"This will not go on forever... Since you are so stubborn when facing others, I wonder if you can still remain 'unwavering' when facing yourself?"
The voice gradually became colder, twenty thousand years of attempts had been long enough; if this gentle approach was futile, then a change of tactics was unavoidable.
Perhaps, as he had always believed, the world itself was his true obstruction. Thus, Laine looked toward the earth, toward the only deity on Mount Olympus.
First, wait for a result, then make a decision. In any case, the river of fate for this world must be thoroughly severed in the Third Era, and all that follows must become utterly unknown. If mere scheming cannot solve it...
"...then let's use absolute power to tear apart the laws of the current world."
Recalling the recent events in Hemenu World, Laine felt, perhaps it was not an impossible feat.
"And the Divine King..."
The position of Divine King was actually quite special; it was closely related to fate, and its succession often signified the change of an era. Thus, at this moment, that long-standing intention resurfaced in Laine's mind.
"Perhaps the Divine King... only needs three generations!"
...
Above the Underworld, the subterranean realm.
In the dim underground space, a faint bioluminescence had arisen from nowhere. A kind of moss emitting light spread everywhere, bringing brightness to this vast world.
And in the center of this enormous cavity, a tree that should not exist here swayed with life. It had golden leaves, perfectly proportioned branches, and... some new, dark-colored shoots.
"Please command me."
Bowing slightly, the Elf obediently responded.
"In a moment, I will take you to the surface to meet the Divine King—the one you wanted to see before.
"I will make a 'covenant' with him, and you will be the guarantee of our agreement. You will become a part of his Divine Court, even a part of his power, and then from that moment on, enjoy the light and beauty on the surface. That's quite nice, isn't it?"
"Then what... what do I need to do?"
Raising her head cautiously, not feeling happy, Moanda felt somewhat terrified. She did not know what she was being sent to do, but she believed it was definitely not something simple, and what she had to do was certainly more than just enjoying life.
"You don't need to do anything, at least not for now. And you needn't worry about your safety, because the Golden Apple Tree will remain here."
Sighing, Erebus felt a touch of remorse for the first time. He looked up at the 'sky' of the underground space, as if looking at something else.
"It's just like Gaia."
"...What?"
Not quite catching it, Moanda couldn't help but ask.
"I mean... there are always things that manage to be disliked by everyone, even by those whom it seeks to protect."
With a smile, no further explanation was given, Erebus simply gestured with his hand.
"Come, let's go. You, who might be considered lucky or not, prepare to welcome the new life that belongs to you."