Ancient Heirs: The Last Descendants

Lilia gave a slight nod and said, "Take us to your chieftain."

It was only at that moment that Busen truly took in Lilia's face. What he saw sent a tremor through his heart—she looked exactly like the statue of the Blessed Goddess enshrined within their tribe.

A surge of disbelief washed over him. Could she really be the Blessed Goddess reborn?

But almost instantly, he rejected the notion. "Impossible. The Blessed Goddess abandoned us long ago. There's no way she would return now."

Hesitating for a moment, he replied cautiously, "Why do you wish to meet our chieftain? Our tribe's settlement is a closely guarded secret. We can't bring outsiders in so easily—I hope you understand."

Lilia met his wary gaze with a soft, knowing look. "I am the one you worship—the Blessed Goddess. I have come to take you away from this place."

Her words sent a ripple of doubt through the group. Though they had devoted generations to worshipping her, the goddess had been gone for far too long. Now, after all these years, someone suddenly appeared claiming to be her? It was too much to accept at face value.

Lilia, however, did not argue. Instead, she calmly called upon the power of faith within her. A soft, radiant glow enveloped her body, exuding a divine aura that spread outward in gentle waves.

As the light touched them, Busen and his companions felt an overwhelming warmth surge into their souls—a power so vast yet comforting, as if a long-dried riverbed had finally been blessed with rain. Their exhaustion melted away, and even their spirits felt renewed, as though they had been reborn.

Around them, the barren ground began to change. Green grass sprouted where there had been only dust. Vibrant flowers bloomed in an instant, spreading their colors across the landscape. Withered branches came alive, unfurling fresh green leaves as if awakened from a deep slumber.

It was a miracle.

Eyes widened in sheer awe. None of them could deny it now—this was divine power.

A tremor of emotion seized Busen. His face flushed with excitement, and unshed tears glistened in his eyes. Without hesitation, he bowed deeply and said with reverence, "Forgive me, my Goddess. I was blind to your grace. Please, follow me."

He turned swiftly and led the way, his steps light and full of renewed hope. Behind him, the other tribesmen followed, carrying their slain prey, their gazes filled with nothing but devotion and awe.

The journey was long, winding through narrow trails that led deep into a valley. The entrance was barely noticeable—hidden among jagged rocks and thick vines, making it almost impossible for an outsider to discover. Without a guide, one would never know there was an entire settlement concealed beyond.

At the valley's mouth, Busen stopped and turned to Lilia with utmost respect. "Please wait here, my Goddess. I will inform the chieftain of your arrival at once."

Without another word, he sprinted into the valley, his movements fueled by urgency and excitement.

Moments later, a group of elderly men emerged from within. Leading them was an old chieftain, his hair as white as snow, his face lined with deep wrinkles carved by time. Yet, despite his age, his eyes still carried a sharp, unwavering spirit.

Then, his gaze fell upon Lilia.

His entire body froze.

Tears welled up in his aged eyes, and in the next second, with no hesitation, he dropped to his knees.

His voice trembled with raw emotion, "My Goddess... You have returned! You never abandoned us! Generations of our people have held onto faith, waiting for this day... and now, it has finally come!"

Tears streamed down his weathered face, his words choked by sobs. Behind him, the other elders followed suit, kneeling before Lilia with reverence in their eyes.

Lilia's expression softened with guilt. "I was betrayed," she admitted. "My divine power was sealed, and I was imprisoned in an unknown realm. I fought to break free, but it took centuries. I failed you all—I left you to suffer alone."

The chieftain clenched his fists, his sorrow shifting into fury. "You are blameless, my Goddess. We never once lost faith in you. Though we have struggled against famine, beasts, and despair, our belief in your return has carried us through. And now, at last, you are here."

The elders nodded fervently, their eyes alight with newfound hope.

Lilia turned to the chieftain and asked, "What is your name?"

With deep reverence, he replied, "I am Jace, Chieftain of the Blessed Kin. Our people have dwindled over the years—now, we number only five thousand."

A trace of worry flickered across Lilia's face. "Jace, you must prepare the tribe to leave immediately. This realm has already connected to the outside world. The moment it is discovered, countless dangers will follow. You won't be safe here."

Jace's expression turned grim. They had long lived in isolation, unaware of the threats beyond their valley. But if the Goddess herself had spoken, he would not question her.

"As you command, my Goddess. I will arrange for our departure at once."

Without hesitation, he hurried off to gather the tribe. Not once did he ask where they were going—faith alone guided his actions. He knew their Goddess would not lead them astray.

Lilia then turned to Rowan, her voice quiet yet firm. "I can sense it... My relic is here, hidden within this valley. I must retrieve it."

Rowan nodded. "Go. I'll be right here. Be careful."

With a determined gaze, Lilia strode forward, following the call of her lost divine artifact.

As she ventured deeper into the valley, the winding path led her to an open courtyard. At its very center stood a towering statue—her statue.

Carved with exquisite detail, it radiated a mysterious energy, as though it had been imbued with remnants of her lost power. The very air around it seemed to hum with an unseen force.

Lilia's heart pounded. "At last… I've found it."