The Emperor of Earth’s Journey throughout the World Tree~(Nether World)

Sitting behind his desk, a judging platform, Yama, the King of Death was in a good mood, even if one couldn't tell from his face since his face was covered only leaving two ghostly green eyes that flowed like the flickering of candles. The eyes were mystical and seem to see the deepest secrets and thoughts inside a person.

Nothing and no one can hide from the eyes of Yama! As long as one is alive, they will fear him, the King of Death!

Many wonder what the King of Death looks like under his black robe, as no one had ever seen his true form; those who did, have earned the honor of absolute death. However, Because of his eyes, many of the Yama Kings concluded he might be an Undead or a Wraith of some kind, however considering that no one had clues, it remained a secret which only serves to make the undead and servants of Death want to know even more.

The unknown might be scary for mortals, but to immortal beings, death means little to them. Which is ironic since death is the source of their immortality.

The reason he, the King of Death was in a good mood was because he had gained a whopping number of souls from Earth; which amount to hundreds. To others, the number doesn't seem to be a lot, however considering there were only ten thousand or so sentient creatures on Earth the number was a great amount. It would have been better if he could obtain souls from the Titans and giants living on the Divine Continent. Unfortunately, they were not mortals and were not prone to death like the beings of Earth.

That was one of the mystical powers of the Golden Nation, which stood above all worlds. Even the weakest of creatures on the Divine Continent, could kill many other beings of the same level, and not get wounded.

Yama's job was simple, but important as well. He along with his Yama Kings were to judge the souls that arrive in the Dead Sea and lead to them through the Yellow Rivers, deciding if they should sens the soul Heaven or Hell or in some rare instances, back to Earth with powerful skills and spells. By sending these to their destinations, more beings would be born which would increase the soul count in the World Tree. On rare occasions, a Yama King could decide to kill an evil soul, shattering it to pieces to create new souls, who would be sent to the Dead Sea to heal and grow stronger.

(AN: Yep, Isakai. I like this idea and might use it later on.)

Because of the low count of souls inside the World Tree, Yama has been scheming of adding the beast and other creatures with spirits into the Afterlife System.

The Afterlife System is what he called the invisible power that seems to permeate the entire tree and influence souls. It's a power that cannot be stopped or be seen by others. Only Yama and his 72 Yama Kings that we're all DemiGods, could and somewhat use some of its power in the judgment of souls or enhance their strength in battle.

There is a big difference between beast and other sentient creatures. Beast don't have souls, they have spirits which are worse than souls and cannot arrive in Nether World after death, meaning if they die, unless they are revived in seven days, they have truly died and only the Supreme God can bypass that restriction.

(AN: Basically all the spawn creature that the tree automatically create on Earth World don't have souls but sport)

This means the Beast Lords and Priestesses of Life are not on the same level, within the Mother Goddess Religion. Because of these differences, Yama believes that in a few decades, after more DemiGods emerge on Earth, two factions would emerge, making his mother be in a somewhat difficult position. That was another reason for thinking of adding the beast in his Afterlife System after he added the Divine Authority of Life into his Divine Authority of Death, creating a brand new authority called the Divine Authority of Reincarnation which would allow him complete and utter control over the Afterlife System.

If they could arrive in Nether World, they would not feel a sense of alienation and the scene he foresaw won't happen. However, Yama knew the Beast Lords were especially loyal and wouldn't worry about death, even if it could be absolute.

He could ask his father to change rules to allow the changes he wanted; however, he was not one to beg for anything. He rather takes millions of years to achieve something someone else could achieve in a day because, in the end, he did it with his own hands.

Yama closes the Book of Death as he watches the last soul he judged ascend into a golden portal, that leads to Heaven, which disappears from after.

The Book of Death is a world item, an item that needs to be in the Nether World to work. As souls arrive in the Nether World, their souls would be bound to the Book of Death.

The Book of Death records all the information that the souls went through while alive, even their past lives if they had one, and help with the judging process. However, the Book of Death made the judging process completely fair, no one can misuse their power. If a judge sent a soul of an evil person to Hell, they would fall from their status and be sent to Hell to repent for many years, before being allowed back to the Nether World, without a chance of being a judge again. That makes it so there is no sense of favoritism, everyone is judged fairly, except beings vital to the development and operation of a world.

(AN: it's not a World-Class Item but an item that can only be used in a world inside the World Tree, thus the name.)

Leaning over his desk, Yama look at the pile of documents, and pick one by random. It was titled, [Earth's Disturbance]. Yama's eyes glowed as he nodded, "So father was the one behind that surge of power that even shook the Nether World? However with this, my suspicions are confirmed, we are no longer in the domain of Yggdrasil."

Placing his hands under his chin, Yama became lost in thought. His mind traveled to few hours ago; where an ancient Will wash over the World Tree, before being forced out by an equally powerful Will. A powerful Will have never dared to invade the World Tree before because of its unique status as the child of Yggdrasil and home of the Supreme God, so he concluded this unknown Will didn't know of the World Tree, which explained it actions. However, for an outside Will not knowing of the World Tree only meant, they were no longer under the domain of Yggdrasil, because it would protect it's child and future heir if it's in danger. That means they were in a new universe, separate from their own. However, without actual facts, he can't be one hundred percent sure. After all, it could be that Yggdrasil had simply fallen and couldn't protect the World Tree anymore, which was equally as possible as the first possibility. He could even add these two possibilities together to create an even more perfect idea of what happened.

Yama pointed at the information in front of him, burning it to ashes, before picking a new document title [Abnormality of Lucifer]. Yama read the information and drum his fingers on the table, "He is having a child with Devil King of Lust, Oliva? This is indeed an abnormality. He is a True God and Oliva is also a True God but because she was not a ruler of a world, she is slightly lower in strength to a True World God. However, what would a child of two True God rank beings be? Could it surpass our limit of True God? Or would it be an innate True God rank being? This needs of be investigated and kept confidential, a religious war could start between the Church of Hell and the other churches with an imbalance of power between the churches." Yama burn the document to ashes before sending two messages. One to the one that obtains this information for him, one of his many minions spread across the World, which simply said 'DIE'. The receiver didn't even have time to respond as a huge black finger with wrinkles appeared from the skies, obliterating all life in the area, including it.

If anyone had seen this scene, it was truly shocking as a huge finger that was akin to a heavenly pillar descended from a portal and end all life in the area. Every demons and devils in the area didn't even have time to scream before they were silenced, absorbed by the finger, making some wrinkles disappear. The finger retreated after killing everything, making the scene very ominous.

On the black ground of Hell, many Lesser Demons and few Legend Devils, became husk with no life force resides in their bodies.

Because of the power of Yamas Divine Authority of Death, which allows him to kill anyone who heard his words, he was feared and which made a saying reverberate throughout the World Tree, 'When the King of Death wants you dead at midnight, don't expect to live in the morning!' Of course if one cannot hear Yama word, they won't die, however considering he has powerful Yama Generals under him, anyone he wanted dead would still die.

The second message was to order one of the Yama General, a True God, to watch over Oliva, protecting the future heir of Hell.

He could be many things but one thing he wasn't, and that was someone that leaves things to chance. He would never allow a single hair on a member of his family to be damage; with his vast foresight.

Yama picks the last document up, [ Raul's Mission]. Yama read the document and chuckle before burning it to ashes. He learned all the action taken by Raul, even the place he slept at. Nothing can escape his notice.

Yama narrowed his eyes, as he looked at the end of the document that read 'Beware of Leyna' which soon disappeared in the flames. Of course, he knew about this person and how dangerous she was, however…...she was too important to eliminate. Her status was not important but her strength and weakness, which he could control were. As long as she grew more, he can add another Yama General to his arsenal, however…...

Yama eyes narrowed even more, as he remembered she seem to fancy his brother. He could tell his little brother fancies her as well, however with her schemes, she will hurt his heart. "I will watch some more, if she finish her plans and it succeed, I will welcome her to the family, however if she fails, I win."

Chuckling. which could send a shiver down anyone's spine, Yama stop laughing and glance outside his Yama Palace, seeing his two brothers.

The two of them were flying towards his Yama Palace which was not hard to find since it was the biggest building in the Nether World and also the brightest place in a world full of green and ominous fogs and lanterns.

As they flew, unknown to them, two giant eyes which look like green candlelight, glance indifferently at them from the gloomy cloudy skies monitoring their movements, before fading away.

.

*

Arriving in the Nether World, Raul and Lucifer looked around, taking in the sight of this world. The world was covered in green fog, which had lanterns inside, which created a creepy and ominous atmosphere.

The air seems to have been placed in a swamp as the air made it difficult for one to move. It seems it has gained physical form.

This world was without a continent as it has 72 large islands that each has a black temple on if. In the middle of the 72 islands, a giant landmass sat which had a large palace surrounded by three gains walls. Each wall gave off a powerful and sturdy-feeling like it was impenetrable and couldn't be broken by even the gods.

As this was not the first time he had been to the Nether World, Lucifer was calm and was observing the world with an open mind. Nothing had changed, it was the same as before.

Raul was different from Lucifer, as he has never traveled across worlds before today. This will be his second world visited but not the last. He was amazed at how this world seems even more powerful than Earth and Hell combined. However, one thing he notices that this world lack from all its many advantages of power, was noise.

There wasn't even a whisper of a soul or even the rustling of the wind. Even the pitch-black ocean at the end of the world and the rivers which have a yellow hue, which violently flowed, we're silent, which made the place ever more sinister.

Lucifer looks at his brother and saw his pale face and understand what he was feeling. " So you probably noticed already, this world as the world that absorbs the souls of the dead is forever in a moment of peace. No matter how big an impact one wanted to cause, there won't be a single noise. I know you have not met Yama yet, so just keep in mind he likes to have peace and quite; thus the reason for the world being forever in a state of quietness."

Raul nodded as he had never met anyone of his siblings other than today. He was able to tell who was who simply because of a connection he innately seems to have with them.

Although he doesn't like judging things by a surface aspect, Raul was sure he didn't like this world. Although he was lazy, that doesn't mean he would seal himself off from the world. A place like this could turn a sane person insane! The only noise they will hear was the noise of their mind, which was even more frightening..

"You seem oddly familiar with this place, i'm guessing you visit here often." Raul raises a brow as he asks.

Lucifer became serious as he spoke, " I have indeed been here many times, I like talking to Yama, he doesn't say much but he listens. Unlike you and the rest of the family, Yama and I are very close as our jobs are similar to the fact we toy with people's fates. Our talks are the only times I don't feel like I'm looking down upon or being shamed. You would not understand this, but picture this, in a world of many only one person understands you. Do you know how much pressure that put you under? I might be the Devil and he might be the King of Death, however at the end of the day, we're are just normal people, who happened to be worshiped."

Raul looks a Lucifer's back as he spoke, as reveal a rarely seen serious expression. He had never known while they had such a grand status compared to the mortals, they would similarly feel like an outcast. He pictures himself in Lucifers shoes and realizes he would probably not even be as half as calm as him. Raul knew in terms of power he was strong however in the field of the mind, he was but a child.

Raul didn't say anything, making an air of silence followed them as they flew towards Yama Palace. He simply flew behind Lucifer as he ponders if it was just Lucifer and Yama that was feeling this way? Could Riana be feeling similar? It couldn't be right? She lives in a powerful world with many powerful subordinates at her side. Heaven was after all the second most powerful world in the World Tree after the Golden Nation.

Raul signed, not noticing Lucifer smiling as he look at him, revealing a sense of pride. He was happy that his brother thought about his words, even though he had to reveal a bit of his heart to him. However it was his duty to make sure he grows and became a good leader or simply a good man. Although he wasn't a schemer like Yama, he was a master when it comes to reading emotions, this makes him a bit smarter than a regular genius. By reading emotions, one can even read a person's mind, as emotions are the product of the mind which is a product of the soul.

After flying for a while, Lucifer and Raul descended from the skies to a small open space outside the Yama Palace. As they land, they were surprised to see a cloaked figure waiting there, as if he had been there since time immemorial.

"I'm honored to host two of the lord of the World Tree, however, since you both seem to be in a rush, what do I owe the honor of?" Yama cold and chilly voice spoke from the figure, sending a chill down Rauls apine.

Lucifer frowned as he crosses his hands on his chest, "Yama, stop playing around, I know that brain of yours know already. Also, why do I sense the presence of demonic energy on you?" Lucifer questioned.

Yama seems surprised and pauses for a moment, " Indeed I know everything inside the tree except for a few key locations. I know the reason for your visit and would like to house you however, my brother here seems not used to the negative energy which exists everywhere in my world." Yama said as he notices Rauls's pale face.

Raul didn't say anything as he was truly uncomfortable here. His Divine Protection was not helping him but instead seem to fuel his inner turmoil, as dark thoughts emerge in his mind. If not because he was a powerful God, he would not have endured for this long and kept a somewhat calm mind.

Lucifer frown deepened as he turned to Raul and point of him. As be pointed, a pale aura flew out of Raul's body, before escaping back into the air, transforming to green fog, the fog which was omnipresent in this world. Lucifer pointed again, causing his Divine Authority of Blazing Pride to show up, a split a piece off, seeping into Raul, protecting his body from the negative energy.

"Now, Yama, you still haven't answered me; why do you have demonic energy on your body." Blazing Pride explodes around Lucifer as his aura grew, surpassing the level of True God and was still climbing. The area around him turned golden and twisted as even space seem fragile from his Divine Authority of Blazing Pride.

Raul retreated to a distance as he couldn't take place in this fight, as he couldn't use his Divine Authority of Earth outside of his world. This made him one of the weakest gods but in close combat without Divine Authorities, he was one of the strongest gods.

Yama was calm and shook his head in slight disappointment, " I only kill some insignificant ants in order to preserve the life of my future family member. The best way to keep a secret is to not have a secret to tell. I did indeed step over the line but if given another chance I would do the same thing again."

Lucifer frowned and signed as his Divine Authority dimmed and fade away, keeping the trace inside Raul alive. " I wanted this to be a surprise however you already ruin that. You may be my brother, however, you have stepped over the line and interfere in my world affairs more than once, and have pushed my patience far enough. Keep in mind, Hell belongs to me." He didn't say anymore as he turns and flew off.

Yama look at his retreating brother and signed, "Hell is yours and Nether World is mind, however if it means I can protect a family member I don't mind breaking some unbroken rules. However I am in the wrong in this matter, I apologize."

Thinking for a moment, Yama turned to Raul and said, "He will need some time to cool down. So let's get this over with. [Gate]." A portal appeared and Yama spoke, "This will take us directly to the nearest teleportation gate, so we can go to the next world." Yama step through the portal.

Raul looks back at Lucifer flying into the distance and signed. He wanted to help, however, he couldn', he can't take sides in a family argument. He understood where Yama was coming from but he also felt Lucifer was right. Each person had their own world, there is no need to cross and break forbidden rules.

Raul stepped through the portal and disappear.

TO BE CONTINUE ⏩