In a distant city, screams echoed from inside a hotel.
Hela gulped down the last person in the entire hotel and dragged her enormous body away.
This is the little lizard that split off when it first arrived in the United States, in an attempt to attract the stationed squad.
Hela never took it back, just in case.
Clearly, this precaution was the right thing to do, and it was precisely because of this safeguard that Hela ultimately did not choose to confront the [Ground] head-on.
Her body slowly writhed, transforming into the form of a young girl. Hela's energy at this moment was probably only at the ' Transcendent ' level. If the [Ground] forces were to pursue her now, she would definitely be instantly killed.
Although this city is far from the City of Sin, Hela is still a little worried, after all, she was found even when she hid in the sea.
So I decided to leave the United States and head elsewhere.
As for where to go, we'll decide after we leave.
"The trial... is not over yet."
A voice that Hela least wanted to hear drifted from behind. Without even looking, Hela immediately sprinted forward.
[Ground] With a slight press of her hand, the powerful gravity pressed her down to the ground as if Hela had been instantly slammed into it.
Hela turned her head away, and a look of hatred began to appear in her eyes as she looked at the [Ground].
[Ground], a slight frown appeared, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
"I didn't expect the effects of absorbing the Power of the Source to appear so quickly."
[Ground] slowly walked up to Hela.
" [Life] You truly deserve to be called the most promising among us [Five Calamities]. I estimate that after your five-year sentence is over, you will be fully awakened."
"What's the meaning?"
Awakening? Could I become even stronger?
The [Ground] didn't answer, but instead, as if possessed, said again, "The power you possess now is less than thirty percent of what it was in your previous life."
Hela tried to stand up, supporting herself with her hands, but gravity tightened and held her down again.
"Alright, our reminiscing is over. See you in five years."
Having said that, he slowly raised his hand, and rocks appeared around him.
But just then, a figure wielding a snow-white spear appeared in front of the [Ground] with lightning speed and thrust it down.
Bang!
The moment the gun tip touched the [Ground], a violent explosion erupted between them.
But the [Ground] was like an unyielding stone statue; the powerful impact didn't even make him budge.
The figure didn't seem too surprised. Taking advantage of the explosion's flames, it grabbed Hela from the ground and, with her, quickly moved a little distance away from the [Ground].
Hela looked at the figure protecting her and felt that he looked somewhat familiar.
This seems to be one of the Night Star who fought against the Light God Society in City A of the Shangjing back then.
Why did he save himself?
Hela didn't make any rash moves, wanting to see what this Night Star was up to. At the same time, an extremely tiny worm crawled out of Hela's palm and headed towards the sewer next to her.
After taking only two steps, they were crushed by a powerful force of gravity.
"Don't even think about running away."
[Ground] Golden light flashed in his eyes, as if warning Hela.
Now that things have come to this, Hela has no other choice but to wait and see what happens between the two of them next.
If a fight breaks out, I might be able to take the opportunity to escape.
"So, who exactly are you?"
The figure holding the snow-white spear stared coldly at the [Ground], his robes fluttering gently in the breeze.
"Yuan Night Star, the captain of the squad stationed in City A of Shangjing, Bai Yu."
"Currently, there are unofficial members of the Light God Society."
Hela and the [Ground] both narrowed their eyes simultaneously.
"So, you're a traitor?"
"That's right," Bai Yu answered without hesitation. "However, you can't judge me."
[Ground] stared at him, remained silent for a moment, and then continued, "Do you want to take [Life] away?"
One stone after another, covered with golden runes, was lifted from the ground and flew into the air.
Bai Yu nodded slightly. "Yes, but I'm afraid I can't do it."
"You do have some self-awareness, then leave now before I decide to put you to trial!"
Bai Yu remained standing there steadily.
"May I say a few final words to the 'Sinner'?" His tone was indifferent, as if he were not afraid of the Variant in front of him who could kill him with a single blow.
[Ground], looking at the two, he exhaled after a moment, "Permission granted."
At the same time, several stone walls rose up around them, encircling them like a prison.
"I understand." Before [Ground] could say anything, Bai Yu spoke first and then turned to look at Hela.
[Ground] shut his mouth and turned his head away, refusing to listen to their conversation.
Bai Yu slowly leaned down, meeting Hela's gaze at him. "Would you like to join the Light God Society?"
"I don't want to."
After a brief silence, Bai Yu continued speaking.
"You are now doomed to die. You will only regain your freedom in five years."
It was obvious that Bai Yu had overheard the conversation between [Ground] and Hela.
"So what? If I join, will you save me?"
Hela didn't want to waste any more words with him. He couldn't save her, and now he wanted her to join him? No way!
"We can't save you, but once you're free, we can give you a 'gift' you can't refuse."
What gift?
"I don't know the specifics, after all, I was just following orders."
"I don't believe you can keep your promises."
"Believe it or not, I still have to tell you that if you really join the Light God Society, they will not only give you that 'gift,' but also grant you any one of your wishes."
Bai Yu paused for a moment before slowly uttering the last sentence, a hint of longing flashing in his eyes.
"Any wish?" Hela was slightly shocked. "Any... does that include resurrecting certain people?"
"Include."
Hela was somewhat tempted. Putting aside the gifts they offered her, the mere fact that she could make any wish was enough for Hela to seriously consider it.
Suddenly, she was startled.
Why are my emotions so human right now?!
"And aren't you curious about the meaning of your survival?"
If you want to know, the Light God Society will tell you. They will tell you everything you want to know, including the secrets of this world...
Hela began to ponder, not whether or not to join the Light God Society, but rather to consider a question Bai Yu had just raised.
What is the meaning of my existence?
Yes, what is the meaning of my life?
"Okay, that's all I wanted to say. As for the choice five years from now, that's up to you."
If you've decided you want to join, go to Nihon Nation. Someone there will be waiting for you.
After saying that Bai Yu stood up and addressed the [Ground].
I've said everything I needed to say.
[Ground] nodded slightly, looked at Hela, and gripped her hand tightly.
A powerful force emerged from Hela's surface, easily crushing every single one of her cells.
Why should I join the Light God Society?
The stone wall slowly sank, [Ground] spoke in a cold voice.
Bai Yu stared at the other person without saying anything. After a long while, he slowly opened his mouth.
"What's your decision? The Light God Society should have already asked you about it before, right?"
"You did ask before, but my answer remains the same: it's meaningless..."
A flicker of annoyance crossed [Ground] eyes. "You think you can accomplish your grand plan just by gathering the [Five Calamities]?"
You should know better than any other organization how we [Five Calamities] came to be, so why waste your time?"
"Furthermore, even if you do succeed, I will judge you for the greatest sin of human beings doing such a thing!"
Upon hearing this, Bai Yu said nothing more and leaped upstairs several times.
"I don't understand this plan either..."
He muttered something to himself, then disappeared from the other person's sight.