Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil

Galen thanked the goddess for resurrecting his Beast Companion Nova.

The Ironskin bear was still slumbering. But one could tell that it was fine and full of vitality after the goddess had healed him.

A gentle smile graced the goddess's lips as she observed the subtle transformation taking place within Galen's psyche. Her gaze then turned to the Amazonians bowing before her, and she took it upon herself to guide them. Her voice carried a newfound determination as she addressed the gathering.

"I find no fault in Eren's actions," the goddess spoke, her voice laced with conviction. "Death is a natural part of the cycle of life. Rebirth is made possible when death claims the old. Without death, there can be no new beginnings. It is true that my teachings have not touched upon this aspect before, but I believe it is time for me to evolve my divinity."

As her Domain continued to shrink under the overwhelming influence of Anfang's Will, the goddess imparted a few words to the four Matriarchs, emphasizing the importance of treating Eren as their ally. She then turned her attention to Marla and Almera, acknowledging them as Eren's direct subordinates. With a wave of her divine power, she bestowed a blessing upon the two women, and intricate runic tattoos of the Mother's Embrace Ability materialized on the backs of their right hands.

Marla and Almera were taken aback by this unexpected gift from the goddess. Gratitude filled their hearts as they thanked the Great Mother, while an insatiable curiosity awakened within them, urging them to explore the depths of their newfound Abilities.

As the relentless advance of Anfang's Will consumed the remnants of her crumbling Domain, the goddess's stone visage finally shattered. Her Divine Sense was expelled from the world of Anfang, causing the surroundings of the sacred ground to return to its usual state.

The Great Mother had completed her departure from the world of Anfang, fulfilling her promise that her Divine Sense would not return for a thousand years. However, her absence did little to diminish the fervor of her followers.

Witnessing her miracles and hearing her words had only served to strengthen their unwavering devotion. It was clear that the goddess possessed a remarkable ability to keep her followers fiercely dedicated to her cause.

***

Matriarch Valeria's bustling settlement came to life, ablaze with excitement and anticipation as it prepared to celebrate the extraordinary visit of the Great Mother through her Divine Sense. Nestled within a vast expanse of lush green meadows, the party venue remained hidden deep within the embrace of a small mountain range, caressed by a fresh forest breeze that carried the scent of nature's untamed beauty.

The heart of the festivities lay around a colossal campfire, its towering flames reaching skyward, crafted from immense Cyprus logs that seemed to defy the very laws of nature. The fire blazed within a meticulously constructed fire-element array, designed to channel and control the immense heat generated by the flames. An invisible barrier funneled the heat, allowing only the vibrant orange light to pass through, bathing the entire landscape in its ethereal glow. This radiant illumination revealed the preparations in full swing, with the heat harnessed to cook a vast array of dishes, from succulent grilled meat of exotic Mana Beasts to exclusive recipes known only to the Amazonian settlements.

As the fragrant aroma of the various mouthwatering delicacies wafted through the air, a starry sky spread above, its tranquil moonlight veiled by passing gray clouds. The boisterous mood of the Evokers filled the night as they conversed eagerly, their voices buzzing with excitement over the Great Mother's unexpected presence.

Though most were not present at the sacred ground during the goddess' manifestation, they had all felt her divine essence, reinforcing their unwavering devotion. The confirmation of Nova's resurrection, Galen's cherished Beast Companion, further heightened their jubilation, making the creature the undisputed star of the celebration

. The Amazonians lavished attention upon Nova, ensuring it was well cared for and even serving it sumptuous offerings, believing that the goddess held a special affection for the beast.

Amidst the festivities, Eren found himself receiving similar treatment from the Amazonians. Various kinds of delectable food were offered to him as he engaged in lively conversations with the inhabitants of the settlement.

Eren seized this nocturnal celebration as an opportunity to deepen his connections with the Amazonians. Mingling effortlessly, he conversed with genuine interest and a pleasing presence, endearing himself to his newfound companions.

Accompanied by the four Matriarchs—Valeria, Seraphina, Eveline, and Isadora as well as Callista, Marla, and Almera—Eren reveled in the impromptu celebration held in honor of the Great Mother. As the night progressed, the air was infused with the enchanting sounds of rhythmic drums and other traditional instruments.

The Amazonians began to play their vibrant folk songs, their melodies weaving through the starlit meadows, echoing with the spirit of their devotion to the divine presence that graced them.

In this harmonious union of nature's beauty, delicious flavors, heartfelt conversations, and soul-stirring music, Eren found himself immersing deeper into the rich tapestry of the Amazonian culture. With every interaction, he made sure to understand what kind of weapons the Evokers needed. He made many mental notes to himself as he kept conversing with Evokers of various backgrounds and needs.

Valeria, the esteemed Matriarch, and her counterparts found themselves drawn to Eren's presence, seeking his company from time to time. Their interactions carried a newfound respect and admiration, sparked by the realization that the goddess herself had bestowed her undivided attention upon him. Eren's extraordinary nature began to shine through, transcending the realm of a mere Ranker and captivating the curiosity of even the divine.

Amidst the lively atmosphere, Eren gracefully engaged in conversations with a myriad of individuals, his words weaving a web of connection and understanding. As he navigated through the crowd of Evokers, he chanced upon Galen, who approached him with an air of awkwardness.

Galen, having taken the Great Mother's advice to heart, offered a sincere apology for his previous behavior. Eren, harboring no ill will towards Galen, assured him that their duel had long been resolved, and there was no need for further concern. A burst of heartfelt laughter erupted from Galen's lips, breaking the lingering tension, as he urged Eren to savor the enchanting night before they bid each other farewell.

While a part of Eren's being yearned to attend to his responsibilities with the waiting Ships floating motionlessly over the serene waters of River Lithe, located just beyond the Amazonians' controlled territory, he resolved to embrace the festivities before him. He recognized this vibrant celebration as an opportunity not only for revelry but also to foster his growing business endeavors, sowing the seeds of strong alliances and prosperous connections.

With each passing moment, Eren put on the mask and embraced the night's enchantment, embracing the spirit of camaraderie and shared mirth. The profound transformation he had undergone, both in the eyes of the Matriarchs and the people around him, was a testament to his unique journey and the divine intervention that had interwoven his fate with the grand tapestry of the Great Mother's blessings.