Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil

Eren's lack of surprise at the exception granted to the Amazonians by the Anfang Alliance was rooted in his intuition. If his deductions held true, the alliance must have sought the aid of the Great Mother during the calamity war, a means to rectify the chaos wrought by God Vulcan.

Confirming his suspicions with Alephee, Eren understood that the Great Mother and the slumbering goddess within Sienna's shell were distinct entities. Thus, the Great Mother bore no responsibility for instigating the creation of the continent-encompassing barrier.

Rather than opposing the Anfang Alliance's decision to eradicate or isolate all faiths from their societal fabric, the Great Mother requested a special dispensation for her followers. She sought their peaceful coexistence within Anfang, away from the original denizens of the land.

In response, autonomous zones nestled within the expansive forests of Anfang were designated exclusively for the Amazonians. These zones became off-limits to interference from the established powers of Anfang. In return, the Amazonians were tasked with training ambassadors who would bridge the cultural divide between the two societies.

Marla, among the many Amazonian ambassadors, had been chosen to forge connections with the diverse establishments of Anfang. Their crucial role was to maintain open lines of communication, ensuring that the demonic rankers would never gain a foothold in Anfang.

Marla fell silent after conveying this information, allowing Eren to carefully process her words. Meanwhile, she focused on expertly navigating through the verdant woods, entrusting Almera to continue enlightening Eren.

"The Great Mother embodies the essence of femininity, strength, and the intrinsic power of nature," Almera's voice danced with a touch of reverence as she followed closely behind Eren using her movement spell. "As Amazonians, we perceive ourselves as vessels of her earthly might. We pay homage to her as the divine source of our extraordinary abilities and prowess."

Eren absorbed the weight of these revelations, his mind a whirlwind of connections and insights. The intricate web of alliances, gods, and their influences began to take shape, painting a vivid picture of Anfang's complex tapestry. Stepping deeper into the embrace of the forest, Eren resolved to uncover the truths hidden within the whispers of gods and the threads that wove the fate of this world.

***

With a nod of comprehension, Eren acknowledged Almera's words. It was evident that both his guides emphasized the Great Mother's significance to the Amazonians, likely to prevent any unintentional offense when he found himself amidst their ranks in the first settlement of the Dark Daniera Forest.

Unsure if she had effectively conveyed the importance of the Great Mother, Almera cleared her throat and pressed on, determined to ensure Eren grasped the gravity of the goddess's role.

"Guild Master, we hold the Great Mother in deep reverence as the guardian and nurturer of our lands," Almera's voice carried a sense of solemnity. "We offer our prayers and perform rituals, seeking her blessings to fortify our endeavors and channel her energy through our unique form of intent-based magic.

By aligning ourselves with the Great Mother, we strengthen our bond with nature, embracing the belief in a harmonious balance between the living and the natural world. So keep these things in mind when you interact with the Matriarchs."

Concluding her explanation, Almera relinquished the conversation back to Marla, who turned around to gauge Eren's reaction. To her relief, she received an encouraging smile in return. It seemed that Eren held no qualms about others' faiths as long as they did not impede his own path.

Returning the smile, Marla continued, "And it's not just in Anfang. Across many realms, the Great Mother is venerated as the epitome of femininity, strength, and the life-giving force that permeates Amazonian society. Even if you haven't been exposed to faith or the worship of gods, I kindly request that you keep an open mind and respect our customs while you are within the Amazonian zones."

Eren nodded, affirming his understanding, and assured both women that he would approach his encounter with the Amazonians with mindfulness and respect. However, beneath the surface, he sought to unravel the societal fabric of Anfang before the calamity war.

'It seems that the Great Mother held a significant position as the leader of a prominent divine cult in the land of Anfang before the calamity war,' Eren pondered inwardly. Observing Marla take a sharp left turn, he followed closely behind. After hours of tireless trekking through the depths of the Dark Daniera Forest, it appeared that their journey was drawing closer to the first Amazonian settlement.

Eren's curiosity brimmed as he inquired, his voice laced with genuine interest, "Just how vast was the influence of the Amazonians before the calamity war?"

Without missing a beat, Marla promptly responded, her words carrying the weight of their history, "Our faith stood as one of the most prominent in the land of Anfang before the catastrophic events triggered by God Vulcan's grievous error. The Amazonians boasted numerous sacred sites dedicated to the worship of the Great Mother, scattered across the vast expanse of Anfang."

Eren's understanding deepened, recognizing the patterns woven by gods and demons alike— their penchant for traversing multiple worlds to disseminate their faith and harvest the potent energy of belief and emotions. Yet, his attention was instantly seized by Almera's next words.

"Unfortunately, due to the restrictions imposed upon us, we cannot freely propagate our faith within the realm of Anfang," Almera lamented, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation. She then drew a resolute breath, uplifting her spirits, before continuing in a confident tone, "Nevertheless, the power of the Great Mother resonates within nature itself. As long as these sacred forests endure within the realm of Anfang, the devout Amazonians shall flourish."

Eren absorbed their words, contemplating the implications. The Amazonians had once wielded considerable influence throughout Anfang, their faith deeply rooted in the land even if it was foreign at first. However, circumstances had drastically changed, and their ability to openly practice their beliefs had been curtailed.

"I see," Eren murmured, his mind swirling with thoughts. He marveled at the delicate balance between gods and mortals, the interplay of power and limitations. Their journey continued, and Eren followed Marla's lead as they found themselves getting close to the first Amazonian settlement in their sight.