Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil

"As you may have already realized, time is of the essence."

The goddess declared, her gaze shifting toward the spatial fractures within her domain caused by Anfang's World Will. "Therefore, let us strive for brevity. It appears that you possess some knowledge despite Anfang's policy of seclusion."

Eren nodded, quickly recollecting whatever little information Alephee had given him. However, the goddess could tell that Eren didn't know much. She asked to confirm.

"I shall inquire regardless: What do you know of your status as the inheritor of the Elder Ichor? And what plans do you have for the future?" the Great Mother concluded, her tone imbued with curiosity and anticipation, awaiting Eren's response.

Eren gazed up at the sky, its once-distorted appearance now clear of dark clouds but still bearing the remnants of the Great Mother's domain. Without much deliberation, he prepared to answer her question.

"I am aware that the Elder Ichor bloodline, which I obtained through a stroke of luck, will inevitably draw me into an unnecessary conflict between demons and gods," Eren stated, fixing his gaze on the goddess. A mirthless smile played upon her lips as she nodded in acknowledgment.

Taking a deep breath, Eren continued, determined to be open and honest with the Great Mother. "This bloodline grants me a certain authority over demons, offering a lot of advantages in demon magic and the possibility of gaining allies. However, it is also a double-edged sword, exposing me to grave dangers posed by Demon Princes who seek to erase me from existence. The bloodline becomes a formidable asset on my journey, yet simultaneously exposes me to incomprehensible perils once I step beyond the world of Anfang," he confessed, his words laced with sincerity.

Eren understood that he needed an ally within the divine faction, particularly with the Slumbering Goddess standing as his enemy. It seemed evident that she could rally other divine entities against him, making it imperative for him not to push away the Great Mother.

Pondering for a moment, he proceeded to address her second inquiry. "Regarding my plans for the future... Honestly, I don't care about either side– demons and gods. I'd like to avoid them for as long as I can. So apart from wrapping up a few things here, I desire nothing more than to depart from the confines of Anfang and explore the possibilities that lie beyond.

The restrictions placed upon me in this land will only intensify as my rank increases. Progressing through the upper ranks will become exponentially arduous if I remain here, wasting centuries as others have done. I refuse to commit the same mistakes countless Rankers have made, resigning myself to sluggish advancement," Eren expressed, nonchalantly shrugging his shoulders.

Inexplicably, whether due to the goddess's divinity or her potential connection with the original Elder Ichor bloodline's owner, Eren felt a profound ease conversing with the Great Mother about his path and challenges. Patiently, she listened to his words, understanding that the limited time available wouldn't allow her to delve deeper into Eren's past, present, and future.

With a playful smile, the goddess responded, affirming his thoughts. "Hmm. That sounds like the most logical approach. You are correct, Eren. The Elder Ichor bloodline is undeniably exceptional. I cannot fathom how it came to be reintroduced into this world or how anyone could assimilate with it. So possessing this bloodline makes you one of the Elder Seeds, the inheritor of 'that' man. Which is the reason why I am here," the goddess disclosed, surprising Eren.

Startled, the butcher inquired, "You mean to say I am not the only Elder Seed?" The goddess promptly nodded, providing further explanation.

"Indeed, you are not alone. If the prophecies would have been zeroed on you, you'd be long dead by now. The world of Anfang itself would have been in greater peril.

Understand, the creation of an Elder Seed remains an exceedingly rare occurrence. However, within the boundless cosmos containing countless fertile worlds, the discovery of tens or even hundreds of Elder Seeds is a conservative estimate.

Yet, the existence and revelation of an Elder Seed remain akin to finding a needle in an infinite haystack. This is why you are currently breathing right now," she conveyed, strengthening her domain once again with her divine powers.

The goddess, sensing Eren's astonishment, took the initiative to elaborate. "You see, Eren, the man known as the Emperor of all Demons left behind many Legacies in various worlds before his eventual demise. These Legacies are capable of assimilating with worthy entities, deeming them Elder Seeds—his inheritors. They are called Elder Seed Artifacts, or simply Elder Artifacts.

However, in your case..."

The goddess' eyes narrowed, fixating intently on Eren. "You are likely the first and only Elder Seed who has not assimilated with the Elder Seed Artifacts to earn the Elder Seed title.

I would have called you the reincarnation of that man if I hadn't sensed your soul up close. But it seems that you are a true resident of Anfang and your soul only has a single point of origin, which is this world.

It means impossible has occurred, as you have assimilated with the bloodline of that man himself," she continued, her words shaking Eren to his core.

The goddess extended her Divine Sense, scanning Eren once more before continuing, her voice now serious. "Although I can sense the impurity of the bloodline, passed down to you by a strange, unknown demonic creature, pure or not, it undoubtedly carries the essence of that man. This sets you apart as more than just an Elder Seed; it allows you to contend for the vacant throne left by that man."

Eren had already learned a bit about Hex Gears from Alephee. He had plans to craft Hex Gear for himself that could allow him to wield his Sin Series powers better. The Elder Artifacts could also potentially allow him to transition between his multiple classes with ease.

However, the goddess made it clear to Eren that he had underestimated the creation of the Sin Series Hex Gear. The Sin Series Hex Gear made by the original owner of the Elder ichor bloodline seemed like mighty tools that could potentially be seen as a threat by divine entities.

AN: Hex Magic and Hex Gear were mentioned in chapter 878 and 1225. The term Unoccupied Throne was first used in chapter 1060.