Chapter 835

【 IN-DEPTH 】

Four Seasons was no stranger to angels.

Here in the World of Seigües, angels were almost synonymous with divine messengers of the Human Gods. Among them, the Angels of Faith serving the Eternal Lord, the Goddess’s greatest rival, were by far the most famous.

According to the information Four Seasons knew, the distinguishing features of the Eternal Lord’s Angels were golden hair and silver armor. Whenever they appeared, they were always accompanied by holy light as dazzling as the sun, exactly like that six-winged angel in the sky.

His eyes widened as Four Seasons stared intently at the Seraphim in the sky. Amidst a brilliant radiance, he watched as the angel flew toward the distant mountains.

Before long, the winged figure disappeared from view through the small window.

“Why would an Angel appear here? What’s it trying to do?”

Four Seasons was puzzled.

He was an extremely curious person. Although he had only started playing the game relatively recently, his knowledge of the game was already on par with that of many veteran players.

Once this doubt arose in his mind, Four Seasons could no longer suppress his curiosity.

He wanted to see where the angel was going and find out what was really happening.

Struggling to sit up in bed, Four Seasons pulled out a number of antidotes and buff potions from his clothes and stuffed them all into his mouth. He then turned off his pain sensitivity, hurriedly got out of bed, put on his equipment, and walked out of the room.

After pushing open the door, Four Seasons stepped outside.

What greeted his eyes was a cluster of wooden houses similar to the one behind him, arranged neatly throughout the village. Flowers and plants grew abundantly around the houses, while winding stone paths stretched into the distance…

It was a village that looked like an earthly paradise and within the vicinity, he could see quite a few villagers whose appearances resembled Lina’s. They were all Demi-Human.

There was no doubt that this was a Demi-Human village.

Four Seasons’ appearance quickly attracted the attention of the villagers. Several Demi-human children who had been playing stopped as well, hiding behind a fence and staring at him curiously with their innocent, wide eyes.

When Four Seasons turned his gaze toward them, the girls shyly looked away, while the boys made faces at him before laughing and running off.

Their furry ears bounced up and down, while their fluffy little tails swished back and forth, making them incredibly adorable.

“These little brats…”

Four Seasons could not help but laugh.

He withdrew his gaze, his smile fading as he looked toward the mountains again.

The angel’s holy light could still faintly be seen in that direction, but it soon disappeared as well.

Staring at the mountains where the angel had vanished, Four Seasons frowned.

The mountains were the place where, according to what the Demi-human girl Lina had just told him, the other ‘Lords’ lived. They were also the sacred grounds of Dream Island.

And based on Nana’s speculation, they were very likely the dwelling place of the Ancient Gods.

“Sir Elf, why have you come outside?”

A familiar voice sounded, and Lina appeared in front of Four Seasons, blocking his view.

“Your body is still very weak. His Majesty Imheter said that you need to rest for a few more days.”

She frowned as she spoke.

Four Seasons did not answer immediately. Instead, he continued staring toward the distant mountains.

“Lina, did you see that angel just now?”

He asked.

“The angel? Yes, I saw it. What about it?”

Lina tilted her head.

“That isn’t someone from Dream Island, is it?”

Four Seasons could not help asking.

Lina nodded.

“Yeah, that Angel seems to have come from the outside world. Actually, we’ve often seen it around lately. Perhaps… it’s going to visit the Honored Lords?”

Visit the Honored Lords…

Four Seasons’ heart skipped a beat.

He did not continue questioning her as the girl probably did not know much more. After all, based on their previous conversations, Lina’s knowledge of the continent of Seigües was practically nonexistent. She had simply lived here for generations.

He decided to personally go toward the mountains and take a look.

“Hey, Sir Elf, where are you going?”

Seeing Four Seasons move, Lina asked curiously.

“I’m going to take a look at those mountains.”

Four Seasons replied.

“B-But… that’s where the Honored Lords live. It’s the sacred ground of Dream Island, and it’s very far from here…”

Lina said.

Four Seasons stopped as he turned around and looked at the girl.

“Are you trying to stop me?”

“No, no…”

Lina shook her head.

“I just wanted to remind you that it’s very far away. Do you need a carriage?”

The girl asked.

Four Seasons: “…”

He had clearly been overthinking things.

“However…”

Lina changed the subject.

“Ordinary people aren’t allowed to enter the sacred grounds. Even if you make it there, you’ll only be able to look around from the outside.”

“That’s fine. I’ll just look from the outside. Miss Lina, could you prepare a carriage for me?”

Four Seasons asked.

“Of course.”

The Demi-human girl smiled.

༺⟐༻

Under Lina’s guidance, Four Seasons boarded a carriage.

Meanwhile, at the far end of the mountains, within the ancient complex of temples, the Six-Winged Angel slowly came to a stop.

It stopped before the largest temple, hovering in midair as it looked down at the temple gates.

Soon, pale blue light gathered above the temple, and a massive, illusory face gradually emerged in the sky. The giant face frowned slightly and looked unhappily at the Seraphim radiating brilliant light.

“Raphael, I’ve already told you many times. You are not welcome here.”

Facing the displeased gaze of the illusory face, the Seraphim did not become angry as it respectfully bowed and said with a smile,

“Your Majesty Guy, I am merely conveying my Lord’s goodwill. Are you really unwilling to reconsider the proposal from before?”

The illusory face gave a mocking laugh.

“Forget about that. I’m not interested in developing a religion, much less joining some divine coalition of faith.”

“Your Majesty Guy, I merely proposed the method that would allow you to obtain your freedom most easily. This is also my Lord’s goodwill. You—”

“Enough.”

The illusory face interjected.

“Leave this place. Don’t disturb us. We have no intention of becoming involved in your conflicts.”

It shook its head and sighed.

As it spoke, a gentle divine power erupted around the giant face and pushed the Seraphim away.

However, the moment that gentle divine power touched the Seraphim, Raphael’s body suddenly erupted with an even more dazzling radiance.

His eyes turned a dazzling gold, and an overwhelming sense of supreme majesty faintly emanated from his body.

The “Seraphim” gently waved a hand, dispersing the gentle divine power. He then looked at the illusory giant face and chuckled.

“Your Majesty Guy, you are still as stubborn as ever.”

“Etriōu?”

The giant face frowned.

Its expression gradually became serious. With vigilance and a hint of aloofness, it asked,

“What have you come here for? I’m not interested in joining your side. You should understand that I only want to preserve the last spark of hope for the world…”

“I know.”

The “Seraphim” smiled faintly.

“Good. Your most important task right now should be to ascend to Greater Divine Power, not to persuade an old man like me.”

The illusory giant face spoke in a deep voice.

The “Seraphim” did not continue the topic. Instead, he suddenly chuckled.

“The World Tree has awakened.”

The illusory giant face froze slightly.

The “Seraphim” glanced at him and smiled.

“She is the Goddess of Life.”

As he spoke, he gazed meaningfully at the giant face.

“But… you should already know that, right?”

The illusory giant face fell silent.

After a moment, it sighed.

“Etriōu, what exactly are you trying to say?”

“I want to borrow your key.”

The “Seraphim” said.

“Impossible!”

The illusory giant face’s expression changed dramatically.

After saying that, it looked unhappily at the “Seraphim.”

“Etriōu, don’t think I don’t know what you’re trying to do. I’ll say the same thing again: I will not get involved in your conflicts. I won’t, Dream Island won’t, and Utopia won’t either. We have our own mission.”

“Don’t bring this up again.”

The illusory giant face spoke sternly.

The “Seraphim” sighed.

“That is truly unfortunate.”

He then looked deeply at the illusory giant face and said,

“Your Majesty Guy, you are the last being who saw His Excellency Neo. I have one more question I would like to ask you.”

The illusory giant face was silent for a moment before saying,

“Ask.”

The “Seraphim” narrowed his eyes.

“Did His Excellency Neo’s key really disappear along with his disappearance?”

The illusory giant face shook its head.

“How would I know? I don’t even know what His Excellency Neo’s key is.”

The “Seraphim” nodded.

“I see… Then I understand.”

Then he smiled again.

“Since I’m not welcome here, I’ll be leaving. I hope you will always remember your oath.”

“That’s none of your concern.”

The giant face said sternly.

The “Seraphim” laughed loudly before suddenly changing the subject.

“Of course, if you ever change your mind one day, there will always be a place for you at my faction.”

The giant face shook its head again.

“Not necessary. Besides… sooner or later, we will leave.”

“I see… That really is a shame.”

The “Seraphim” said no more. He sighed, and the light surrounding his body faded. His aura weakened once more, his pupils returned to normal, and his eyes gradually became clear. The Angel Raphael then respectfully bowed to the illusory giant face once again before turning and leaving.

Only after the angel’s figure had completely disappeared did the illusory giant face slowly withdraw its gaze.

The next moment, blazing flames gathered beside it, transforming into a giant made entirely of fire.

“Your Majesty Guy.”

The Fire Giant’s eyes were filled with concern.

“Ah…”

The illusory giant face let out a heavy sigh.

“Surtr…”

It looked toward the Fire Giant.

“I am here.”

The Fire Giant bowed, his posture respectful.

“It seemed Etriōu can’t wait for the World of Seigües to be unsealed anymore. Alas, it will probably face another war soon. Resolve Imheter’s matter as soon as possible. We cannot become too deeply entangled with the outside world.”

The illusory giant face said.

The Fire Giant was stunned for a moment before he could not help asking,

“Are You really planning to remain completely uninvolved? Etriōu is becoming increasingly aggressive. I don’t think it would be a good thing for us if he were to attain Greater Divine Power.”

“So what? Since we have chosen to protect Utopia, we must remain neutral and transcend everything. Even the slightest connection to the outside world could cause the cycle of reincarnation to fail. I think… you understand this very well.”

The illusory giant face said.

The Fire Giant fell silent.

The illusory giant face continued,

“Is Imheter still unwilling to let go?”

The Fire Giant gave a bitter smile.

“You know how stubborn he has always been.”

“I heard that he brought another elf back from the outside world?”

“Yes.”

“Moreover, the one he brought over is actually a Chosen One of the Goddess of Life, isn’t it?”

“Mm…”

The giant face let out a soft sigh and shook its head.

“Surtr, it is time for Imheter to learn to face reality.”

The Fire Giant sighed softly.

“…I understand.”

༺⟐༻

By the time Four Seasons arrived at the foot of the mountains by carriage, two hours had already passed.

It was already getting late. The golden-red setting sun had dyed the sky a captivating crimson, while the lush mountain forests took on an even deeper and more mysterious appearance beneath the dimming light…

The angel he had seen earlier was long gone. However, as he approached the mountains, Four Seasons instead grew increasingly excited.

He could clearly sense that the concentration of mana here was much higher. Even the plants growing nearby were more luxuriant, and he could often spot magical plants that were extremely rare even in the Elven Forest.

Even without considering the angel he had just seen, he was already deeply interested in this area. Of course, if he could trigger some kind of storyline quest while he was here, then that would be even better.

“The sacred grounds are just up ahead. According to legend, this is where the Honored Lords live. Great beings such as His Supreme Lord Guy and His Majesty Surtr are all slumbering within the sacred grounds…”

“So we can only look around from here. There is no way for us to enter at all.”

Lina, who was driving the carriage, said.

“No way to enter?”

Four Seasons raised an eyebrow as he looked toward the mountains ahead.

“That’s right.”

Lina nodded.

“Will someone stop us?”

“No. I mean that literally.”

Lina said.

With that, she jumped down from the carriage and walked to the end of the road before gently extending her hand as a strange scene appeared.

Her hand soon touched an invisible barrier, creating transparent ripples. Then… she could not move forward another step anymore.

“See? Only those who have been chosen can cross this barrier.”

She turned around and looked at Four Seasons with her innocent, wide eyes.

Four Seasons understood.

He also jumped down from the carriage and walked over to the Demi-human girl, carefully examining the air in front of her.

Clearly, the invisible barrier couldn’t be seen.

After thinking for a moment, he tentatively extended his hand forward…

Seeing what he was doing, the girl shook her head.

“It’s no use—”

However, the next moment, her expression froze.

Four Seasons’ outstretched hand was not blocked at all. Instead, it easily passed through the invisible barrier.

“Hmm… It looks like I can enter though?”

He scratched his nose.

The next moment, his heart stirred, and he looked toward the depths of the mountains…

He sensed a strange calling, as though something was beckoning him to come closer.

“It seems… something is calling out to me.”

Four Seasons murmured.

“I’ll go take a look. Lina, you should head back first.”

With that, he took a deep breath and walked toward the mountains.

“Hey—Sir Elf!”

Lina called out to him, but Four Seasons had already entered the mountains as his figure soon disappeared into the increasingly darkening night.

Lina opened her mouth, but in the end, she merely stomped her foot and climbed back into the carriage.

༺⟐༻

After Four Seasons entered the mountains, that strange calling grew even more stronger and stronger.

Following the stirring in his heart, he continued forward in the direction of the call.

Gradually, night descended and an endless starry sky appeared across the heavens, as the surroundings entered a tranquil yet lively night.

The mountain forest was somewhat cold at night, with the bright moon hanging high overhead.

Beautiful, dreamlike fireflies danced through the forest, while the clear and melodious chirping of insects echoed continuously. Occasionally, the night breeze blew through, causing the leaves to rustle.

Four Seasons continued forward through the night, following the winding mountain path. Eventually, he climbed onto a vast and desolate mountain ridge.

Standing on the mountain and looking down, he could see a magnificent and ancient complex of temples in the darkness, resembling ancient ruins hidden among the forest. It was massive, solemn, and awe-inspiring.

However, Four Seasons did not head there.

The call was coming from somewhere else, behind the mountain ridge, and it was growing stronger and stronger.

He continued following the call, climbing higher and higher until he finally arrived before a deep cave.

The source of the call was deep within the cave.

Looking at the dark cave whose depths could not be seen, Four Seasons hesitated for a moment.

But soon, he made up his mind. He chanted a spell to summon a Novice-level [Light] spell, then entered the cave.

The cave was very deep, yet surprisingly warm.

Four Seasons explored for a long time before finally reaching its end.

At the end of the cave was a massive stone, covered in mysterious patterns that he could not understand.

This was the source of the call.

Unable to resist, Four Seasons reached out and touched the stone. The instant his hand made contact, brilliant light erupted from its surface.

The mysterious patterns suddenly lit up one after another, their radiance connecting into a single whole and continuously spreading outward.

Before long, the light completely engulfed him…

The next second, Four Seasons’ figure disappeared.

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