Chapter 223: Ascension

Chapter 223: Ascension

Raveria hid atop a ledge on the Valkyrie Fortress. She buried her face into her arms but a low and muffled sobbing could still be heard.

You shouldnt be so upset, Ravi. Iras voice caused Raverias crying to stop abruptly.

She peered up at her father with puffy reddened eyes and began to speak.

I dont want you to go, Dad, She pleaded with him.

Ira didnt reply and instead chose to sit down next to her. There was nothing that would change his mind at this point. Even if he had to see his daughter cry he wouldnt delay any longer.

Youll take care of your brothers and sisters, right? Ira asked.

Raveria slowly nodded while wiping her tears with her sleeve.

I will, She said eventually.

Good. Itll help me rest easier knowing that youre keeping them safe. Ira smiled before hugging her.

Raveria clung tightly to Ira and began crying all over again. All Ira could do in response was let out a deep sigh.Follow current novels at novelhall.com)

After a few moments, he teleported away from the ledge with Raveria in his arms.

The fateful day arrived quickly for Ira and his family. Avery restrained herself though she felt as saddened as her children but she didnt want Ira to be affected by it. Though, Iras mood had already shifted by the time the day he planned to ascend arrived. He found it harder to laugh as smile as he had done previously. There hung a solemn air around him and those who knew of what was to come.

Even at the moment, Ira sat with a brooding expression in a darkened room. His contempt for the Gods who forced his actions rose to its peak. There was no hope for peace and he had no intention of sparing any of the Gods. He could still remember the faces of a few but that was all he needed to start with. After all, eating them would allow his list of targets to grow on its own.

Are you ready? Zellas question interrupted Iras thoughts.

As ready as Ill ever be. Ira stood up with a thin smile.

You need not force a smile in front of me, Ira.

Oh, can you see still my thoughts? Ira asked.

I dont need to...Your inner turmoil seems to affect the very air around you, Zella whispered.

Please, give me a few more vague statements. Itll definitely help to improve my mood.

The two headed towards a small chamber and after entering, Ira could see familiar faces all around. Avery and Rhys stood with the children while Lauren, Casey, Sylun, Sylvia, Saren, and Juliana were standing on the opposite side of them. They were the only ones who knew of Iras ascension. Telling the entire world that he was leaving wouldnt be too smart of an idea. There was no guessing as to what reactions it would draw.

Ira moved to the center of the room and looked around once more. His children stared at him with innocent eyes. They approached him to say their goodbyes and he found that he wasnt quite prepared for it. The thought of waiting just one more day popped into his head but he quickly blocked it out.

Unfortunately for those curious Gods, the star fell into the tainted land with blackened soil and strange trees. They lost the chance to find who or what arrived but remained nearby while waiting.

On the outer radius of the lands tainted by the Voids influence, the Gods were spread out to cover all sides. Each one used whatever detection abilities they had to search for the slightest hint of a living being but there was nothing to be found. Seeing that there was nothing, a few Gods immediately left while others remained patient.

It has to be the Avarus, Kara whispered to herself.

Unlike the others who seemed to be getting restless, she remained steadfast, summoning a sword and stabbing it into the ground before closing her eyes.

If the Avarus was here, he isnt now, Ionus appeared at her side and spoke in a low voice.

Do you know something then? Kara asked.

Only a few should know this...there was a place where all the Avarus gathered together before they were massacred. The center of the forest which now houses the most divine beasts is that very place. If you want to find the Avarus, Id suggest you look there.

...Why are you telling me this? Have you seen a part of the future? Kara inquired.

Ionus greyish eyes stirred but he shook his head. I have not. Its only

Only what? Kara asked.

Its only a feeling, nothing more. After he finished speaking, Ionus left just as quickly as he arrived.

Kara sat in contemplation, watching as the curious Gods began to leave as hours passed. Without any other ideas as to where the Avarus would be, Kara decided to trust Ionus feeling and went to the land of Divine Beasts.

Ionus crossed a great distance and then came to a complete stop, looking at the empty dust covered land in front of him.

Are you here for a vision of the future perhaps, Xandes? He asked aloud.

A grey-haired old man with the physique of a warrior appeared in front of Ionus with an emotionless expression. His white robe fluttered as he slowly approached.

No, but you will tell me where you sent you Kara and what she was looking for, Xandes spoke grimly.

And why would I do that? I am only here to chronicle events as they play, I dont wish to interfere.

Why? You dont have a choice in the matter, A male god with an ethereal beauty said softly. He was the God who originally proposed the idea of removing the barrier between realms and was the first to suggest the capture of Ira. He was at odds with Kara and Xandes but it appeared that his problems with the latter were all a farce.

You Ionus trailed off as a dozen other Gods slowly revealed themselves.

Make no mistake, Ionus. If you do not answer us, we destroy you until every part of your divinity is stripped away, Xandes said coldly.

Ionus face grew darker as the Gods began to approach him with no sign of good intentions.