Chapter 717: I Really Played With Something Bizarre Back in My Day

Lolth and Anno looked up to find another "Lolth" materializing before them.

Clad in a white robe with her raven hair loosely tied back, this version bore an air of leisure and languid arrogance that contrasted with the present Lolth’s demeanor. She lounged regally in an ornate high-backed chair, crossed legs revealing bare feet that swung idly, a gilded crystal goblet cradled in her fingers.

"Greetings, current ‘me’… and the little visitor from before," she drawled, swirling the crimson nectar in her cup before taking a deliberate sip. A tongue flicked across her lips as amusement danced in her eyes. "Seems I’ve orchestrated another magnificent spectacle."

Leaning forward, she continued, "Oh future self, brimming with questions? No need to rush." Her smile turned conspiratorial. "I’ll indulge every curiosity—within reason, of course."

Anno’s gaze shifted between the two identical figures. "This is… extraordinary."

At the whispered remark, Lolth massaged her temples. "Multiply that wonder by a thousand, and you might grasp my perspective."

Their attention returned to the seated doppelgänger as the present Lolth demanded, "You’re my three-thousand-year-old self?"

"Three millennia?" The ancient version tapped her chin theatrically. "Let me consult the cosmic calendar…" Her eyelids fluttered momentarily before she chuckled. "Incorrect. I’m but an echo you crafted—a remnant from far older days."

The modern Lolth blinked, then nodded slowly. "Makes sense. Kululu’s visions showed me embracing the Abyssal Demon King’s mantle during that era." Her fingers tightened on the chairback. "So I predate even that? This supposed ‘Goddess of Revels’ phase?"

A hysterical laugh escaped her. "What fresh madness is this? Meeting my divine past self only breeds more mysteries!"

Collecting herself, she locked eyes with her ancient counterpart. "When exactly were you forged? Tell me."

"In terms you can understand, it was during the latter half of the Second Era," the Banquet Goddess incarnation of Lolth answered without hesitation. "Using the Divine Kingdom’s authority, I split off a sliver of divinity containing preserved memories to create a consciousness that could persist eternally within this realm… After that, I knew nothing more."

The Banquet Goddess "Lolth" spoke these words while glancing at her present-day counterpart, releasing a soft sigh. "Yet your presence here suggests that version of me… likely perished long ago."

"And then I went on to become a Demon King? Whoa… talk about making a name for myself!" She chuckled ruefully. "Truly worthy of my legacy!"

As she marveled at this revelation, the current Lolth appeared increasingly bewildered. "Wait—I died during that period too?"

"Obviously. Why else would you manifest here with fragmented memories?" The Banquet Goddess "Lolth" arched an eyebrow. "My ‘Rebirth’ ability emerged after ascension—some entity’s twisted ‘gift’ or ‘curse.’ I suspect that pink-haired exhibitionist midget, though she denies it to this day."

This statement drew a contemplative hum from present Lolth. "So Kululu’s journey with me spans millennia…"

"Though it seems I owe her gratitude for my current existence," she mused aloud.

The Banquet Goddess nodded in agreement. "True—despite her penchant for theatrics and mischief, her path hasn’t been smooth."

Present Lolth sighed deeply. "That much I understand… But setting Kululu aside for now—do you know what caused my downfall as the Goddess of Banquets and Revelry?"

Her divine counterpart shook her head. "Unknown. My past self deliberately excised those memories…"

The ancient goddess blinked thoughtfully before continuing. "However, by merging with me and cross-referencing our incomplete recollections, we might reconstruct the truth."

"Merge?" present Lolth echoed, perplexed.

"Isn’t that your purpose here?" The Banquet Goddess gestured at the shimmering threads surrounding them. "The clinging Plane Wills and knotted fates around you reveal our shared talent for entangling ourselves in cosmic complications. You desperately need your original identity and memories."

She paused meaningfully before adding, "Doubtless Kululu orchestrated your return."

Present Lolth nodded wearily. "Indeed. This lifetime even cursed me with a sister who shares her madness—their combined antics achieve exponential chaos."

"Stars above, that mental image alone chills me. You’ve endured much, future self." The Banquet Goddess hopped down from her throne. "Ready to reclaim your primordial divinity and memories? I must admit curiosity—I wonder what became of my old companions."

"If they remain significant, I might recognize their modern counterparts…" present Lolth trailed off before frowning. "Though my Demon King era memories are similarly fragmented."

"How exactly does this ‘merging’ work?"

The Banquet Goddess suddenly developed intense interest in her fingernails. "Well… The divinity I safeguard serves dual purposes—containing this decaying Divine Kingdom’s corruption while functioning as an inheritance… originally intended for one of three disciples."

She cleared her throat awkwardly. "Since I never anticipated retrieving it myself, the required ritual feels… slightly unconventional."

After an elaborate sigh, she concluded: "We need to kiss."