''I see, you want some answers. So, you tried going to higher worlds; however, you got wiped out.'' Silveria said sarcastically.
However, Artemia didn't mind Silveria's tone; she smiled bitterly.
''How many of your so-called gods fought against that dragon?" Silveria inquired.
''We were seven: Typhania, Lilith, me, Frida of the beastmen; Gregory, the dwarf; Vandal, another human, the prophet and Miria from the demon continent. As you know, we got wiped out. Only I, Lilith and Typhania survived. Typhania disappeared, and both Lilith and I died after making some preparations. We knew we would reincarnate because of the golden rings we found in one of our expeditions in dungeons. I split my power into two and sent one here; Lilith did the same. I hope after successfully merging with this power, I can slowly increase my levels and try stepping into God realm again. We are about to run out of time. I planned to tell Alex everything; you have noticed that I have started sharing some information with him. I was afraid he wouldn't help us after learning the truth.'' Artemia said while looking in Alex's direction.
''Eh?"
Artemia was startled to find out that Alex wasn't sleeping; he was listening to everything they were saying. Currently, Alex sat legs crossed on the ground; you could spot anger on his face.
Artemia looked at Silveria and declared.
''Hahahaha! As I thought you really cunning.''
''Thank you for the compliment; however, if you lived as long I do, you will have few things under your belt.'' Silveria chuckled.
''So, what will you do after learning the truth?" Artemia asked the silent Alex.
Taking a deep breath to calm his emotions, Alex finally spoke.
''I'm pissed; however, this isn't going to change anything; you have your reasons for acting as you did. While I don't like how you are trying to use me, I can only comprise because to go to the higher worlds; I need to pass through that door, whether I like it or not, I will be fighting against the same beast you fought. This is your original goal, have me fight against it. I don't have the choice as I want to go to higher worlds.''
''I know you are angry because we don't tell you the truth right away but place yourself in our place; if we did that, maybe you will not help, you will hate us. We sacrifice everything; we might have been the cause; however, sooner or later, someone would have tried the same thing as we did. Is it wrong to try to find about one origin? No, isn't it. I believe it is also isn't wrong to want to explore higher worlds because you want to evolve, to become stronger. I may not have told you everything at the start, but I tried to be a bit honest as possible; I have never planned to keep everything for myself; I planned to tell everything during this expedition slowly. I hope you can forgive me, no us for not telling you everything sooner. I do not wish to be on bad terms with you, not only because we need your help but because you are someone I want to get along with. Let's see, how should I put it? You are like my rival, someone I want to surpass no matter what. I may be stronger than you, but it's only at the moment. I believe you will soon catch up and surpass me; I want to surpass the future. So, I sincerely hope our relationship will not break because of this. I'm sincerely sorry.''
At the end of her sentence, Artemia lowered her head; she refused to raise it again, not until Alex accepted her apologies.
Alex could only sigh helplessly as he exchanged glances with Silveria; the latter shrugged her shoulders before leaving the two alone.
Truth be told, even though he was a little bit angry because they hide the truth from him, it wasn't to the extent of completely cutting off their relationship; he needs their cooperation to fight against the guardian beast. It was impossible for him alone or his little group to fight against the guardian. If Alex were to cut off his relationship with Artemia just because of what happened, he would have done so with Silveria, who kept hiding things from him since the start.
''Raise your head. However, there's something I wish you to tell me and want you to be honest with me. Can you do it?" Alex looked straight into Artemia's eyes and asked this.
Seeing that there was a chance to redeem herself, Artemia quickly nodded her head, eager to know what Alex would ask her. However, Alex's following words make her eyes turn round.
''Elseria is Typhania, isn't it?" Alex asked with a smile. His heterochromia eyes locked into her.
He started to think this recently, everything about Elseria smells like someone with extreme status, far from her current one. She was shrouded in mystery; she appeared out of blue two hundred years ago. So, Alex started to think she was Typhania that disappeared two hundred and years ago.
''Yeah, it's her,'' Artemia admitted right away. She secretly muttered to herself. 'Forgive Typhi; I can only sacrifice you here. I know you have my promise not to tell him, but with how things evolved, I can only break that promise. It is a sacrifice for great good.'
''I see. She hides it pretty well. How many people know about this?" Alex immediately asked another question; it would be a lie if he said he was not surprised that Artemia confirmed his speculation. To think that he was going after a goddess, however, he will still conquer her even after knowing who she really is.
''Except me, few people. I'm the only one who knows here. The others are on the elves continent, her confidants, the people she governs; she is the Empress of the Elves, after all. Even though someone is governing the elves, this person works under her orders.'' Artemia explained.
''Wow! Empress on top of being a goddess. I will have a hard time making her mine.'' Alex secretly mumbled.
''Did you said something?" Artemia asked because she didn't hear what he said.
''No, nothing, please continue,'' Alex said.