****

Theia... Who was worshiped like a god once upon a time was standing in the middle of a majestic looking hall, with her head down.

Not too far from her, there was a majestic throne. Just the aura of that throne itself was stronger than Theia's aura, let alone the aura of the person who sat on that throne.

It was said that many Divine Beasts in the world were killed, just to get satisfactory materials to make the throne that could satisfy the person who was supposed to sit on it!

The throne's aura was like a violent torrent of energy. It was impossible for even Theia to look in the direction of the throne, without hurting her own soul!

She kept her head down, as if waiting for the man on the throne to speak something.

The Throne's violent aura could kill even gods who got close to it. However, there was a person on the throne who appeared completely unaffected by that torrential aura. It was as if his strength had far surpassed that level.

Because of the aura of the throne, no one could look at the man. They could only hear his voice. Unfortunately, the man was completely silent now, as if he was lost in some thought.

The entire hall was silent as no one dared to disturb the man on the throne.

The man had his eyes closed. At times, it even looked as if he was sleeping. However, there was currently a frown on his face.

Theia stood silently for close to half an hour yet she didn't complain. Fortunately, the man on the throne didn't make her wait for long. He opened his eyes after half an hour, revealing his deep blue eyes.

Just the eyes of the man alone made him appear as if there was not a single thing that the man hadn't seen, throughout his long life. It was as if there was nothing in the world which could disturb the calmness in his eyes.

"What brought you here?"

The man's calm and serene voice echoed in the hall.

Even though the man didn't use any of his strength, just his calm voice alone was strong enough to make others' hearts tremble, as if they were listening to a person who could kill them without even moving a single finger.

Theia took a deep breath, not revealing her real thoughts on her. She placed her hands on her clothes.

Slid~

Her beautiful white gown fell on the ground, revealing her completely bare skin to the man in the front.

Theia had flawless skin and a perfect figure with just the right amount of curves. She could've made any man go crazy for her in an instant.

However, the man on the throne didn't seem to care about that in the least. What he was more interested in were the white spirit lines that could be seen all around the young woman's body.

The spirit lines around her body were similar to the Spirit Lines of Light that created the tattoo on the back of her left hand. At times, it even looked as if it was the Mark of Light that was somehow spreading all around her body.

"I should be able to enter that place now." Theia spoke after a brief pause. "I want permission to enter."

The man snapped his fingers. Theia's clothes appeared around her body once again, covering her.

"It's only been a thousand years and you're already halfway there. It looks like you haven't been slacking," the man spoke. "Unfortunately, it still isn't enough. You can go back."

"But I..."

Theia tried speaking. However, before she could even speak, a strange wave of energy covered her entirely. Before she knew it, the strange force pushed her down.

Thud~

Theia was forced to her knees right there, unable to even resist in the slightest! Even her knees started bleeding because of the force she fell with.

Her body was already as strong as a high grade treasure. However, there was not a single crack in the floor due to her fall. Instead, it was Theia who was hurt.

"Did you say something?" The man's lazy voice fell in Theia's ears.

Theia clenched her teeth, but quickly controlled herself. "No. I'll follow your instructions."

"Good."

The pressure around Theia disappeared. She was finally free to move.

"You can leave now."

Theia stood up, following the man's commands. She didn't show any discontent on her face and left the hall. It was only after leaving the hall that she cast a healing spell on her knees!

Throughout the hallway, she was completely silent. It was only after she reached her own Palace that her expressions turned vicious.

She couldn't control her anger anymore and punched the wall with all her strength to let out some of her anger.

The entire palace trembled due to the pressure of her fist. However, her palace was also made from similar materials. The wall didn't break.

"For a thousand years, I did everything he asked, all for one opportunity to become a True God, unbound by the laws of elements! But even after all that, that bastard still doesn't give me an opportunity!"

She was so angry that she would've already killed that man if she had that ability. Unfortunately, she knew what she was capable of!

She was nowhere close to that person in strength. Even if she tried her best with everything she had, she still couldn't even leave a single scratch on that person! She could only end up dead which she wasn't ready for!

****

Back in the palace, the man was still sitting on his Divine Throne. However, this time, his eyes weren't closed.

"You think I don't know your ambitions, little girl?" he muttered as if talking to himself. "Unfortunately, you're still too young to go against me."

He closed his eyes again. The majestic hall once again returned to silence...

****

Gabriel entered the Abandoned City of Gods, once again. This time, he wasn't walking in the back like before. Instead, he was walking in the lead.

Jia walked behind him. However, somehow, she kept looking at Gabriel's hands, often. It was as if she still couldn't forget Gabriel holding her hand in the past.

For some reason, Gabriel appeared more distant now.

"Lord Karyk... M-may I ask how you were even to be reborn?" After a long time, the little girl finally asked the question, gathering all her courage. "If it's a secret, you don't have to tell me. I am just curious."

She was still somewhat scared which was clear from her voice.