[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-journey-to-become-the-zenith":3,"chapter-journey-to-become-the-zenith-journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-247":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Journey to Become the Zenith",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1828684,2432,"Chapter 247: The Truth Hidden from Humanity","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-247",247,"\u003Cp>The Truth Hidden from Humanity\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine then, let me start from the beginning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby and Natalia finally became quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even they listened respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was basic knowledge for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, for Videl, it was a completely new world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The human race does not simply worship random divine beings. Throughout history, eight great Gods and Goddesses have protected humanity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl listened carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The world itself is divided into two major regions. One is known as the New Continent, where we currently reside. The other is known as the Ancient Continent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max’s finger moved across the massive map hanging on the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The map was old.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ancient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless markings and faded symbols covered its surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of the map depicted the New Continent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a distant section beyond a vast ocean represented the Ancient Continent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Each region contains four great empires.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Meaning eight in total.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl nodded slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scale of the world was larger than she had imagined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Across those eight empires stand eight major temples.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His finger pointed toward the New Continent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Within our side of the world stand four divine temples.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Temple of War.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby proudly straightened her back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Temple of Justice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Natalia smiled elegantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Temple of Light.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Temple of Darkness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Light and Darkness?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>War and Justice?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those sounded powerful enough already.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Max was not finished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He moved his finger toward the distant landmass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for the Ancient Continent, the four temples there are different.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Temple of Fire.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Temple of Water.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Temple of Wind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Temple of Earth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The office fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Videl could feel the weight behind those words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if two completely different worlds existed beneath the same sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Each one of these Gods and Goddesses has their own temple which represents them. These temples are in every country, and each country has a different temple established within them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The temples and the people who work there are not considered citizens of the country in which they reside.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They belong to the temples first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The temples are considered sovereign organizations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In a sense, they are countries within countries.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl’s eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even kingdoms allowed such authority?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That sounded unbelievable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max nodded as if he understood her disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Inside Skyfall Kingdom we have two temples.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One is the Temple of War, represented by Lady Ruby.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The other is the Temple of Justice, represented by Lady Natalia.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two holy maidens immediately lifted their chins proudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then they noticed each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another glare followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max ignored them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now onto the real topic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These two are Holy Maidens of their respective temples.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Holy Maidens are said to be the closest mortals to their Gods and Goddesses.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They are able to hear divine guidance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They serve as the voices of their deities.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They are among the highest authorities within their temples.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Their status is second only to the Head Priests.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl quietly absorbed the information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder nobody dared disrespect them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two women represented divine powers worshipped by millions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay then, I guess I can understand that, then what do they mean about me becoming their chosen hero?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl finally asked the question bothering her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby and Natalia immediately looked at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes practically sparkled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You see, each Holy Maiden must choose a warrior that would represent their temple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These special warriors are called Heroes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They are individuals favored by the Gods and Goddesses.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They receive blessings depending on which deity chooses them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Hero.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The word carried far more meaning than she originally thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly another question surfaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max looked toward her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If this Ancient Continent exists... why have I never heard about it before?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room became unusually quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby and Natalia exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max’s expression turned serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because the existence of the Ancient Continent is not public knowledge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only royal families, high-ranking nobles, temple authorities, and a handful of powerful individuals know the complete truth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time since entering the office, Videl looked genuinely shocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A secret this large had been hidden from ordinary people?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An entire continent?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How was that possible?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Then all this time...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her thoughts became chaotic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Why didn’t anyone tell us?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Why hide something this important?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Why would the kingdoms keep such a secret?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max seemed to understand her confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Long ago, before the current age, conflicts between the two continents nearly plunged humanity into disaster.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The wars were devastating.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The losses were unimaginable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So eventually a pact was signed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl listened carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A pact?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Pact of Separation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The rulers of both continents agreed to stop interfering with one another.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Neither side would invade.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Neither side would interfere.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Neither side would freely cross into the other’s territory.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room became silent again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Ruby and Natalia looked serious now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The agreement has remained in place for centuries.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl stared at the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two continents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two civilizations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Separated for generations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then why doesn’t anyone simply travel there?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max chuckled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If only it were that simple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed at the temples marked on the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To legally travel from the New Continent to the Ancient Continent, approval from all four temples is required.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Temple of War.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Temple of Justice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Temple of Light.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Temple of Darkness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Without unanimous approval, passage is forbidden.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl stared at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All four?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All four.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The same rule exists on the Ancient Continent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Their four temples must unanimously approve any crossing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is why almost nobody travels between continents.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not because they physically cannot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But because neither side wishes to break the ancient pact.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Videl slowly looked back toward the map.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, the world felt unimaginably vast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything she thought she knew had suddenly become much smaller.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet one thought appeared in the back of her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the world was truly this large...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then how much of it had Victor already discovered?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Max finally folded his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>",1001,"2026-06-09T06:06:36.928Z",1,"novelbin.me","ec73a19fd069458aed3bdc333f775a1551f8d53f20d228abc1f92e94063e6f7b","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-248","journey-to-become-the-zenith-chapter-246",253,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fjourney-to-become-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]