s just a coincidence, soone must have planned this to prevent from taking the divine essence. What an annoying pest! I’ll find them and kill them once the barrier is gone.]
[Also, by my count, at least four or five god-level entities have erged in that realm recently. The situation in the “Origin Realm” is becoming increasingly complex.]
As they spoke, an ancient, profound voice echoed through the great hall.
[This is a sign. The results of the prophecy are becoming clearer. The rising number of gods signifies that the seals are gradually weakening. It is ti, my fellow councilors, to begin formal preparations.]
All the councilors simultaneously looked up, “gazing” toward the source of the disembodied voice. They began discussing in a clamor of differing opinions.
[Are we targeting the ruins now?]
[Hmm… isn’t it a bit premature? While the world’s barriers have indeed shown so fluctuations, they’ve already been repaired. Besides, we still haven’t figured out the origins of those inexplicable gods appearing within the mortal realm.]
[Indeed. I also believe we should proceed cautiously. Each deity involves significant complexities and should not be underestimated.]
The ancient voice quickly summarized the discussion:
[It is true that directly entering the mortal realm is premature. However, preparations and indirect interference can comnce. Aside from the Four Demon Lords, traces of the suspected deities appearing within the “Origin Realm” are already being personally investigated by Hen.]
This statent caused a notable stir among the councilors.
[Even Lord Hen is taking action personally?]
[Hmph, it seems things are getting serious now. It’s been over a thousand years…]
[In that case, I shall make my own preparations as well.]
As the councilors delved into an intense discussion about the long-absent yet closely tied matters of their interests, the ancient voice shrouding the great hall remained silent for a while. Once the commotion subsided, it spoke again:
[Let us begin the formal discussions of this council.]
[Since this is rely the initial stage of preparations, today’s agenda contains only one topic. How should we respond to the confird rebirth of one of the Main Gods of Order, the forr Goddess of Earth Seth, now the Goddess of Life, Sethlin? She stands as the first obstacle to our sweeping plan.]
[Seth? That troubleso figure has been resurrected?]
[What is the aning of ‘Goddess of Life’?]
[Now that you ntion it, that light-aspect deity nad Violet also seems to be a God of Order as well, right?. Have they already joined forces?]
The chaotic voices of discussion gradually faded, dispersing into the void.
…………………………………
Far away, in a palace concealed by deep courtyards and high walls…
The elderly man, dressed in a purple robe embroidered with the pattern of three soaring blue birds, hastily entered the outer courtyard. There, at least a hundred people of various appearances and ages stood waiting, gazing up at the closed palace doors, murmuring among themselves.
The other two leaders, also wearing the sa purple robes adorned with the three blue bird pattern, greeted the elderly man with respectful gestures as he arrived.
“Lord Tai Fu.”
“Teacher.”
The elder returned the salute, his expression anxious as he repeatedly asked,
“I’ve heard that the Immortal Envoy visited suddenly. What urgent matter has arisen? To choose such an important ti at the year’s end, could it be that the great world is…”
One of the n in luxurious purple robes helplessly shook his head.
“Teacher, do not worry. The Saint is in secret talks with the Immortal Envoy. No matter what, they will surely reach an agreent soon.”
Another man continued, “That’s true, but we’re not sure if the Immortal Envoy has only visited our Western Origin Spirit Kingdom, or if…”
“Boom, boom, boom…”
Before he could finish, the palace doors slowly creaked open with a heavy, resounding hum.
A handso, middle-aged man in a magnificent robe stepped forward, followed closely by a beautiful woman.
The crowd straightened, quickly dropping to their knees in unison.
“We, your subjects, pay our respects to the Saint and the Immortal Envoy!”
“……”
The man, called the Saint, remained silent for a mont, letting out a barely perceptible sigh. He then quickly composed himself and, in a deep voice, issued an imperial decree to the gathered officials.
“The Immortal Island will return to the mortal world in half a year. At that ti, our kingdom will join with the other three nations to once again hold the [Four Saints’ Immortal Selection Ceremony]. Everyone, prepare yourselves…”
“The great age is about to arrive.”
Hen & Dawn
Reviews
All reviews (0)