Myth: The Ruler of Spirituality

Previously, before the gods had created Pandora, he had felt a vague premonition. Over time, this premonition grew stronger, but he gave up searching for its source.

Because along with this intuition, came a warning from the Divine Authority in the dark recesses of his mind.

In the past, Zeus had been engrossed in the joy of discovering the mysteries of faith. He thought time was on his side, but now it seemed that it might not be the case.

The world was too unknown, and the Olympian Gods were born too late. The so-called 'Hell' was not the first place beyond his knowledge, but it certainly wouldn't be the last.

So now, the Divine King had to take some risks. If the known paths to success were not viable, then the best strategy was to introduce new variables, rather than watch one surprise after another unfold.

'But I will succeed... just like I once defeated my father.'

Looking at the gods before him, Zeus couldn't help but recall that afternoon.

It was the first and only time he had defeated his father; he had presented Cronus with the wine laced with magic potion. Despite the vast difference in their strength, like heaven and earth, he had succeeded because destiny was on his side.

And now, it was the same. After all, whether there was a Destined next Divine King or not, it definitely wouldn't be today.

...

No one could foresee all the changes in the world, a world that had already changed a lot, so when the Divine King had this thought, no one else sensed the subtle shifts of fate.

Originally, everything had been done too early, including the birth of humans, the discovery of faith, and so the deities that should have been born hadn't yet appeared, and the Divine Court that should have been powerful seemed to have no presence. But now, Zeus had finally realized that he had to change as well.

But that was a concern for the future. At this moment, the Mortal Realm was peaceful.

The sea gradually receded, taking with it the earth and rocks. The vegetation had long been washed away, and even many of the original hills had disappeared. If it weren't for the fact that this flood was essentially summoned by Divine Authority, it was likely that these lands soaked with seawater would no longer be suitable for plant growth.

However, once the gods recognized this situation, Demeter, at Zeus's signal, accelerated the growth of plants upon the land. So as soon as the floods subsided, tender shoots had already started to spring up from the earth.

At the same time, on the original Aurora Plains, a certain power dissipated. Shortly after, among the collapsed piles of stones, Cohen opened his eyes.

"This is… hiss—"

He tried to move his fingers, and a sharp pain shot through his entire body, causing him to gasp. Triton's estimate was not wrong. Facing Poseidon's wrathful strike, Cohen, though not dead, was severely injured; he had escaped death but was still gravely hurt.

Even though his own efforts had made him much stronger than many naturally born demigods with divine nature, what really set the chasm between gods and non-gods was Divine Power and authority—and that was exactly what Cohen lacked.

"...Is everyone gone, has it ended?"

After a pause, Cohen struggled to his feet. He looked around, and the area was desolate.

The Aurora was no longer a plain. Perhaps because it was the last to be hit by the flood, it had become a rare highland in the Eastern Continent after the waters receded. The shattered buildings still bore traces of seawater, but there were no signs of people.

"Did they all die, leaving me alone again…"

For a long time, Cohen sat on a collapsed column. Looking at this scene, he couldn't help but think of his past.

Once, he had personally bid farewell to Golden Humanity, and now, he had witnessed the Destruction of Bronze Humanity. The difference was that this time humans died because of the gods, and what hadn't changed was his continued helplessness.

"Deities…"

Step—

"Hmm?"

Startled, suddenly, Cohen thought he heard a sound of footsteps. He looked in that direction with some surprise.

He was eager to find signs of his own kind, and sure enough, at the end of his vision, there was another human like him, a survivor walking towards him.

Unlike his own ragged appearance, the approaching figure, though looking decrepit, did not seem to have gone through any disaster.

With difficulty, Cohen stood up and called out from a distance.

"Over here—"

It seemed that the old man heard Cohen's call and noticed him. Seeing Cohen's condition, the old man gestured for him to stay put and waited for him to approach.

"Greetings, Your Highness. My name is Humar. I was once entrusted with guarding knowledge, but now, it seems there is no knowledge left to guard."

Approaching, Cohen could finally see the man clearly. Clutching a huge stone tablet, his body already steeped in death, the old man's spirit seemed good, and he smiled as he introduced himself.