Damien nodded before briefly explaining what had transpired in the past few months. He didn't leave out any details, including the Demon God's descent and True Voice.
But he only skimmed over what happened within his mental world, only mentioning that some external force helped him recover.
"So it was like that..." Lucius nodded. To be frank, he was surprised by how a young man like Damien could get himself involved in such convoluted things.
Back when he was the same age, he was still training in his hometown, trying to level up by killing the monsters in nearby places. He hadn't even thought about adventuring like Damien was doing, and becoming so strong in so little time.
When comparing himself to Damien when they were similar in age, he couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed. But he didn't let this embarrassment stay for long.
"That foreign race actually descended personally to deal with you. It definitely isn't as simple as it looks on the surface. For someone of that power level who has lived for untold millennia, it's impossible for such a small hitch in his plans to provoke him to move personally.
"And logically speaking, you should've died at that time. The one who helped you is at a similar level of existence. In my understanding over these 10,000 or more years, there are only two beings of such strength within this realm. One is that being of the race you call the Nox, while the other is the Primordial Undying Tree itself."
Damien's eyes widened at the revelation. Although he had some guesses based on the limitless vitality contained within the greenish-white essence that helped him, hearing it confirmed was a different story altogether.
"So it's really like that..." Damien muttered. "But if that essence came from the Primordial Undying Tree, then why...?"
Why did the visions he saw not include a tree? It wouldn't be too surprising for those survivors to have taken a Sacred Object like the Primordial Undying Tree with them when they fled, but he didn't see anything like that in the visions. There were only humanoid beings in the starship.
'No, it could've been omitted. But, if the visions were truly unintentionally shown to me, then there's no way for something so important to be omitted.'
The faces being blurred could be explained. He didn't know how long ago the events of that vision took place, but it wouldn't be surprising for the faces of people to become hazy with the passing of time.
Besides his own family, Damien didn't even remember the faces of most of those he used to interact with on earth, regardless of how long they had stayed together.
'If that essence came from the Primordial Undying Tree, when coupled with those visions things have become much more complicated.' While he thought inwardly, Damien continued conversing with Lucius.
"We can't say anything about what existences like those two are thinking. We simply don't have the qualifications. Originally, I brought you out of Acier because I wanted your help in eliminating the rest of the Demon race's forces, but it looks like there has to be a change of plans."
"Oh? Why do you say so?" Lucius questioned.
"I can't take risks now that the Demon God has acted personally. Although I'll still work towards eliminating them, it'll have to be done much more slowly than I originally planned. For now, you should just stay in the Sanctuary and get used to it. This will be your new home from now on."
"Brat, don't tell me you're thinking of..."
"Of course I am! Why wouldn't I? For one, Elitra is my little maid and you're her father. Secondly, you're a genuine 4th class existence. Barring personal sentiments, as long as I can take you out of this realm, won't you be a great asset to me when you aren't suppressed."
"Hmph. Although I can't say I enjoy being thought of as an asset, I can't fault your mindset." Lucius begrudgingly agreed.
But inwardly, he couldn't stop his heart from racing. He had been trapped for so many years, the thought of freedom was something he didn't dare to entertain. Now that hope had been placed in front of him again, how could he not be excited?
"Alright. I have to go check on the situation in the outside world now since I've been comatose for months. I'll let you know how things are after I find out."
"Good. Proceed carefully. No matter how much I dislike you, I can't have you dying here."
Damien smiled. "Take care of little Xue while I'm gone. Although she's a bit mischievous, she's a good kid. Also, don't let Elitra teach her anything bad. Sheesh, that girl is a little demoness. I have to wonder how you raised her."
"Sigh, even I don't know how she became like that. She used to be such a well-behaved kid, but now she's going around calling strangers Master and acting all rebellious."
Demon King Lucius shed a silent tear as he thought about the days when his daughter used to be obedient. Damien almost had the urge to tease him again when he saw it, but he shook it off.
After exchanging a few more words with the Demon King, Damien once again exited the Sanctuary.
"Good. Let's get back to the city and see if anything new has happened." Damien stretched a bit before he set off.
His figure flashed away, appearing ten meters from where he was originally. It was another great benefit he had received after he woke up. Yet again, it was something that was made possible by his new fine control and level of mental power.
"Risk and reward really come in pairs." He said as he thought about what he had to endure for him to taste this benefit. "But ten meters, huh...reminds me of the old days. Except, I can actually use my power properly this time."
Without delaying anymore, Damien made his way back to Darknorth.
It didn't take long to arrive back in the city with his current teleportation range and speed. When he arrived, he noticed that the atmosphere was far more bustling than when he left.
"Hey, what's going on here? Why is it so lively?" Damien asked a random passerby.
"Huh? Do you live under a rock or something? How can you not know about the fact that an inheritance was found recently?"
"Inheritance? Those exist here?"
"Of course they do! Are you seriously some kind of hermit? Listen here, kid. Even my ancestors have passed down legendary tales about the Inheritances that lay dormant in our world! It's said that each and every one of them contains untold power that could turn us into gods! Haiz, if it wasn't for my own powerlessness, I'd already be at the site!"
Damien widened his eyes. Although he knew the tales were obviously embellished, the fact that there was an inheritance site opening was still good news nonetheless.
"When did this information spread?"
"Ah, it's already been a few days. All of those esteemed people have already made their way over. You know what the worst part is? The site is only a few kilometers to the west of our city! If I had power, I could've already entered before anyone else! The heavens have truly forsaken me! Hey, kid, are you even listening?"
The man noticed that he wasn't getting any response from the person he was complaining to. Looking up, he realized that he was completely alone. The passerbys on the street were looking at him like he was a crazy person.
His face instantly paled. "D-don't tell me...I was pouring out my grievances to a ghost?!"
The man immediately took off running. He needed to prepare to sacrifice some of his provisions and pray to his nine-generation ancestors so he wouldn't get cursed.
How could he complain about such minor things to a ghost? How could his troubles be any worse than literally being dead? He lamented his big mouth as he ran, not even noticing the fact that his pockets were a little heavier than they were beforehand.
Meanwhile, Damien had long since left Darknorth. He was naturally headed west towards the location the man had pointed out.
His expression was incredibly ugly as he bolted at high speeds.
"Dammit! How could I miss such an important event?!"
It wouldn't be long before he joined the fray, but unfortunately, others had already gained a head start on him.
'The true final event of this Trial World is here! 9 months have passed already, and there are still three left. But regardless, everything will be decided here and now.'
Damien also realized this when he heard the news. Since Feng Qing'er was the one who spread it, the goal must've been elimination of the demons.
'Well, the hero always arrives last, right?'
He tried to console himself as he approached the location.
A few kilometers away from him, an ancient temple stood silently among the trees. Its aura pervaded the atmosphere around it, giving off a feeling of desolation.
Within this temple, countless scuffles and life-or-death battles took place every minute as those who entered its grounds battled for the inheritance it held.
