The quiet hour of twilight enveloped the southern region of the Dark Daneira forest.
The star-studded canvas cast a serene stillness over the land. The night of intense passion had come to a close, and Eren, with a tender touch, ceased his carnal activities with Marla and Almera, granting them the respite they so deserved.
In the aftermath of their fervent tryst, the trio lay intertwined upon a bed adorned with plush cushions and silky sheets. Their bodies glistened with a delicate sheen of perspiration, a testament to the depths of their indulgence. Hearts pounded in unison, their rhythm a testament to the powerful connection they had forged.
As the first tendrils of dawn began to paint the sky in hues of gold and crimson, Eren surveyed the scene with a calm and expressionless countenance. His gaze wandered beyond the confines of the treehouse, drawn to the soft moonlight that filtered through the ceiling window above, illuminating the room with a gentle glow. A subtle smile played upon his lips as he lifted his right hand, a conduit for his lightning mana.
In a swift surge of power, Eren's hand became ensconced in brilliant arcs of blue lightning. The crackling energy danced and flickered, seemingly scorching the very air it touched. It was a new Aspect of his lightning element, a result of the intimate bond he shared with Marla.
The Sin of Lust, Eren mused within the recesses of his mind, appreciating the usefulness of this Ability. The lightning arcs emitted a melodic chorus, reminiscent of birdsong, a testament to the sheer damage potential of the Aspect.
Yet, as Eren contemplated the depths of his powers, a realization washed over him. The Sin of Lust, powerful as it may be, was not without its limitations. Its devouring nature could only unlock the potential within those who saw him as a significant figure in their lives, those who held a deep bond with him.
Without such a profound connection, the gains derived from the Sin of Lust would be meager and unsatisfying. Nina or Agatha and his recent experience with Marla were no exceptions to the rule. Eren pondered this truth as he observed the effects of the Elemental Aspect bestowed upon him by Marla.
It became evident to Eren that the Aspect of blue lightning could harmonize seamlessly with the fire-element mana he possessed. A spark of inspiration ignited within him, unveiling the potential for fusion spells that intertwined the raw power of lightning and the fierce heat of the fire. With the addition of the Blue Lightning Aspect, the potency of his fusion spells would soar to unparalleled heights, enabling him to cast spells of unimaginable devastation.
The dawn approached, its early light sweeping away the remnants of night. Eren's mind brimmed with possibilities as he contemplated the fusion of elements, his fingertips tingling with anticipation.
Leaving Marla and Almera resting in the bed, Eren rose from his bed with a sense of purpose. As he walked towards the expansive deck of the treehouse, he channeled his lightning mana, allowing its invigorating surge to flow through his veins. The ethereal energy cleansed his body, rejuvenating him from within. With each step, the Amazonian tattoos that had adorned his skin during last night's revelry gradually faded, leaving his body unmarked, a blank canvas ready to embrace the new day.
A gentle breeze swept through the forest, and as Eren continued his journey with each slow step, a flurry of micro-sized Wind Blades danced around him, their enchanting touch working their magic. His once waist-length hair was trimmed, falling just below his shoulders, framing his face with an air of effortless charm.
In a display of arcane elegance, a set of clothes materialized around Eren's body, manifesting out of thin air. Opting for a simple yet functional Adventurer's outfit, he adorned himself with lightweight armor and arm and shoulder bracers, ensuring both mobility and protection. As he reached the railings of the deck, he stood tall and composed, a reflection of the newfound determination that pulsed within him.
Marla had mentioned that the deck offered an ideal vantage point to witness the beauty of the sunrise. Curiosity tugging at his senses, Eren decided to heed her words and experience the magic that awaited him in the morning sky.
Positioning himself with anticipation, Eren's gaze turned towards the horizon. He watched as the first rays of the sun gradually breached the boundary between darkness and light, illuminating the sky with a breathtaking display of colors.
A kaleidoscope of vibrant hues adorned the celestial canvas, painting a scene that surpassed the realms of the ordinary. Eren couldn't help but feel the air around him crackling with otherworldly energy, as though the very atmosphere was charged with an enchantment of its own.
Eren stood on the deck of Marla's treehouse, a vantage point that offered a breathtaking view of the Dark Daniera Forest. The sky was a canvas awaiting its masterpiece, and Eren anticipated a sunrise that would transcend the boundaries of the ordinary.
As if summoned by the invisible hand of magic, the brilliant colors of the sunrise began to unfold. The bright golden sun rays painted the sky in a kaleidoscope of hues, transforming the atmosphere into a surreal tapestry of enchantment. A surge of mana seemed to pulse through the air, heightening the anticipation of something extraordinary.
Amid this ethereal display, a wondrous sight unfolded before Eren's eyes. A gigantic apparition of the Great Mother goddess materialized in the sky, her majestic form exuding a divine aura that spread throughout the surroundings.
The very air crackled with the power of her presence. Eren guessed that the Amazonians would feel a surge of reverence coursing through their veins if and when they witnessed this scene from his vantage point.
Birds, guided by an instinctual connection, soared through the heavens toward the goddess's ethereal manifestation. They formed a swirling dance in the sky, their wings beating in harmony with the mystical energy that permeated the atmosphere. Even the various mana beasts that inhabited the surrounding forest paused in their activities, looking up with a mixture of awe and reverence.
In a moment of breathtaking wonder, the bright sky transformed, revealing a glimpse of the cosmos. The silvery stars shone with an otherworldly brilliance, their light growing in intensity until it seemed as though the entire universe had condensed above them. For a fleeting moment, Eren felt as though he could reach out and touch the distant galaxies, the immensity of existence and unseen form of nature laid bare before his eyes.
Then, as swiftly as it had appeared, the cosmic display receded, fading into the depths of the sky. The stars dimmed simultaneously, casting a shadow of darkness across the heavens, leaving the sky pitch black and devoid of any celestial presence.
With the arrival of the fully risen sun on the horizon, the giant apparition of the Great Mother goddess dissipated into the ether. The surreal atmosphere gradually lifted, replaced by the comforting familiarity of a normal sky. Yet, the memory of that awe-inspiring moment remained etched in Eren's mind, a testament to the power and mystique of the divine he had just witnessed.
"It was breathtaking, wasn't it?"
As Eren stood on the deck, captivated by the majestic sight before him, a familiar voice reached his ears, pulling him back from his reverie. He turned to find Marla, a few steps away, her gaze fixed upon him. Behind her stood Almera, her bright smile adding a touch of warmth to the morning air.
Both Marla and Almera had undergone their own transformation, having freshened up and adorned their Adventurer outfits. Bathed in the soft glow of the morning light, they exuded a newfound radiance, their forms ethereal and captivating.
Eren couldn't help but notice the slight air of awkwardness that enveloped them, a natural consequence of their newfound intimacy. The boundaries they had crossed in the heat of passion the previous night had left them navigating uncharted territory in their relationship. Eren offered them a reassuring smile, silently inviting them to join him on the deck.
Turning back to face the sprawling expanse of the Dark Daniera forest, Eren observed the golden hues of sunlight cascading over the land. Marla's question lingered in the air, and he took a moment to appreciate the beauty that surrounded them. "Indeed, Marla," Eren responded, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "It was a sight to behold. Your excitement was well-founded."
Pausing for a moment, Eren's gaze turned distant, his eyes narrowing as he contemplated the cosmic phenomenon they had witnessed. "I am not completely sure. But I believe it may be some sort of automated mechanism implemented by the Great Mother," he mused aloud. "A way to inspire reverence and cultivate the Faith energy of her followers. And I also think that such celestial marvels are limited to regions harboring Amazonian settlements."
Eren's thoughts delved deeper into the gods' predicament, unraveling the mechanisms they employed to maintain their influence. Eren's understanding grew, realizing the significance of these miracles in bolstering the gods' following.
In the world of Anfang, where direct divine intervention was forbidden, such displays served as a conduit to elicit faith and devotion. This was despite the fact that they only served as visual treat for the eyes for the most part due to the current state of Anfang.
Marla and Almera drew closer to Eren, their presence on either side prompting him to encircle their waists with his arms, pulling them into an intimate embrace. As their bodies pressed against his, he felt their lingering fatigue, which he had eased with his top-tier potions.
Greeting them with tender kisses, Eren allowed the two beautiful ladies to separate from him, their bond solidified by the shared warmth they had found in each other's arms. Marla gracefully tucked a strand of her lustrous hair behind her ear before she spoke.
"Hmm. That's correct, Eren. This phenomenon is exclusive to regions where the Great Mother's devoted followers reside."
Almera, a contented sigh escaping her lips, met Eren's gaze with a sense of fulfillment. Her voice resonated with knowledge and reverence as she continued, her body craving Eren's attention.
"Eren, we Amazonians refer to this extraordinary occurrence as the Mother's Judgment. In ancient times, when this land was known as Daniella—a name meaning 'the Goddess Is My Judge'—the Great Mother's divine influence pervaded these lands for thousands of years, long before the calamitous war."
Eren's eyebrows arched in surprise at the revelation, and he directed his attention to Almera, his touch gentle as he caressed her back, silently urging her to continue.
Almera cleared her throat, welcoming Eren's proximity as she revealed further insights.
"During that era, the Great Mother bestowed her divine presence upon her followers at the break of each day. Her Divine Will blessed those who adhered to her teachings and punished those who defied her faith.
As her influence emanated strongly from this forest, it came to be known as Daniella. The addition of 'Dark' to its name came later, after the Calamity War. Thus, the forest inadvertently became known as Daniera after a long passage of time, a name nothing but a distortion of its previous one."
Eren's intrigue deepened as he absorbed the information, recognizing its significance even in its seemingly incidental nature. He acted like a collector of random divine knowledge as he preserved these fragments in his mind. He was confident that they would one day form a comprehensive picture from these tidbits, revealing profound insights into the inner workings of the gods.
In this tranquil moment, the trio stood together, their connection forged through shared experiences and newfound intimacy. The forest embraced them, its ancient wisdom and divine legacy pulsating within its depths.
Deep in thought, Eren's brow furrowed as his mind swirled with a multitude of ideas. A sense of purpose compelled him to believe that the alteration in the forest's name held a significance beyond the mere passage of time. It seemed deliberate, a calculated attempt to diminish the Great Mother's influence—an act orchestrated by the Anfang Alliance after the construction of the continent-encompassing array.
Turning to Marla and Almera, Eren's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he posed a question laden with intrigue. "Girls, is it possible that the Great Mother has adversaries?" His tone brimmed with a yearning for knowledge as he sought confirmation for his own speculations. Before delving deeper into his future plans, Eren needed Marla and Almera to shed light on the matter.
A silent understanding passed between the two women as they exchanged glances. Marla paused, her gaze distant, before offering her insights. "Eren, our training was primarily focused on forging connections beyond the confines of the Amazonian settlements. So you can't expect us to know everything the Matriarchs are privy to.
While we lack comprehensive knowledge, we do know that in the pre-Calamity era, the Great Mother's influence held sway over the world of Anfang. Her faithful were spread far and wide, transcending boundaries. It wasn't limited to the Amazonian settlements, as we observe today.
As for enemies, we cannot say for certain if the goddess herself had any. However, her cult clashed frequently with a few rival sects from different faiths during that time," Marla explained, allowing Eren to absorb the information.
Eren's emerald eyes shimmered with a peculiar gleam as he absorbed Marla's words. A moment of silence passed, and Almera took the opportunity to interject, picking up where Marla left off. "Um... among these opposing cults, the followers of the Vulcan god frequently clashed with the Amazonians. The animosity between the two faiths has been well-documented in the historical records available to our people."
A surge of realization coursed through Eren's being as the puzzle pieces fell into place. The clash between the faiths served as a telling sign that the Great Mother and God Vulcan were indeed bitter adversaries.
Eren formulated a hypothesis, surmising that God Vulcan purposefully disrupted the world of Anfang to spite the Great Mother. If her faith had once flourished across the continent, the most effective way to undermine its foundation would be to unleash a calamity beyond the goddess's control. The repercussions of such an event would undoubtedly erode the prevalent faith in the Great Mother during the Calamity War.
"This means that God Vulcan intentionally wrought collateral damage to undermine the Great Mother's faith, thereby shaping the current state of Anfang. If God Vulcan's followers still oppose the Great Mother, anyone associated with her would likely be targeted by Vulcan's faithful as well," Eren concluded, his mind ablaze with a newfound understanding of the realm of gods.
Contemplating the implications, Eren resolved to gather further information concerning God Vulcan in the days to come. While he harbored no desire to entangle himself in the machinations of deities, the necessity of acquiring knowledge compelled him.
After all, the butcher had chosen to ally himself with the Great Mother, and understanding the intricacies of the divine would prove essential to his cause. Determination etched across his face, Eren embraced the gravity of his decision, his thoughts racing to chart a path for the future that lay before him.
***
"Hmm. The journey to meet the Matriarchs was truly worthwhile. But it's time to move forward. There's no reason to linger here any longer," Eren murmured under his breath, wrapping up his thoughts. He had decided to depart from the Amazonian settlement and rejoin his crew aboard his ships—Freya and Tidebreaker.
Eren's gaze shifted to Marla and Almera, a warm smile gracing his lips. Once again, he drew them into a tender embrace, bidding them a fond farewell. The trio indulged in a flurry of kisses, hickeys, and grabby grabs, their intimacy igniting a passionate connection that lasted for more than a few minutes.
Finally, Eren reluctantly released himself from Marla and Almera's grasp. Despite their weariness and evident desire to follow him back to bed, he knew he must resist the allure of carnal pleasure. A sense of urgency enveloped him, urging him to forge ahead with his plans.
As he observed the longing expressions on Marla and Almera's faces, Eren gently caressed their cheeks with his hands, assuring them with playful words.
"Don't worry, my ladies. We will meet again in the city of White Raven from time to time. Complete your tasks here and report to the Guild's headquarters as soon as possible.
I may not be present by the time you arrive, but I promise to keep you informed of my visits in the future. As for your missions within the guild once you officially join... well, I'll leave that for you and Agatha to figure out," Eren reassured them, his words soothing and his touch comforting.
Eren turned his focus specifically to Marla, offering her additional guidance. "Marla, my darling, prioritize stabilizing your Expert Rank breakthrough above all else. Ensure that the teachings of the Evokers do not hinder your path as a Ranker."
Marla nodded, her eyes sparkling with determination. "Fear not, Eren. I won't allow anything to compromise my foundation as a Ranker. We will strive to fulfill our objectives here swiftly." Her voice carried a peculiar gleam as she continued, "Besides, I'm eager to reunite with my sister. Remember?"
Eren chuckled, the memory of Marie bringing a mischievous smile to his face. Marla, however, didn't miss the subtle shift in his grin, her curiosity tinged with suspicion. "What is it?" she inquired, her voice filled with both curiosity and uncertainty.
"It's funny you mentioned your sister today," Eren chuckled, his eyes gleaming playfully. "It's amusing to me... considering... our encounter last night."
Even Almera couldn't help but feel puzzled by Eren's words this time. He looked at her meaningfully before redirecting his gaze back to Marla, continuing his explanation.
"Regarding your sister, Marie... let's just say I had a similar experience with her when we first slept together."
Eren's words struck Marla like a bolt of lightning. She stared at Eren, utterly astonished, before finally finding her voice. "Eren, Marie slept with you?" Her voice rose with a mix of shock and disbelief.
However, as Marla delved deeper into Eren's revelation, another facet of his words surfaced in her mind. Her eyes narrowed with suspicion as she questioned him, "Wait... are you suggesting that Marie had a partner with her when you... when you were together?"
Marla's incredulous gaze fixed upon Eren as she drew her own conclusion. Eren chuckled, unabashedly nodding. "Keke. Yes. Between the tag teams of you and Almera, and Marie and Arizihana, I can confidently say that no side has a clear advantage when it comes to... well, let's say bedtime activities."
Eren believed he was being understood by ensuring no one side had a distinct advantage. However, Marla regarded him with an expression that conveyed disbelief at the debaucherous life he had been leading. He had not only convinced her and Almera to join him in bed but had also orchestrated a similar scenario with her half-sister.
Suddenly, Eren realized he had forgotten to inform Marla about his bond with Marie. "Um... it seems I forgot to mention this earlier. My apologies," Eren laughed nervously, clearing his throat before continuing, "Well... if it's any consolation, Marie was already involved with Arizihana before I became involved with..."
Eren halted mid-sentence, realizing that he was exacerbating the situation with Marla's increasingly furious expression. Without a moment's hesitation, he waved his hand, employing Blink to vanish from his position.
The butcher chose to retreat at the opportune moment, avoiding an encounter with an enraged Marla. "Marla, my dear. You, Almera, Marie, and Arizihana... someday I'll gather all of you in a room. And then... keke!" Eren's voice trailed off, seemingly coming from some distant source and an unknown direction. mixed with amusement, leaving a somewhat angered Marla in his wake.
Meanwhile, Almera glanced behind her and noticed a trail of Eren's black locks scattered on the ground. She sighed, reminiscing about her time with him the previous night.
"I liked him more when he had long hair and an Amazonian vibe around him," Almera muttered under her breath with a tinge of longing mixed in her voice. Oblivious to Almera's thoughts, Marla vented her frustrations, cursing Eren under her breath to release the shock caused by his revelations.
However, Eren was nowhere to be found at the scene, having recently concluded his meeting with the four Matriarchs and bid farewell to numerous Amazonians.
The butcher quickened his pace, heading towards his ships with determination. He needed to go to his city and settle all of his affairs there before starting with the Lazarus Project.
