CHAPTER 836: THE FIRST HYDRA

There are many stories about the Hydra and how they came to be in some worlds. They might differ, but Aldrian remembered the very first Hydra that came into existence, born from the mutation of Long Shentian’s energy.

They then grew in number until they became one of the most famous races in the universe—one of the strongest and most feared.

Aldrian remembered the first Hydra that often followed Long Shentian everywhere, as if Long Shentian was its leader. The moment Long Shentian introduced that Hydra to him, it instantly prostrated in submission before him.

He could see in one of his visions at that time that the Hydra sometimes visited him when it was not with Long Shentian.

That Hydra’s solemn and pious character, combined with the idolizing expression whenever it met him, was truly quite funny, and Aldrian couldn’t help but smile as he remembered it.

As Aldrian kept walking deeper, he observed the head statues and murals. Some of the murals showed the mightiness of the Hydra, while others depicted their reverence for Long Shentian.

However, when he almost reached the end of the hallway, the murals on both sides showed many Hydras prostrating in one direction.

That direction was toward the end of the hallway, where the double doors could be seen. Above the double doors was the symbol of the absolute ruler, his symbol of authority.

Aldrian finally stopped right in front of the giant double doors and observed them for a moment. He placed his hand on the surface and tried to inject his energy into it. A moment later, mechanical sounds resounded, and the ground trembled slightly as the doors slowly opened.

After waiting for about thirty seconds, the doors finally opened, revealing what was behind them, a giant hall with a massive statue erected in the center. It was the complete statue of a nine-headed Hydra.

At the center of the Hydra’s body, a large blackish-golden crystal was embedded, exuding a poison so strong that even an immortal would not dare to approach it. In front of the giant statue stood a stone pillar, and he could sense that the faith within the hall was entirely gathered in that pillar.

’It’s just like in the Ancient Blue Gate World,’ Aldrian thought.

Still, his attention remained on the large crystal embedded in the Hydra’s statue. That was actually the core of the Hydra, and it belonged to the very Hydra he had just remembered.

Aldrian couldn’t help but sigh. Once again, he could only commend their combined effort to make his life easier by creating this place. His past followers had also chosen their places to remain close to one another. They had left their traces everywhere so he could find them easily.

However, after seeing the core, he did not immediately think that the Hydra had already died at this point. The Hydra in his memories, even in his past life, had already reached the divinity level. At that stage, a Hydra could grow one more core, making them a rare race capable of possessing two cores within their bodies.

Moreover, from the size of the core here, he knew that it was not an entire core, but rather a small fragment of one. Aldrian realized that if the complete core were placed here, the entire Akares Star would likely be covered in deadly poison strong enough to kill even a god.

’Maybe that guy just slashed a small part of his core and reduced the effect further so he could place it here?’

Aldrian then walked toward the pillar first and saw the same words inscribed on the stone pillar as the one where he met Kim Seungjin.

To the lone star that shone over all the universe, may your journey always be followed with glory.

Without hesitation, he touched the pillar and closed his eyes as he injected his energy into it. He could feel his energy triggering something within the pillar, and soon he sensed his surroundings begin to change.

When he opened his eyes, he was already in the familiar white realm. However, the first thing he saw was the giant nine headed Hydra. Its behemoth body, large enough to rival an imperial palace, was truly intimidating, making Aldrian appear like a speck of dust in comparison.

Even from afar, Aldrian’s body would be invisible next to the creature’s enormous form. However, despite its immense size, the Hydra had lowered all nine of its heads toward Aldrian. The sight was somewhat funny, since each head alone was already many times larger than him.

Aldrian blinked when he saw the Hydra, then couldn’t help but smile.

"Herias greets the absolute ruler, the great emperor of all heavens. Congratulations on your return," the central head of the Hydra said. Although he tried to sound as respectful as possible and soften his tone, his deep voice was still terrifying. The space itself trembled.

Still, Aldrian kept his smile and nodded.

"Long time no see, Herias. To think I could meet you here, even if it’s only your will," he replied.

Suddenly, the entire body of the giant Hydra shone with light before that light began to shrink, taking the shape of a human. When the light faded, a tall figure appeared, a man with long black hair and tanned skin. His handsome face bore symbol-like tattoos on one of his cheeks, giving him a unique charm.

He wore a black robe that matched his hair, adding to his mysterious yet intimidating presence. However, despite all those imposing traits, his expression at this moment showed the complete opposite. His eyes glistened as he struggled to hold back tears, and the sight made Aldrian find it really funny.

He had to look up to meet Herias’s gaze, as the man was much taller than him. Yet, despite his imposing stature, the Hydra was showing a sentimental expression.

"I’m glad that I could see you again, Your Majesty," Herias said.

Aldrian nodded with a smile. "So, tell me, how are you? I mean, your real body?"

Herias wiped his eyes before answering. "I can still sense my connection with my real body, so it should still be alive somewhere. Although I don’t know its current situation."

Aldrian nodded in understanding. "So, you were the one who created the poison region on the Akares Star?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I don’t know the current situation outside the region, but at that time, Akares Star was still undeveloped, and this world had no place to gather faith. So, I thought I could build one here," Herias replied.

"It’s also because the Ancient Blue Gate World already has many traces connected to the five Divine Overlords, so I thought a nearby star wasn’t a bad idea. Well, Lord Tian Lian also said this would be a good place, so I just built it here without much thought." His expression then turned emotional again.

"To think that you actually came here and even remembered my name, it’s truly my honor, Your Majesty."

"Well, I have to say that fate brought me here. With all of your collaborative efforts and the traces you’ve all left across many places, it was only natural that I’d eventually find you or someone else from the past," Aldrian replied.

"Anyway, since I finally met you here, I’d like to ask you something. It’s about your race."

Herias nodded. "Please, ask, Your Majesty."

"Was there something wrong with the Hydras that you remember from the past, after the invasion from the other universes? I’m asking because I’ve found that the followers of Tarius have been using your race as one of their summons several times."

Hearing the question, Herias froze. His expression suddenly twisted with fury as he gritted his teeth.

"To be honest, I never wanted to speak about it. Every time I think about what those invaders did to my descendants, my blood boils and rage burns within my heart. However, since Your Majesty has asked, I will tell you," he said in a low growl.

"Many of my descendants were captured, and those invaders actually created real clones of them! They created clones of my descendants, Your Majesty! They defiled the dignity of my race with their filthy hands! And with those clones, they attacked us!"

The space trembled as if it could sense Herias’s wrath.

Aldrian narrowed his eyes. Fury rose within his heart as well, but he did not let it show as killing intent or in his expression.

’I see. So that’s how it is. That’s why there were clones of the Golden Phoenix and the great Peng, like Aurelia and Reiss,’ he thought.

’No wonder Aurelia suddenly called me "Your Majesty" when she sensed my energy for the first time. Although she was only a clone, she might have been made from someone who knew me in the past. She still carried her true body’s innate memories.’

He finally understood the situation with the clones. He took a deep breath to calm himself, then looked at Herias solemnly.

"I will make sure they pay dearly for tarnishing my people’s dignity, every single one of them. You have my word, Herias."

Hearing the solemn voice of the man he regarded as a god, Herias could not help but feel his spirit burn. Even as a will, he still had feeling.

Then Herias’s expression changed. He narrowed his eyes and looked upward.

"Your Majesty, it seems we must end our conversation here."