章 633: Chapter 633: Flames of Faith
"You're from House Targaryen."
Upon hearing this, Melisys remained silent for a moment, seemingly gathering her thoughts before speaking, "In truth, I am not entirely Melisys."
The woman's words caused Viserys to furrow his brow in confusion. One moment she claimed to be Melisys, the next she denied it. What was the truth?
"I am but a remnant of her," she continued.
"I don't even know if she's alive or dead anymore." Yet, without waiting for further questions, she eagerly began to explain.
During the Doom of Valyria, the continent fractured with volcanic eruptions, floods, earthquakes, and rains of fire. Thick smoke covered the land, and Valyrian cities turned to ruins. The people either perished or suffered greatly. Even dragons and the noble dragon-riding families could not escape the catastrophe.
All attempted to flee on the backs of dragons, but none succeeded. It was as if the gods had cursed the continent. The only survivors were the Targaryens on Dragonstone. The deities of Valyria—Lord Baelor of Death, Lord Vargar of Molten Fire, Sun God Tyrex, and Lady Melisys of the Raging Seas—all vanished without a trace.
Without the divine intervention of Valyrian deities, the continent was lost, becoming the 'Land of the Cursed Demons.'
The woman standing before him, embedded within the statue of Melisys, was a mere fragment of the Sea Goddess. She survived on the faith of the people. This faith was the primary force sustaining the gods.
Every ancient deity had statues or tokens with fragments like this one. These remnants helped the gods gather faith and responded to their followers' prayers. Unless the original deity perished, these fragments would gradually fade away over time, and the prayers of their followers would lose their effect.
During the Doom, she felt the fall of grand temples of Valyria and the annihilation of other fragments of Melisys. This particular fragment was spared due to its insubstantial nature, narrowly evading the catastrophic force that consumed the continent.
To protect herself, she went into a deep slumber, only to be reawakened by Viserys. Now, she sensed no other fragments in the world.
Unable to detect the presence of Lady Melisys or any other fragments, she felt utterly alone.
"Is that so?" Viserys said, his eyes wide with astonishment. The mysteries of Valyria had always been obscured, much like the smoky veil covering its ruins. But this fragment of Melisys was a direct witness and survivor of the Doom. The truths she revealed flowed effortlessly.
Many of Viserys's questions were answered. Yet, as more was revealed, even more questions arose. The more he learned, the more he believed that the Doom of Valyria was no natural disaster but a calamity wrought by man.
Who could have possibly brought such devastation upon the great human empire of Valyria? According to Melisys, the Valyrians were protected by powerful ancient gods. Who had the might to overpower or even kill them, leaving them powerless to prevent the empire's fall?
"Who were Valyria's enemies?" Viserys couldn't help but voice his burning question. Sadly, the fragment of Melisys couldn't provide an answer.
Recognizing the limitations of the fragment, Viserys realized he'd been too impatient. He knew he'd someday return to the enigmatic lost continent of Valyria.
Viserys then made a request to the fragment, seeking answers to his many questions. In return, she would draw sustenance from the golden flame within him. Without this flame, she'd have to return to her deep slumber, potentially forever. Reigniting such a flame was a rare feat, accomplished perhaps once in a millennium.
However, she warned him that her knowledge was limited, and she'd only assist within her capacity. In return, she'd need the golden flame within him to 'sustain her life.' Viserys readily agreed.
"How should I address you?" he asked.
After a brief pause, she responded with a hint of melancholy, "Call me Melisys. I am the last remnant of her in this world."
"Very well."
Viserys nodded and then, recalling her earlier mention of the golden flame, inquired, "Melisys, what exactly is this golden flame within me?"
"The Flame of Faith," she replied promptly.
"You've won the faith of your people. It's the foundation, the first step to becoming a god. There are many gods in this world, representing nations, leaders, or symbols of hope. All possess a unique trait stemming from faith."
This aligned with Viserys's earlier hypothesis regarding divine characteristics. He had labeled it 'divinity,' while Melisys termed it 'faith.'
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