Chapter 123 – Stage of the Gods and the Replayed Scheme
In the realm of the gods, the sky never darkens. Golden light shines from every direction, giving the illusion of eternal peace untouched by time. But beneath the grandeur, something rotten had begun to grow.
The goddess who once helped Sylvia open a portal the one who welcomed her with a warm smile and sweet words now shed her mask. The softness in her face vanished, replaced by eyes as cold as frozen gems. Before the other gods seated in a circular row of thrones, she stepped into the center of the room.
The golden light, usually warm and comforting, now felt like knives piercing from every angle.
"At last... she’s returned to her world," the goddess said with a voice now filled with arrogance. "And those mortal races... they’ve begun to put their hopes in her, even though she’s the one who caused the zombie outbreak in their world. Truly, what foolish creatures."
Some of the other gods remained impassive. Some gazed at her calmly, others closed their eyes as if unwilling to be involved. But one thing was certain they were all listening.
"Their faith will grow amidst the chaos that girl created. So, isn’t this the perfect time for us to exploit the situation?" she continued. Her gaze swept the room, as if daring anyone to oppose her idea.
A goddess in a white robe with the symbol of the sun on her chest frowned. "You want to use them as tools? Again?"
"Tools?" the goddess chuckled. "Don’t pretend to be holy, Lumielle. We all know our power depends on their recognition. On their prayers and worship. Without that, we are nothing but shadows of a forgotten glory."
Another god, marked with a moon symbol and a deep voice, finally spoke. "But what if this world discovers our intentions? It would be dangerous for us if we’re exposed again. One of the reasons we were imprisoned here was because we did this once before and enraged the world."
Silence filled the room. Each god weighed their own interests.
Then the goddess spoke softly, almost whispering, "Let’s do it like before. Create a hero and let him unite the world. Let them place their faith in him. And when they kneel before him in admiration... we shall appear... as the new guides."