56 – We have a plan, but can a fox be persuaded?
Nyarla and Anri stopped in front of a door in the corridor of the third floor from the heavenly temple. This place was the “room that stops time” that led to the almighty world of the innermost gods. Even though Nyarla heard about it from other Gods before, this was the first time that she entered this room.
After they passed through the shelves displaying the souls of Gods, a large painting appeared at the end. The mysterious painting showed a winding road that connected a temple to a cliff. This painting was the holy entrance to the almighty world of the innermost Gods.
"I don't need to remind you, sis, but you better be careful about your words. Do not anger the innermost Gods. Remember that even the former Goddess of Destruction, Bennetia Vuola, has suffered greatly because she angered them."
"I'm well aware of the stories. Don't worry. I'll pick my words carefully."
After entering the painting, we walked on the winding road. When we arrived at the stone steps in front of the temple, Anri stopped walking and knelt down. Nyarla imitated her gesture and knelt down as well.
"Our Ladyship Chronoa, the Goddess of Time, reigning through the ages of the almighty world of the innermost Gods…I am Anri, a high-ranking deity in the God’s realm. I, thereby, stand by your presence. As per your request I have brought the Goddess Nyarla before you."
Then, the door of the temple slowly opened.
The innermost Gods are basically 3 major deities. Goddess of Time Chronoa, God of Reason Shamash, and the Heavenly Father Nehan.
Usually, the gods from the God’s realm had their divine powers sealed. But, she, the Goddess of Time, appeared with her large and beautiful wings on her back. Her aura was overflowing. It was inspiring to look at such a huge divine aura. The high goddess Chronoa was dressed in a stunning glittering dress. Her long hair was tied up beautifully behind her back. She was more noble and beautiful than any other goddesses Nyarla has seen so far.
"I shall present myself to all of you."
Her Eminence Lady Chronoa approached them with a smile. Then, she looked at Nyarla and showed a compassionate complexion.
"Please stand up. No need to bow. Nyarla. It seems you have grown much. I remember the first time you spread chaos. You were such a cute baby then."
"I'm flattered that you remember me, Your Ladyship. I understood from my sister that you have business with me?"
"Indeed. As you know I watch over time itself. And something that might spell disaster appeared. In fact, it's easier to show you."
Chronoa's eyes glowed. At the same time Nyarla's eyes also started to glow.
"Such a thing…!!" (Nyarla)
The expression on her face was clear. Fear.
"The world known as Berseria will suffer. And soon after, the God Realm will fall into complete darkness. And with that… the destruction of life itself."
"Is… such a future set in stone?"
"No. However I observed more than one million possible futures. The chances of that future to occur are too great to ignore.
Legion. Their leader is crazy. I'm glad you had the common sense not to grant him power despite him possessing the Devour skill. However, that just pushed his twisted mind in a different direction. He will unleash a twisted plague.
To prevent that future… I'm afraid the so-called heroes of the races won't be enough. The only one that can make a difference is… your champion. Edelweiss."
"Your Ladyship, Edelweiss is… let's say challenging to reason with."
"Fufu. Indeed. I have seen that she has a unique personality, but I think that just makes her more charming. You have chosen a wonderful vessel. I would like to meet her. If you bring her before me, I am sure I can explain and…"
When she spoke those words…
"I forbid you."
A low voice that surrounded everyone. Chronoa shrugged her shoulders.
"You sure are noisy."
"…It is against my rules, as the God of Reason, to let a mortal here. True there were exceptions and mortals have been granted permission to visit the God Realm and even train with the Gods, however the inner sanctuary is sacred. No mortal may enter here."
This dignified voice sounded familiar. It was Shamash, the God of Reason. For Nyarla, he had the image of a “strict and stubborn high god”. Shamash can be best described with one word. Big.
He is a gigantic, humanoid God with an imposing, broad-shouldered figure. His most striking feature is probably his light, oversized mustache, long enough to diagonally reach his upper torso. His red, pupil-less eyes are most commonly outlined by a deep shade, and he has a slight hint of wrinkles on his face. He appears clad in a full set of plate armor at all times.
"I am the voice of reason. Inviting a mortal here is ridiculous. Goddess Nyarlathotep, you shall order your champion to cooperate with us in order to avert the crisis."
After a few moments of silence…
"Aha… HAHAHAHA!!"
Nyarla started laughing from the bottom of her heart.
"What!? What's so funny?"
"You. You really have no clue what you're talking about. Old man, Shamash, do you have a screw loose or something?"
"Watch your tongue, woman! And explain yourself."
"I mean you seriously don't know Edelweiss. Do you really think she'll take orders from me? Even if I were to beg, she's not gonna listen to me. More like, she'll just go "it's no concern of mine" or something like that."
Shamash was taken back by Nyarla’s reaction. However her words couldn’t be more true. Even if the fate of the world is at stake, Edelweiss is someone who would just ignore it unless the danger is literally knocking on her doorstep.
Chronoa knew this and that is why she wanted to personally discuss the matter with Edelweiss. On the other hand, Shamash had a point. It was unprecedented for a mortal to be granted access inside the domain of the innermost Gods.
*Clap*
As if to try and bring everyone back to reality, Anri clapped all 6 of her arms simultaneously.
“Lady Chronoa, Lord Shamash. I might have a proposition for this dilemma. If it is forbidden for a mortal to come here, doesn’t that mean we just have to go to Edelweiss?”
“Are you asking for us to go to her? Outrageous. Do you really think a supreme deity like myself or Lady Chronoa would…”
“I didn’t finish, Your lordship. I didn’t mean you. And Nyarla is biased towards this champion. So allow me to go to Berseria. I am sure I can negotiate with her.”
“Anri, you bitch! This was your goal all along?” (Nyarla)
Anri didn’t answer. Instead she just licked her lips and then once again faced the two supreme deities.
“I am willing to go on this mission for the sake of the God Realm. And I also saw the future predicted by Lady Chronoa. Planting the seeds is something in our power, but the gardener must be pushed in the right direction.
She will ask for compensation in return. So we just need to come to a suitable agreement. I will carry out this mission, but I have one request.”
“And that would be?” (Shamash)
“Allow me to fight her to my heart's content. I wish to test the power of the one which holds the power of the Ice Age Dragon. Fear not, as I shall not kill her, and with your permission I will undo the time during our battle so that she’s safe and sound.”
“Darn you, sis. You’re trying to step over my tentacles again. If you think I’ll just stand aside…”
“Granted.” (x2)
Despite Nyarla’s retort, both Chronoa and Shamash answered at the same time. They approve of Anri’s plan. Not waiting for anything else, Anri turned around and once again licked her lips in a lustful manner.