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Chapter 324: Come Find Me

The arrival of the power of 【Chaos】 twisted the dimensions of space and time. Although it had not yet surged into the true reality, it still affected Vilyric’s long-distance teleportation.

This is the power of 【Chaos】, devouring and disrupting everything. Wherever the storm reaches is the realm of the 【God of Chaos】.

“The strongest lord… 【Chaos】’s Kelfis, let me witness your power.”

Snow-white six wings spread from the girl’s back as she gripped the flawless divine staff in her hand.

As if responding to her provocation or perhaps just drawn by the overwhelming aura of light, the chaotic storm surged toward Vilyric, much like a black hole sucking in everything in the void.

She felt it.

That was the 【Law】.

The truth of chaos, known as the law of 【Devouring】.

In that moment, she seemingly gained enlightenment.

“The World-devouring Serpent Jörmungandr… no, is it something similar? I see… there’s not just one.”

“So, although you are named alongside the other three Demon Lords, you are actually positioned on the completely opposite side, aren’t you?”

Chaos did not communicate with her because it could not, it was an ultimate vortex that devoured all existence, a terrifying entity even demons feared and fled from.

Vilyric scanned her surroundings.

“Uh…”

In this pure void, she should not need to hold back any longer.

Let’s try using my true power and settle this quickly.

“Realm of the Gods, descend.”

Endless light flooded into the boundless void.

She transformed into the ruler of this land.

【Oh…】

Only after truly manifesting the Realm of the Gods did Vilyric realize just how gigantic the storm called 【Chaos】 really was.

What she had previously known and seen was merely a tentacle extended from 【Chaos】. Its true form still coiled outside this void, at the infinite boundary between worlds. Even the ruler of 【Chaos】 rampaging through the demon realm was merely Kelfis dipping into that world with a thicker branch.

Its existence was a world in itself, like the 【Tree of Creation】 but completely opposite: a chaotic black hole that absorbed and destroyed everything, like a hunter drifting among the stars, siphoning nourishment from each world it passed.

However, it was momentarily obstructed by the other three Demon Lords while passing through the demon realm.

This time, it faced another god named 【Light】.

In the void, the realm of Light expanded infinitely outward.

A completely opposing force erupted, seeking to devour the power that belonged to light, as they engaged in their divine battle amidst the void.

The highest powers intertwined, creating silent yet more intense slaughter than any combat.

That was the clash of laws, the roar of divine realms—a scene unreachable, incomprehensible, and untouchable by mortals.

Endless light was devoured, only to surge forth again.

The chaotic black hole had consumed everything, its total volume almost surpassing the world itself, yet the light continued unceasingly, its power worn down by the boundless light.

This was a battle without meaning or odds; although 【Chaos】 could not communicate, it was not ignorant of avoiding loss.

At some point, the storm retreated.

Under the illumination of light, the 【Chaos】 that had devoured everything began to dissipate gradually, its extended tentacles severed and purified by the realm of the God of Light, and the chaotic storm began to shrink.

It wanted to return to its more boundless, eternal essence, but the light had cut off its escape route, leaving no opportunity for it to flee.

The clash continued; 【Light】 and 【Chaos】 were battling, like a desperate fight of a cornered beast.

“xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx”

“xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx!!”

“xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx!!!!!!!”

That was a sound that could not be referred to as battle, like an ancient god roaring, fierce winds slamming against rugged and jagged stones.

In the end, the victor hung in the void, yet the chaotic storm had completely vanished into nothingness.

Vilyric sensed the anger coming from that even more magnificent existence from beyond the void, but with its external tendrils wrecked and significant losses incurred, it could no longer carry out substantial retribution.

【This is merely a small lesson; understand quickly and scram. If you dare return next time… it won’t be so simple.】

The will of chaos transformed into divine spark, retreating from the shattered realm of the gods.

Vilyric looked slightly upward, feeling the endless distant existence quieting down, as if the root of chaos, wounded, had fallen into slumber, yet it made no further moves.

Gods are eternal and unyielding.

Kelfis of 【Chaos】, he is more powerful than any god that Priestess once saw, truly equivalent to the supreme deity.

Although the God of Light could repel its tendrils, it could not destroy it entirely.

Let’s put a pin in it for now.

Though it seemed like a light and nonsensical battle, the energy levels involved in that Divine Realm war were over ten times Vilyric’s typical mp total. If she had not mastered the method of manifesting the Divine Realm, even the Priestess would have struggled to push back this surging chaos storm.

After such a blow, Kelfis would surely be much more subdued for a while. If calculated by a divine perspective, it wouldn’t stir up trouble for at least a few hundred years.

Sensing the emptiness of the void receding from the divine battle, Vilyric retracted the Divine Realm, dispelling that special state of control.

“Mm…”

She contemplated a question.

By the way, where exactly is this…?

She had only thumped her head beforehand, thinking it would be quicker, but forgot to consider how to leave.

The void’s interstitial space is a special area detached from the world, grander and more magnificent than reality. The exit and entrance are not the same. Now that her teleportation was interrupted, it isn’t as simple as just retracing her steps or pushing forward blindly.

While there are invisible space transfer portal coordinates previously left in several places in the real world, here she couldn’t open a spatial portal. Forcing the use of the 【Void Trace Blade】 to carve out a passage would only damage or even destroy the latter, which is truly heart-wrenching.

After all, Vilyric is not skilled in, or rather completely unfamiliar with, spatial magic, and that is a precious resource that can’t regenerate.

Just as Miss Vilyric was contemplating suitable countermeasures, a completely unexpected voice suddenly reached her senses in the void, a place where foreign messages should be difficult to receive.

【Vilyric… Vilyric! Can you hear me?】

“Uh…? Huh?!”

This voice was exceedingly long-awaited for Vilyric, yet it felt entirely familiar.

It was clearly a sound that shouldn’t appear, could not appear, yet its presence felt so reasonable and natural that it stirred up waves of long-lost emotions and excitement within the girl’s heart.

“…”

The girl opened her mouth but couldn’t utter a sound.

That was her closest friend, the most trusted companion from her previous life. Their fates intertwined since they entered the world, supporting each other and growing together.

Vilyric had hypothesized more than once whether she too, for some unmentionable reason, arrived here, and she had anticipated countless times what joyous scenes would emerge upon their reunion.

But she never imagined that day would come so soon, so suddenly, so unexpectedly.

Surprisingly, she for a moment couldn’t think of how to respond to this long-awaited miracle.

A thousand words, all condensed into a slightly hesitant…

“Hen… is that you? Where are you?”

But the one on the other side did not respond to this anxious call, as if sending her voice from afar unilaterally.

【Vilyric, I’m not sure if you can hear me, but if this message has reached your ears… Listen, there’s no time left, you need to come find me right now.】

【You need my help, and I need yours. If you’re willing to trust me, then cross through the door and come to my side… find me… just… sizzle… ascend… sizzle… to Lingyin Fairy Island…】

As the voice abruptly ceased, seeming to be interrupted by some interference, an incredible silver door slowly unfolded before the black-haired girl.

“Hen…”

Feeling the long-lost and familiar waves emanating from the door, Vilyric fell silent for a moment before suddenly breaking into a relieved smile.

“Idiot, what foolish things are you saying? I’ve always… believed in you.”

She stepped into the doorway.

The gears of destiny turn once more.

Volume Five: The Sacred Anthem Ends

Prologue: The Wheel of Destiny Turned

“Clang!”

The wooden cup fell to the ground, spilling the concentrated green liquid filled with pure life force that would extend an ordinary person’s life for at least several decades with just a sip.

However, the figure who had just accidentally knocked it over, the owner of this treehouse, the Life Goddess 【Xi Fu Lin】, completely lacked the time to care for or feel remorse over the precious sap from the Life Divine Tree. She looked incredibly pale, as if struck by some severe shock.

“The sensation… completely vanished? How could this happen? Why did it fade so abruptly? Vilyric…”

She reached her hand towards the air, and a cyan web of threads slowly appeared. The goddess was tugging and drawing upon it, seemingly trying to find something within.

But she failed.

“Could it be she has left this world? Otherwise, how could there be not a single trace left…?”

No, there’s another possibility.

Xi Fu Lin dispelled the cyan net and rested her chin in thought.

“What if… she is currently in the domain of another supreme deity, or in a place like this world shrouded by laws, it would indeed be possible to sever my perception. But who could it be…?”

“I can’t just wait like this.”

Having seemingly made a certain resolve, she waved her hand again, and a green light curtain appeared before her.

In it, a scene of a grand hall was revealed, where a girl with snow-white wings felt her call and respectfully bowed to the goddess.

“Greetings, my God of Life.”

“Estira, there is something I need you to do.”

“At your command ~”

……

“What did you say? She can’t be found?!”

In a luxurious and grand royal chamber, the young present Queen of the United Kingdom—Liliya Meikailande suddenly stood up from the sofa, her beautiful and dignified face filled with unpredictability and rage.

This was the first time a mouse person had seen this queen, who had emerged victorious in seizing power as a woman, grow increasingly mature with astonishing rapidity, displaying shrewd and resolute wits manifest such loss of composure, even if… it was in this private space.

So it was evident how shocking the news was to her.

Thus, Plakaka naturally worried about being implicated by the queen’s rage.

“Uh, Your Majesty, the great lady Vilyric is elusive, and it’s not the first time. Moreover, although she has been gone for some time, she previously contacted the little mouse in an incredible manner. I believe she should be fine…”

“What do you understand? That’s just because…”

The Queen of Liliya shot a fierce glare at him, making the mouse person tremble slightly. Yet even though the girl’s ample bosom shook slightly from the excess excitement, she couldn’t blurt out the rest.

After all, the fact that Xī is Vilyric is a secret known only to a few; it was the truth revealed by a certain trusting priestess. Naturally, Liliya couldn’t just leak it out.

“Have the 【Shadow People】 search with all their might. We must find Xī and Vilyric as quickly as possible. Additionally, contact His Holiness, the Holy Pope Augustus of the Holy Empire. I want to know every detail of the white fox saintess’s disappearance before she vanished!”

“Uh, yes! The little mouse will get on it immediately…”

……

Holy Empire, City of Angels.

Holy Court.

“Any news yet?”

In the spacious and bright conference room, a girl named Edwina Cecelia sat across from three other young girls, not turning her head as she inquired of a family trusted aide who had just brought first-hand information from below.

However, the latter, slightly trembling, replied with an answer that made all four girls’ expressions darken.

“Apologies, Your Highnesses, the Church has mobilized all 871 temples around the world, uniting with the 【Church of Light】 to conduct a search, but… we haven’t found any information regarding the white fox saintess.”

“Ha…”

Sighing softly, Edwina waved her hand toward the aide.

“Understood. Keep close observation and searching. As soon as we find any traces, report immediately. This is extremely, extremely important, understand?”

“Yes… yes!”

“You may leave.”

“Yes…”

Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, the young cleric bowed again and retreated.

It’s no wonder he was so nervous; after all, the weight of those gathered here today was overwhelming, as it nearly included all the senior representatives of the Holy Church of the Holy Empire.

Saint of Bright Light Yuna Summerfield.

Judging Saintess Fleidetrika Cecelia.

Redeeming Saintess Philomina Lambert.

And… the newly appointed Lady Pope of the Holy Church—Edwina Cecelia, who just won an overwhelming victory in voting and assessment, expected to be crowned on the Holy Day in half a year, after the Holy Pope Augustus Lambert’s abdication.

A silence fell within this small space as the high-ranked members gathered.

Eventually, it was the Holy Knight Hime, who had gradually become a new generation leader of the Holy Kingdom, who spoke in a low voice.

“It’s been over a month, hasn’t it?”

“Yeah, she appeared so suddenly, saving believers on the brink of destruction in their crisis, then vanished quietly once again… We haven’t even held a formal ceremony to express our gratitude and praise…”

Edwina’s and Yuna’s successive remarks moved the other two girls to respond.

“Could it be that the burden of bringing the 【River of Time】 and wielding the 【Sword of Origin】 was too great that…”

“Princess Philomina, that idea is a great disrespect to the power of the goddess. I witnessed Miss Xī’s power firsthand; while it may have been only the tip of the iceberg of her divine power, how could the 【Goddess of Light】 with powers equivalent to the 【Tree of Creation】 become weak just from using an artifact once?”

“Uh…”

Listening to the exchanges between the Redeeming Saintess and the Judging Saintess, Yuna turned her gaze toward the pink-haired girl present, who knew the least about 【Xī】.

“Princess Philomina, what’s the current status of the 【Ring of Salvation】?”

“Ah?”

Pausing for a moment, the Redeeming Saintess finally understood what the other meant.

The core figures present were pivotal in the Holy Kingdom, and there was no need to conceal certain topics and secrets from them. Philomina pulled back her skirt sleeves, revealing a dazzling holy ring on her arm.

“To be honest, it’s very well, even better than ever. The original 【Ring of Salvation】 had flaws; it not only needed successive Redeeming Saintesses to accumulate and supply power to unleash its true might, but also required an extremely long time to build up, only able to be activated at crucial times.”

“After the Enlightenment Ceremony ended and the three artifacts separated again, I originally thought that series of miracles would deplete all the power accumulated within the 【Ring of Salvation】, bringing it back to square one. However, upon receiving it, I found that the power within was more abundant than ever, truly incredible…”

The Saint of Bright Light nodded slightly.

“If that’s the case, it sufficiently excludes the possibility that the goddess lost contact with us due to expended energy. If she truly lacked the power to wield the 【Sword of Origin】, she would naturally have to consume even more of the divine energy contained within the artifact when severing the 【River of Time】, how could there be so much surplus left?”

“That… makes sense.”

Edwina also nodded slightly, as if to supplement Yuna’s point, raising one hand as a sacred and radiant light gathered in her palm, transforming into a long spear forged of light.

This was a power more pure, holy, and imbued with strange rhythms and fluctuations than the simple light attribute magic. Nowadays, many in the Holy Empire might no longer recognize this ability; however, as three saints, Yuna and the others spotted the truth at once.

“This is… faith-based magic?”

“Yes.”

The Holy Knight Hime placed the light spear on the table, offering it for the other three saints to closely examine, then spoke in a serious tone.

“When the goddess descended with my body, wielding the 【Sword of Origin】 to correct history, a bit of divine power remained within me. Ever since then, I have felt a closer connection to that existence than before, and the faith-based magic that should have vanished has surprisingly been preserved within me.”

“You should know, I was chosen by the goddess and wield powers that ordinary believers cannot comprehend and control. That’s why I was elected as Pope with multiple votes… This divine power is precisely this strength.”

“I believe this must be the true faith-based magic; it is only activated by those chosen by the goddess and isn’t granted out of thin air, still requiring one’s own energy to initiate, but it is far more sacred and vast than ordinary holy light magic, a protection stemming from faith.”

Edwina paused before continuing.

“Of course, I mention this not to boast of my fortune, but to express that since the true 【faith-based magic】 granted by the goddess can still be used, it indicates she has not left us.”

“While I also don’t know why she has temporarily lost contact, I believe there will come a day when the Light of Origin returns to our side because… she is that kind of reassuring existence.”

“…”

The three girls exchanged glances, and the topic fell into a temporary silence once more.

In the end, Princess Fleidetrika, as if to lighten the mood, attempted to ask.

“By the way, Little Nana, how are Xī’s companions doing right now?”

The golden-haired girl, having emerged as a candidate to become the next Lady Pope, already began reaching out to manage the Holy City, nodded and replied.

“Ray… The two angel miss and the other two girls are currently still in the Holy City. I am arranging for one of the younger girls to enroll in the Holy Academy. They seem to be planning to wait for Miss Xī’s return here, and likely won’t leave for a short while.”

“Miss Xiao Guang also disappeared soon after Miss Xī vanished. To be honest, I am not too sure where she has gone.”

“But that girl is very powerful; there’s likely nothing in this world that can threaten her, so I guess there’s no need to worry.”

“Miss Xiao Guang, huh…”

Yuna nodded thoughtfully but didn’t delve deeper into this aspect. Instead, she actively helped Edwina pivot the conversation.

“Alright, while the goddess’s whereabouts and situation are undoubtedly critical, the demon war has only just ended, and addressing subsequent matters, as well as healing and gathering the displaced refugees, is also our utmost priority.”

“Especially that batch of 【Impure】 infected individuals protected by Miss Xī. Reports suggest they recently seem to have returned to the present world from the designated exit, undergoing isolation and treatment in batches. This also indirectly proves she is currently alright.”

“Now, let’s start the first real 【Holy Meeting】.”

……

As if within the depths of an obscure hall, exuding boundless explosive energy, crimson flames floated as they “stepped” into a meeting room formed from a round table and chairs.

However, compared to the clamor and noise during their last visit, this time, the meeting hall was notably quiet and heavy, especially the small clown who had once loudly mocked them, who seemed to have disappeared without a trace.

The flames arrived at their designated spot, floating up and casting what seemed to be a perceptual gaze around.

【Five, six, seven… Fewer than last time; is our assembly nearing dissolution?】

A figure covered entirely by a black cloak and with wisps of gray air moving slowly across their face answered calmly.

【It was just that last time there were exceptionally many, Frim; you probably haven’t seen a meeting where only four members attended. After all, attendance at the assembly isn’t enforced, and you are free not to attend.】

【Hmph…】

The God of Blazing Fire and Explosions snorted and turned his attention to the vacant stone seat sculpted with countless masks, his tone laced with a hint of amusement and mischief.

【Exmont, I heard that Musk went to find that Vilyric and didn’t locate her, but his home was instead blown up by some nonsensical fox. Is that true? Is that fool dead?】

The God of Inversion and Subversion, known as Exmont, remained indifferent, as if the unfortunate soul who faced such a colossal disaster was merely a passerby completely unrelated to his colleagues and former partners.

His ancient god tone resonated as precisely and apathetically as a post-operative report.

【The divine body was smashed into powder with a single blow, all kin annihilated, and the entirety of his ruling world shattered into several pieces, but it was merely an abandoned colonial world, so blowing it up is just perfect for recycling… As for Musk himself, it’ll take him about three hundred years to restore. Consider it a minor loss.】

Hearing this grim report described as a “minor loss,” even the God of Blazing Fire and Explosions was unable to suppress a stunned expression; his initial attitude of glee gradually turned serious.

【Just one blow? What kind of forbidden spell can achieve such an effect? First that Vilyric, now a strange fox shows up. Why have powerful divine beings increased instead of decreased in this world…?】

Exmont shrugged but confidently affirmed.

【Not only that, there’s a divine spark consolidated from the magic I created in the present world, which was quickly maturing. I had been preparing to seize it, but unexpectedly that lunatic Slutut charged into the present world, not knowing who managed to get ahead in the chaos, as of now already lost trace.】

【Adding everything up, at least four or five divine-level existences have appeared recently in that world. The situation in the Original Land is becoming increasingly complicated.】

During the conversation, an ancient and deep voice reverberated throughout the hall.

【This is an omen; the result of the revelation has become increasingly clear. The continuous emergence of deities signifies that the blockade is gradually weakening. It is time for us to commence formal preparations, everyone.】

The assembly members simultaneously raised their heads and “looked” toward that voice whose origin was unknown.

They began murmuring among themselves.

【Are we going to act on the ruins?】

【Hmm… is it too early? Although there have indeed been some fluctuations in the world barriers, they have once again been mended. Moreover, the details regarding those inexplicably emerging deities within the present realm haven’t been clarified yet.】

【Indeed, I also feel that we should proceed with caution; any divine being involved is no small matter.】

Soon, the ancient voice brought about a summary.

【It would indeed be premature to directly enter the present world now, but we can begin relevant preparations and indirect interventions. Removing the four demon lords and investigating those suspected divine beings appearing in the Original Land, Hen has gone personally to investigate.】

Upon this announcement, an obvious stir filled the assembly.

【Has even Hen gone to intervene personally?】

【Hmph, it seems we’re getting serious; it’s been a thousand years…】

【In that case, I should make some preparations as well.】

Faced with the legislators who were fervently discussing the topic that truly closely related to their interests after such a long time away, the ancient voice cloaked in the hall fell silent for a long time. Once the commotion gradually settled, it spoke again.

【Then, let us begin the formal discussion of this assembly.】

【Since this is merely preliminary preparation, today’s sole topic is—After Hen completes the intelligence investigation, how should we respond to the already confirmed rebirth of the Order God, formerly the Earth Mother Goddess Xi Fu, now the Life Goddess Xi Fu Lin… clearing the first obstacle of our plan?】

【Xi Fu? That troublesome character has resurrected?】

【Old timer, what does the Life Goddess imply?】

【If that’s the case, then the light deity named Vilyric seems to be part of the Order gods as well. Have they already teamed up?】

The bizarre discussions gradually drifted away, scattering into the void.