Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 688: Calamity on the horizon

Chapter 688: Calamity on the horizon

"My Goddess." Sinbad reverently called out as he went on one knee and bowed, before softly adding. "You sent for me."

He was currently within the divine kingdom of the Goddess of the Deep Sea, Ninmah, otherwise known as the Land of Still Waters.

Towering several meters before him was the Goddess Ninmah, her divine form radiating a gracefulness unlike any other.

Her form persisted briefly before she transformed, taking on a humanoid form in the process with green scales, purple irises, and a shimmering fin that ran all the way from the top of her head to the tip of her spine.

Despite her odd form, she still appeared beautiful, even more so, in the eyes of Sinbad as he dared to raise his head to take a sneak peek at her alluring figure.

The next instant, he felt her finger on his chin and her eyes on him.

"My Goddess." He breathed out sensually as he stared into her beautiful purple eyes, seemingly charmed by them.

Ninmah said nothing, instead leaning closer to plant a kiss before she retracted her lips, leaving Sinbad in a state of want.

Then she spoke, though her lips never moved.

Tell me, Sinbad, do you think I should flood Henos?

Sinbad paused, stunned by the unexpected question.

"This... out of the blue, my Goddess?"

Indeed.

Though aware that Ninmah’s dream was to one day submerge the world underwater, basically completing her ascension ritual, Sinbad also understood that certain things were preventing that.

One of which was... "What about Khanna?... She would not allow such to happen and antagonizing her at this point... forgive my words, My Goddess, but such an act is risky."

I am aware. The last time Khanna and I clashed, I was forced to retreat.

"Punish me, My Goddess." Sinbad suddenly said. "I forced you to recall such a terrible event."

Ninmah flashed a smile as she stroked his chin.

It is fine. I know you meant no harm.

"Thank you, My Goddess. Your mercy is truly without debt, just like the Azure Seas."

Planting yet another kiss on Sinbad’s lips, Ninmah remarked.

I sense that Khanna is in a peculiar state. A weakened state.

"Something has happened to her?"

I believe so. Also, I can sense changes in the aether, an ascension ritual is taking place in Henos. It belongs to the clown.

"Then we must strike, My Goddess. If we strike now, we could kill two birds with one stone. Stopping the ascension ritual and destroying Khanna’s seat of power."

The masters of the other continents wouldn’t be happy.

"Who cares?... Would they risk doing anything in their current states?"

That is indeed correct.

Ninmah smiled as she moved from Sinbad’s chin to his cheek.

You have always been so bold.

"It is all because of you, My Goddess," Sinbad replied, his eyes filled with yearning. "You make me bold."

Then let us act. It is time for Henos to join the sea.

Rising to her feet, she pulled Sinbad along and as the still waters beneath their feet parted, both fell into the gaping hole, assuming an intimate position as they did so.

Meanwhile, on Eventide, the waters of the Azure Seas began to rage.

A calamity was approaching.

***

Within the divine kingdom of the Swindler of the Heavens, the Jester, Kiesan, his Apostles, Harlequin, Bozo, Scarecrow, and Auguste were quick to realize the approaching disaster.

"That stupid bitch just can’t ignore an opportunity to increase her sphere, can she?" Harlequin lashed out, completely ignoring the fact that the individual she was referring to was a deity who could snuff her out with a thought.

"What... do... we... do?" Scarecrow asked.

"Don’t worry, do you think the master will act without expecting something like this?" Harlequin said, speaking proudly of the Joker while mocking Ninmah. "Just like Khanna did back then, our master will do the same. But before his ascension is completed, other plans have been put into motion."

Meanwhile, on Henos, an invisible veil filled with divine power was slowly moving around the edges of the continent, shrouding it like a curtain.

The moment both ends of the curtain touched, Henos vanished, perfectly concealed by the Figure Hidden Behind the Shadows.

This was not permanent; after all, the Figure was merely a Demigod-level entity, while the Goddess of the Deep Sea was a Demon God.

Even though she was not as powerful as Khanna due to an incomplete ascension, she was still a force to be reckoned with, and so, all the Figure had done was buy barely enough time for the Joker to complete his apotheosis.

Of course, it remained to be seen if the Joker would stick to the schedule and awaken on time.

***

King Ull was in his chambers, peering over a detailed map of Henos, a product of the Nester family’s complete exploration of the continent.

A knock was heard at the door followed by the entrance of a person.

"Cybele." King Ull muttered, not bothering to raise his head from the table.

With war on the horizon and a loose screw in his head, King Ull had temporarily abandoned paying any attention to Cybele, an act that the latter was most grateful for.

"You called for me," Cybele said with Ull responding.

"I did. You are aware that Lyssandros and Atiphates are about to clash."

"The clash has already begun." Cybele calmly corrected him.

Ull nodded. "Tell me, do you think I am being hasty?... Should I wait like the elders suggested?"

Cybele frowned, quickly realizing what was happening.

The Berserk God’s essence was fighting against the foolishness plaguing the self-proclaimed child of God.

It was fighting against his predestined fate.

Alas, she couldn’t allow that to happen.

King Ull, just like the others, was merely a player on a stage, and with all plays, their time on the stage was coming to an end.

Only with the end of the play would the Joker have completed the first cycle of his apotheosis, becoming a figure no lesser than the Goddess Ninmah.

"Talk to me, Cybele," Ull said. "What would you advise me to do?"

"I am not your advisor."

"But I want to hear your opinion. So tell me, what do you suggest?"

Cybele raised her chin briefly, taking the time to ponder before she replied. "I hear that King Khabrias of Iolcia opted out from the final battle at the last moment. He is currently on his way back to his city state."

"That old fool." Ull spat coldly. "He has always been a coward. Glad to see he hasn’t failed to stick to that."

"Indeed. So go after him." Cybele said. "Add Iolcia to your list of conquered city-states."

Ull paused, taking the time to regard her before he nodded. "I knew I was right to seek your counsel."

"Perhaps." Cybele calmly replied.

As Ull turned back to study the map, Cybele could tell.

The fight was lost before it could even begin.