Chapter 35: The Unseen World

Adeu sat in the academy class, his mind wandering as the golden-haired god, Nadia, droned on about history.

Talking about how gods are immortal and how they stopped aging between years 20 to 30. After a while, Adeu raised his hand, catching Nadia's attention.

"Adeu?" she called.

"Teacher Nadia, could you tell us something about the Land of the Dead? I'm really curious about it. What's so special about that world?"

The entire class turned to look at him, except for Echo, who was equally eager for the teacher's response.

Nadia hesitated, uncertain, but before she could respond, Echo interjected, "That's a really interesting topic. Even I wish to know more about it."

With the two best students expressing interest, the rest of the class soon joined in, shouting and nodding in agreement.

Nadia, now in an uncomfortable situation, raised her hand to quiet the class before beginning her explanation.

"The Land of the Dead is the scariest world among the five. There isn't much information about it, but even gods are afraid to walk there.

That's why, every time we go on expeditions, we send large teams of hundreds of gods. If you get lost there,

you won't come back, and we can't risk losing more gods. It's the hardest place to survive. Every meter is filled with creatures worse than the last."

Echo, unimpressed, asked, "It doesn't sound scary at all. Gods control worlds and master their powers to almost full potential.

They can split skies with a single sword swing. Even some of the weakest gods can destroy mountains. You're telling us that a few monsters can fight against hundreds of gods?

And even true gods with real names are scared? That doesn't make sense. There has to be more to the story."

Nadia, clearly uncomfortable, raised her hand to end the class, avoiding further questions. Echo approached Adeu after the class, his face serious.

"What do you think? Are you confident that we can survive in a world where even true gods hide to explore?"

Adeu sighed. "We need more information. My plan is already decided. Nothing can shake it. I'm confident in my abilities."

Echo laughed, sitting next to Adeu and putting his legs on the desk. "Good, good. By the way, wanna spar? I've got a new sword from my father, and don't you want to test the one I gave you?"

Adeu chuckled. "You want to lose again, huh?"

And so, they found themselves standing on the large, circle-shaped platform, surrounded by students eager to watch the match. The air was electric with anticipation as the two friends locked eyes.

"Echo, give up already. Aren't you tired of losing?"

"Maybe this time he'll win."

"Adeu, I love you! Marry me!"

"Echo, win and beat that narcissistic bastard already!"

The students chattered excitedly, eager for the spectacle. Echo chuckled, unfazed by the insults.

They only motivated him more. None of them could affect the bond between him and Adeu, they had known each other since birth.

The two friends eyed each other, and then, in a flash, they disappeared and reappeared in the center, their swords clashing with a burst of yellow divine aura.

Adeu moved with fluid grace, dodging Echo's strikes with ease, his eyes shining with excitement.

Echo's movements were powerful and precise, his new sword cutting through the air with deadly accuracy. The sound of their blades echoed through the arena, a testament to their skill.

"You improved ," Adeu said, smiling as he parried a particularly fierce strike.

"Shut up," Echo replied, grinning.

They danced around each other, each attack met with a counter, each dodge followed by a swift riposte. The crowd watched in awe as the two friends fought, their faces lit up with the joy of the battle.

Adeu spun, his blade slicing through the air, but Echo was ready, blocking the strike and pushing Adeu back.

Adeu laughed, the thrill of the fight coursing through him. He lunged forward, his sword a blur, but Echo was quick, deflecting the blow and countering with a powerful slash.

The fight continued, both of them evenly matched, until finally, Adeu saw his opening.

With a swift and unexpected move, he knocked Echo aside and brought his own blade to a stop at Echo's neck. At the same moment, Echo's sword stopped at Adeu's hand.

The crowd gasped, the tension palpable. Adeu would lose his hand, and Echo would lose his life. They stood there, panting, their eyes locked.

"Looks like I win,but congrats you've managed to cut my hand this time" Adeu said, his voice steady.

Echo grinned, lowering his sword. "I didn't expect you to sacrifice your hand for victory."

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, the intensity of the battle still fresh in their minds. Adeu and Echo sheathed their swords, their faces flushed with exertion but glowing with satisfaction.

"That was fun," Echo said, clapping Adeu on the back.

"Yeah, it was," Adeu agreed, smiling. "Tomorrow again."

"Definitely," Echo replied, and the two friends walked off the platform.

As they walked, Adeu and Echo met Lisa, who had a worried expression on her face.

"What's up?" Adeu asked.

"I stole this book from my mom," Lisa confessed, holding up an ancient, leather-bound volume.

"She didn't want to tell me anything about it, so I took it... and what I read is not good. Adeu, we can't go to the Land of the Dead. We will die."

Adeu raised an eyebrow. "Huh? What do you mean?"

Lisa sighed heavily. "Follow me."

They followed Lisa outside the academy and into a beautiful bar adorned in black and gold.

They sat in a corner, where Lisa used a Star-shaped artifact to cast a barrier that blocked their conversation from being overheard. She took a deep breath and began.

"The Land of the Dead is one of the places where Zet fought Zeus…"

This revelation hit them like a bombshell. Both Echo and Adeu were stunned. "What?"

Lisa continued, "They fought there for a long time, creating and destroying creatures and curses. They cursed the entire world, using it for their battles.

Many corrupted creatures and evil spirits live there. There is a portal that leads to Earth, but nobody knows where it is. That world doesn't have an end.

And the worst part is, nobody can use Neba there. No powers, no abilities. You're just a weak creature who depends solely on physical strength.

Even artifacts don't work, except one, limitless storage. That's why so many gods die there. Most of them are nothing without their powers."

Adeu was lost in thought while Echo was visibly shocked, unable to find words. This was far beyond their expectations.

Finally, Adeu spoke up, "This is better than I expected."

Lisa and Echo looked at him, confused. "What?"

Adeu explained, "We can escape from the gods. They don't have powers there. We just need to outrun them and escape. That's our only choice.

Then we can survive. We should take everything we need. With that artifact, we can store food and other necessities. We'll build a base, explore the world, and find the portal."

Echo laughed, "This guy... So you're really serious about this? Ready to risk your life too? Count me in."

Lisa shouted, "You two are so stupid. You're not going anywhere. Stay here, both of you, don't make me angry."

"No," Adeu replied firmly.

"Come on, Adeu, we have everything here. Where are you going?"

"I don't. I want to have more knowledge about the world we live in. Gods lied to us, so imagine how many other things are also lies?

I thought gods were saints who protected pitiful creatures like humans, but I was wrong. I want to know more. I want to help and be on the right side."

The table fell silent. Lisa sighed deeply, "Alright, seems like I can't change your mind… I will try my best to support you two with information and necessary tools."

The trio smiled at each other. They drank sweet juice and continued to chat, ready to uncover more secrets about the five worlds.