Chapter 348
Recently, Omenka had been sending shadow-like beings from the upside-down world to observe Ikem, hoping to unsettle him. Their efforts to expand the rift between worlds had slowed nearly to a halt as the Origin Gods increased their vigilance, creating a formidable barrier against intrusion. Complicating matters, Jaws’ counterpart reported losing an agent he had been monitoring. This setback led Omenka to consider a new plan involving Ikem: if he could draw him into this world and gradually corrupt him, it would significantly serve their ambitions.
Driven by this notion, Omenka ordered the shadow beings to appear before Ikem each night. The goal was simple—test Ikem’s patience, weaken his composure, and wait for him to take the bait. Ikem, however, had enlisted Crepuscular’s daughter to spend time with him, taking his mind off the shadows’ constant watch. During his surveillance, Omenka had also learned about the ascension of a demigod, a development he and his counterpart loathed, as it meant yet another divine power to contend with. Moreover, rumors suggested that the Origin Gods were devising a plan to counter them.
A dark chuckle left Omenka’s lips as he opened his eyes. They had adapted well to these challenges, and now they held a surprise for the Origin Gods and demigods alike.
Omenka’s gaze grew distant as he looked beyond the upside-down realm, focusing on an underground sanctuary filled with cloaked figures whose faces remained hidden beneath their hoods.
Meanwhile, in the heavens, Björn—now clear-minded from the pure faith energy absorbed during Kjoric and the Terra Princess’s duel—frowned, caught in a dilemma. In such instances, tradition dictated that he should bestow a blessing upon the victor. However, the princess was not his follower, and the political ramifications of blessing her could strain his newly improved relations with the Origin Gods. While honor urged him to grant the blessing, politics advised caution.
Björn pondered this as he looked down at his hand, enveloped in a red light, and back at the Terra Clan, who were rapidly repairing the damage to their village. His gaze settled on Kjoric’s corpse, sparking an idea.
With a decisive motion, Björn cast the red light from his hand. The light descended from his celestial domain down to the Terra Clan’s village. The princess, overseeing her people, still wore her armor and wielded her hammer, occasionally sending pulses through the earth to search for any lingering threats.
"Look up, everyone!" came a shout from her people, catching the princess’s attention. She looked up to see the red light falling from the sky.
Not knowing what it was, she immediately ordered, "Get into your homes and stay clear of the light!" Her people obeyed without hesitation.