Chapter 334: The destination

"With this, the three of you can split up when you descend into the mortal world. The Deities following you will do their utmost best to help you with whatever you need," Lumina's gentle voice filled the air as she explained the arrangement. Her words resonated with a sense of trust and confidence in our abilities.

As Lumina finished speaking, I noticed a slight furrowing of Sidus's brows. His dissatisfaction was evident as he observed his team members. Unable to contain himself, he directed his gaze towards the Goddess of Radiance and voiced his question, seeking to understand her decision.

"Why are you sending them with us, instead of coming yourself?" Sidus inquired, his tone reflecting his genuine curiosity and a touch of skepticism.

His question hung in the air, causing a collective gasp from the minor deities who stood nearby. They couldn't believe what they had just witnessed—the audacity of someone challenging the high Goddess herself. Before Lumina could respond, the arrogant redhead deity from my team couldn't contain his arrogance any longer. With his nose raised high, he haughtily retorted, "How dare you talk to the high Goddess like that, you beast-"

But I refused to let him finish his sentence. In an instant, my aura surged forth, swirling around me with an overwhelming force. It crashed into the arrogant deity, silencing his words and leaving him visibly shocked. His gaze turned towards me, his mouth still open in disbelief as my growl filled the air.

"Who the hell are you to be talking to my little brother like that? Do you want to die?" I snarled, my protective instincts fully ignited.

The atmosphere around us grew tense, the minor deities frozen in their places, their expressions a mix of astonishment and fear. The redhead deity, now silenced and intimidated, struggled to find his voice as he realized the gravity of his mistake. The lesson was clear.

Lumina's eyes held a mixture of surprise and amusement as she calmly intervened, her voice cutting through the tension. "Enough, both of you. We are here for a purpose, and aggression serves no one," she declared, her tone firm yet composed. She then turned her gaze toward the arrogant redhead, Zeph, and continued, "Zeph, what did I tell you before?"

Zeph's body trembled slightly, realizing the gravity of his actions. He hurriedly lowered his head and stammered, "I-I apologize for my disrespect."

Lumina's gaze intensified, a dangerous aura swirling around her. "Why are you apologizing to me?" she questioned, her voice carrying a hint of warning.

Zeph's fear deepened, and he quickly redirected his gaze toward me and Sidus, understanding the gravity of his mistake. With a trembling voice, he uttered, "I apologize for my disrespect."

Sidus's eyes narrowed as he observed the exchange, his sharp perception gauging the sincerity of Zeph's apology. He glanced briefly at Lumina, then at me, seeking confirmation. I gave him a gentle nod, signaling my acceptance of the apology.

Sidus maintained his composed demeanor as he nodded curtly at Zeph, acknowledging his attempt to rectify the situation. His emotional control impressed me, and I felt a surge of pride for him.

Lumina didn't keep us waiting long before providing an explanation to Sidus's question. Her voice carried a calm authority as she clarified, "The reason is simple. My presence, along with that of the other high Gods, is needed to restore the outer shield. The energy required to mend it after the battle is extraordinary, and we must take turns in fixing it."

She paused, her gaze shifting toward the minor deities, before she continued, "However, for restoring the mana, their presence should be more than enough to assist you."

With Lumina's explanation, any lingering doubts or questions dissipated The minor deities stood straighter, their expressions showing a renewed determination.

"We understand," I nodded in response to Lumina's words, acknowledging her explanation and expressing my understanding.

With a serene smile, Lumina answered, "Then, I wish you good luck. You may take your leave," she said, her words signaling the conclusion of our conversation.

The minor deities, assigned to assist us, led the way as we left the grand chamber and departed from Lumina's realm. As we ventured back into the celestial expanse, I couldn't help but harbor a sense of disappointment.

The question that lingered in my mind was unavoidable: Why had Tharla taken us through this entire procedure when she could have handled it herself? The encounter with the minor deities felt like an unnecessary detour, what was the point of going all the way to Lumina's realm for this? The entire ordeal left me wondering about the reasoning behind such a decision. It seemed like a waste of time, and I couldn't help but question the intentions and wisdom of those involved.

Still, dwelling on these thoughts would serve no purpose. I reminded myself to focus on the mission at hand and the role we were assigned. With renewed determination, I pushed aside my lingering frustrations, and my gaze shifted to my companions.

"Esteemed guest," the assigned goddess addressed me and my team, "May I know how to address you?"

"I am Aether," I replied, gesturing towards Breta, "And this is-" I paused, allowing Breta to introduce herself in her own time.

"Breta," she curtly responded.

"Esteemed Aether and Lady Breta," the goddess introduced herself as Serenia, motioning towards the bird-like deity beside her, "This is Ravensong, and you have already met Zeph."

"I see. Then let us be on our way, we wasted enough time as it is already," I said, to which Serenia nodded lightly.

"The mortal realm below encompasses two continents, with the central one being the largest, serving as the home to all sentient races," Serenia explained, her words carrying a weight of significance. "The western continent, however, is known as the land of monsters." She paused, allowing her words to sink in before continuing, "Now, where would you like to go?"

Deep in thought, I turned to my siblings who were engaged in similar discussions with the minor deities on their respective teams. Sidus, sensing my unspoken question, spoke up first, "I will take charge of the northern part of the central continent, brother."

Ynos, quick to join the conversation, interjected with enthusiasm, "I have heard tales of a race resembling the fairies dwelling in the western continent. That is where I shall go!"

Nodding in agreement, I affirmed, "Then it is decided. We will claim the southern part of the central continent for ourselves." My gaze met Breta's, and she acknowledged our choice with a confirming nod.