XXXIX

A burst of energy caused a massive ripple of force and tore through the entire void as a being took form at the back of Lessi. It's incomparable beauty not for the eyes of men that made Zack, Glen and even Aros cover their eyes, leaving Mika staring at it in full of envy.

A furious god of Death stared at the Fehr, eyes full of hatred. "That golden light is not of any gods of the Hunt." He waved his spear dangerously as he directed it to Lessi. "Little girl! You have something in you that will shake the balance of all existence!"

Lessi did not paid him any mind and stared at Shiila, "I'm not of any help. Remember, I can only release you for a couple of minutes."

"That's more than enough." The goddess raised her immaterial hand as she didn't choose a material body and preferred it to be made of pure light. A bow made of white light appeared on her raised hand before she leveled it at the god of Death. Then a divine arrow materialized as she pulled the string at its maximum extent.

Ngyub!

Everything around the goddess was pushed, even the scattered energy as she released the arrow.

Ismir was well aware that he couldn't dodge the arrow in time, considering that the Golden Light earlier is clinging to his very existence, much less dodging a shot from a huntress of his own kind.

As the arrow paved its way through all the creation it came across, the god of Death cast a static energy field around him. Ismir knew the barrier won't be able to hold the arrow, but expected it to be able to decrease the momentum of the arrow, leaving his armor to do the last job.

SHING!

Just as he anticipated, the arrow shattered his barrier and slammed itself on his chest plate. But even if it didn't pierce through his armor, it pushed him for several miles until it dissipated. Ismir suspended for a moment, his body steaming from the force it receive. Danger suddenly pulsated from him as he raised the dark spear above his shoulder, ready to throw it in retaliation. However, he suddenly dropped on a knee as the golden light in his existence pulsated causing him to cry in pain.

Raargh!

Slamming his open palm against his chest, he force himself to stand only to detect multiple dangers coming towards him. He instinctively raised his head and saw dozens of divine arrow above him. It was the perfect moment for the golden light to intervene again and subdue him from making any movement.

NOOOOOOO!!!!!

Ismir could only roar at his doom. Without his barrier, the arrows pierced through his armor. The god of Death slammed on the ground causing massive tremors as the arrows pinned him in place. Although it wasn't even enough to kill him, he was already defeated as a glowing sword was pointed at his wolf mask. Its wielder, the goddess standing victoriously above him.

"Submit or fall forever!" Shiila stated. Ismir could only growl at her and closed his eyes in defeat. Then his gigantic body shattered into tiny bits of light, only leaving a huge purple crystal floating.

The four mortals breathed a sigh of relief even Aros when it was all over. The space bended a lot of time, twisting the red earth. Everyone expected it to be erased from existence after the blast from the Death Ball, but thanks to the golden light that cancelled it, they were still standing on solid ground.

Lessi strolled towards the purple crystal, and grasped it with both hands. Then it started to grow smaller until it was the size of her own hands. She summoned an enchanted fabric from her inventory and wrapped it around the crystal. When she was done, he noticed that Shiila was standing with caution.

"What's wrong?" Asked the Fehr in concern.

"I sense something..." The goddess answered before she disappeared and returned to Lessi's Inner Space.

Lessi stood motionless for a moment, before Glen and Mika snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Nuabe would love this.." Lessi said, motioning to the wrapped crystal.

"I bet he will.." Glen agreed with a smile.

"Your little brother would receive the best present ever." Mika added causing them to both giggle in anticipation.

"Loots are all yours." Lessi motioned to the items scattered around after the Death god's defeat. She included Zack by glancing at him before she proceeded to the exit.

As the Fehr walk towards the portal, she telepathically connected with Shiila.

"Goddess?"

'I sense power leaking from the corridors of this space.'

"W-What do you mean?"

'This isn't Ismir's cradle. He was guarding a passage to the resting place of a primal god!'

Shock run down her spine as Lessi came to halt.

'Don't even think about it Less. Neither you and I are strong enough to face a Greater God.'

"B-But maybe with her help, we can finally free her from her shackles." Lessi protested, unable to let go of the opportunity.

'Even with her help, Less. We don't stand a chance. Remember, she's constrained.'

Lessi could only let out a frustrated groan as she exited.

As the three who was left behind pondered at the items. Glen happily handed Ismir's Mask at Zack. Although it wasn't the original version, it was still ranked as an Epic Item. Mika on the other hand, gathered all the items for enchanting.

Zack would never forget this encounter. It was one of the most amazing things that happened in his career in Infinity. With a solid resolve in his mind. He set forth with his new belongings, eager to have a god to fight by his side. With Ismir's Mask, he will be able to harvest any soul he wanted, bringing him closer to his goal.

From this day on, another little secret is hidden in his pocket. And it's not his little cave anymore. It is what he witnessed in this very day. To have the gods fight for him.

-----

Three days after the shocking announcement in Turran. NPCs and players alike, started a quest to find the one who subjugated the god of Death that resided in Turran.

Although one of the most popular and revered players in Infinity and other oudated VR games, Lessi locked herself up inside her workshop to avoid suspecting eyes. Her workshop was more like a cabin in the middle of a garden planted with flowers of differing colors. What's more surprising is that it's situated on a cliff and the only entrance was guarded by two giant bears. In case of aerial entrance, the cliff was surrounded by a lvl. 100 double light barrier that electrocuted any trespassers.

A man walked on the path towards the entrance. This man was none other than Glen. When he neared the huge gate, the giant bears stood in alarm but eased when they recognized him.

"I'm just here to see her and deliver an urgent message." Glen causally greeted the bears.

"Master Glen is always welcome here." The bear on the right side scratched its orange fur before moving out of the way.

Glen released a sigh of relief. The bears had always terrorized him even after Lessi tamed them. They are called Culborgs, a race of intelligent and giant bears that once dominated Turran.

Upon entering, the different scent of flowers greeted Glen and somehow eased his tensions. He steadily approached the workshop and gently pushed the door open, revealing the person he was looking for, busily peeling the outer layers of a Ringing Leaf.

"Good to see you, Glen." Lessi greeted without looking.

"Good to see you too, babe." If it was another woman, they would have scolded him for calling them 'babe' which they are not. But Lessi and Glen were friends for a long time and he had been one of her most longest and consistent suitor.

Lessi only sniffed and ignored him.

"It's been a week now since you captured Ismir." Glen stated with a smile, "That guy Zack kept his mouth shut and the world still don't know that you are the culprit."

"It's three days. You really do have a wrong perception of time." Lessi corrected, grinding the leaf in a bowl.

"Oh!" Glen smiled wider. He had been deliberately spouting the wrong words just to make Lessi correct him since she doesn't talk much.

There was this silence that naturally occured whenever they converse unless Glen opened his mouth constantly, "A portal that leads into a new world is opening tomorrow. You've been chosen as one of the few people to enter it."

"Yes. Yes. I'll bring you along with Mika. Nuabe loves it here and he's staying." Lessi already read through his scheme and cut to the point.

"I don't know what are the standards in this new world, but we are already considered high levels here in Turran." Glen added, scratching his cheek, "What was the name of that world again?Gondor---?"

Lessi sighed, "It's called, Gaia."