Imprisoned for a Trillion Years, I Was Worshipped by All Gods!

Chapter 96: Chapter96-Five Years Later

At that moment, Ryze spoke up."In Winterrealm, there are quite a few secret realms. Within these realms, one can find many opportunities…"

Ryze hesitated, realizing that he might have misspoken.

After all, Nina had been following Daniel, and with a mentor like him, what opportunities could she possibly lack?

Quickly, Ryze added,

"They're also great for improving one's combat skills and overall strength."

Hearing this, Daniel realized that it might indeed be a good option for Nina.

With her restless nature, sending her to explore the secret realms could keep her busy—and spare him a fair bit of trouble.

He then gave Ryze another appraising look.

Only now did Daniel fully recognize Ryze's potential.

Young and talented, Ryze was not only the current successor of the oracle lineage but also someone the old man had handpicked as a disciple.

The oracle lineage had always passed from one individual to the next, so selecting an unworthy successor could risk ending the tradition altogether.

Ryze's abilities were beyond question, and this gave Daniel an idea.

"Nina," Daniel said, "here's one more task for you. While we're staying here, you need to be able to defeat Ryze."

"If you can't, you might as well stay here rather than returning to Riverside City and embarrassing me."

At present, Nina was only Tier-Silver, while Ryze was a Tier-Diamond.

Not only that, but Ryze was no ordinary Tier-Diamond—he had also inherited the oracle's knowledge and legacy.

To anyone else, Daniel's challenge to Nina would seem impossible.

Even Ryze himself found it excessive.

He knew his own strength. As a genuine Tier-Diamond with the oracle's teachings, he doubted Nina's ability to surpass him in just a few years, no matter how talented she was.

To Ryze, the goal Daniel had set for Nina was nothing short of a fantasy.

He assumed Daniel must have been joking.

But after Daniel finished speaking, Ryze immediately felt a wave of hostility directed at him.

There was no need to guess—it was coming from Nina.

Ryze turned to Nina and offered her a gentle smile.

"Do your best, Nina."

He meant to be encouraging, but to Nina, it was pure provocation.

What was this smile supposed to mean? Was he underestimating her?

"I will defeat you!" Nina declared, her eyes blazing with determination.

"Then good luck," Ryze replied, unfazed.

Daniel, observing their exchange from the sidelines, said nothing.

He simply hoped for a different outcome by the time he left Winterkeep Citadel.

...

For the next five years, Daniel resided in Winterkeep Citadel.

He spent his time re

Only a few had seen Bear Prime's true form after Daniel intervened, and Cyre was among them.

How could the being he had revered as a symbol of faith turn out to be… that?

"The rules are the rules. Regardless of what you saw, as a lord, it is your duty to oversee the Trial of Gods," the Grand Duke replied firmly.

"My apologies, Grand Duke, but I cannot continue as a lord," Cyre said.

During his journey here, Cyre had made up his mind.

He could no longer lie to himself or carry on this charade.

"Are you certain? I'll give you one last chance to reconsider."

"My decision is final."

The Grand Duke sighed.

As far as Bear Prime and the Winterrealm royal family were concerned, Cyre was too insignificant to warrant an explanation.

"Very well. A new lord will assume command of Westwind Pass in a few days. You may assist with the transition or do as you please."

"I understand," Cyre replied, leaving the royal court with heavy steps.

...

"You're far kinder than he was," Ryze remarked, stepping into the room.

Allowing such dissent, Ryze noted, could undermine the royal family's authority.

Yet the Grand Duke had taken no punitive action against Cyre and had even offered him a chance to change his mind.

Hearing Ryze's words, the Grand Duke gave a bitter smile.

"Kindness? Perhaps a firmer hand would be better."