Mystery: Good Witch

Chapter 1385 Magic
Gazing at the blood moon outside the window, growing larger and closer, Audrey, the "righteous," felt a profound sense of calm.

Long before she became an extraordinary being and realized that her superhuman power was enough to fight against the world and change everything, her goal was no longer to be a content noble girl and live a life of conformity under the arrangement of her parents, but to change society and make the world a better place.

This naturally includes stepping forward to defend against danger and prevent the world, which is getting better and better through our own efforts, from being destroyed by a sudden apocalypse.

This is why she didn't hide in a safe place when the combined forces of Fursac and Intis besieged Backlund, but instead went to the battlefield alone.

That's what she wants to do now.

Turning her gaze away, Audrey glanced at Susie, who had entered the room at some point and was looking at her with concern, and said softly:
"Susie, your task is to reassure your family and the nearby residents, so that they will not panic because of the unusual celestial phenomena and will not give up praying to the gods."

"Everything will pass."

After saying that, she bent down and touched Susie's fluffy head. Then, through the walls and floors, she looked at her parents who were still taking a nap in other parts of the villa, her eldest brother Hilbert who was buried in writing something in the study, and her second brother Alfred who was spiritually aware and looking out the window in fear. She sighed and went straight into the sea of ​​her subconscious.

At times like these, she would much rather stay by her family's side and be a protective shield for them, but Mr. Fool and Miss Queen have more than just that expectation of her.

As a true angel, she is to protect the entire Queens, to protect Backlund, and even to sacrifice herself if necessary, to protect all the believers of the gods and to provide them with a small amount of strength to fight against the Outer Gods and prevent the end of the world.

Of course, this is also her own hope.

Suppressing her nervous and excited thoughts, Audrey entered the ocean of the subconscious, which was composed of all living beings. Inevitably, this ocean was disturbed by some force beyond reality. The originally calm ocean was stirred up by waves that washed over the islands that symbolized the hearts of different people. The noisy voices, panicked shouts and low sobs overlapped, making it difficult for her, as the "Insightful One," to control herself.

But soon, Audrey discovered that several more figures had entered the sea of ​​her subconscious.

There was a colossal dragon with enormous, greyish-white scales and pale golden, upright eyes; there was an elderly man with gray hair and wearing a greyish-white robe; there was a middle-aged man with golden hair and a beard, a calm gaze, and a serene expression…

As soon as they appeared, they each began to soothe the mind on a large scale, instantly calming the turbulent sea of ​​the subconscious.

They were all angels on the "Dreamer" path... Audrey had some inner realizations and was about to act with the only surviving mental dragon, Erihog, Hermes himself who invented the ancient Hermes language, and a man who seemed to be an incarnation of the "Dreamer" Adam, when she noticed that more individuals with strong emotions and extreme thoughts deep in their subconscious had entered this sea.

Those were angels from other sources, allies who had noticed the impending doom and were ready for battle!

Audrey sensed familiar presences belonging to members of the Tarot Society, as well as angels from the Church of the Night she frequently encountered and mysterious beings hidden in Backlund, but even more so, strangers from different parts of the world.

They will protect the rear of the gods and defend against the attacks of the outer gods and angels.

Meanwhile, the "spectator" angels, including Audrey, were tasked with protecting their rear and comforting their hearts.

As she gazed at the sea of ​​subconsciousness, where various lights converged and gradually became lively, Audrey clenched her fists.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Composed of countless abstract concepts and authorities, the astral plane, which was originally shimmering with various colors of light, is now covered in blood.

Beyond the transparent astral barrier, the full moon, representing the "fallen mother goddess" and several times larger than the other abstract planets, is deeply embedded in this protective barrier left by the original creator, separating Earth from the starry sky.

The entire barrier emitted a terrifying cracking sound, as if a giant glass curtain wall was being crushed and shattered. This sound even traveled from the astral plane to everyone's ears along with the crimson aura that had invaded reality, leaving them bewildered yet instinctively fearful of the suddenly appearing red moon in the sky.

Moreover, unlike the previous times when the outer gods worked together to attack the barrier but were thwarted by the native gods, this time only the "Fallen Mother Goddess" was launching an attack, but the cracks on the surface of the barrier continued to increase, becoming wider and deeper, with no sign of healing.

If this continues, the entire barrier will shatter completely in just a few seconds, and the ancient forces that have been lurking outside will descend upon Earth, utterly tearing this azure gem apart.

Because that pillar-level Old One used its most important symbol, the "Primordial Chaos".

Normally, even a complete pillar persona, such as the fallen Mother Goddess who reclaimed the "Mother Nest" and the two pathways of the Moon and Mother, or the truly resurrected God and Lord of Mysteries, would not be able to destroy this barrier with their own power, because it is the legacy of the "First Creator" who opened this universe and created everything.

However, the "Primordial Chaos," the creator that gives birth to the next universe, is an exception. Its birth symbolizes the end of the previous universe and signifies the annihilation of all forces except itself, which naturally includes the existing astral barrier.

Now, the "Fallen Mother Goddess" is about to use this symbol to further weaken the barrier that is already nearing its limit, so that she can pass through this obstacle and descend to Earth.

This is a reluctant approach. If there were other options, this pillar-level ancient would not want to touch the "creator" he conceived, as this could not only weaken him but also easily bring this symbol into reality, causing unpredictable consequences.

But He was unwilling to wait any longer. A month ago, "God" finally gathered the five means of omniscience and omnipotence. Even with the secrets of "Night," the turmoil that spread throughout the star realm foreshadowed the return of this Lord of the Star Realm.

Although the Fallen Mother Goddess had already taken the opportunity to reach some simple agreements with the yet-to-be-reawakened "God" when she secretly entered the "Creator in the Mirror's" dream, there was no need to worry about this pillar breaking the seal of the Western Continent within the barrier and releasing the remaining source matter, another pillar that was about to be born could do all of this.

Lord of Mysteries!
If this ruler of the spirit world returns, whether it is the former "Celestial Venerable" or the new consciousness, it will regard the Outer Gods who have a need for the "Source Castle" and the corresponding pathways and authority as enemies. If He and "God" cooperate in the crisis and join forces to deal with the Old Ones who covet the Source Matter on Earth, it will put the "Fallen Mother Goddess" in a disadvantageous position.

Because the power within the barrier is insufficient, He has not yet had the opportunity to sign a true non-aggression pact with "God" and unite with this pillar to deal with the "Lord of Mystery". When the barrier is breached, the Fallen Mother Goddess will first become the target of the two pillars occupying the earth!
Of course, the fallen Mother Goddess, who possesses the symbolism of "reality," will not truly die and is difficult to seal away. However, if she truly falls into a weakened state, either of the other two pillars can easily expel her, hide the "Mother Nest," and prevent her from ever truly reclaiming all the symbols and authority.

At least "God" would definitely do such a thing, and if the "Lord of Mysteries" is that Celestial Venerable, given His personality, He might do the same...

Therefore, upon confirming the resurrection of "God" and the imminent birth of the "Lord of Mysteries," the Fallen Mother Goddess finally strengthened the symbol of the "Primordial Chaos Embryo" within her body, weakened the barrier, and forcefully squeezed into the barrier by combining herself with the "Mother Nest"!

Gara—

The barrier shattered with a crisp sound, and the abstract, hand-painted red moon squeezed through the crack, appearing between the barrier and the azure planet.

This is the "moon" symbol that the "Fallen Mother Goddess" once possessed.

Behind her, the gap in the barrier stopped widening and slowly repaired itself through its own power. The terrifying faces of the other Great Old Ones appeared beside the gap, but they did not follow the "Fallen Mother Goddess" into the interior.

They and all the old mothers, and this pillar, had a verbal agreement that they would not enter the barrier until He reclaimed the "mother nest" or until they faced a joint attack from the two pillars.

This is the premise for the "Fallen Mother Goddess" to use her own important symbolism.

Although the agreement is extremely limited in effect without the witness of the "uncertain fog," and there is no punishment for breaking it, the Fallen Mother Goddess is the mother of almost all the Old Ones present. Even if there is no familial connection, her personhood and symbolism still have corresponding meaning.

Moreover, the Fallen Mother Goddess held back when using the symbol of the "Primordial Chaos," merely weakening the barrier before entering herself, leaving no room for the other Great Old Ones.

He decided to first reclaim the lost part of the "mother nest," and then quickly regain the power of both pathways through the process of aggregation. As for the original symbolic authority representing femininity, evil, or reality, it is probably difficult to obtain in the current situation.

When the other Great Old Ones enter the barrier and fight against the native gods and Great Old Ones, He can leave in peace and find a place at the edge of the universe to replenish His power.

In the gaze of the other ancient beings, the crimson hue of the full moon rapidly peeled away, transforming into a mass of crimson liquid. In an instant, it pierced through the astral plane into reality, descending upon the western continent shrouded in gray mist and isolated from the outside world. It then began to influence the seal erected by the "Celestial Venerable" with its own symbolic "Primordial Chaos," attempting to penetrate the gray mist and directly merge with the "Mother Nest." Throughout this entire ordeal, the deities within the astral barrier did not hinder its actions, or rather, dared not to.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Within the gray mist of "Source Castle," a dim light shone from an infinite distance, casting an eerie crimson hue over the palace within the mist.

The place still looks the same as when the "Tarot Club" was hastily disbanded, with twenty-two high-backed chairs surrounding a long bronze table, but three of them each have a figure sitting on them.

"Queen" Angel, "Chariot" Gray, and "Fool" Klein.

At this moment, the three were completely unprepared for the infiltration of the astral barrier and the disarray caused by the "Fallen Mother Goddess" descending into reality.

“That pillar finally couldn’t hold back any longer and used the symbol of the ‘Primordial Chaos Embryo’ to forcefully enter the barrier,” Klein said in a light tone. “Next, He will definitely go to accommodate the Mother Nest as soon as possible and grasp the power He lost.”

"Now that He has come inside the barrier, why doesn't He first deal with us, who are about to become the old self and may pose a threat to Him?"

Angel feigned a puzzled expression and asked a question at the opportune moment.

Klein glanced at Angel, whose expression seemed somewhat affected, and continued:

"As a 'pillar,' the Fallen Mother Goddess's goal is not to kill other true gods or occupy additional source matter. The lessons of 'God' and 'Celestial Venerable' show that a pillar is the limit that can exist stably, suppress extraordinary characteristics and the tendency of the source matter to aggregate from the Creator. Even if any more source matter is accommodated, what happened to those two pillars in the First Era will happen."

"Unable to suppress the instinct to aggregate, they actively kill other source material holders and continuously absorb new power until the 'original creator' truly awakens and enters the next cycle of aggregation and division," Gray murmured. "Perhaps, 'God' and 'Celestial Venerable' sacrificed themselves to prevent this from happening, so that they could retain the hope of resurrection instead of having the entire universe start all over again."

Klein nodded and said:

"Only they themselves know the answer, but the 'Fallen Mother Goddess' obviously does not want this to happen. Therefore, her primary purpose and best strategy in invading the barrier is naturally to first reclaim the power that was torn to Earth, namely the 'Mother Nest' and the 'Moon' and 'Mother' pathways, to replenish herself. Then, depending on the situation, she can choose some unique elements that can strengthen her authority and concepts, such as the 'Witch' pathway to supplement the 'feminine' symbolism."

"Of course, if there is a chance to make the other pillars fall again, truly dismantle 'God' and 'Lord of Mysteries', and prevent them from having the chance to be resurrected, that would be the ending He most desires."

Sitting beside him, Angel said thoughtfully:

"So, with 'God' already resurrected, the Fallen Mother Goddess can only settle for second best: to accommodate the 'Mother Nest' as quickly as possible, reclaim the uniqueness and Sequence 1 characteristics, and she doesn't intend to participate in the remaining Great War of the Ancients?"

“That also depends on the situation,” Klein replied calmly. “If He suffers injuries that cannot be quickly healed during the process of reclaiming the ‘Mother Nest,’ He will flee far away from Earth to avoid becoming a target for other pillars or the Old Ones; if He is in good condition, He certainly wouldn’t mind helping other Outer Gods kill all the Old Ones on Earth and fulfilling His own promise in the process.”

"A promise?" Gray asked, puzzled.

"Well, as far as I know, the Fallen Mother Goddess and 'God' once had a preliminary framework for cooperation. God would help the Tree of Desire grow the 'Shadow Tree' within the barrier, and at this critical moment, he would not take the initiative to lift the seal on the Western Continent to promote the birth of the native ancient. In return, when the 'Celestial Venerable' is revived, the Fallen Mother Goddess will help Him solve this big problem."

Klein answered with a smile.

"Of course, this agreement was not truly completed, because the Fallen Mother Goddess's power within the barrier was insufficient, and God did not believe that He could truly help Him. Furthermore, the 'Celestial Venerable's' compromise left this pillar without a reason to truly cooperate with the Fallen Mother Goddess."

It seems this information comes from that Celestial Venerable. The two pillars are truly hindering each other, neither willing to let the other be resurrected first… Perhaps the Fallen Mother Goddess exploited this loophole, taking advantage of the fact that Earth hadn't yet formed a "dual pillar" situation, to enter the barrier before the apocalypse, hoping to seize the "Mother Nest"… Angel pondered, then asked with a puzzled look:
"Then why didn't He enter the barrier when the 'True Creator' became the Old One, but instead delayed for a whole month?"

She had a hunch about this when she saw Klein appear in the gray fog, smiling confidently, but she still hoped to hear him explain everything himself.

"Because the fallen Mother Goddess feared the worst possible outcome: that she herself would gain nothing and even become the target of the other pillars."

Klein replied.

"He initially observed to see if the one who was revived was the 'Primordial God' with whom He had a preliminary agreement, and then confirmed this when He discovered that the seal on the Western Continent had not been broken."

"But the 'Lord of Mysteries' is the greatest threat weighing on His heart. As the end of July, which is the month the prophecy foretells and which both sides have worked hard to bring about, gradually arrives, this threat becomes clearer and will lead the Fallen Mother Goddess to decide to take the risk of entering the barrier ahead of time, to retrieve the source before that Celestial Venerable is revived, and to become one of the three pillars of completeness once again."

"One month is a reasonable timeframe that Grisha Adam and I guessed, and it's also the moment when the last Tarot meeting is held and our shared anchor becomes firm."

"At this moment, He activated the symbol of the 'Primordial Chaos Embryo,' forcibly entering the barrier, opening the seal of the Western Continent to accommodate the 'Mother Nest,' and then combining the other two pathways, or using this to control the Earth Mother Goddess. On Earth, no one except 'God' could stop Him, and that God seemed to be abiding by the agreement, at least maintaining neutrality..."

Hearing this, Gray, who was some distance away from the two, chuckled and continued the conversation:
"But all of this is actually your misleading and 'fooling,' a decision He made under your guidance?"

Klein nodded slightly and stood up from the high-backed chair of "The Fool".

The next second, the pervasive gray mist was swept away by a pair of invisible giant hands. This power emanated from the "Source Castle," passed through the spirit world, entered reality, swept across the entire planet, and then passed through the barrier of the original creator, entering the boundless starry sky, causing every inch of space in the entire universe to be filled with a thin gray mist.

As a result, all living beings, even those with divinity, underwent strange changes in that instant. Some became full of cunning, some became foolish, and some disappeared from their current location and came to the most familiar place in their memory, the place that appeared in their minds at that moment.

All the rules have been altered, the symbols have been fooled, the seals have been broken, and even time has stood still.

Standing beside the bronze table, Klein, who was standing in front of Angel, had somehow donned a black trench coat that appeared incredibly dark inside, as if it were swallowing his body. The hands that had been resting on the table were now wearing short black gloves, and his right hand was holding a cane with stardust inlaid at the top.

His eyes turned dark for a moment, then returned to brown. He looked at Angel and a familiar, knowing smile appeared on his lips.

"The Fool" Klein has become "Lord of Mysteries" Klein.

This change did not occur now. A month earlier, shortly after the "True Creator" became "God," he had already fully grasped the power of the "Source Castle." Based on his familiarity with the adjacent pathways in the dream, he successively incorporated the Sequence 1 characteristics of the "Gate" and "Error" pathways. With Source Matter as the foundation and the uniqueness of the three pathways as the supporting pillars, he incorporated the power of Source Matter, as well as the authority and concepts it symbolized.

However, with the help of "Black Emperor" Roselle and "Goddess of the Night" Amanisis, who had come into contact with the power of the source and had essentially surpassed Sequence 0, Klein "fooled" history and fate, "distorted" space and time, and "hid" his own state, so that the impact of his ascension to the Old Ones and standing on the pillar position on the spirit world and the entire universe was limited to the "Source Castle".

The Outer Gods mistook these actions of the gods for attempts to conceal the state of the "True Creator," while ignoring the possibility of the birth of another pillar-level Ancient.

After all, how could "God" allow the "Lord of Mysteries" to be resurrected as well?

Until now, until the moment when the "Fallen Mother Goddess" ventured into the barrier, hoping to reclaim the Source before Earth could gather the two Pillars.

The curtain was drawn back, revealing a magic trick to all the Outer Gods.

But Klein's preparations, which he carried out in secret, went beyond this.

He also broke the seal on the Western Continent ahead of schedule.

(End of this chapter)