CHAPTER 360: CHAPTER 192: THE LAST SAVE POINT BEFORE THE BOSS FIGHT

Lost Island, World Tree Fragment.

Thin and austere shadows transformed into a layer of dark curtain, gently casting over the solemn hall.

This is a splendid side palace, which was once the residence of the Elf King in the Elven Royal Court.

With the eruption of the cataclysm, the Elven Royal Court fell upon the Endless Ocean Domain of the Main Material Plane, and this once-bedroom of the Elf King was also fused into the newly born Elf King along with a branch of the World Tree, becoming his place of Eternal Slumber.

Though a millennium has passed, and many metallic structures have shown signs of weathering and decay, the original opulence can still be vaguely seen.

A thousand years ago, in that distant Glorious Era, countless Legendary heroes and Demigods entered this palace to meet the exalted Elf King.

Yet, at this very moment—

As the only living being in this splendid side palace, Hathaway could not muster a trace of joy or any emotion akin to enjoyment.

She simply sat dazed on the velvet-covered bed, staring blankly at the dark curtain of shadow outside the side palace, under the glow of a magnificent chandelier embedded with a Luminous Pearl.

The material conditions in this side palace are excellent, such as the splendid velvet-covered bed and the food delivered through the shadows daily on schedule... all far more luxurious and comfortable than the conditions Hathaway had lived in on the Lost Island.

However, she had not the slightest intention to enjoy any of it.

For the Golden Elf knew in her heart—

All these conditions before her.

Were exchanged for by Shiayar for her.

Even though half a month had passed since that day, amidst the flickers of semi-consciousness.

The boy’s words, almost indistinct, still seemed to linger by her ear.

"Let me, take her place..."

"As a trade, grant her freedom..."

Though it was only in semi-consciousness, relying on a shred of unwilling will to forcibly record those few fragments of words.

Yet, even just these few fragmented sentences...

Were enough to allow her, through association, to complete a corner of the iceberg of truth.

In the eyes of the Ancient Sun God, she was a mere pawn, akin to a lab mouse...

After directly challenging that Ancient Sun God, not only was she not killed directly by the power of Authority, but was also able to enjoy the treatment that could be described as luxurious.

The only reason is that Shiayar made a transaction with that Ancient Sun God.

And in this transaction, the chip Shiayar put forth—

Was his flesh and his self.

Even though that Ancient Sun God promised to retain Shiayar’s consciousness, and even help him rebuild his body after he returned to the Divine Throne, everyone knew, even if the Ancient Sun God’s words were true...

But during the process of returning to the Divine Throne, who knows how many twists and changes might occur.

With the slightest error, the human named Shiayar Egutt would face a bleak ending of complete annihilation.

His body being occupied, even his self would disintegrate together.

Yet Shiayar, knowing these risks, still made such a choice.

All of this was to fight for a chance of survival for herself, whose bloodline source was controlled by the Ancient Sun God.

Upon understanding the truth of it all, the Golden Elf thought about committing suicide more than once, thinking about marching to her death.

Clearly Shiayar did nothing wrong.

The one truly at fault is she, who lived vainly for a thousand years, yet still harbored fantasies about her kin, burdening Shiayar and dragging him into this whirlpool of calamity.

Hathaway did not want to become a burden or a shackle, she wanted to use her death to free Shiayar from bondage.

However, when such thoughts rose in her heart and she put them into action.

The next instant.

Threads of shadows flowed slowly out from the blood of the Golden Elf’s veins.

Then, they transformed into the shackles of a curse.

Imprisoning her body and soul.

Causing her to fall immobile onto the soft velvet bed, unable to muster the slightest strength.

This was not the first attempt Hathaway made in the past half month, but all attempts ended in such similar outcomes without exception.

It was apparent—

An unsullied Golden Elf, even if Legendary.

Was not worthy of a glance from that Ancient Sun God.

But a Golden Elf, valued by Shiayar, who he would willingly sacrifice himself to protect, was indeed worthy of the Ancient Sun God’s cautious attention.

That was what allowed him to willingly submit, to fall as His container—

How could He possibly allow her to commit suicide?

"I am truly... a pathetic burden."

Feeling that bone-drilling pain emanating from deep in her blood.

What Hathaway felt in her heart was not pain, but remorse.

"Had I known it would come to this, perhaps I shouldn’t have stepped out of the Astral Realm from the start."

"Even less, should I have met him."

She gazed blankly at the dark curtain of shadow outside the window, tears sliding down her pale golden beautiful eyes.

"If I had just died unnoticed of old age on the Lost Island, never having met you..."

"Then you would also..."

"Not need to be dragged down by me like this."

...

World Tree Shard World, beside the bedroom.