Reincarnated As The Villainess's Son

Chapter 313 Heart Of Yggrisial [9] [Core Space]

Chapter 313  Heart Of Yggrisial [9] [Core Space]

"Okay, I get the gist of it," I muttered, rubbing my temples as Zenith finished her explanation.

"So, we're here in the royal palace," she concluded, glancing around the guest hall with mild curiosity. "Pasithea said it's the safest place in Tamriel."

'Is it though?'

I wondered, my gaze shifting to Pasithea, who was seated on the adjacent sofa beside Heather.

The two were engaged in a conversation, with Heather occasionally nodding while Pasithea gestured around.

'I am missing something.' I thought, staring blankly at her.

Zenith nudged me lightly, pulling me from my thoughts. "You're spacing out again."

"I'm just thinking," I replied, still staring at Pasithea. "Something doesn't add up."

Zenith raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. "And what might that be, Miss Lumi?"

"Hmm?" I blinked, taken aback. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You don't know who Lumi is?" she asked, her eyes shining brightly. "Want me to tell you?"

"...Sure," I muttered, already regretting it.

That look in her eyes—I'd seen it before.

The look of someone far too invested in something.

A die-hard fan.

'But Lumi.....'

Why does it sound familiar?

"You know Lumi is one of the most famous persons for her intellect," she said, her voice filled with excitement.

"She is likely the smartest person of this epoch."

"...I see," I replied, with a gentle nod. "And how do you know that?"

"She wrote books and made puzzles as well," she replied, staring into my eyes. "One of her most famous puzzles is 'Who Killed Mary?'"

"Who did?" I asked, tilting my head.

"Let's take a break," I said as I stood up. "We will talk about her later."

"How would I know?" she replied, tilting her head in the opposite direction. "No one has ever solved that puzzle except one—."

"Let's take a break," I said as I stood up. "We will talk about her later."

She rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, "Just say you don't want to hear about her."

No, I do want to hear about her, but I have bigger problems.

"You left those two back on the streets, right?" I asked as I looked at Aimar.

"Yeah."

Tch, should have killed them.

"And they were defeated easily?" I muttered, narrowing my eyes.

"Pretty much," Zenith said, puffing her chest. "I took care of them."

"Nice boo—job," I bit my tongue mid-way as I corrected myself.

I turned and glared at Siersha, who sat silently beside Carson, her calm gaze fixed on me.

"Anyway," I said, redirecting my attention back to Aimar, "did the Dark Trinity guy spill everything?"

"He was… surprisingly cooperative," Aimar admitted, his voice trailing off.

"Exactly my point." I raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't that seem suspicious?"

"Wait, what am I missing?" Amaury interjected, seated with Elijah. "Are you two speaking in riddles?"

"Any member of the Dark Trinity would rather die than talk," I explained bluntly. "The fact that he cooperated at all doesn't sit right."

"So, are you suggesting they gave us false information?" Elise chimed in, sitting with the vampires as she looked at me.

"Not exactly," I said, shaking my head. "They might still be planning to kidnap her, but—"

"They can't," Pasithea cut in confidently. "Let's be real, Himmel. We're in the safest place in Tamriel. They wouldn't dare attack the royal palace."

"Haven't they already done that before?" I asked, tilting my head. "They also damaged Yggrisial—."

"Lady Mariam wasn't here during any of those incidents," Heather pointed out. "You think they'd try something with a demigod present?"

It was hard to imagine anyone being foolish enough to attack this place with Mariam around.

"..."

She isn't wrong.

It was hard to imagine anyone being foolish enough to attack this place with Mariam around.

But will they really give up on kidnapping Pasithea?

'Seems unlikely.'

"Have you informed your parents about this?" I asked, looking at Pasithea.

"They told me to stay in the palace," she nodded her head. "And they don't mind you guys staying for tonight."

"All right, give a tour of the palace," Zenith quipped as she stood up.

"Let's go," Pasithea said, standing up, and so did the others.

The girls walked out of the place, leaving us boys alone.

"So…" Elijah glanced at his phone. "We've got a while until nightfall."

"Anyone up for a game?" Amaury suggested, and the others nodded.

....

....

....

"Nothing happened, huh?" I mumbled, staring blankly at the ceiling.

My body sank deeper into the bed, but my mind refused to settle.

It was already past midnight, and no one tried to attack the palace.

'Maybe I was just being paranoid.' I thought with a tired sigh.

I turned the pillow to the cold side while trying to sleep.

The meeting will continue tomorrow, and I really want to see how Solace kingdom will help the world tree.

I closed my eyes.

....

....

....

I can't sleep.

My left hand keeps on aching, making me sit back on my bed.

Rolling up my sleeve, I inspected the two puncture marks Siersha had left yesterday.

'....'

With a sigh, I climbed out of bed.

[<Are you seriously planning to visit her at this hour?>]

'What's the problem?'

[<You know the answer, Qais.>]

'...'

Nothing will happen.

I will just get some life energy and come back.

Still in my pajamas, I twisted the doorknob and walked out.

The gentle moonlight peeked through the windows as I stepped inside the corridor.

The first thing I noticed were three guards patrolling in chainmail armor.

They bowed toward me slightly before walking past me.

Wait, chainmail?

"Hey!" I called while turning to face them. "Are you guys new here?"

They froze mid-step before turning to face me.

I focused a little, and the mana did its work.

'Six... Seven Primeval Level?'

"Y-yes," one of them stammered. "We've been assigned to guard the princess."

"I see," I mumbled, finding something amiss. "Mind removing your helmets?"

"S-sure," the same guard replied, hesitating before complying.

An ordinary face. But—

—slightly pointed ears.

Half-elf?

Since when did—.

My trail of thoughts stopped as he bent and rushed toward me, his hand grabbing onto the hilt of his sword.

I closed the distance as well, and before he could bring out his sword, I kicked his throat, dislocating his windpipe.

He dropped down, strangling his throat, unable to breathe.

"Dias!" Exclaiming, one of them dropped to his knees, trying to help the fallen.

Smarter than his partner, the other looked at me cautiously while taking out his sword.

"You fucker!"

The guy on his knees surged up as he rushed toward me, his claw on his sword.

I took a step forward, my superior rank giving me an edge as I grabbed onto his wrist.

I followed with a headbutt, flattening his nose.

Wrapping both my forearms around his head, I pivoted away from him.

I twisted him sideways and threw him on the ground, head first.

The chainmail armor didn't give his neck much support: his neck bones broke with a sharp sound.

Pushing him aside, I stared at the last man.

He was brave as he rushed toward me with his sword high.

Taking advantage of my faster speed—

I hooked my right toe around his ankle to hold his leg while I stamped his knee with my left.

His knee snapped.

I stepped back, but the man didn't scream.

Grabbing his sword tightly, he jabbed at me, but a simple sidestep and grip on his wrist were enough to yank it away.

A simple swing took half his face, blood dripping down as he fell.

"..."

I calmly looked around.

I could sense more.

Far more.

Confusion coiled in my head as I started to walk, thinking.

"Where the fuck is Mariam?"

******

[A few minutes earlier.]

Mariam's vacant gaze rested on the World Tree before her.

Calling it huge would have been an understatement; its colossal main branch stretched wide, its size rivaling that of a small city.

For fifty kilometers in every direction, there was nothing but barren land.

The leaves emitted a gentle glow that bathed the surroundings in a serene, golden light.

Even though she had seen it countless times before, the sight never failed to leave her in awe.

Mariam exhaled softly, her heart heavy with unease.

She could feel the fragile pulse of the tree, weaker than it had been a few years ago.

Scars and battle marks left by Baal and Molech refused to heal.

The smell of death covered the entire Yggdrasil.

Subconsciously, her gaze shifted towards Nerissa, who was walking with her on the empty path.

"You used to play here when you were a chil—"

"Don't try to act like you care about me," Nerissa cut in, glaring at her. "It's repulsive."

Mariam fell silent, her lips tightening.

'Why did she change so much?' she wondered, biting her lips.

Even though she tried to deny it, she already knew the answer.

She glanced back at the others trailing behind her.

"What about Azariah?" Nerissa asked suddenly, her voice low. "Has he forgotten everything after destroying nearly everyone?"

"I believe so," Mariam nodded gently. "He doesn't remember his time here."

"Bastard," Nerissa spat, disgust evident in her voice. "And you don't plan to tell me anything?"

"It's better if he doesn't know that," Mariam quietly mumbled. "What happened wasn't his fault—"

"Funny, isn't it?" Nerissa interrupted coldly. "I think the same. That's the only reason he's still alive."

Mariam sighed, rubbing her temples as she came to a halt.

Others quickly joined them as they stood just a few meters close to the Yggdrasil.

Every high-ranking elf was present in the place.

"Is everyone here?"

A gentle, soothing voice echoed around them.

A lady of elegant and ethereal beauty emerged from the Yggdrasil.

She had long, flowing green hair decorated with golden and white flowers, which cascaded down her shoulders and back.

Her golden eyes held a gentle, serene expression, while her soft features added to her delicate appearance.

She wore a white dress with intricate gold embroidery, giving her an otherworldly and regal aura.

""Lady Elife.""

Everyone bowed low in respect, including Mariam.

Elife's gaze rested briefly on Nerissa, a faint smile on her lips. "It has been a while, Nerissa. You seem... tired."

"I'm fine, Lady Elife," Nerissa replied curtly, her posture stiff. "You don't need to worry about me."

Elife's smile softened as she gently patted Nerissa's head.

Without another word, she floated back toward the tree. "Come inside."

She submerged within the Yggdrasil while they glanced at each other.

Mariam took a deep breath and stepped forward, the air rippling faintly around her.

The world shifted.

She blinked.

Finding herself standing in a serene garden, bathed in the soft, golden glow.

A place cut off from Lumina.

Elife sat gracefully on an ornately carved wooden chair, looking at them gently.

For her, all of those present here were nothing but children.

She had outgrown many generations, but perhaps this was the last one, which gave them a soft spot in her heart.

"How are you, Lady Elife?" Mariam asked as she looked at her.

"I don't have much time," Elife replied with a sweet smile. "I am already too weak to make much movement."

"You shouldn't strain yourself," Narcos interjected, his tone resolute. "We may have found a way to extend your—"

"Prioritize finding the new Yggdrasil," Elife commanded softly. "That's more important than my life."

"But—"

"I can't hold on much longer, Roasile," she said, addressing the queen directly. "Alfheim's safety must come first."

"If you remain here, Alfheim will always be safe," Mariam argued quietly.

Elife shook her head, a bittersweet smile gracing her lips.

Her gaze shifted to Nerissa. "I don't see Nymeria."

"She stayed behind at the royal palace," Nerissa answered.

"Can't you live a little longer?" Lorvil asked hesitantly. "Perhaps if you took more essence from Yggdrasil—"

"You don't understand, do you?" Elife sighed, raising her hand.

With a snap of her fingers, the world shifted again.

The garden vanished, replaced by searing heat and flames.

The Yggdrasil's core subspace—cut off from Lumina's realm—lay exposed before them.

"If things keep on going like this," Elife said, gazing at something. "It will open up at the center of Alfheim."

Everyone followed her gaze.

A massive door lay embedded in the ground, its surface carved with intricate crimson runes pulsating faintly with an eerie glow.

The door was tightly sealed, held in place by the thick branches of the World Tree itself.

The branches coiled around it like chains, their bark glowing faintly with the same golden light as the tree's leaves.

A subspace that entraps the Third Gate of Hell—Laz?.

The flames vanished as Elife snapped her fingers once more, returning them to the tranquil garden.

A heavy silence lingered between them.

Nerissa sighed, rubbing her temples. "Is that why you called us?"

"No." Elife shook her head in response. "I have far more concerning things to talk about."

"We are listening," Mariam said, looking at her.

Elife exhaled, her voice barely a whisper.

"I believe... Heaven is about to fall."