Goddess's Yuri harem: Chosing the Empress is hard-Chapter 83: Vow to not tell- Part 2

Auriel took a careful step forward, her eyes sweeping across the massive underground chamber.

It was far larger than she expected—stretching far and wide, its stone walls lined with glowing torches that flickered with unnatural light.

The ceiling arched high above, carved from black stone, and massive pillars stood at even intervals, supporting the structure.

But what caught her attention most were the people.

Hundreds of them.

They were gathered in neat rows, all kneeling before an altar at the far end of the chamber. The altar itself was made of dark stone, pulsing faintly with an eerie crimson glow. At its center stood a robed figure, their face hidden beneath a heavy hood.

A feeling of unease settled in Auriel’s stomach.

"This is the Holy Sanctuary, the grace of our goddess. Isn’t it incredible?"

Ludwig whispered, eyes filled with admiration.

Auriel forced a small smile.

"Yes... it is certainly something."

But inside, she was on high alert.

She needed to know more about this place. About the people. About the figure standing at the altar.

Ludwig beamed with

excitement as he took Auriel’s hand and led her through the crowd of devoted worshipers. His grip was firm but not forceful, the eagerness in his steps showing how much he wanted her to witness the power of their so-called goddess.

"You’re so lucky. Not just anyone gets to stand before her. Only the truly faithful, or those personally chosen, are allowed this honor. I wanted you to see her with your own eyes—so you’d understand why people follow her"

Ludwig whispered in awe.

Auriel nodded without responding, her mind already processing what she was seeing.

The people around her were deeply enthralled, their devotion evident in their trembling prayers and murmured praises.

Their eyes were closed in near rapture, their hands clasped together tightly as if letting go would mean losing their faith.

And then, she saw her.

A lone figure knelt before the altar, hands resting on her lap, head bowed in silent prayer. Even in the dim glow of the torches, her presence stood out against the dark stone, and Auriel instantly recognized her.

Nana White.

She did not react immediately, keeping her expression neutral as Ludwig continued his introduction.

"This is the High Priestess of the Sanctuary! She was the first to witness our goddess’s power, the first to devote herself completely! Her faith is unparalleled, and she has guided us in worshiping our goddess with absolute devotion."

He said, voice practically bursting with reverence.

Auriel’s eyes remained on Nana, who still had not lifted her head.

"She was the one who received our goddess’s first miracle. And because of that, she—"

Ludwig was interrupted as Nana suddenly raised her head, her sharp eyes locking onto Auriel in an instant.

The recognition was immediate.

Shock flashed across Nana’s face, but it disappeared just as quickly, replaced by a look of cold calculation. Then, without hesitation, she sprang into action.

"Alert! Another god has tainted this sanctuary! You must leave—now! Protect our goddess at all costs!"

Nana’s voice rang through the chamber, cutting through the air like a blade.

The room, once filled with murmured prayers, erupted into chaos.

Worshipers gasped in confusion, scrambling to their feet as they tried to process Nana’s words.

Some hesitated, glancing between Nana and Auriel, unsure of what was happening. Others, blindly devoted, followed Nana’s orders immediately, rushing toward the exit in a frantic attempt to escape.

Ludwig stood frozen, his wide eyes darting between Nana and Auriel, his face filled with confusion and betrayal. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

"What...? What do you mean? What’s going on?"

He whispered, voice barely audible.

Auriel did not answer.

She had already lifted her hand, and divine energy surged around her. In an instant, golden light burst forth from her palm, expanding outward and forming an intricate barrier that sealed off the exits.

The heavy doors of the sanctuary slammed shut, trapping everyone inside.

Gasps of fear and shock filled the air as worshipers realized what had happened.

Some banged against the barrier, trying to force their way through, while others huddled together, their faces turning pale as they realized they were trapped.

Ludwig took a step back, eyes filled with disbelief.

"G-Goddess...? Why are you...? What are you doing? You told me you were a believer of our cause."

He stammered, turning to Auriel.

Auriel finally spoke, her voice calm but commanding.

"I need answers so I went along with the excuse when you gave me one."

She said simply.

Nana gritted her teeth, her hands clenching into fists.

"I should have known. You couldn’t leave us alone, could you? You just had to interfere. You always ruin everything."

She spat, stepping forward.

Auriel’s gaze remained steady.

"What are you doing here, Nana?"

The High Priestess sneered.

"What does it look like? I’m serving the true goddess. The one who will liberate humanity from the chains of false divinity."

Auriel’s expression didn’t change, but inside, she was piecing everything together.

A new goddess.

A sanctuary hidden beneath the city.

A gathering of devoted followers.

And Nana, at the center of it all.

Auriel’s fingers twitched slightly.

"Where is this ’goddess’ you speak of?"

Nana smirked.

"Far beyond your or heaven’s reach. We shall liberate the oppressed souls that you have kept hidden all this while."

Auriel narrowed her eyes. For some reason, she did not like what she was hearing from the female in front of her."

She had no doubt that something—or someone—was influencing these people. The sheer amount of dark magic in the air, the way the worshipers reacted with such blind faith—it all pointed to something unnatural.

But before she could ask anything further, a deep, unnatural voice echoed through the chamber. It sounded divine, but had a sense of falseness.

"Who dares intrude upon my sanctuary?"

Just hearing that voice was enough to make Auriel shudder and feel uncomfortable. But she quickly raised her weapon to prepare herself for a confrontation.

’Fucking hell! What did these people do to gather this much dark magic? Do they all have a death wish?’

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