Myth: The Ruler of Spirituality

She spoke faintly, as Erebus calmly announced his decision.

"Just right, you are an 'Elf', and so were they—although they have died. Even if there are gaps between worlds, there should still be some similarities."

"But why should I leave this place with you, and what do you have to guarantee that I won't be chased by Mother Earth?"

Even understanding the gulf between them, facing the demand of the Lord of Darkness, Moanda still asked this question. Staying here meant facing the awakened Gaia, yet the one before her did not seem like a force for good. If leaving one danger was only to enter another, then what was the point of it all?

"Guarantee... Heh, the Styx River's bind on me is negligible, and there's nothing else I can offer to make you believe. But in this world, everything can be fake, only interests are true."

Unruffled by Moanda's skepticism, the Lord of Darkness simply placed some special information into the Life Vase in front of her. This wasn't manufactured information, but more like a 'memory' that seemed to be engraved in the fabric of reality. After finishing, Erebus spread his hands open, gesturing for her to take it.

After a moment of hesitation, Moanda still accepted the artifact that symbolized material life. 'Life' and 'Plants' fitted so well together, or more like 'Plants' were, in fact, at the convergence of 'Nature' and 'Life'. When the artifact merged with the trunk of the Golden Apple Tree, nourished by its Prime Liquid, Moanda felt her already formidable power become even more extraordinary.

Like 'Sun' and 'Light', these interrelated powers could easily produce an effect where one plus one was greater than two. But with increased power, Moanda became even more aware of the unfathomable strength beneath the thin frame of the man before her.

Dispelling some wishful thoughts, the Elf began to read the information that had been sent. After a while, Moanda came to a realization; she knew what he wanted her to do.

"You're right, everything can be fake, only interests are real."

Understanding her own value, the Elf finally let down her guard somewhat. As long as she was of use to him, she at least wouldn't face the worst outcome. By contrast, what Gaia would do upon sensing her betrayal was unpredictable to Moanda.

Because in her eyes, Mother Earth was capable of anything, even if it would be harmful to both of them without any benefit.

"Good, then follow me. I will conceal the traces of your departure and lead them in another direction."

Nodding, Erebus lightly touched her.

Supreme power enveloped the space, making everything that happened today a part of the 'secret'. But a too perfect concealment would immediately make Gaia suspect him, so he left a tiny clue.

It wouldn't clear his suspicion; once Mother Earth came to her senses afterward, she could figure out who was behind it all, because he couldn't hide what he was going to do next from others. In fact, Erebus intended to have Gaia play her last card, for based on his knowledge, his sister wasn't likely to think much upon awakening, but to act first and think later.

In time, he would also get to see whether the successor of Olympus, after two generations of Divine Kings, was truly as weak as rumored, or if there was some other ace up his sleeve.

While pondering, under the gaze of Erebus, a figure slowly materialized from the center of the Golden Apple Tree's trunk. She had a green dress and a gentle face, and at a glance, she bore a slight resemblance to Gaia when she was still youthful and full of Origin.

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Just as the Nymphs born from plants have a physical form but still walk the world in a form akin to a deity, Moanda reshaped her body and once again stepped on the ground.

Turning to look at the tall Golden Apple Tree, the Elf raised the green vase, and as a force of suction emerged, the tree disappeared from the spot, leaving only a huge pit on the ground.

The barrier left by Gaia separated the inside from the outside; any attempt to move the tree would trigger Mother Earth's power, but the Life Vase was different. This Divine Artifact could perfectly conceal its aura, rendering Gaia's power ineffective, as it originated from the same source.

Picking up the body she once inhabited on the ground, along with her former oak form, Moanda hesitated, then also took the bodies of Veda and a few friends she was close to. As for the rest, they were no longer her concern. If they were smart enough to perceive what happened in the orchard, they should flee as far as possible and at least not stay on the earth.

Otherwise, when Mother Earth awoke, the Elf did not think Gaia in her fury would distinguish whether these Nymphs were innocent or not.

"I'm ready."

Stepping out of the barrier, indeed, Mother Earth's power did not react to the artifact that originally belonged to her. Across from Moanda, Erebus also nodded and opened a pathway directly to the Underworld.

But before leaving, as if remembering something, a black glow emerged on the Lord of Darkness. He glanced into the void, and then, with a slight flicker, the black glow disappeared, apparently heading toward some very deep recess of space-time.

After finishing his last task, Erebus immediately departed, and the Golden Apple Orchard once again became quiet, leaving only the huge pit at the center hidden by an illusion.