Myth: The Ruler of Spirituality

He wasn't referring to Hypnos, although the naturally Evil God indeed suited that place; in reality, Laine was talking about the severed pole of Gungnir.

Originally formed from the branches of Yggdrasil in the Nine Realms, and having absorbed the remaining vitality of a main root, it finally regained a bit of its former self in the hands of Laine who wielded a part of the authority of "Life".

Of course, a bit is just a bit, and with only its predecessor's remnants, it could not revert to its previous level or possess power comparable to that of the great. Nevertheless, as an offspring of the World Tree, a progeny of Yggdrasil, it was destined to become an extraordinary Divine Tree.

However, regrettably, there was no place for it within the Spirit Realm.

As the support for the Nine Realms, the power of the World Tree was inherently biased towards material and support, and the power it had been endowed with post-creation leaned towards oaths and bonds. However, the Spirit Realm was a world of Spirituality, with the even more powerful Codex of Creation at its core, and even possessed its own 'Pillar of Heaven'.

After all, Mount Sinai became increasingly mystical after digesting a third of the symbol that upheld The Sky from the collapse of Mount Othrys. Anchoring purity and separation, differentiating Chaos and Order, it performed its role impeccably.

Fortuitously, to prevent a treasure from being obscured by dust, Laine directly relocated it, allowing it to take root and burgeon in the heart of Hell. Should it grow three main roots like the previous Divine Tree, it would ideally connect the three blocked layers of Hell.

Moreover, besides that, as a creation related to the Oath from the Otherworld, perhaps the Divine Tree, once it matured, could fill the gaps left by Styx in this domain.

After all, the Styx River only witnessed the oaths of True Gods, as determined by the Law itself—it was an authority delegated by this world. And before that delegation, swearing an oath to the world has always been a privilege exclusive to deities.

In the future, all creation is destined to spread throughout the world, so if the Divine Tree could mend this deficiency, it would allow the vows of all beings to become its nourishment, much like how the deities' oaths could transform into the power of Styx.

Yet there remained one issue: the oath's power on this lance piece was, in fact, biased.

"Mortal beings make wishes to the Divine Lance, and their wishes are invariably fulfilled, but whatever is gained will be lost elsewhere—no one is exempt..."

"Therefore, the oaths witnessed by it in the future will not comprise unilateral commitment. One thing replaces another, and both parties involved in the pact must acknowledge it for the Oath to be established; this will be the unique Order of Hell."

Laine shifted his gaze back to the Mortal Realm. There was still much to be done in Hell, but an avatar of his was to handle that. Compared to Hell, he was far more concerned with what was happening there.

The real era had not yet come, and the existence of Cohen had already surprised him. Now, Laine was growing somewhat impatient.

"Let it be chaotic... Only in chaos and struggle can Life find a way forward. Humans are the first, but they will not be the only ones."

Deep beneath the earth, Gaia's tumultuous breath from the change of epoch was gradually stabilizing; she was about to awaken. In the Golden Apple Orchard, that special fruit was also slowly maturing.

Bronze Humanity was ultimately but a facet of this era; their extinction had an impact on the structure of the world far less significant than the integration of the remnants of the Nine Realms. Whether they existed or not, Time marched on.

······

The courtyard.

In just one day, the area around the huge pit created by the fallen God of Sleep had drastically changed.

Sometime unbeknownst, a Fountain had sprung from the bottom of the chasm. Though situated in Hell, the splashes it created were crystal clear and immaculately pure.

Flowers of various colors bloomed one after another beside it, seemingly with this spot as their core, a vitality and beauty starkly different from Purgatory began to spread. And by the side of the Fountain, a small sapling swayed gently in the wind.

With its eight branches and lustrous leaves, it shimmered like gold. Between its perfectly proportioned branches flowed dreamlike hues.

Yet this magnificent spectacle, so incongruous with Hell, had no audience, not only due to the courtyard's innate emptiness but also because the God of Sleep who had brought it to Hell had altogether forgotten its existence.

Standing on a floating island in the boundary sky, Hypnos glanced nervously at this world that seemed normal. Knowing the true nature of this place, every second spent here discomforted the God of Sleep; he had no desire to stay on someone else's body.

Thus, wielding his newly granted authority, Hypnos drew a line in the void before him. A portal opened in response. Stepping through, reality shifted before his eyes until he set foot on solid ground once more, sighing with relief as he took in the starkly different surroundings.

There was no longer a luminary in The Sky, yet day and night were still distinguishable. Though he didn't know where the light originated, it was much preferable to what had been before.

"Hell, the Abyss... truly terrifying, yet this is where I shall reside,"

Surveying his surroundings, this still unnamed third layer of Hell looked more barren and harsh compared to the courtyard, even harboring some life forms. However, in strict terms, this was precisely the appearance that the Nine Hells should have.