CHAPTER 645

【 SEVERING THE ORIGIN AND THE NEXT STEP 】

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A brilliant platinum light flared across the Sword of Damocles, transforming into a dazzling blade of divine radiance.

In a single flash, the sword’s brilliance plunged deep into the roots of the World Tree—or more precisely, into the very point where those roots intertwined with the core of the world of Seigües.

A terrifying surge of energy erupted from the point of contact, rippling outward through the underground expanse and into the void beyond. The pulse of power tore through layers of soil and stone, its resonance echoing through every vein of the planet. Had such might been unleashed upon the surface, it would have brought about an apocalyptic calamity, shattering continents and reducing mountains to dust. Even in the depths below, its shockwave sent violent tremors racing across the land, powerful enough to be felt dozens of kilometers away.

On the surface, in the Elven Forest, ancient trees groaned as the earth quaked beneath their roots. Mana-attuned beasts bolted from their dens, their cries echoing through the woods, while flocks of birds burst into the sky in a chaotic flurry of wings.

In Chosen City, players looked around in alarm as the ground trembled and trees swayed along the streets.

“What’s going on? An earthquake?”

“No way! Can this game even have earthquakes?”

Far below, inside the Labyrinth Dungeon, the Demon Lord’s palace trembled ever so slightly. Azazel, who had been toying with the players moments before, froze mid-gesture. His eyes flickered toward the unseen depths beneath the labyrinth, a faint frown crossing his face.

“Yggdrasill… what are you doing?”

The tremor lasted for ten seconds before gradually fading away.

At the roots of the World Tree, Evé slowly lowered the Sword of Damocles, its platinum sheen dimming until only a faint, silvery glow remained along the blade’s edge. The air around her still quivered faintly, charged with the remnants of divine energy.

Before her, the massive roots of the World Tree and the core of the Seigües Realm stood pristine and unscathed, as though the cataclysmic surge of power moments ago had been nothing but an illusion.

Evé’s expression remained composed, her silver eyes betraying neither frustration nor surprise. It was as if she had already foreseen this outcome long before she even drew the sword. Slowly, she closed her eyes, extending her senses into the still air, tracing the faint ripples left behind by her own power. The divine fluctuations resonated weakly, like ripples on a vast, unyielding sea.

A soft sigh escaped her lips as she opened her eyes once more.

“With my divine incarnation’s full strength, that should only amount to about one percent progress…” she murmured, her tone thoughtful rather than disappointed.

“It seems my true body’s connection with the world origin of Seigües really runs deep.”

Evé shook her head slightly.

Indeed, what she had just attempted to sever was not the physical roots of the World Tree, but the invisible, metaphysical tether that bound her True Body to the origin of the Seigües Realm.

It was not a material bond that could be cut by ordinary means, but a higher-dimensional linkage—an intricate weaving of core essences that transcended the confines of the physical world.

And this was precisely what Evé sought to cut.

The World Tree had been rooted in the realm of Seigües for countless years. Over that immense span of time, its essence had become deeply intertwined with the world’s own origin, forming a bond that bordered on symbiosis.

That was why, when the previous World Tree fell, the very foundation of Seigües nearly collapsed as well.

It was not merely the aftermath of the Thousand-year Holy War that caused the devastation, but also the direct consequence of the world origin being shaken through its connection with the World Tree.

This same connection now stood as the greatest obstacle preventing Evé from relocating her true body from the Seigües Realm.

Physically moving it was simple enough—a tree could be transplanted, after all. Evé had done as much in her previous life.

Now, with the Gate of Reversal and the Planetary Star Map, she possessed the tools necessary to traverse even the boundaries between worlds. By combining their functions, she could open a stable passage through the cosmic void, anchor a destination, and guide her true body across realms.

But one issue that hindered her from doing so was her True Body’s linkage to the core origin.

Without severing that metaphysical connection, forcibly detaching her true form would not only cause severe damage to the Seigües core origin but might also inflict harm upon her own true body.

Such a misstep could easily result in a fall in divinity—or worse, her complete annihilation.

As for the benefits of maintaining this link with the origin…

Evé had studied it thoroughly. Her findings revealed that, aside from binding her life force to that of the Seigües Realm, the link offered only marginal advantages—a slight increase in the efficiency of her [Absorption] ability and a modest improvement in the feedback she received from the world’s origin afterward.

Of course, that limited benefit likely stemmed from the fact that the World Tree and the Seigües core origin had not yet fully merged. Should complete fusion ever occur, the results would undoubtedly transcend her current understanding.

“My predecessor likely pursued this very path,” Evé murmured, her gaze distant. “Based on the Abyss as a precedent, I can somewhat infer the outcome.

Once the fusion was complete, the World Tree would no longer merely coexist with the realm—it would become its absolute master. A ‘Lord of the Realm,’ whose control surpassed even those deities who left divine marks upon the world’s core origin. Seigües itself might have evolved into a form akin to a divine kingdom.

“Becoming the Lord of Seigües and empowering the world itself… from what I know, that must be why the divine human faction and god of war faction united to bring down the former World Tree.”

“There may have been other hidden motives as well, but that much is certain.”

“The fact that the gods relocated the new Pantheon within Seigües likely serves the same purpose—to prevent any mythical being from fusing with Seigües core origin and claiming dominion over it.”

Evé gazed thoughtfully at the roots beneath her, lost in contemplation.

She felt no need to judge her predecessor’s choices.

If the former World Tree had truly succeeded in her plans, then perhaps the subsequent war and devastation would never have occurred since the realm of Seigües had once been the very cradle of divine faith.

Still, Evé believed that her predecessor’s goal had not been one of conquest. Being a benevolent person, the previous World Tree had likely sought to strengthen Seigües itself and bring prosperity to all living beings within it.

After all, that was how her predecessor had always done things.

However, the path of merging with the Seigües core origin was no longer viable for Evé. The newly established Pantheon, whose foundations had been suppressed by Etriōu, the Eternal Lord, had completely sealed that possibility.

Detaching herself from the core origin would not trigger any response from the Pantheon, but attempting to delve deeper into the Seigües core origin to continue the fusion would certainly cause disturbances and expose her completely.

Even if Evé could somehow proceed, most of the gods now cultivated believers in other realms. Should another large-scale conflict erupt, whether they would still be willing to destroy the World Tree at the cost of the Seigües complete destruction remained uncertain.

After all, the World Tree’s ability to strengthen a realm was not limited to Seigües alone. Wherever the World Tree existed, that world would benefit.

In any world where she took root, the potential of the native sentient races would still be extraordinary, enough to give birth to beings capable of making the gods themselves tremble once more.

Of course, by that point, Eve’s own power would be far more formidable than it was now.

It was a deadlock, one that could only be undone if the opposing gods changed their mindset.

But was that even possible?

Using the Power of Faith was both a shortcut and a shackle.

For the two largest factions who had already savored the taste of divine authority, Evé doubted they would ever allow a being stronger than themselves to exist above them.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Evé sheathed the Sword of Damocles.

“The attempt was successful. With this divine weapon, I can indeed perform the origin severance in secret without alerting the Pantheon.”

“Starting today, I’ll strike once each day. The power can be reduced slightly… just enough that it won’t be felt on the surface. Within a year, my True Body should be completely separated from Seigües’ core origin.”

“Once I am detached, I’ll have both the freedom to advance and the security to retreat. At the very least, it will serve as a contingency plan.”

So she resolved in her mind.

In the next instant, her figure flickered like a wisp of light and vanished from the subterranean depths, returning to the tranquil expanse of her divine kingdom.

Not long after, Evé sensed a surge of offerings flowing into her domain from the players.

Of course, with the game system now operating in full automation, such offerings no longer required her direct supervision. The process had long since become self-sustaining, efficiently handled by the system itself.

Still, curiosity stirred within her, prompting her to open the system interface and take a look.

And what she saw made her expression turn subtly strange.

It was a collection of all sorts of miscellaneous items, many of which looked oddly familiar, especially the battered demonic gear. She quickly recognized them as the very artifacts belonging to those ill-fated Titan demons she had placed within the innermost chamber of the Titan Mausoleum.

Along with these were several crates filled with gold coins and gemstones, all completely untouched.

“Are they so well-off now that even gold coins and jewels no longer interest them?” she murmured.

Using the system interface, she checked the donors and, unsurprisingly, found them to be members of All-Star guild’s main raid team.

In fact, upon closer inspection, she realized it was not just Achan’s original team anymore. Many of the guild’s upper ranks had joined as well, bringing their total to several hundred Silver-ranked members bearing the same All-Star naming style.

“I never realized All-Star has grown this strong,” Evé said in quiet astonishment. “Four years ago, this number of Silver-ranked players alone could have swept through every orc army short of their Golden-ranked elites.”

The offering confirmed what she had already suspected:

The Titan Ruins had now been thoroughly looted by the players.

Of course, there were likely still monsters lingering deeper within, and until those were dealt with, exploration would continue.

“In that case,” she mused thoughtfully, “I might as well have Azazel continue supplying the site with demons bearing Titan bloodlines. It could serve as a new stable dungeon for the players… yes, that would work perfectly. I can construct a transfer array, link it directly to my divine kingdom, and have the elemental fairies oversee the process. Azazel can dispatch the demons through the array, and the fairies will handle their relocation into the ruins.”

Evé paused for a moment, a faint, amused smile curling at the corners of her lips.

“Demons truly are remarkable,” she murmured, her tone carrying both admiration and irony. “Such a vast variety of forms and powers… they’ve solved so many of my problems and even serve as a renewable source of energy.”

The thought drew a soft chuckle from her. For all their chaos and destruction, demons were undeniably useful when properly managed.

With a light gesture, Evé summoned the Fairy King, Feynir.

“Feynir,” Evé said in a calm, commanding tone, “go to the Labyrinth Dungeon and inform Azazel that he has a new assignment.”

“From now on, he is to regularly send demons possessing Titan bloodlines into the Titan Ruins. He may choose which ones to offer, send them here to my divine kingdom first, and then you and your fairies will handle their transfer into the ruins.”

Feynir inclined her head gracefully, her voice soft yet resolute. “As you command, Your Divine Grace.”

Evé nodded in approval, her expression serene.

Having received her orders, Feynir spread her translucent wings and departed. As silence returned to the hall, Evé leaned back slightly, her eyes glimmering with quiet satisfaction.

Everything, she thought, was proceeding exactly as planned.

Evé then remained seated upon her divine throne and once again brought out the Book of Titans.

She had no concerns about Azazel’s obedience. After enduring countless humiliating defeats at the hands of the players, the once-proud demon lord had long since learned the value of submission. He now served dutifully, his pride tempered into quiet compliance.

Besides, it was not as if he had much else to do. Unlike the thirteen “workaholic” demon kings who toiled tirelessly on his behalf, Azazel’s work nowadays was largely administrative, acting as little more than an overseer. Thus, assigning him this task would not only keep him occupied but also contribute to enriching the players’ gaming experience.

A faint glow illuminated the chamber as Evé opened the Book of Titans. The map of the Seigües Realm appeared in shimmering light before her once more.

Her eyes swept over the glowing and dimming points scattered across it as she pondered quietly.

“The Titan Ruins I just finished exploring are located here,” she murmured, touching one of the luminous markers. “But there’s another to the west of the Elven Forest. Judging by the coordinates, it should be near one of the Seven Elven Cities… the coastal city of Mirovia.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly. “However, that marker has already dimmed, meaning the site has been explored. There’s probably nothing valuable left, though it could still function as a smaller dungeon for the players. I can have Azazel send demons there as well.”

Her finger drifted to another point on the map. “Hmm… there’s another ruin in the Desert of Death. Its light has faded too. If I recall correctly, this should be the same place where Uller obtained the Withering Heart. Interesting. That site could also be repurposed into a combat zone.”

Her gaze shifted again. “As for the ruins in the Fertile Plains, there’s one active coordinate still glowing within the Maple Leaf Territory, near Maple Leaf City.” She frowned slightly, leaning forward. “Given its proximity to a populated area, it may be difficult for players to explore it safely.”

After a moment’s thought, her expression softened. “Perhaps I could personally dispatch an incarnation to oversee the operation. I’ll follow the same approach as before—let the players take the lead. Since that territory is under Etriōu’s jurisdiction, and the Eternal Church will surely remain alert after the previous incident, discretion will be crucial.”

A faint smile curved her lips. “Yes… I can select a few skilled players and release the exploration as a hidden quest. That should keep it under the radar.”

Her gaze then traveled across the map one last time. The remaining glowing markers pulsed faintly on the far side of the continent, in lands long abandoned by civilization.

“So these are the last active ruins,” she murmured softly. “The old records say several Ancient Gods slumber there. I wonder if any of them have awakened by now.”

Having finalized her short-term exploration plans, Evé closed the Book of Titans.

With less than a year remaining before the Demonic Crusade, she needed to strengthen herself as much as possible in the time she had left.

After a moment of reflection, Evé shifted into a more comfortable posture, crossing one leg over the other, and summoned the game’s geographical sandbox interface.

It was the same three-dimensional model as before, displaying the regions of the Elven Forest, the Underground, the Dark Mountains, the Desert of Death, and portions of the Fertile Plains.

Hundreds of thousands of blue lights flickered across the map, marking the locations of players. Their distribution was clear—half within the Elven Forest, and the rest scattered across other regions.

The largest clusters appeared around the seven main cities and dungeon zones.

Each flickering point symbolized a player currently active in the world.

Amongst them, the number of Silver-ranked players had already surpassed four thousand. In just two days since the recent new batch of public beta began, nearly eight hundred new Silver-rankers had emerged.

Meanwhile, new Iron-ranked players were successfully advancing almost every few minutes.

This rapid surge was the result of Evé increasing the drop rate of Silver-class advancement slots from the lottery reward pool, triggering an explosive growth in Silver-rankers.

“There are still around six thousand more before the total reaches ten thousand Silver-rank players. At the current pace of roughly three hundred promotions per day, it should take about twenty days… a month at most.”

“Once it hit ten thousand, I can start unlocking advancement promotion for the next rank, which is the intermediate Silver rank. Let’s call them ‘Silver Advancement Tokens.’”

Still, she tempered her excitement with caution.

“Their growth must remain steady. If it appears too rapid, it could raise suspicion. The elves have already drawn enough eyes their way, and another anomaly might provoke unnecessary interference.”

She tapped her fingers lightly against the throne’s armrest. “Fortunately, other races are also showing a rise in Silver-rank experts. That balance should help mask the Elvenkind’s unusual development.”

After finalizing her plans for player development, Evé dismissed the sandbox projection.

Meanwhile, in the mortal realm, Fairy King Feynir finally arrived at the Demon Lord’s palace inside the Labyrinth Dungeon.

The moment she conveyed her message, a furious roar thundered through the chamber.

“What?! Yggdrasill wants me to keep finding demons with Titan bloodlines? Who does she think I am?!”

Azazel’s voice echoed through the hall, thick with outrage.

Feynir, however, showed no sign of irritation at his outburst.

She regarded the furious demon lord calmly and replied,

“This is the divine command of Her Grace, the Goddess… Are you rejecting Her will, Demon Lord Azazel? If that is your decision, then I shall return to report it to Her Grace personally.”

Azazel froze mid-protest.

The seventh Demon God shivered slightly, his expression tightening as if remembering something unpleasant.

After a long moment of silence, his shoulders slumped, and he let out a resigned sigh.

“…Fine. I’ll do it.”

Satisfied with his response, Feynir left behind an array and departed the Demon Lord’s palace.

Left alone, Azazel stared blankly at the crystal orb before him, where images of players battling demons shimmered within its depths.

For some reason, watching those foolish, long-eared mortals no longer felt as amusing as before.

“…What the hell am I even doing?” Azazel muttered to himself.

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