Chapter 1177: The Final Compromise
Chapter 1177: The Final Compromise
The goddess's frown deepened further. She withdrew her gaze from him and refocused on Aerialia, who was still hovering before her.
"Everything he has said is the truth. If you are still doubtful, we can prove it by taking you there and allowing you to see for yourself," Aerialia affirmed with a firm nod.
Sensing that the goddess was merely intimidating Orion and Aurora, Aerialia decided not to proceed. It was best they utilised this opportunity to understand what it felt like to face a genuine divine being, as it would benefit them in the future.
Hearing Aerialia's response, the goddess wore a pensive expression.
"Unfortunately, I can't here without risking the Mirror realm destabilising. But If that's the case, then I will offer a trade: a Divine Embryonic Seed for the Goddess of the Hunting Moon in exchange for the safe return of residents of the pocket dimension to here," the goddess responded.
Aerialia froze, her expression filled with shock and astonishment.
Orion and Aurora mirrored her reaction.
"Are you certain?" Orion asked, his hands clenching into fists.
"I still have many materials, so creating one won't be a problem," the goddess replied with a nod.
Orion noticed that Aerialia and Aurora's gazes were now fixed on him. If the goddess kept her word, this might be Aerialia's chance to reclaim her body. It wasn't something they could afford to miss. However, he also couldn't betray the residents of the pocket dimension after the promise he had made to them.
Orion found himself at a crossroads, two heavy choices weighing on his shoulders. After a moment, his shoulders sagged. He lifted his head, met the goddess's gaze, and nodded.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
"If you can create a suitable Divine Embryonic Seed for Goddess Aerialia, I will fulfil my end of the bargain," he agreed.
"That's good! See, we have finally reached an agreement. A single divine being, especially one who seems to trust you so well, is much better than countless mortals," the goddess said, her tone and expression pleased.
Aerialia and Aurora sighed quietly in relief.
A ripple of emotion flickered in their gazes before it faded. No matter how they looked at it, this was the best course of action they could take.
"Recreating the Divine Embryonic Seed will take some time, and you will need to prepare it for your goddess's reincarnation. If you don't trust me, we can wait until it's done before proceeding with your side of the bargain. In the meantime, Zera will conduct the inheritance ceremony and bestow upon you both the promised inheritances," the goddess added.
Orion nodded in agreement.
The goddess turned her head towards Aerialia and asked, "Do you disagree? If you are unsatisfied, we can make room for additional arrangements as long as they are feasible." Aerialia shook her head. "No, I'm fine with this," she said, lowering her crimson greatsword. The intense glow on the blade dimmed until it completely vanished.
The goddess nodded, pleased with how the negotiation had concluded. "Due to our actions, the divine mysteries may attempt to peer into this realm by stirring up trouble that could harm our sanctuary. I would appreciate it if you defended this place until I can push back and eliminate their presence," the goddess said, glancing outside through the broken chamber. "You don't need to worry about what you'll face. It's something you'll be able to handle with your strength." She then turned her gaze to Orion as though reading his thoughts.
"If that's the case, I'll give my all to protect the sanctuary," Orion nodded.
He didn't know precisely how the divine mysteries would stir up trouble. Still, he took her word for it since the goddess assured him it was within his capabilities.
He would swiftly use the golden key to open a gateway to the golden palace if something went wrong. He was sure Aurora would do the same after sensing his actions. Now that they knew the location of the Mirror Realm, they could always return once they were strong enough.
"I will accompany you too," Aurora said, her expression determined.
"No! There won't be any need..." the goddess began, but Aurora swiftly cut her words.
"Why not?" Aurora asked, her frown deepening.
"It's because once the divine mysteries sense that you are also a goddess, it would greatly increase the intensity of the attack, seeing no reason to spare those living within the Mirror Realm to eliminate a threat."
"So, you will not join and risk putting us in a much greater predicament. We also need your energy reserves to create the divine embryonic seed, so the fuller they remain, the better. Be rest assured that he won't be going alone."
"The boy will join the sanctuary's Arch-knights and Knights to handle the situation... Also, since he dares to proclaim himself the Supreme Leader of Paradise, I'm curious to see if he has the necessary capabilities to back up his claims," the goddess responded, her eyes fixed on Aurora before turning to Orion with a sharp glint.
From their explanation, she realised they had two gods-one responsible for creating the Primordial barrier protecting their territory and the false Ilse, who had resurrected and was protected by the said Primordial barrier. Additionally, the goddess floating before her made it three.
However, she didn't believe the former was a true god, as a true god who had chosen to protect them would have broken into her Mirror Realm directly rather than allowing them to go through the process.
'There were three divine beings within this 'Paradise,' and yet they still allowed him to carry such a title,' she thought.
From the earlier negotiation, he was also making decisions that could determine the fate of this 'Paradise.' As such, she realised there was something unique about the boy before her and wondered what it was. She intended to use the time to satisfy her curiosity by first learning about his abilities.
She was also curious about how the experiments that had once been dismissed had grown so powerful with ease. At the same time, she had given up everything she possessed to attain her current status and still lost it all.
'It isn't fair,' the goddess thought, steadying her emotions before they could show. "You don't need to worry, Aurora. If everything she said is true, then I can handle this myself," Orion said, shifting his gaze to Aurora with a reassuring smile.
Aurora bit her lip, wanting to object, but after hearing Orion's words, she felt conflicted.
"Don't forget, I'm still here. I'll intervene if anything drastic happens," Aerialia chimed in.
Reluctantly, Aurora nodded in understanding.
The goddess observed the scene impassively until it was over. She opened her mouth to speak
but closed it with a contemplative expression.
"What is it?" Aerialia asked, quickly noticing her change in expression.
"My other half wanted to speak to you all, but it seems she has changed her mind and decided
to wait for now," the goddess responded with a smile.
Orion, Aerialia, and Aurora all wore similar apprehensive expressions.
It was one thing to discuss matters with the former goddess of treasures, whom they were familiar with, but another to face the goddess of malevolence and witches-one of the strongest gods from 7,000 years ago and one of the Eight Greed Gods who had once confronted formidable figures like Naka and the Seven Great Gods.
Aerialia had almost made it through the Stellar Gate alone, so she wasn't afraid of the
goddess. However, she was still a divine soul at the moment. She preferred to limit communication with another divine being until she was fully healed. She was also uncertain if
she could handle both goddesses if they attacked.
"When I leave, Zera will return with memories of our conversation, so you won't have to explain anything to her," the goddess added, shifting the subject.
Orion and the others nodded in understanding.
The goddess closed her eyes and slowly descended into the golden, inky black pool until her entire body was submerged. The pool began to boil vigorously, shining with an intense golden, inky black hue illuminating the chamber.
After a few minutes, a figure ascended toward the stairs at the other edge of the pool, near its sides. It was none other than Zera.
The web of golden and inky black veins that had previously covered every part of her body unclung. As she fully emerged and climbed onto the stairs, it fell back into the boiling pool. The previous Ilse was gone. Standing before them was a dark-skinned woman with an eye patch over her right eye, faint scars lining the skin near its edge. Her other eye gleamed with a silvery hue, matching her hair. She was dressed in a beautifully styled dress blending silver
and black colours.
A terrifying aura emanated from her, making them understand that everything they had experienced several minutes ago was true. The two goddesses-the goddess of the Twilight Chorus and Fortune, proclaiming herself to be the original Ilse, and the goddess of malevolence and witches-were sealed within her body.
This terrifying fact placed them on edge far more than their first meeting.