Chapter 734: Memories of the Third Age

Falling, plunging, descending.

At the end of the world, in this realm where even rules cease to exist, only the sea and void remain—accompanying Naivee, her vessel, and Lolth as they drift toward the Return Ruins.

Naivee spread her arms wide, reveling in the sensation of being enveloped by this "nothingness."

"Though the price to come here and leave is steep… when this moment arrives, I still find it utterly worthwhile."

Last time, to escape this place, her ship had sunk, and she’d even transformed into a turtle… yet it remained worth the cost.

This was the world’s deadliest poison and its most soothing embrace.

A void where all meaning dissolved, devouring every trace of individuality—even pain itself.

Naivee turned her gaze to Lolth.

Observing the succubus who showed no reaction, simply falling through the emptiness like any ordinary mortal, Naivee sighed with admiration.

"Tsk, so this is where your extraordinary nature differs from mine."

To reach the "world’s end" alone—twice, no less—made Naivee an unparalleled existence.

Across the three ages since the world’s birth, countless planes had chosen their champions: the heroes of the mainland plane, the abyss’s Demon King, the elemental planes’ spirits…

The ocean of the main plane—though seamlessly connected to the mainland, it remained a distinct plane with unique laws—had ever known only one champion of the Plane Will.

That was her: Naivee Bernice, Mistress of the Seven Seas.

Yet even Naivee understood clearly that compared to this succubus before her, she remained merely another face among the world’s mundane masses.

The cook of Hillenbrand Town, Seychelles’ Sword Master, dwarf craftsmen, hell’s demons, the Mistress of the Seven Seas…

All were the same.

Lolth glanced at Naivee, oblivious to the storm of thoughts within the sea sovereign’s mind.

Her own mind dwelled on a single question:

What comes next?

In Seychelles, her goals and targets had been clear.

But within this endless descent—where was she truly headed? What awaited her?

Should she wait? Should she act?

As she pondered, Lolth lifted her eyes.

The ceaseless cascade of seawater stretched infinitely downward, yet paradoxically, the starry sky above never seemed to retreat further.

"Naivee, have you ever wondered… how this ‘world’s end’ came to be?"

The question hung unanswered.

When she turned, Naivee and her ship had vanished. Lolth blinked in momentary bewilderment.

"I relocated her to a nearby alternate plane. Don’t fret—she’ll return on her own. She managed it last time."

At the familiar voice, Lolth whirled in astonishment.

The descent halted.

Seated cross-legged beside her was a pink-haired, unclothed maiden—tall, curvaceous, and undeniably alluring.

Yet she exuded no vitality whatsoever.

"Kululu?"

Lolth furrowed her brow, probing cautiously.

"None other," Kululu replied, flicking her tresses. "Surprise or not?"

Lolth’s frown deepened.

More unsettling than the sudden transformation into this voluptuous form was the peculiar magical resonance emanating from Kululu.

"How… did you perish?"

At the question, Kululu dismissed the inquiry with a wave.

"This vessel, you mean?"

"My demise predates recent history… But enough of that," she interjected, performing an aquatic gesture before cradling Lolth’s face. "My sweet Little Lolth, beloved Teacher Lolth, dearest Lolth—it appears you’ve reclaimed both the divine authority of ‘Banquet Goddess’ and your Second Era memories."

As Kululu spoke, Lolth disengaged the intrusive hands with visible distaste.

"Essentially correct."

"My purpose here concerns acquisition—Divine Spark? Divine Kingdom? Divine Throne?"

Kululu’s enigmatic smile answered before her words. "Precision dictates we name this not ‘divinity’… but the Demon King’s legacy."

Behind them, the suspended seawater fractured into liquid motion.

Condensed droplets coalesced into reverse-flowing currents, weaving an expansive aqueous tapestry behind Kululu.

"Behold your penultimate incarnation—the existence bridging Banquet Goddess and current self, when you and Xiletor ventured to the main plane."

"The Demon King’s sovereign from three millennia past… Observe attentively."

The shimmering tableau revealed a crimson-gowned succubus meticulously annotating parchments within an abyssal palace. Behind her, a braided succubus in combat leathers honed a greatsword—recognizably Xiletor in her current sibling form, while the scarlet-clad figure mirrored Lolth herself.

"Sister… Can this truly avert the End?" Xiletor’s whetstone hesitated mid-stroke.

"Attempt we must," spectral Lolth tapped her temple. "Though fragmented, those apocalyptic visions haunt us both. Can we disregard such portents?"

"Valid point," Xiletor conceded, knuckling her forehead. "Yet our origins remain veiled—even Mother shrouds our lineage in secrecy."

"Perhaps ascended souls regaining power will illuminate our past," Lolth exhaled wearily. "Eventually, all threads converge…"

"But invading the main plane…" Xiletor’s blade paused. "Might alternatives exist?"

"Fear Mother’s reprisal?" Lolth arched an eyebrow.

"Partial concern," came the half-admission. "Mostly… the staggering risks."

"World-salvation demands daring," Lolth spread empty palms. "Shall trepidation paralyze us? Uniting Main Plane Will with Abyssal Will through apotheosis, reforging both realms via Divine Kingdom fusion—is this not our optimal strategy?"

Xiletor’s nod carried reluctant acceptance. "Your logic holds. Moreover…" She rested the blade across her knees. "…curiosity about the main plane persists."

"They say mortal maidens possess innocence surpassing succubi."

Lolth’s sardonic chuckle sliced the air. "Romantic disinterest proclaimed, yet now—"

"Observation, not participation!" Xiletor’s blade resumed its rhythmic song. "Apocalypse permits no dalliances—trust my resolve, sister!"