【 THE WARNING FROM THE GODDESS OF LIFE 】

—

The Abyss was preparing for war.

There was no doubt that while the gods were making preparations for their crusade, the Evil Gods and demons of the Abyss were likewise doing the same.

It was as if both sides had reached an unspoken agreement.

Evé was not truly surprised by this development.

After all, the participants in the upcoming conflict were not limited to the gods and their Einherjars. The various forces that believed in their respective patron deities would also dispatch armies to take part.

Ever since the last Parthenon assembly, most of the major factions within the Prime Material Realm had received divine oracles from their respective patron deities and had begun, with great urgency, to prepare for the crusade.

Under such circumstances, it was only natural for the forces of the Abyss, who had long been secretly monitoring the movements of the material world, to realize that war was imminent based on the actions of these factions.

In the visions Evé saw, the Abyssal fortresses rising one after another were, without question, defensive positions constructed by the demons.

However, amid those fleeting visions, Evé also noticed something else…

Towering siege towers steeped in infernal style, massive battering rams, and an army of fallen war behemoths renowned as living siege weapons.

The construction of such siege weapons made it evident that the enemy had no intention of limiting themselves to passive defense and instead intended to actively launch an offensive.

There was no doubt that while the gods were preparing to launch an attack against the Abyss, the Abyss was likewise planning an invasion of the Prime Material Realm.

Moreover, when she considered the appearance of those evil gods and demons in the third underground layer and the dimensional passageway they had secretly established there, it was obvious what the true target of the Abyssal forces was.

“The World of Seigües…”

Evé murmured softly.

It was an easy answer to come up with.

With it being the origin realm that had given birth to both the ancient gods and the gods of faith, the realm of Seigües—though modest in size compared to some other realms—possessed the highest concentration of mana in the entire universe.

During the Thousand-Year Holy War, and even before the Twilight Era, Seigües had been able to fully sustain beings of immense power, up to the rank of Greater Divine Power, allowing them to wield their strength without limitation.

Alas, repeated wars and centuries of devastation had left the realm weakened, causing the mana level of Seigües to decline from its former heights.

At present, it could only accommodate beings up to the rank of a demigod.

Even so, an origin realm was still an origin realm.

Since her revival, the mana density and stability of Seigües had been recovering at an accelerated pace, and once the planetary barrier was fully unsealed and its various dimensional passageways became operational, it would likely be capable once more of accommodating true gods and allowing them to exert their full power upon it.

At the same time, the various factions that inhabited this world would likely experience another explosive growth in strength once all of this occurred.

If one or two individuals were fortunate enough to obtain a lost divinity, it would not be impossible for them to ascend directly to godhood.

After all, this was the oldest realm in the entire universe, and also the one with the greatest potential.

Henceforth, to drag such a realm into the Abyss would undoubtedly greatly please the intrinsic Will of the Abyss.

However, Evé also believed that this alone was not the sole reason why the Abyssal Forces had always sought to pull the World of Seigües into the Abyss.

A key factor lies in Seigües’ position within the cosmos.

With it being situated at the very heart of the universe, the World of Seigües was connected to countless dimensional passageways, forming a vast network that spanned multiple realms. Most of these passages had been created by the ancient gods of old in which link one habitable plane to another, thereby allowing for swift traversal across the universe.

Although the rise of the gods of faith and the sealing of many passageways had diminished Seigües’ importance, once these pathways were reopened, it would undoubtedly become the universe’s central “transportation hub” once more.

Therefore, controlling the World of Seigües held the keys to countless other realms and grants the ability to project one’s influence across the universe on an unprecedented scale.

Otherwise, the Eternal Lord would not have established the new Pantheon at the core origin of the World of Seigües.

“For Leviathan to decisively destroy this passageway, this is certainly not a good sign…”

“It’s likely that their side has also prepared other invasion passageways elsewhere within Seigües…”

Evé reflected silently.

At this moment, she recalled the frequent incidents over recent years—the revival of various evil gods, the sudden increase of demonic activity—and further conjectures began to form in her mind.

Those events were probably not caused solely by the loosening of the realm’s seal. They were also the prelude to an Abyssal invasion.

Without question, the gods led by the Eternal Lord had long foreseen the Abyss’s intentions. That was why they had convened the assembly of the gods and initiated the Crusade. Yet even so, the Abyss’s actions were very likely proceeding even faster than the gods had anticipated.

In the fragmented visions Evé had seen, the demons’ preparations were already nearly complete.

The reason they had not yet launched their invasion was likely because they were waiting for something…

And what they were waiting for was not difficult for Evé to guess.

“They are probably waiting for the gods to launch their Crusade…”

“The Abyss possesses innumerable realms within its depths. Even Hell, its most crucial realm, consists of seven layers. Therefore, an assault on the Abyss would inevitably tie down the gods’ primary forces for an extended period of time.”

“And while the gods are preoccupied with their Crusade, it would be the optimal time for the Abyss to invade the World of Seigües.”

At this thought, Evé’s expression gradually grew solemn.

The Realm of Seigües was not only of great importance to the gods.

It was even more critical to her.

So long as her identity remained hidden, she fully intended to consolidate and fortify her power base here.

Everything she possessed was concentrated in this world.

Although she was now almost an invincible existence within Seigües, if Leviathan was planning an invasion, then he had undoubtedly already factored her strength into his calculations.

Once the Crusade began, she would inevitably have to journey to the Abyss to ascend to a higher divine rank. During that period, the World of Seigües would be left with a gap in its defenses.

If things weren’t handled properly and Seigües faced a full-scale invasion while she was unable to return in time, the consequences would be catastrophic.

While the players—being the Fourth Calamity that they are—were capable of endless resurrection, could a few hundred thousand of them realistically withstand the onslaught of an Abyssal army, surging forward like an unstoppable tide?

Eve’s brows knit deeply.

Yet moments later, they relaxed again.

“What am I thinking?”

“Why am I assuming that I alone would be the only one capable of contending with the Abyssal forces invading Seigües?”

“The Crusade is, by its very nature, a war between true gods and demons. It involves all of us.”

“Since the enemy’s movements are now clear, the optimal strategy is naturally to draw all the gods into this, so that everyone can protect the World of Seigües together.”

“I do have some frictions with Etriōu and the other gods and a clash between us may be inevitable in the future. But for now, at least when it comes to resisting the Abyss, our interests are aligned.”

Having reached this conclusion, Evé decisively returned to the Garden of Eden.

Using her divine power, Evé manifested a crystal sphere and infused it with the visions she had just glimpsed from those demons.

She then summoned Feynir, the King of Elemental Faeries.

“Your Divine Grace, what are your commands?” Feynir asked respectfully, bowing slightly as she approached Evé.

“Feynir, summon all the elemental fairies and order them to display the scenes contained within this sphere to the churches of every faction throughout Seigües, and to the rulers of all major powers. Inform them that the Abyss is about to invade our world.”

“I will bestow divine favor upon you, to make it easier for you to manifest miracles,” she continued, whilst seated upon her divine throne.

With a gentle wave of her hand, the crystal sphere floated gracefully toward Feynir, glowing softly in the ambient light.

Feynir’s expression shifted slightly.

“Your Grace… is the Abyss really going to invade this World?”

Evé nodded faintly.

“You will understand once you view the images within this crystal sphere.”

Feynir’s gaze sharpened, her small features set with determination. She accepted the crystal sphere, closing her eyes gently as it radiated a soft, ethereal glow.

Several seconds later, she opened her eyes slowly. Her delicate features were now marked by concern and apprehension. Carefully, she placed the sphere aside, exhaled softly, and knelt on one knee.

“I, Feynir, the King of Elemental Faeries, understand… I shall now faithfully carry out your divine decree, Your Divine Grace.”

After a final salute, the little fairy then spread her wings and soared swiftly, the soft glimmer of her wings fading into the distance.

Watching Feynir depart, Evé withdrew her gaze.

She had no intention of using the channels of the Pantheon to directly inform the other gods.

Firstly, she was not the master of the Pantheon and did not possess the authority to convene the gods.

Secondly, informing the factions whose foundations lay within Seigües would be far more effective than reaching out to distant deities themselves.

The majority of gods resided far beyond this world, while it was the factions rooted here in Seigües that would feel the greatest anxiety over an Abyssal invasion.

By alerting them, she could swiftly mobilize their initiative and resources.

At the same time, informing these factions would, indirectly, also alert the true gods who oversaw or influenced them.

As for whether these powers would trust the words of the elemental fairies, Evé had no doubt.

Over several years, through the players’ repeated summoning missions, their sealing and hunting of evil gods, she had already established a reputation of being utterly opposed to the Abyss.

Moreover, as divine envoys of the Goddess of Life, the elemental fairies had gradually become known throughout the world, their presence intertwined with the players’ interactions with various sentient races.

Thus, a warning delivered by her—the Goddess of Life herself—would undoubtedly be taken seriously by all major factions.

Incidentally, it would also earn her a measure of goodwill.

Who knew when it might prove useful.

After issuing her divine decree, Evé shifted her attention to the players.

Originally, she had not intended to expand the number of players before advancing to greater divine power.

However, considering the threat posed by the Abyss, as well as the need for sufficient local defensive strength while she left the World of Seigües to advance within the Abyss, she gave it some thought and decided to open another wave of new player registration slots.

Not only that, the slots for Silver-rank class and intermediate Silver-rank advancement would also be further expanded.

“And it is time to begin producing a new opening cinematic movie as well…”

“The new expansion shall be called… ‘The War of Gods and Demons’.”

“This may well be an unprecedented war. So I must fully ignite the players’ enthusiasm…”

Evé pondered in silence.

Once this thought took shape, she immediately accessed the game system and began making preparations.

At the same time, having received Feynir’s command and been granted the goddess’s divine favor, the elemental fairies departed from the Garden of Eden one after another, flying off in all directions.

༺⟐༻

Northern Fertile Plains, the City of Maniya.

As the capital of the Holy Maniya Empire—the most powerful empire in Seigües—this sprawling metropolis, revered as the Eternal Holy City, was considered the very heart of human civilization.

The headquarters of the Eternal Church stood proudly within its center. Alongside it were the headquarters of the world’s most renowned mercenary groups, as well as those of major guilds, merchant associations, and other influential organizations.

With a population exceeding three million, the city was the pride of every citizen and the sacred land in the hearts of all believers of the Eternal Lord.

Headquarters of the Eternal Church, Sacred Square.

This immense plaza, covering more than two million square meters, welcomed countless worshippers every day, all directing their prayers toward the towering statue of the Eternal Lord at its center.

Suddenly, ethereal sacred hymns drifted through the air, resonating softly yet clearly across the plaza.

Next, golden motes of light slowly descended, illuminating the square with a gentle radiance. Before the eyes of all present, a dreamlike spirit gradually appeared out of thin air—a figure with delicate, butterfly-like wings, luminous and almost otherworldly.

The people on the ground instinctively lifted their heads, their eyes wide with awe and wonder.

As if sensing a divine presence, the current Pope, Saint Benedict II, who had been deep in prayer within the cathedral, suddenly opened his eyes. His gaze, sharp and attentive, turned toward the sky, reflecting a mixture of curiosity and caution.

Meanwhile, within the Imperial Sacred Spring Palace, Princess Theresa, seated under the guidance of her court tutor, also turned her gaze upward.

“Teacher, what is that?”

Her voice was filled with curiosity.

༺⟐༻

The Far Northern Icefields, the Great Snow Mountains.

Perched upon the snow-capped peaks was an ancient, solemn altar, carved from dark stone and etched with the marks of countless centuries. Before it stood a rugged, imposing statue of the God of War and Destruction.

Orc ascetics, clad in thin, light garments despite the biting cold, knelt and prayed ceaselessly before the statue.

At the base of the mountain, a sprawling encampment of countless tents stretched like a constellation across the snow-blanketed slopes, encircling the towering peak in a protective embrace.

Pilgrims of various races also scaled the mountain. Each few steps, they would bow deeply toward the summit, offering devout prayers.

This was Pasha, the capital of the Orc Alliance, and also the holy land of the Sect of War.

Snow fell relentlessly under a vast, leaden sky.

Then, without warning, a golden radiance appeared in the heavens. Dazzling sunlight pierced the thick clouds, breaking through the ashen gloom to illuminate the snow mountains and the sprawling encampments below.

The orcs instinctively lifted their heads in unison, shielding their eyes against the brilliance, only to witness a sacred, ethereal figure gradually materialize in the sky.

From one of the tents, the orc high shaman stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he fixed his gaze on the illusory figure.

“An elemental fairy…”

“A divine envoy of the Goddess of Life…”

༺⟐༻

The Endless Sea, Dragon Island.

Situated two thousand kilometers off the western coast of the main continent, this vast island was the ancestral stronghold of the dragons residing in Seigües.

More than ninety percent of all dragons in the entire world made their lairs here.

Deep within Dragon Island, a grand canyon carved by centuries of wind and water stretched across the land, its sheer walls rising like natural fortresses. From their lairs scattered across its cliffs, dragons of every color and scale length extended their heads, eyes gleaming with curiosity as they observed the skies above.

Beneath the brilliance of the sun, a voice both ethereal and commanding echoed repeatedly through the canyon, resonating across the island.

“My name is Einstein, a divine envoy of the Goddess of Life,” the voice proclaimed.

“By the decree of the Goddess of Life, I have come to deliver Her Graces’ warning to our friends here on Dragon Island…”

Upon a cliff, the Platinum Dragon King, Reinhardt, who had taken human form, stood tall, his gaze fixed solemnly on the sky.

Behind him, several dragons of mythical-rank, each exceeding two hundred meters in length, lay coiled in quiet repose.

“An Abyssal invasion…”

༺⟐༻

The Underground Region, Alliance of Dark City-States.

The Capitol City of Death, Itcazar.

A massive demonic wolf slowly manifested, revealing a majestic and imposing figure.

Eerie blue flames burned at its feet, and its gaze was deep and solemn.

It was Fenrir, the demigod magical wolf, the appointed guardian and acting ruler of these inhabited underground cities.

Looking at the glowing figure suspended in midair, Fenrir slowly nodded and spoke in a deep, steady voice.

“I understand. Thank you for the warning.”

“I will immediately inform Her Majesty, the Goddess of Death.”

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