- 5 hours ago
My Serpent King New 🔝
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00:00Lilith committed a grave crime, angering the ruler of the Underrealm.
00:04My beloved Cassius shoved me onto the war chariot, forcing me to take the blame for her.
00:08I leaned against the side of the chariot and looked at him.
00:10High Priest Cassius, before you send me into Tartarus, you better think through the consequences.
00:15He avoided my gaze.
00:17Lilith only accidentally burned the Obsidian Hall's pomegranate grove, yet the Underlord demands blood in return.
00:24Lyra, you carry the golden essence of the Primorial God.
00:27Even the Underlord would not dare harm you lightly.
00:31When this is all over, even if it defies the decree of the Pantheon Council, I will go to the
00:35Underrealm and bring you back.
00:37My powers were shackled, the divine binding cords cutting into my flesh, a few drops of golden blood seeping out.
00:44Two acopites shoved me into the chariot. I smiled.
00:47The world only knew the Underlord as a fearsome ruler.
00:50But no one remembered that three centuries ago, he had been nothing more than a dying black serpent.
00:55I raised in the divine spring, the first night he took human form.
00:59He knelt before me and lowered his head.
01:02Goddess Salerno, he said, I vow to guide your reigns for all eternity.
01:06That year I grew weary of the chaos of Olympus and descended alone to the mortal realm,
01:11later bringing him along to wander by my side.
01:13And now, Callius personally delivered me back to that little creature.
01:17He dared make me bear the punishment for Lilith.
01:20Tomorrow, I would make sure he and his entire temple rested forever beneath this land.
01:31In the next moment, the chariot curtain was lifted.
01:35Sister, it's all my fault for making you bear this for me.
01:41Lilith stood by Cassius, her eyes red.
01:44Pyra, I had no choice.
01:46A hint of reluctance showed on Cassius' face, as if he was the one cornered by fate.
01:51The Underlord has decreed that the culprit who deserated the holy relic must be handed over.
01:57If not, he will lead the dead to flatten the entire temple.
02:01Two centuries ago, I saved Cassius, when the gods abandoned him in the wilderness, near death.
02:08I concealed my true name and secretly supported him, personally guiding him to become the High Priest.
02:16At that time, he knelt and swore by the name of Strix.
02:20Goddess Salona, I will guard your heart with mine, to death, without regret.
02:26Later, beside the sacrificial grounds, I found the frail little beggar girl Lilith,
02:31and took her under my wing, treating her like a younger sister.
02:35To protect her, I entrusted her to Cassius, allowing her to enter the temple as the youngest priestess.
02:41But human hearts are unpredictable, and divine hearts even more so.
02:47To protect Lilith, Cassius had personally pushed me onto the altar.
02:54Lyra, do not blame me. How can we resist the Underlord's might?
02:59Lilith is fragile. She cannot endure the tortures of the Underrealm.
03:05Your bloodline is strong. You will survive.
03:10I almost laughed at him. Cassius had forgotten that last night, while I slept,
03:15he sealed the golden blood within me with an oath by the name of Slaft at him.
03:19At this moment, I was powerless. Less than a mortal.
03:23Sister, do not hate Cassius. It is all my fault. Lilith stepped closer.
03:29Sister, don't worry. When you come back, I will take good care of you.
03:34I looked at her without a word. Thankfully, not everyone forgets old vows.
03:39The golden wheels of the chariot rolled over the brass gate. In the distance, the outline of the bronze gate
03:46appeared.
03:47It was the entrance to the Underrealm. It was the throne of that little creature I had personally raised.
03:52The chariot came to a halt before the bronze gates. A guard of the Underrealm yanked me off the vehicle.
03:59I staggered, my knees striking the steps, golden blood seeping out.
04:04So this is the one.
04:06The lead commander glared at me.
04:08The one who destroyed the Obsidian Hall's pomegranate grove that the Underlord tended for a century?
04:13It's her.
04:15Cassius' voice came from behind.
04:17The person has been delivered. From today onward, you will hold Lilith blameless.
04:22The commander sneered, his gaze settling on me.
04:25The Underlord commands that such a criminal has no right to walk through the temple gates upright.
04:31Kneel.
04:32A shock ran through me. For a thousand years, no being in this land had ever dared order me to
04:39kneel.
04:39Before I could react, his boot struck the back of my knee, forcing me heavily to the ground.
04:46The guards beside me cracked their whips across my back.
04:49What are you waiting for? Move!
04:51Exhausted, I could only inch forward, step by step, toward the hall.
04:57In a daze, the molten gold eyes from three centuries ago suddenly appeared before me.
05:03Back then, he had stood by the Divine Spring, looking up at me with pure devotion and trust.
05:08Goddess Salona, he had said, I will grow strong.
05:12I never imagined that our reunion would be under such humiliation.
05:16Dragging my knees across the stone steps, each inch of movement burned like fire.
05:22Cassius followed a few paces behind, frowning slightly, yet never stepping forward.
05:27Lilith bent close to my ear.
05:29Lyra, you actually think you deserve Cassius' favor?
05:32What are you?
05:33In his eyes, you're nothing more than a lamb sent to die for me.
05:36A surge of rage rose from my chest.
05:39I lifted my hand and struck Lilith across the face.
05:44She screamed, falling to the ground, tears flooding her eyes.
05:48Mentor! Mentor, save me!
05:50Cassius rushed forward and pulled Lilith into his arms.
05:54Lyra, have you lost your mind? Lilith's bloodline is too weak. How could you harm her?
05:59My heart shattered completely. I straightened my spine, bracing on knees and faced everyone.
06:06She dares offend me? Even if I crush her soul and cast it into the river lettuce, it would be
06:12nothing but a flick of my hand.
06:14Everyone froze. After a moment, a god sneered.
06:19Ha ha ha! This mortal body must have been driven mad by the mist of the under river? A flick
06:24of your hand?
06:25In this land, only one goddess could say such words. That would be Lyra Selina, who resides beyond Olympus.
06:32Mistress of the stars, saint of the cosmos.
06:35Another god chimed in.
06:36The saint of the cosmos is so mysterious. No one has ever seen her true face.
06:41How could she look so disraveled?
06:44Lilith lifted her head from Cassius' arms, mocking.
06:47Sister, how dare you? In this state, you still claim to be the saint? That is blasphemy!
06:55The guard cracked his whip again, the tip striking my back.
07:00Impudence! How dare you impersonate the saint!
07:03I leaned forward, letting out a low groan from the pain. Cassius stood nearby, silently watching.
07:08I shouted to everyone.
07:09I am Lyra Selina herself! I possess the holy relic!
07:13Trembling, I reached into my clothes and pulled out a golden necklace.
07:16The chain bore the mark of the tear of the cosmos, forged only for the saint herself.
07:20In the next instant, Cassius snatched it from me.
07:24He personally placed the relic around Lilith's neck.
07:27Lyra.
07:28He said coldly.
07:29You dare steal my relic? This tear, it was given to me by a reclusive deity when I was gravely
07:35wounded.
07:35Since when did it become yours?
07:37I froze.
07:39Three centuries ago, I had used the tear of the cosmos to protect Cassius' divine essence, saving him from the
07:45brink of death.
07:46When he awoke, he knelt before me.
07:48Goddess Selina, I will find the rarest star stone and set it upon this chain myself.
07:52From this day forward, I will guard you with my heart, to death, without regret.
07:56Back then, I had laughed at his solemnity.
07:59And now, he says I stole it?
08:02I lunged forward to reclaim the chain.
08:05Lilith lifted her foot and stepped on my hand.
08:08The sound of bones shattering was drowned out by her laughter.
08:11I looked at my batted body, broken finger bones, golden blood seeping, and then…
08:16I laughed.
08:17Three centuries ago, while preparing a divine potion, I had accidentally burned myself with holy fire.
08:23Sonata's eyes had reddened on the spot, and he had raged, threatening to destroy all the sacred flimes on this
08:30land, declare that no one could harm me.
08:33Cassius and his entire temple would no longer be able to protect her.
08:36In an instant, we entered the Underrealm's grand hall.
08:40Lilith froze mid-step.
08:42Cassius' heart thumbed violently.
08:44He had never imagined that this fearsome Underlord, who even gods dreaded, would possess such a magnificent palace.
08:50A bitter pan rose in me.
08:52Sonatas had devoted me as his only faith.
08:55This hall was filled with traces of my presence.
08:58Lilith's gaze fell on the center of the hall.
09:00There stood a white jade statue of a woman, her head lowered in profile, a white lotus in her hand.
09:06Lilith stepped forward to touch it, hesitating.
09:09Mentor, don't you think this statue looks a bit like sister?
09:14Before she could finish, a female voice rang from deep within the hall.
09:18Take your filthy hands off!
09:21Everyone turned toward the sound.
09:23A woman walked slowly from the depths of the hall.
09:25She was Irene, the sword-bearing goddess who stands at the Underlord's side.
09:31For three centuries, countless goddesses and demhords had tried to climb to the Underlord's throne.
09:36Only she, under the title of Servant of the Divine, had remained by his side for so long.
09:41Irene surveyed our group, her eyes full of disdain.
09:44So this is it?
09:45The ones who dared destroy the Underlord's sacred pomegranate grove?
09:48You must be really tired of living, she added with a sneer.
09:52Cassius' face drained of color, instinctively bowing.
09:54This offense stems from ignorance daring to provoke the Underlord.
09:59Please, goddess Irene, forgive.
10:01Irene didn't even listen. Her eyes were locked firmly on me.
10:05Before I could react, her hand struck my cheek.
10:08My face swelled instantly, golden blood spilling from the corner of my mouth.
10:12Who gave you permission to look at me directly?
10:15Her voice was full of venom.
10:16What lowly base deer did Dares claim to be the saint of the cosmos?
10:21Without even glancing at the river, let it to see your own worthless bones?
10:24I wiped the blood from my lips and met her gaze.
10:27Sanatos, is this how you taught your women?
10:30Irene's expression changed instantly.
10:34Impudus!
10:37You dare speak the Underlord's true name?
10:41Yes.
10:42In this land of coexisting deities, true names are the foundation of power.
10:48Mortals may not speak them.
10:50Gods may not lightly call them.
10:52Only the closest and most permitted may utter a deity's true name.
10:57Irene had accompanied Sanatos in the Underrealm for 300 years.
11:01Yet she had never been allowed to speak that name herself.
11:05And before her stood this dishamveled woman,
11:08who had said it aloud on her first word.
11:11In that instant, jealousy surge in Irene's heart.
11:15She would rather believe it was blasphemy.
11:17That this criminal had intentionally used it to humiliate her.
11:21Only by thinking so could she maintain her position in this palace.
11:25Seeing Irene's true fury, Cassius turned to me with a harsh command.
11:30Lyra, kneel and beg goddess Irene for forgiveness.
11:34Lilith immediately rushed forward,
11:36pressing my head down, slamming my forehead into the stone again and again.
11:43Sister! Are you mad?
11:45How dare you speak to goddess Irene like that?
11:48Do you want to destroy the entire temple?
11:51My forehead throbbed under her pressure.
11:54Golden blood streaking through my hair, blurring my vision.
11:57I looked at these two faces twisted by fear.
12:00One had once swore eternal vows to me.
12:03The other had been salvaged from the sacrificial embers of the wilderness.
12:07My heart grew icy.
12:08These were the ones I had protected for three centuries.
12:13A pack of wolves cloaked in priestly robes.
12:17Irene looked at me and sneered.
12:19She raised her right hand.
12:22Summoning a cluster of nether fire.
12:24It was the flame from the deepest abyss of the Underrealm.
12:28Capable of burning the soul with no cure.
12:33A prisoner dares to be this arrogant.
12:36I want to see if you can still smile.
12:39When your divine bones are scorched inch by inch.
12:45With that, she lunged forward.
12:47Her fingers clamping onto my shoulder blades.
12:49The cold fire touched my back.
12:51The sound of my clothes burning echoed.
12:54Immediately, a scorching heat seeped into my blood.
12:57Coursing through my golden blood.
13:01I groaned, my body trembling.
13:04Irene fed her divine power into the fire.
13:06Flames surging higher.
13:08Already can't bear it?
13:10Don't worry, this is just the beginning.
13:12When cracks appear in your divine bones.
13:14The Underlord himself will return to see you in this wretched state.
13:19She pressed her other hand against my cheek.
13:21I grinted my teeth.
13:23Refusing to cry out a second time.
13:27Cassius stood three steps away.
13:29Fists clenched tightly.
13:31Yet he dared not advance.
13:33Irene's smile twisted into near madness.
13:35As she turned to shout at Cassius.
13:39Come! Hold her down!
13:41Lilith panicked.
13:42Grabbing Cassiel's sleeve and screaming.
13:45Mentor!
13:46Do you want the entire temple to die with sister?
13:53Cassius drew a deep breath and stepped forward.
13:55Pressing my shoulders firmly to the ground.
13:57Pinned, I looked up at the face that once smiled gently only for me.
14:01Once he had called me Lyra, had sworn to me.
14:03Now, he held me down, delivering me to death.
14:06Irene, seeing my silence, grew even more frenzied.
14:09Intensifying the nether fire.
14:11The skin on my face nearly melted.
14:13Golden blood streaming down.
14:16Lyra!
14:16You are a sinner!
14:18You destroyed a relic!
14:20Shamed the temple!
14:23Deserve every bit of this!
14:25Lilith's face shone with excitement.
14:27Goddess Irene is burning her well.
14:29This is how sinners should be treated.
14:30Let's see if she dares defy anyone again.
14:33Pain wracked my body, my consciousness slowly devoured by the flames.
14:37Just as my eyelids were about to close, the entire hall shook violently, without warning.
14:44A wave of pressure swept in from outside the hall, and the nether fire vanished in an instant.
14:49Irene's triumphant expression froze, her pupils widening in shock.
14:53A figure appeared, backlit by the hall's entrance.
14:56It was Sonatos.
14:58He had returned.
14:59Instinctively, Irene withdrawn all her divine power and pressed herself forward in submission.
15:05Underlord, you've returned.
15:08The...
15:08The sinner who desolated the relic has already been dealt with.
15:12Cassius said, bowing almost simultaneously.
15:17Underlord, the offense stems from ignorance.
15:20Destroying the relic, the judgment is yours to make.
15:25Lilith hastily knelt as well.
15:27Please, calm your anger!
15:29It was all sisters' fault!
15:30It has nothing to do with us!
15:32But Sonatos didn't even glance at them.
15:34I lay in the distance, my face scorched beyond recognition by the nether fire.
15:38Golden blood seeping from every wound.
15:41Summoning my last ounce of strength.
15:43I let out a faint, rasped laugh from deep in my throat.
15:47That laugh caught Sanatos' attention.
15:50He slowly turned his head.
15:52And the moment his eyes landed on the figure on the ground,
15:55an overwhelming presence filled the hall.
15:58Everyone present nearly collapsed to their knees at the same instant.
16:02Only I remained lying there, tilting my head to look at him.
16:06Sonatos, is this how you greet your master?
16:10The hall fell silent, stunned.
16:12Sonatos froze, staring at me, mouth opening, yet no sound emerged.
16:16Irene trembled with fear, raising her hand to strike my face again, screaming.
16:22Lyra!
16:23You're courting death!
16:25A mere prisoner dares call herself the Underlord's master!
16:30Before she could finish, an invisible giant hand slammed her into the ground.
16:35The floor shattered beneath her, collapsing into a deep pit.
16:39She lay at the bottom, blood dripping from her mouth, disbelief etched across her face.
16:44I underlord you for this sin.
16:49Sonatos ignored her entirely, striding with urgency towards me.
16:52When he reached my side, he did not hesitate.
16:55He knelt.
16:55The ruler of the Underrealm prostrated before me, his forehead nearly touching the ground.
17:00Goddess Salona, I am late. Please punish me.
17:03Hearing this, everyone froze. Lilith went pale, whispering.
17:07Impossible. This cannot be.
17:09She could not believe that the sister she had mocked and allowed Irene to torment
17:13was truly Lyra Salona, the legendary saint of the cosmos.
17:17Cassius froze in shock.
17:19The two guards who had mocked me earlier lost control and collapsed on the spot.
17:25I lowered my gaze, staring at Sonatos prated before me.
17:30He was no longer the frail boy of the past, the one I had taught ancient divine arts to,
17:35giving him the name Sonatos and telling him, follow me from now on.
17:40Back then, he had called me Goddess Selene, his eyes full of reverence and dependence.
17:46Now, draped in black robes, he ruled the Underrealm.
17:51Yet for me alone, he retained that same unwavering devotion.
18:02Sonatos lifted his head, eyes bloodshot and burning with anger.
18:05In his palm, a swirling orb of abyssin flame formed, black and red intertwined.
18:10A colony of ants dares harm my Lyra Salene? Crush them all to dust.
18:14I lifted my hand slightly.
18:16Wait. I'll settle this score with them myself.
18:24Hearing my words, the fire in Sanicus's eyes softened slightly.
18:30He raised his hand, the Neth Estence swirling around his fingertips, lightly brushing over me.
18:37Not a hint of offence.
18:39A wave of power surged through me, the previously sealed golden blood flowing freely again.
18:45The stinging pain in my bones faded inch by inch.
18:47Even the wounds on my face and knees eased considerably.
18:50He had lifted the seal from within me.
18:53From then on, Sonatos stayed close without leaving my side.
18:58He settled me in the inner chamber, carrying a clay bowl of dark red ointment.
19:04He entered quietly, eyes lowered, ears flushed.
19:08Kneeling on one knee, he carefully applied the salve to my wounds with a tiny silver spoon, as if afraid
19:14to hurt me.
19:15Goddess Salene, every bit of suffering you endured I remember.
19:19Those who dared harm you, I will make repay a hundredfold, a thousandfold.
19:23I looked at him, a mixture of devotion and ferocity in his expression, and couldn't help but let out a
19:29soft laugh.
19:32My little one has grown quite capable.
19:35To serve the goddess is Sonatos' honour.
19:38He paused.
19:39All the sinners are locked in the deepest abyssal cells of the Underrealm.
19:43Irene's tendons have been severed, her divine power sealed in the phantom water prison, enduring the agony of countless vengeful
19:49souls daily.
19:50Consider this your first measure of justice.
19:52He met my glaze.
19:53I reached out lightly, brushing his cheek.
19:56Well done.
19:58His shoulders twitched.
19:59Sonatos.
20:01Anxious.
20:02For the next few days, I rested in the inner chamber of the Underrealm.
20:05Every morning and evening, Sonatos came punctually.
20:08He never entered the room, standing threesed outside with utmost respect.
20:12Goddess Salene, are you well?
20:15Once he received my response, he would bow and retreat.
20:19I leaned against the window, feeling an indescribable warmth.
20:24This was not a king who made gods tremble.
20:27This was the most devoted follower, permitted to approach the goddess altar.
20:33After a few days, my wounds had mostly healed.
20:36Let's go.
20:36I spoke calmly, to the empty doorway.
20:39To the abyssal prison.
20:41Let's see.
20:44The abyssal prison of the Underrealm was built deep beneath the chasm, and Cassius was locked alone in a cell.
20:49When I saw him, I almost didn't recognize him.
20:52Once he had been the High Priest, revered by the entire temple.
20:56Now his hair was disheveled, and he was bound to a stone pillar with divine chains.
21:00Seeing me, he struggled violently.
21:09Lyra!
21:10I didn't mean it.
21:12It's all amid a standing.
21:13Lilith planted this.
21:14I was foolish for a moment.
21:16Please forgive me just this once, will you?
21:19I stood silently, watching him, saying nothing.
21:23Cassius, seeing my silence, reached out to grab my clothing.
21:27Before his hand could touch my hem, a flash of light streaked past my side.
21:35Cassius screamed as half his arm fell to the ground, golden blood spraying everywhere.
21:41Sanatos, withdrew the Neth blade from his fingertips.
21:44You are unworthy of touching goddess Selene.
21:48Cassius ground in pain, but dared not cry out again.
21:51I looked at him and began to speak.
21:53Once, I saved your life.
21:55I poured out my own divine power to help you break through the limits of divinity.
21:59Elevated you to High Priest.
22:01Protected your temple.
22:02Kept it safe amid the struggles of gods.
22:04And what was the result?
22:05For Lilith, for the so-called temple's honor, you did not hesitate to push me onto the altar.
22:10You let me be burned and humiliated.
22:12Let my bloodline be sealed, left me to suffer unboreable pain.
22:16I let out a soft, bitter laugh.
22:19Cassius, is this the oath you swore to me?
22:25From the opposite cell, Lilith's cries began.
22:28Sister!
22:29Sister, I was wrong!
22:30I truly know I was wrong!
22:32She knelt, forehead pressed to the ground, begging repeatedly.
22:36Her brows striking the stone with loud thuds.
22:38I was jealous of you!
22:39I shouldn't have stirred the mentor to hand you over, but sister!
22:41She choked back her tears.
22:43I practiced divine arts with you!
22:46Patrolled the temple with you!
22:47Have you forgotten all that?
22:49As she spoke, she began slapping herself, harder and harder, her cheeks quickly swelling.
22:54I am not human!
22:55My heart is venomous!
22:56Sister, please forgive me just this once!
22:59I watched her.
23:01Her cries grew more desperate, reckless.
23:04Finally, as she knelt once more, she blusted out.
23:06Cassius promised me!
23:07He said he loved me most!
23:09He swore to me!
23:09She fell silent abruptly.
23:11I looked at her swolled, tear-stroached face, then glanced at the man in the cell who dared
23:15not lift his head.
23:16I laughed softly.
23:17I see.
23:18No wonder he didn't speak a word in my defense and shoved me onto the chariot.
23:23No wonder you hate me, sir.
23:24I turned to Lilith.
23:25She trembled all over, unable to speak.
23:28Sonatus raised his hand, releasing a wave of nether essence that slung Lilith against
23:34the stone wall, vomiting a mouthful of blood.
23:38Noisy.
23:39You dare defy goddess Salonis?
23:43I looked at Lilith on the ground, showing no mercy.
23:46I should never have picked you up from those sacrificial embers.
23:49Starving there would have been cleaner.
23:50I turned my gaze to Cassius.
23:52Your temple always boasts of divine justice above all, doesn't it?
23:56Good.
23:58Let's see how true that is.
23:59I met Cenarus's eyes.
24:01He understood immediately, nodding slightly.
24:04It was the Underlord, silently granting me the authority to pardon.
24:06From this moment, any oath I swore by the name of Strik carried the same weight as if he had
24:12swore it himself.
24:14I looked back at Cassius.
24:16I announced this to the entire temple.
24:18Give them three days.
24:19If even one person comes to save their high priest, no matter who, regardless of divinity, demigod or mortal, I
24:25swear by the name of Strik that he will suffer no harm.
24:28Furthermore, both of them will be released without blame.
24:30I stared into Cassius's eyes.
24:32Cassius, you have three days.
24:35Watch carefully.
24:37Will your disciples, the ones you taught with your own hands, come to save you at all costs, or will
24:42they be as hypocritical as you?
24:44I laughed.
24:46After all, when you made me bear the blame, they were all present.
24:49Not one of them is innocent.
24:52Cassius stared at me in stunned despair.
24:54Lilith knelt at the far end of the cage, forgetting even to cry.
24:57Staring intensely at my back, her lips trembling violently.
25:03Three days later, I stood at the gates of the Underrealm.
25:06Behind me, Cassius and Lilith were kneeling on the ground, pressed forward by two armored nethguards.
25:11Half of Cassius's arm was gone, the wound wrapped in blood-soaked cloth.
25:15Lilith's forehead had scab over, her face swollen and bruised.
25:18They stared unblinkingly toward the direction of the temple, repeating over and over.
25:22They will come to save us!
25:25Time crawled by.
25:26The noontime bell tolled in the distance, yet the road to the temple remained empty.
25:30No one came.
25:31Cassius's face grew paler by the hour, from initial hope to growing anxiety, to cursing merely in madness.
25:37A pack of ungrateful reddens!
25:38I treated you as my own children, gave you all my knowledge, and yet not a single one came to
25:43save me!
25:44Lilith was even worse.
25:45She collapsed, sobbing controllably.
25:47I watched them and let out a cold laugh.
25:49I never expected my so-called virtuous disciples to be even better at calculating the moment than I imagined.
25:57I turned to Sonatus at my side.
25:59Since they hide, unwilling to show themselves, let's go meet them ourselves.
26:04With that, I swept toward the temple.
26:08Sonatus followed, his nether-god formation moving behind him in perfect order, seemingly gliding above the ground.
26:17At the gates of the temple, the disciples had already formed ranks, rushing forward to surround us.
26:22They brandished divine weapons, closing in.
26:25Those who had once shown me respect now twisted their faces in anger, cursing me mercilessly.
26:30Liar! You traitor! Daring to conspire with the Underrealm! Betraying our temple!
26:35After three centuries of careful guidance, this is how you repay your mentor?
26:40Blasphemous wretch! You destroyed the relic itself at the Underlord's feet! How vile!
26:44The fiercer their curses, the more they seemed to hide something.
26:48I stood above them in the void, smiling silently.
26:52Once their shouting waned, I tilted my head slightly.
26:55The nether-guards immediately dragged Cassius and Lilith forward,
26:59dropping the two battered, broken figures at the feet of the temple disciples.
27:02All eyes fell on them. Some stepped back intentively.
27:05At the very back, a younger disciple's eyes reddened, and he intinctively took a half-step forward,
27:09only to be held back by those beside them.
27:12I spoke. You stand there so righteously.
27:15Are you certain you will not save your high priest and your youngest priestess?
27:18I said before, if even one steps forward to save them, I will release them without guilt.
27:23I paused, sweeping my gaze across the crowd. That still stands.
27:27At that moment, one disciple stepped forward from the center.
27:30Everyone, do not be deceived by this evil goddess! This is all her divine trickery!
27:35The real high priest and priestess perished in the Underrealm three days ago!
27:38These two before you are only phantoms created by her arts!
27:41The crowd stirred. An elder disciple in the front frowned, gathering a strand of divine essence with his fingertip, intending
27:48to verify.
27:49A single thread of divine sense could immediately reveal the difference between a phantom and a true deity.
27:53But before his hand could reach halfway, someone beside him pressed it down forcefully.
27:58Don't check.
27:59The elder froze.
28:01He followed the evasive eyes and slowly understood.
28:07Everyone had seen. Everyone knew.
28:09But no one dared expose it.
28:10If they did not verify, the kneeling figures could be phantoms.
28:14If they were phantoms, no one needed to save them.
28:16If no one needed to save them, no one needed to die.
28:18I watched it all unfold.
28:20In that moment, I truly understood.
28:22The cruelest thing is never hatred, but cowardice.
28:25The word phantom struck Cassius in the heart.
28:28The glimmer of hope in his eyes instantly died.
28:33Cenortus and I stood side by side.
28:35The hundreds of temple disciples clashed with the elite netherguard battalion.
28:39Divine weapons were sent flying.
28:41People thrown to the ground.
28:42Protective morph formations shattered.
28:44Divine powers sealed one by one.
28:45Screams, cries and pleas mixed into a chaotic symphony.
28:50I looked down from above.
28:51Cassius, forced to watch with wide eyes, saw everything first hand.
28:54Three centuries of toil.
28:56The temple he built and nurtured to the high priesthood crumbling before him.
28:59Despair and agony threatened to consume him entirely.
29:02Cassius went mad.
29:03Behind us, the horns of the underworld sounded.
29:06From this day forward, no temple would stand on this land.
29:11I stood on the ruins of the temple.
29:13The divine treasury ablaze behind me.
29:18In front of me, the kneeling prisoners.
29:22A few days later, Cenortus approached my side.
29:25Goddess Salerna.
29:27What shall be done with Irene and the others?
29:29I slowly surveyed their faces.
29:31An eye for an eye.
29:33Cenortus raised his hand.
29:35And Neth fire descended upon Irene.
29:37She screamed and rolled.
29:39Her divinity scorched, almost to destruction.
29:44Until she could no longer cry.
29:46Only convulsing remained.
29:48That's enough.
29:49I spoke lightly.
29:50Throw her into the deepest part of the Underrealm.
29:52Let her live.
29:53Each day, burn her divinity once with the Bismar Flame.
29:56Once burned, heal.
29:57Then burn again.
29:58Once at sunrise.
30:00Once at sunset.
30:00Let her feel the pain at every moment.
30:04Dawn brings pain.
30:06Dust brings pain.
30:07Never let her die.
30:10Cenortus lowered his head in acknowledgement.
30:13Irene had once burned the divine bones of someone revered by the Underlord.
30:16According to Underrealm law, the one who burns divine bones suffers the same fate.
30:21Eternal and inescapable.
30:24When Lilith was dragged forward, she was barely recognizable as human.
30:28Her forehead wound festered completely.
30:31Sister, have mercy.
30:34I crouched to meet her gaze.
30:37You stood beside Irene, watching her scorch my divine bones with nether fire.
30:43Did you ever imagine this day would come?
30:46Her bloodline was sealed by the name of Strix.
30:50Just as they had done to me.
30:52She was left on the temple ruins, without water or food.
30:56A thin, barrier of naryer essence surrounded the ruins.
30:59Not to imprison her, but to prevent her from leaving and anyone from entering.
31:04Left to survive or perish on her own.
31:09Cassius was the last dragged forward.
31:11The wound on his severed arm had rotted black.
31:14He was thrown to the ground, lying there long before he slowly lifted his head.
31:17His cloudy eyes met mine, lips trembling violently.
31:21Lyra. Lyra.
31:22I stepped in front of him.
31:24Cassius.
31:25Don't call me that.
31:26You're not worthy.
31:27His body shook violently.
31:29Forehead pressed to the ground.
31:31He wept with heart-ranking anguish.
31:33Three centuries of painstaking work destroyed in an instant.
31:36Not a single disciple he taught came to save him.
31:40The only woman he ever loved pleaded for survival in her eyes.
31:43Not love.
31:44I lowered my gaze at him.
31:45Cassius.
31:46I want you trapped in the depths of the Underrealm.
31:48Hearing the wails of those fallen disciples every day.
31:52For this life and all that follow, suffer eternal remorse.
31:55The once revered hyzens from the altar finally fell among ruins and rubble.
32:00All was over.
32:02From the highest terrace of the Underrealm, soft footsteps approached.
32:07Goddess Selina, it's late.
32:10Sanatos will escort you back to the hall.
32:13I didn't turn, speaking lightly.
32:15Why stand so far away?
32:17His body stiffened slightly, Adam's juddle rolling as his voice dropped.
32:21Sanatos does not dare overstep.
32:23I slowly turned, golden molten eyes glinting in the moonlight.
32:27Seeing his reddened ear tips, I found it somewhat amusing.
32:30Three hundred years, and he was still like this.
32:33Come.
32:37Sanatos hesitated, then stepped forward slowly.
32:43Stopping two steps away, he still kept his gaze lowered, not meeting mine.
32:48The night wind lifted my hair.
32:51A silver strand fell onto his shoulder.
32:54His gaze followed it.
32:56His fingertips curled slightly, wanting to touch, yet restraining himself.
33:01Goddess Selian.
33:03His voice was barely a whisper.
33:07The night wind is cold.
33:09Sanatos will drape a cloak over you.
33:11He removed his cloak, holding it with both hands, carefully placing it on my shoulders.
33:16I adjusted my collar and said casually,
33:19You're thoughtful.
33:20His ears reddened further.
33:22He stepped back two paces, lowering his head again.
33:25It's Sanatos' duty.
33:26I watched him, the Underlord who made gods tremble, obedient now like a small serpent.
33:32Sanatos.
33:34Sanatos.
33:35At your service.
33:36Three hundred years.
33:39I spoke slowly, gazing into the distance.
33:42You are still like when you were young.
33:46His breathing faltered slightly, yet he did not lift his head.
33:49Simply whispered.
33:51Yes.
33:52I turned and walked toward the hall.
33:54Behind me, his footsteps followed.
33:56Not too far, not too near.
33:57I did not look back.
33:59But I knew those eyes were fixed on my back.
34:01Debts had been repaid.
34:02Those who should remain, remained.
34:04The little black snake that nearly died.
34:07From the Divine Spring to Tartarus.
34:09From Serpent to God-King.
34:12Had traveled countless paths in three centuries, yet never out of the three steps behind me.
34:17This time, I would not let him kneel at my feet.
34:20The night wind swept the terrace as I walked slowly into the hall.
34:23Slow enough for the one who had always followed me to take the three steps he had never dared before.
34:28Finally walking to my side.
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