Chapter 555: Birth of a New World [2]
Rheanne walked slowly toward the raised altar at the heart of the temple as her white and silver robes flowed elegantly around her.
She stopped at the center of the altar.
A radiant glow began to emanate from her body and outside as the enormous crowd held its breath.
A ripple of awe spread through the sea of people as the light from within the temple intensified.
The towering spires of the Grand Temple began to shine with divine radiance, visible for miles around.
"It’s happening..."
"The Goddess... she is ascending..."
"We are witnessing the birth of a true God..."
Emperor Valerian stood at the front of the noble section and Emperor Aldric stood beside him with his arms crossed tightly.
Scylla was also there looking atRheanne ’Goddess is ascending, huh... I wonder if Kael ever got to fuck her.’
Many people fell to their knees.
Pilgrims raised their hands in prayer while children stared with wide-eyed wonder.
Back inside the temple, Rheanne turned one last time.
Her family stood a short distance away with Brandon at the front, Freya and Amelia beside him, little Selene held tightly in Amelia’s arms.
Rheanne’s eyes met Brandon’s.
For a few precious seconds, the world narrowed to just the two of them as she gave him one final smile.
A smile appeared on Brandon’s lips ’Until we meet again...’
The light around Rheanne grew blindingly bright.
Her body began to rise slowly into the air as pure energy swirled around her like flames.
The entire temple trembled gently.
Rheanne’s body glowed brighter and brighter until she was almost impossible to look at directly.
Then, with a brilliant flash that lit up the entire night sky, Rheanne ascended.
The light exploded outward in a gentle wave, washing over the crowd like a warm, comforting embrace.
The sky above the Grand Temple split open for a moment, revealing a glimpse of something vast before sealing again.
Outside, the crowd erupted.
"The Goddess has ascended!"
"Long live the Holy Land!"
"Godess Rheanne watches over us!"
Emperor Valerian lowered his head in silent respect. Emperor Aldric closed his eyes, murmuring a quiet prayer.
Inside the temple, Brandon stood frozen, looking at the place Rheanne was standing.
’I wanted to tell her and explain everything that I am from the future... but I felt like saying that would only increase her concern.’
’She was already so scared. I didn’t want to add more burden to her last days and when she reaches the Divine Realm.’
Freya stepped forward and gently took his hand.
Selene looked up at the empty altar in confusion "Aunt Rheanne... went to the sky?"
However, suddenly Amelia’s gaze trembled as she felt a sudden energy go through her body "H-Husband..."
A faint glow began to radiate from her skin.
Brandon turned to her and quickly grabbed her hand "Amelia, what hap-"
WHAT? But then his gaze shrank in shock ’Ether...?’
’The mass awakening of women... it’s happening.’
Scylla, standing among the high-ranking officials, suddenly froze.
Her powerful body tensed as an unfamiliar energy exploded through her veins.
"What the hell is this...?" she muttered, clenching her fists.
All across the massive plaza, women began reacting.
Some gasped and stumbled in shock while others clutched their chests or heads.
A few fell to their knees as glowing auras began to appear around them.
The crowd erupted into confusion and panic.
"What is happening?!"
"Why are the women glowing?!"
"Is this part of the ascension?!"
Brandon’s gaze narrowed ’I need to control the commotion.’
He turned to Freya, "Freya, stay with Amelia and keep Selene safe. I’ll handle this."
Freya nodded without hesitation, though worry filled her eyes. She squeezed his hand one last time before letting go.
Brandon took a deep breath, then turned and walked toward the elevated platform at the front of the temple steps from which Rheanne often addressed the people.
The moment he stepped onto the platform and looked out over the massive crowd, a hush began to fall.
Thousands of eyes turned toward him, the man known as the Goddess’s Companion, the one who had stood beside her for years.
Brandon raised his hand, and his voice rang out with clear authority.
"Everyone, calm down!"
The panicked murmurs slowly quieted as people turned their full attention to him.
Brandon looked out at the sea of faces and spoke "What you are witnessing is not a curse. It is a gift."
"For many years, Goddess Rheanne protected this world. She stood alone against the monsters pouring from dungeons and towers. She fought tirelessly so that we could live in peace."
Many in the crowd nodded while some lowered their heads in reverence.
Brandon continued his words "Today, she has ascended to true Godhood. She has left her mortal form... but she has not abandoned us. Before she rose, she bestowed upon this world one final, magnificent gift."
He gestured toward the women in the crowd who were glowing with ether.
"Women across the world are awakening. They are gaining the power to wield ether just as the Goddess once did."
"They will become awakeners. They will stand where she once stood and fight the monsters."
A wave of stunned silence spread through the plaza, followed by growing murmurs of realization and awe.
"This is the birth of a new world. The Goddess has given us the tools to thrive even in her absence."
He paused, looking out at the emperors, the nobles, and the common people.
"So do not fear. Celebrate this moment. The Goddess Rheanne has entrusted us with her legacy. Now it is our duty to honor her by building a better, safer world together."
The crowd remained silent for a few heartbeats...
Then, a single cheer erupted.
It spread like wildfire.
Thousands of voices rose in a thunderous roar of hope and reverence.
People cheered and raised their hands toward the sky.
Women who had just awakened looked at their glowing hands with newfound determination.
On the platform, Brandon stood tall looking at everyone ’There is gonna be chaos...’
He glanced up at the sky and smiled faintly ’And I hope i can handle everything.’
