Myths Reawakened

Wayne lowered his voice. “To tell you the truth, Darkness and I have broken it off. I’ve decided to turn to the light side and strike a deal with the Goddess of Sun.”

“Really?!” Corte perked up immediately, her eyes widening. “You should’ve done that earlier. What took you so long? You’ll gain nothing from following Darkness. With all the fire elements you’re brimming with, you were born to go down the path of the Sun.”

“It’s not too late, is it?”

“Of course, but...” Corte sighed. “The goddess has been giving me the cold shoulder lately. She said that unless I complete the oracle, I could forget about contacting Her. Wayne, if you want to meet Her, you must complete the oracle for me first.”

Ha, completing the oracle? You just want my body, you pervert!

Wayne rolled his eyes, hitting Corte’s head with a handchop. “Hurry already. You can’t bear the consequences of getting in the way of the goddess’s important business.”

“The oracle is an important business for me...” Corte grumbled, rubbing her head. She looked around and said, “This isn’t a good place to summon the goddess. Come home with me. The Church of Sun has rented a mansion in Londan. It’s quite spacious, perfect for the goddess to descend into.”

If the response had come from anyone else, such as Galen, Wayne would think it was a trick. But not when Corte was the one who said it. The misleading words led to no misunderstanding.

She was just dense.

“No, you live with Galen, and she’ll find out if we head there. Once she learns that I’m siding with the Goddess of Sun rather than the Goddess of Moonlight, whom she worshiped, she’ll get in our way for sure.”

Wayne made it sound like he was doing this for the Goddess of Sun’s sake. “Let’s do it here. I’ve reserved the whole restaurant, so no one else will come in. It’s safe.”

“This is a high-end restaurant. You must have spent a lot.”

“I haven’t spent a coin. My family owns this place.”

“R-right. I almost forgot you’re a noble scion...” Corte said with a hint of envy. Since Wayne had vouched for the place, she didn’t question the choice further. With a wave, she added another layer of soundproof barrier, then held her hands together in front of her chest, mumbling under her breath.

Five minutes later, ‘Corte’ opened her eyes with a completely different aura.

“Wayne, you’ve broken things off with Darkness?” Kaleb got right to the point as soon as She descended, acting more like a curious busybody than a goddess. “What happened? Based on the images you’ve shown me, it’s unlikely for Ines to end things with you.”

There had been numerous goddesses in the War of Faiths, but only five survived. They all knew each other very well. Putting aside each of their distinct personalities, the five goddesses shared one commonality: they would never develop feelings for the opposite sex; if they ever took a man, it would be as a pet.

Ines couldn’t have gotten that far just for a casual relationship. Even if She had to sell all Her assets, She would make Wayne a new god. Then, once they became equal, it would be time to talk about marriage.

Kaleb had always believed that, so it shocked Her to hear Wayne say that they had broken up.

“That’s the truth. We’re done.” Wayne shook his head gravely. “She’s such a control freak that She lacks the accommodating nature of darkness. She gave me two days to consider. I would have to listen to Her and never make any decisions on my own.”

“That’s not a breakup.”

“It is!” Wayne’s expression turned serious. “Ines has given me an ultimatum. She will take me to the Divine Realm of Darkness in two days. That’s not good. She’s going to exert full control over me. I’d like to ask you to do me a favor and open the Divine Realm of Sun to me as refuge.”

“Are you really offering me lunch for free?!” Kaleb’s eyes lit up. Realizing what She had blurted out thoughtlessly, She hurriedly said, “Don’t take it the wrong way. I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just saying... um... It’s good that you’ve seen Darkness’s true nature.”

“You need not explain to me, Goddess. The first time I laid eyes on you, I knew that among the goddesses, you’re different.”

Wayne touched his chest and broke into a pitiful smile. “Perhaps it’s because fire elements attract each other. No matter how I think, you’re the only one I can trust. If I must choose a Divine Realm to go to, it has to be the Divine Realm of Sun.”

“Um...”

His trust made Kaleb feel guilty. For a moment, She had wanted to trap Wayne in Her Divine Realm. Who would say no to a third subordinate god?

“Goddess?”

“Just call me Kaleb!” She shook Her head, trying Her best to shake off the intrusive thoughts. She said solemnly, “Fire elements represent strong desires. You should think it through. I cannot guarantee your safety. Once you enter the Divine Realm of Sun, I’m very likely to keep you there.”

“I trust the fire elements.” Wayne nodded. “The fact that you’ve told me the truth proves to me that you can be trusted.”

Their eyes met. Kaleb saw the full belief in Wayne’s eyes and felt even more ashamed of Her dark urges. She clenched Her teeth and said, “Fine. Since you trust me so much, I’ll make an oath to you. I will not disappoint you!”

She made a pushing motion with Her hands... then pulled them back.

Huh? Is there anything wrong with my acting? Wayne thought worriedly. In case Kaleb raised Her guard and prepared accordingly, he considered negotiating with Siluk as a failsafe.

But that wasn’t the case. Kaleb’s eyes were burning with the fire of curiosity. “How did Ines break things off with you? What is She trying to control? Have you gotten involved with someone else behind Her back?”

(・˘_˘・)

“Say something, Wayne!”

“I’m not involved with anyone else. It’s all Her imagination...” Wayne picked his ear in exasperation. “When I mentioned you, I said that fire elements did not lie, and that you’re a good match with me personality-wise. Hearing me praising you, She warned me not to believe your lies and said that I must not enter the Divine Realm of Sun.”

“Blah, blah, blah...”

“I didn’t respond to Her when She said that. Last night, She brought it up again, and because I didn’t listen to Her, we’re done.”

So that’s why!

Kaleb nodded. Learning that it was because She was too appealing that Ines and Wayne broke up, She put on a look of regret to conceal how proud She felt. Also, She agreed with Wayne that they were a good match personality-wise.

“Wayne, fire elements won’t lie to each other. If you believe me, I’ll believe you. Let’s not subject ourselves to Ines’s bullying. Follow me to the Divine Realm of Sun. I’ll give you more knowledge.”

Kaleb patted Wayne on the shoulders, finding him increasingly agreeable.

Wayne also found Her agreeable. If Darkness and Death hadn’t claimed him so early, and Moonlight hadn’t been keeping such a close eye on Sun, Kaleb would’ve very likely become the female lead.

They stared at each other for a while, the air thickening between them.

“Ahem.”

Wayne coughed into his fist and interrupted the atmosphere, nodding. “I’ll leave everything to you, Goddess.”

Kaleb put on a serious face. “You can’t go wrong with trusting me.”

She sent a golden ripple to him, giving him the coordinates to the Divine Realm of Sun. “No rush. Give it another thought. You have two more days to resolve the issue. If you really have no choice, come to the Divine Realm of Sun. Don’t worry. The door will always be open to you.”

Kaleb’s thoughts returned to Her Divine Realm. Before departing, She kindly expressed Her expectation to meet Wayne at Her place.

Once She left, Corte popped her head out and blinked at him. “Wayne, are you joining the Church of Sun?”

What are you thinking? If I join the Church of Sun, I’ll become the God of Sun!

“Nah, it’s just a visit. I’m also telling Darkness that I do have a backup plan.” Wayne shook his head and sighed. “Let’s put that aside for now. Since we’re here already, let’s eat!”

“Alright. That’ll be a good start.”

An hour later, Wayne bid Corte farewell and opened a spatial pathway, heading to the Temple of Eternity in the Underworld. As soon as he entered, he found Aztimor waiting for him. Death was like a cat. While She expressed Her disdain, She kept staring at the door after Her master left; when Her master returned, though, She put on a look of disdain.

Since no one was around, Wayne went up to the divine throne and nudged Aztimor aside to sit beside Her.

“This is the coordinates of the Divine Realm of Sun. Don’t rush in yet. Kaleb is such a straightforward pushover that I don’t want to bully Her too much. Let’s see if it’s possible to convince Her into surrendering.” Wayne sent the coordinates to Aztimor, plucking Monica from Her arms.

“Monica, fly!”

Aztimor glanced at the coordinates. When Wayne turned to leave after petting the cat, She grabbed his sleeve and ordered, “What happened yesterday. Again.”

“That’s not what you said yesterday. You promised.” Wayne put on a troubled look. “I can’t say no to you. Fine, close your eyes. Don’t tell Ines about this.”

Of course I’ll tell her!

Aztimor closed Her eyes. Once Wayne kissed Her, She took the initiative and held him.

Another entry was added to the world famous painting, Goddess of Darkness, Newly Married. At this point, there were enough pieces to make a collection.

After a while, Aztimor opened Her eyes. Seeing him fading away, She turned to look at a corner. “What are you waiting for? You’ve seen what you want to see. If you don’t return to the Divine Realm of Darkness now, he’ll notice your absence.”

The dark figure in the corner slowly morphed into Ines. She stared at Aztimor blankly, pursing Her lips appropriately. “Your husband is wonderful. You’d better keep a close eye on him, or he will become mine.”

She didn’t rage as Aztimor thought She would. Aztimor said frostily, “Why aren’t you angry? You must be using him!”

“Idiot, why would I get angry at a pet cat? He just pities you. He has no feelings for you.” Ines raised Her left hand and appreciated Her wedding band, speaking softly, “There will be four kittens like you in the future. If I get angry every time, wouldn’t I be angry every day? That would be unbecoming for the lady of the family.”

Bastard!

The ring landed a critical hit on Aztimor. She argued defiantly, “You’re lying. If you aren’t angry, why are you clenching your fists?”

“Because I want to. I like clenching my fists.” Ines unclenched Her right fist and stared coldly at Aztimor. What did She just say? She had already foreseen the future. The shameless wench would try to steal Her lover.

Ines’s reaction made Aztimor feel better. She rose to Her feet and said, “Come on. I’m heading straight to the Divine Realm of Sun. Kaleb’s ending is already set in stone, then Siluk and Elian will fall into place. He will become the only god in the Chosen Land.”

“Patience. Let’s give him some time to convince Kaleb first.”

“What?” Aztimor huffed. “Are you really going to trust Kaleb and Siluk?”

“You know nothing!” Ines snorted, looking at the family’s pet cat with disdain. “Elian, Kaleb, and Galen may not be worthy of trust, but your master is too hypocritical not to give them a chance. I’ve tried and failed to convince him. We’ll show them the truth. Then he’ll stop being a hypocrite.”