Return of the Divine Core

Lilia stepped forward, her expression solemn as she stood before the towering statue. She whispered an incantation, her voice resonating with an ancient power. As the words flowed from her lips, the very air around her seemed to tremble.

Suddenly, the statue responded. A brilliant light erupted from its form, engulfing the entire plaza in a dazzling radiance. Then, as if answering her call, the massive stone figure slowly lifted off the ground, floating effortlessly into the air before drifting toward Lilia.

The moment the statue merged into her body, an overwhelming surge of divine energy erupted from within her. Her aura expanded, growing more potent with each passing second, until her power finally stabilized—at the level of a Lesser Deity.

Lilia exuded an aura of transcendence. Every movement carried an ethereal grace, radiating divine majesty. But with a single thought, she concealed her presence, masking her newly restored power. To any onlooker, she would appear no different from an ordinary mortal.

A Looming Threat

Deep within a desolate canyon, where toxic mist lingered and twisted shadows prowled, a monstrous being stirred. The valley was home to countless savage beasts, but all bowed before one—the Beast King.

This abomination towered over five meters tall, its body wrapped in obsidian scales as hard as enchanted steel. Its grotesque head, bloated with twisted flesh, bore eyes that burned like embers from the depths of hell. Rows of dagger-like fangs lined its cavernous maw, gleaming with a hunger for slaughter.

Its muscular limbs were thick as ancient tree trunks, each claw curved like a reaper's scythe. Behind it, a long, spiked tail thrashed restlessly, ready to tear through anything in its path.

For years, the Beast King had ruled the valley, its reign unchallenged. But today, something changed.

A burst of celestial light tore through the skies—an anomaly in this forsaken land. The beast's blood-red eyes flared with greed and excitement. Something powerful had awakened. Something that did not belong to this world.

It tilted its massive head back and unleashed an earth-shaking roar. The sound rolled through the canyon like thunder, sending tremors through the jagged cliffs. The lesser beasts, bound to its will, responded instantly. Like a tide of darkness, they surged forward, a wave of claws and fangs racing toward the source of the light.

A Desperate Flight

Back at the Blessing Tribe's settlement, Chieftain Jace had already sensed the danger. The earth trembled beneath his feet as the distant stampede drew near. He rushed toward Lilia and Rowan, his face filled with urgency.

"Goddess! The beasts have noticed us! They're coming, and there are too many!"

Lilia remained calm, her gaze steady. "Don't panic. Focus on evacuating the tribe. Leave the rest to me."

Jace hesitated. "But, my Lady, you've only just escaped captivity! Your strength may not have fully returned—let me lead the warriors to hold them off instead!"

Her brows furrowed slightly, and her voice turned firm. "Enough. You must protect your people. There is no time for debate. Go. Now."

Seeing her unwavering resolve, Jace clenched his fists and bowed. "Yes, my Goddess." Without another word, he turned and sprinted back to his people, issuing orders to hasten the retreat.

Lilia then turned to Rowan, who stood beside her with his arms crossed, watching with a knowing smirk.

"I'll need more of your faith energy after this," she remarked.

Rowan chuckled. "You're still with child, you know. Maybe don't overdo it?"

Lilia's face flushed slightly, but she shot him a glare. "I'm fine. My divine core is restored, and I outrank you now. If you don't give it to me, I'll take it by force."

Rowan's grin widened as he leaned in. "By force, huh? Should I give it to you right now, then?"

She huffed, her cheeks burning. A quick glance at the retreating tribe reminded her of their audience. "Not now." She turned away abruptly, clearing her throat. "Prepare for battle."

Rowan laughed but unsheathed his sword, his aura surging with power.

The Battle Begins

Jace, despite Lilia's orders, had still gathered a small force to aid in the rear guard. Their faces were pale as they watched the horde approach. And leading them—the Beast King.

It halted at the edge of the abandoned village, its piercing gaze scanning for whatever treasure had unleashed that divine surge. But it found nothing. The tribe had already vanished.

A guttural snarl escaped its throat, shaking the ground beneath it. Its fury boiled over, and with one powerful inhale, it locked onto their trail. The hunt was on.

Then, without warning, a soft golden glow blossomed in the air.

Lilia lifted a single hand. The divine symbols that shimmered in her palm expanded outward, transforming into ethereal runes. They spread through the battlefield like falling stars, embedding themselves into every beast in sight.

A powerful slowing spell.

The horde faltered, their once-relentless charge grinding to a sluggish crawl.

Lilia's eyes gleamed. "Your reign ends here."

And with that, the real battle began.