My Living Shadow System Devours To Make Me Stronger Chapter 998 - 1000: Snake Temple

One day, a priestess made her arrival.

Her appearance captivated in a subtle, eerie manner. Eyes gleaming like lustrous jewels, a flowing white robe draped from her shoulders to the ground, drifting behind like vapor. A lone volume wrapped in ebony leather dangled at her waist.

Damon’s tower offered no barrier as she traversed it.

Not a soul impeded her.

Indeed, demons along her path bowed their heads in respect as she glided past.

With composed grace, she navigated the hallways to the throne chamber atop the structure. The grand doors swung open silently for her.

She entered.

Before Damon’s throne, the priestess halted and lowered her head.

Seen from nearby, her loveliness proved nearly mesmerizing. Ebony locks cascaded beyond her knees, swaying softly with each motion. The hair adornments remained plain, undecorated, verging on stark.

"I greet the ruler of the City of Trace. I am Tamia of the Snake Temple. I have come to invite you to the temple to receive your rewards."

Her voice stayed gentle. Precise. Words melded smoothly one into another, making her speech feel natural to hear, bordering on hazardous.

From his throne, Damon leaned forward a bit, observing her intently.

"Hmm. I see. Very well then."

In a fluid rise, he stood up.

"Let us depart at once."

The priestess remained still.

Her eyes fixed on him.

For an extended instant.

Then, in a whisper,

"You are favored by the Unknown God."

A sudden murmur swept among the throne room demons. Such words carried weight. No Snake Temple priestess would utter them without absolute conviction.

Slowly, her stare dropped to Damon’s chest.

"You are reviled by the Unknown God."

Damon’s brow furrowed.

Then he let out a scoff.

"Really now. Which is it? Does he favor me or hate me?"

Gently, she shook her head.

"Why can it not be both? He is a god caught between two extremes. An archon of wrath and a paragon of patience. The god who is also a demon."

Her eyes grew a touch softer.

"Grave hardship lies in your future. Treasure the moments of happiness you have. They will be fleeting."

Damon’s eyes narrowed.

Such a foreboding statement. Yet from a priestess serving the Unknown God—who also honored the Goddess of Doom—expecting cheer would prove foolish.

"Tell me something I don’t already know."

He folded his arms.

"You’re not going to repeat that tired old prophecy of his, are you?"

She blinked.

A faint smile touched her lips.

"I see why my god has taken a shine to you. You are similar... yet very different."

Damon rolled his eyes.

"I imagine you know him personally, then."

She shook her head.

"I dare not. I only know he was benevolent until his benevolence betrayed him. Even so, he wishes salvation for all."

Her gaze intensified.

"You, on the other hand, sever yourself from others. Though you wish to do good... that is where you are similar."

In silence, Damon regarded her.

He truly despised pious fanatics.

What utter drivel.

He shared no likeness with the Unknown God. That entity had never tasted true frailty.

"Forget it. Take me to your temple," he stated dismissively.

Nearby, Renata observed with a faint scowl.

’He just met a priestess and he’s already flirting with her.’

The priestess lifted a hand.

A tiny item materialized above her palm. It gradually expanded, with metal and stone shifting until a compact altar took shape.

She regarded Damon.

"You may take one person with you."

Before others could respond, Wendy rushed to his side.

"I’ll go. Pick me."

Damon sighed softly.

Renata couldn’t come; she must manage the demons here. Lana, once human, stayed uninvolved by his choice. Matia had crossed his mind, but she lurked in his shadow already.

Wendy made the sensible choice.

"Very well," he agreed.

Damon mounted the altar, Wendy positioning beside him.

Under her breath, the priestess chanted. Her waist-bound book emitted a soft glow.

Darkness enveloped the surrounding air.

Space then crumpled inward, crafting a hushed ebony void.

They disappeared within.

**********

Cool, flower-scented air welcomed them, laced with hints of impending rain. Sunlight bathed a vast garden, its splendor vivid and otherworldly.

Amid trees and meandering trails stood pristine structures, walls embedded with crystals and luminous gems. Light danced off every angle, casting soft hues along the paths.

For a brief spell, Damon paused, balancing as teleportation’s dizziness ebbed away.

Women glided through the gardens surrounding him in serene unity. Some nurtured the plants. Others strolled together in pairs, murmuring gently. Some lounged reading under the trees. No tension existed here. No fear. No severity.

"Where is this place..." he whispered to himself.

It resembled a vision of utopia crafted by someone. A realm where ugliness was never permitted to sprout.

He had visited the Holy City previously. Witnessed the goddess's temple there.

Next to this... it seemed rough.

Damon descended from the altar and surveyed the surroundings leisurely. Cranes soared idly overhead. Peacocks roamed unbound across the gardens. Vibrant birds perched in the branches as flamingos and swans drifted over pristine ponds.

In the heart, where countless stone paths met, rose a majestic temple.

"Follow me," Tamia murmured gently.

Damon anticipated something grave. Austere. Overbearing.

Yet the Snake Temple pulsed with vitality.

The priestesses they encountered beamed with smiles. They appeared at ease. Free from worries. They offered courteous bows to Tamia and cast intrigued looks at Damon, yet no dread showed in their gazes.

Tamia peeked at him sidelong.

"Do you like the Snake Temple, my lord? Or has one of my sisters caught your eye?"

"Ahem." Damon cleared his throat.

Wendy jabbed him hard in the side.

He grinned regardless.

"All of your sisters have caught my eye. It would be hard not to notice so many flowers in bloom, with the scent of spring in the air."

Tamia smiled at that.

"Then... have I also caught your eye, my lord?"