Chapter 422: Chapter 424: Five Transcendents, the Gods Vanish

After the guard sent to the Elves had left, Lide elegantly seated himself at the living room’s round table covered with a pristine white tablecloth.

His gaze fixed straight ahead, he slowly spoke to the empty room.

“Asreaga, after entering those Divine relics, do not appear without my summons.

Moreover, you must hide yourself well, Elves are especially sensitive to the presence of evil.”

“Yes, father god…”

A barely detectable voice emanated from beside Lide, that Divine Monster well-versed in spatial powers, had unknowingly arrived in Green City.

Previously, Lide hadn’t released the Divine Monster because at Level 19, it wasn’t yet capable of domineering behaviour, facing certain powerful beings could lead it into great trouble, possibly even provoking a siege from the Light Sect.

But now the creature had achieved Transcendent status, its control over space enhanced to the extreme. Not to mention facing the Transcendent, even Legendary beings might not be able to deal with it.

Power is the only truth.

After Asreaga responded, Lide did not say more. The specific conditions of the Divine relics would need to be observed on site to make a true decision.

The information provided by the Elves was pitifully scarce because they lacked the ability to explore deeply.

Twenty minutes later, a series of footsteps approached from afar.

Then, under the guard’s lead, several figures with elegant demeanors and enchanting figures stepped into the hall.

It was Lide’s first time seeing several Elves together, and he immediately felt the room brighten considerably.

The Elves were truly the race with the highest aesthetic value of Glory; even merely standing aside, they were a pleasant sight.

However, Lide’s attention swept past the Elves and focused on three figures by their side.

The first one, standing in the front, was the Red-eyed Lady wearing a black cloak, her aura mysterious. Although her face was largely obscured, one could still perceive her exquisite features.

Lide had never had the opportunity to converse in detail with this relative of Isa’s, and his current identity wasn’t quite suitable for discussing these matters, especially since Isa was still with the Crimson Mage Tower.

Moreover, he couldn’t determine whether letting this Red-eyed Lady contact Isa was good or bad.

After all, Isa had been raised by humans, and no one knew what secrets that involved.

The second was dressed in light silver female armor, draped with a Blood Cloak–Andabella Lisle.

This proud girl’s demeanor hadn’t changed at all; her light silver eyes gleamed firmly, and her nearly perfect face wore traces of indomitable pride.

That pride was ingrained in her soul, flowing in her bloodline.

For she was a descendent of the Risier Royal Family from thousands of years ago, once a City Lord of Risier, a high-level noble with royal blood, and an exceedingly respected polymath across any human country of the Glory Main Plane.

Lide had always had a good impression of this girl, especially the cloak sewn from dragon skin… he didn’t even have Legendary Equipment yet.

He wondered if the girl had acquired that piece of Legendary Equipment related to the Bloodline that she had once promised…

But what surprised Lide the most was the figure behind Andabella.

She was a girl in black armor holding a huge sword as wide as three palms, her tall figure and eyes full of indescribable wildness, like a leopard on a hunt.

This girl, with a demeanor entirely opposite to Andabella’s cultured pride, was dangerous and lethal.

A pure warrior, a Northern Land Valkyrie who had crawled out from piles of corpses.

“Why is Betty here as well?”

Lide hadn’t seen this girl for a long time, and now unexpectedly, she appeared with this adventurer team.

His understanding dawned after his gaze followed Betty’s, looking towards the Red-eyed Lady.

Betty had once formed a bond with Isa, her feelings for Isa no less intense than his.

It must have been that after seeing the Red-eyed Lady, Betty wanted to find more information, hence she had come along.

As for exploring that perilous Divine relic… for the Northern Land Valkyrie, who had fought and battled since she could hold a sword, what was danger?

“Good morning, Lord Ilo.”

In the few moments Lide was assessing everyone, everyone in the room, including the fiercely wild Betty, were respectfully bowing to Lide.

Facing a powerful being, one must maintain adequate respect.

This was the first rule of survival in Glory, not to mention they were in the presence of a being with vast divine powers.

Respect could never be excessive.

After rising, Betty’s gaze shifted from the Red-eyed Lady to Lide, her face showing a faint, barely detectable happiness, the dangerous aura in her eyes also softened.

Evidently, she recognized the true identity of Lord Ilo before her.

Seeing this, Lide gave a slight smile. If Wina knew Betty was here, she would surely mention it to him. Betty, who had a Soul Contract signed with him and a bond with Isa, was completely trustworthy.

Lide blinked subtly at Betty, giving her a look to keep things quiet.

But in the moment their eyes met, it seemed the Northern Land Valkyrie had misunderstood the signal, her gaze shifted slightly awkwardly, her face unexpectedly coloring slightly with a mix of sour and soft feelings…

The others naturally were unaware of the tacit understanding between Lide and Betty. After their bows, the Level 17 Elf Archer Master, Aleriel, stepped forward and began introductions.

“Lord Ilo, this is the descendant of the Risier Royal Family–City Lord Andabella. This time, City Lord Andabella is hoping to find something related to her bloodline in the Divine relics, which does not conflict with our goals.”

As Aleriel introduced her, Lide noticed something unusual in Andabella’s eyes.

Ever since she entered the room, the girl’s silver eyes had been firmly fixed on him, her expression quite subtle.

After Aili spoke, Andabella’s cool tone carried a hint of depth that raised Lide’s eyebrows.

“Lord Ilo… I have seen you.”

A joke, right?? Could this be fake? Could they really recognize him just like that?

Lide’s expression stiffened slightly, he somewhat disbelieved – there must be a limit to making things up, if everyone could recognize him, how could he blend in?

Aili was momentarily stunned, her expression somewhat surprised.

“I didn’t expect City Lord Andabella to have met you…”

“Yes, I have met him,” Andabella repeated, her silver-tinged eyes never leaving the side of Lide’s face, as if trying to discern something.

“In Risier City… when the Ancient Evil God was breaking its seal, Lord Ilo just happened to be leaving from within Risier City.”

A look of realization appeared on Aili’s face. In fact, if it were not for Andabella’s red cloak hiding Risier City, and that blood-boiling declaration, “I will draw my sword against you,” she might not have approached this girl to explore the Divine Ruins – this was no child’s play.

Lide’s eyebrows raised, the statement wasn’t incorrect but he always felt there was something more in Andabella’s words.

Was it a misconception?

But seeing that the other party said no more, it wasn’t appropriate for him to inquire further. He simply changed the subject.

“Risier City had safeguards from the Risier Royal Family left behind, which ultimately stopped the Ancient Evil God’s rampage. Indeed remarkable.”

“You flatter me…” Andabella gave a slight side bow before resuming her cool, proud demeanor and saying no more.

Yet, those pale silver eyes continued to rest on Lide’s figure, the light within them unreadable to anyone.

However, Aili didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. She knew all too well the pride of Andabella, as elves rarely exhibited such arrogance.

The introductions continued.

“Your Majesty, this is elder Nicola, one of the most powerful spellcasters among the Elvis Elves.”

Lide, upon hearing this, no longer dwelled on his thoughts and nodded slightly towards the other.

Seeing the beauty of this Extraordinary Elf before him, he felt the name Nicola… didn’t suit her.

Then Aili introduced everyone else, including the last, Betty.

Only after Aili’s introductions did he realize that Betty was actually friends with Andabella, which really surprised him.

And that the two had met fighting in the Bloody Colosseum of Green City… was this now a popular way to meet?

Betty’s sudden appearance here was because yesterday, when Aili was discussing with Andabella, Betty happened to be there as well, and upon seeing the Red-eyed Lady, wanted to follow along.

Naturally, Aili was thrilled about a Level 19 Northern Land Valkyrie wanting to join, but didn’t dare to decide on her own, hence brought her here for Lide to decide.

Betty was actually Level 19 now… Lide’s expression was quite subtle when he heard Aili’s introduction. The last time he saw this girl, she seemed to be only Level 17. Within a short span of a year or two, she had soared so quickly.

It seemed not only he had adventures, this Northern Land Valkyrie was also lucky.

But it was all good; Betty was his person, the stronger the better.

Originally, he had thought about asking Betty to leave since the Divine Ruins were too dangerous, but after pondering for a moment, he consented.

This girl was not a greenhouse flower, but a Valkyrie forged with blood. Betty had experienced even more battles than him, tenfold…

And it wasn’t possible for him to send Betty into dangerous places for her whole life, right?

So, there was nothing to stop her, as one more person would mean more strength.

After receiving Lide’s approval, Betty’s face showed traces of a smile, but it swiftly returned to her usual battle-ready demeanor.

Thus, this adventurer team was now fully assembled.

The team’s lineup was nothing short of luxurious; alone, there were three Extraordinaries, yes, three, not counting Lide himself.

The strongest was the lady in the black cloak with red eyes, Level 24, one level higher than Lide. If her Golden Bloodline was also taken into account, she could rival a giant dragon, a formidable combatant.

Next came the elf Spellcaster in the green Mage robe, at Level 23, her strong Magic Power always causing waves of Magic Tide around her… her strength required no estimation, undeniably explosive.

The last of the Extraordinaries was Andabella, who, like a swan, held her slender neck high. This young girl had also reached Level 23.

Clearly, her last visit inside Risier City was quite profitable; perhaps she even received some inheritance left by the Risier Royal Family.

It had to be said, coming from ancestors once renowned made all the difference…

As for the rest, the levels were also not low, with Betty at Level 19, accompanied by Level 17 Aili and three elves of the same level.

The strength of this adventurer team was astonishing.

3 had reached the Extraordinary, 5 had levels over 17.

Not to mention Lide, nominally a Divine leading the team, and secretly, the Level 21 Divine Monster Asreaga present.

Together, accounted overtly and covertly, the team had over 5 Extraordinaries. This force could dominate Green City.

“Once we enter the Divine Ruins, everyone must follow my commands and not act alone.”

Lide’s gaze swept around the room, his tone undeniably assertive.

He absolutely needed to control the situation, especially in these dangerous locations.

Of course, with his current status, no one dared to object.

“Yes, your Majesty.”

After everyone responded, Lide’s gaze turned towards Elie.

“Have you prepared the mounts?”

“Lord, we have prepared the Elf unicorns for you…”

“Let us depart.”

He waved his hand decisively.

Upon reaching the front courtyard of Dawn Manor, nine Elf unicorns with white wings on their backs and horns on their heads were idly pawing at the ground.

Unlike human Pegasus, these Elf unicorns emanated strong Magic Fluctuations, and each one was above Level 10.

Elf unicorns, as a unique Demon Beast of the Elves, reach Level 10 upon adulthood, classifying them as high-level Demon Beasts that can be mass-bred. Thus, they have always been the Elves’ favorite mounts.

But surprisingly, standing there with an Elf unicorn was Duke O’Kelly, ruler of the Southern Sovereign, waiting patiently.

A duke of his status reducing himself to holding horses for others?

Elie and several other Elves wore peculiar expressions.

However, Duke O’Kelly showed no signs of feeling out of place, his face calm with a faint smile. Upon seeing Lide, he immediately stepped forward to pay his respects.

“Good day, Lord, the horses are ready for you.”

Lide looked deep into Duke O’Kelly’s eyes; this elder noble was indeed a figure worth admiration, possessing the humility to lower his stature to this extent was indeed surprising.

“O’Kelly, during my absence these days, any trouble that befalls the Dawn Sect is yours to resolve.”

“Lord…” Duke O’Kelly hesitated, his expression slightly troubled as if he wanted to say something but found it hard to speak.

Seeing his conflicted expression, Lide slightly smiled, thinking to himself, this old fox.

“Do not worry, I will try to return before the mid-December when the frost seals the earth.”

Duke O’Kelly visibly relaxed, quickly stepping aside.

“My Lord, the Dawn Sect will not be disturbed by anyone. The one million and five hundred thousand residents of Green City look forward to your return.

With you leading Green City, we will surely overcome the disasters of the old days!”

One million and five hundred thousand residents?

Lide smiled wryly, pressuring him with such words?

“Let’s set off.”

With no further words, he mounted his horse.

The Elf unicorns, invigorated under the Power of Faith, loathed evil beings just like the Elves and failed to detect Lide’s true identity.

Seeing this, the others hurriedly mounted their unicorns.

Then, under Duke O’Kelly’s watchful eye, the Elf unicorns flew out of Dawn Manor toward an unknown region.

The bustling manor suddenly quieted down.

As the figures of the Elf unicorns disappeared into the horizon, a bishop of the God of Nobles whose appearance went unnoticed until now by Duke O’Kelly’s side, spoke with a complex expression.

“Duke, is what you are doing really worth it?”

Duke O’ Kelly stiffened, his blue eyes revealing an indecipherable look.

He understood the meaning behind the bishop’s words. As a member of the Nolan Royal Family, the ruler of a southern province, even if Lord Io was powerful, his status did not necessitate such demeaning tasks as handling horses and carriages.

But if not him, then who else could replace him?

“Worth it?”

Duke O’Kelly turned to look at the bishop, his gaze deep.

“How long has it been since we were last in contact with Lord?”

The “Lord” he referred to was certainly not Lide, but the God of Nobles.

At this, the bishop seemed to realize something terrible, his face gradually turning pale, and his hands started to tremble unconsciously.

“It has been over three months… No matter how I pray, no matter how I beseech, the Lord has not given any response…

I can no longer even sense the Lord’s presence…”

When a Divine no longer responds to their believers, and believers can no longer feel the presence of the Divine during prayers… it could only mean, something major had happened.

Duke O’Kelly took a deep breath and slowly closed his eyes.

“Bishop, my Lord… The times, they are about to change.”

Turning his body slightly, Duke O’Kelly once again looked in the direction where Lide had disappeared.

His closed eyes slowly opened, the light in them flickering uncertainly, unfathomable to anyone who might guess the thoughts of this ruler of the South at that moment.

The bishop shuddered, his eyes dimming instantly, understanding the gravity even though his question had not been answered directly.

Perhaps, it was time to prepare for the worst…

That thought, almost like a Magic Curse, once again crossed his mind.

Great God of Nobles, could it really be… he has fallen?

The word “fall” was too horrific and terrifying; each time he thought of it, a chill ran down his spine.

As a bishop, if his worshipped Divine were to fall, his power would vanish along with the Divine…

But what frightened him even more now was that he could feel his own power already in decline. Though the decline was slow, after several months, he was even about to fall below Level 15.

Fear began to consume his heart. Otherwise, he could never have produced the blasphemous thought that his worshipped Divine might have fallen.

However, the cruel reality lay before him, and the bishop, no matter how reluctant, had to admit that possibly the God of Nobles had met with some grave disaster…

Turning his head, he looked at Duke O’Kelly’s resolute figure, feeling slightly moved. Perhaps the Duke had perceived these changes, which led him to make such great sacrifices…

He hoped that when the ancient prophesized day arrived, Green City would still exist…

Maybe, there was still a possibility for change…

—

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“High Priest Gersen, has our God truly abandoned us?”

In the Knight Temple, a knight clad in white armor looked desperately at Gersen, the loyal follower of the Knight God, his eyes filled with fear.

The elderly priest in luxurious robes, with a hawk-nose, turned pale and stepped back helplessly, collapsing on the ground with a vacant gaze as if he were dead.

“Our God has withdrawn His power… no, the power of our God is waning, I can feel that He is becoming weaker by the moment…”

The knight’s fears deepened upon hearing this, sending chills down his spine.

“High Priest, has our God really met with trouble??

Why has our power fallen from Level 15 to Level 14??

This can’t be happening; our God would never abandon us!!”

His tone was sharp and loud, as if trying to mask his inner fears.

“No, it’s not only us; according to what I’ve learned, the power of other Sect bishops and priests is also declining, it’s just that ours is declining faster…”

High Priest Gersen’s eyes filled with unspeakable despair.

To the natives of Glory, power is everything. No one could accept their long-accumulated power declining, falling from a Level 15 High Priest to Level 14 – such a great disparity could shatter one’s sanity.

“Evil is reviving; they have already eroded our God’s power…”

The knight clenched his teeth forcefully, his face flushing unnaturally.

“Lord Gersen… let us initiate a holy war!!

I want to kill those scoundrels of Risier City, and I want to chop off their heads one by one and crush them!!

I want to mince that son of a bitch, the God of Plague!!”

His face, bursting with veins, now appeared frightfully fierce…

Seeing the knight nearly driven mad, High Priest Gersen suddenly burst into loud laughter.

“Hahaha, Audu, hahahaha…”

The sharp laughter echoed in the church, unnaturally adding more horror to this holy place…

After a long while, High Priest Gersen abruptly stopped laughing, then looked at the bewildered knight with an extremely cold gaze.

“If you want to die, feel free to do it anytime, no one will stop you, but I won’t join you in such folly!!!”

His chilly tone was full of deep dissatisfaction. Then the High Priest stood up, staring intently at the knight.

“I’ll say it again, it’s not just our power that is declining, but the power of bishops from other Sects is also declining!!

Evil is reviving; this is a catastrophe that the whole world will have to face, and no one can escape it…”

“What are we supposed to do?” The knight, struggling to suppress his inner panic, still looked helpless.

“What to do? What else can we do!! Keep information about our declining powers confidential, withdraw our external forces, strengthen the Knight Church!

Then, try our best to survive when the ancient day comes…”

The knight looked at High Priest Gersen, who was serious about his words. His face turned pale, and then he fell silent…

To survive…

Who could have imagined that one day, the once-powerful would have to struggle simply to survive.

At this moment, the knight’s heart was filled with a perplexed and terrified vision of the future…

And the disappearance of the God of Nobles and the Knight God was just a microcosm of Green City, as countless other Divines approached the Frost Month, one after another, losing track…

War God, Master of Dawn, Sun Goddess, God of Justice…

These powerful Divine Beings disappeared tracelessly under the desperate prayers of their followers, as if the world had never borne their traces.

The news of the lost contact with the gods could not be concealed, spreading rapidly across the entire city of Green not long after Lide left and soon after to all living beings of the main Plane of Glory.

At this moment, everyone could faintly sense that a torrential undercurrent was approaching.

Perhaps the legends of the apocalypse were truly about to reemerge…