(Heartfelt thanks to 'Wuyue v5' for the 1176 reward, and to 'Tenkuu no Sensesu', 'Li Xing Meng Ke', 'Yang Hehe', 'Q Yongjiang Yiku Q', 'Hao Zhuan', 'Youyouzi's Lament', 'Feng Ming Jiu Ge', 'XJL2390', '$Going to Die&', 'Long Lian Qingxue', 'Liujin Yushui Yue', 'Star Assault Blast', and 'Final Review' for their rewards!)
"Tap... tap... tap... tap..."
Clear footsteps echoed rhythmically through the surrounding space.
Noah walked slowly through the area, neither hurried nor sluggish.
This was a ruin.
It resembled a luxurious palace.
The surrounding walls were covered in vines and thorns.
Stone pillars stood throughout the vast hall, each engraved with serpentine patterns, as though agile snakes had coiled around them. They radiated an ancient aura.
It was the aura of snakes.
Like thick blood, like a pungent stench, yet it brought no discomfort. Instead, it carried a sacred feeling.
Feeling that aura, Noah continued forward at an unhurried pace.
He raised his eyes and looked ahead.
An ancient wall, likewise branded with serpentine patterns, stood there.
Before the wall sat a throne.
The Queen of Snakes, renowned for her beauty and wisdom, was seated upon it.
She still wore that ancient Greek-style gown.
Visible Divine Power rippled across her entire body like waves of air.
Athena opened her eyes and fixed her snake-like, owl-like gaze on Noah.
Within those eyes, which possessed an indescribable charm, bewitching light shimmered in the pitch-black moonlit night.
At last, Noah and Athena's gazes met.
Staring into Noah's dark, profound eyes, Athena spoke with satisfaction, as though she had savored intoxicating wine.
"Your eyes are filled with fighting spirit, and it burns brightly. It is completely different from last time. All that I did was not in vain."
Athena's words made Noah narrow his eyes.
"I see. You could tell that I had no