The Investiture: Unlimited Blade Works Nezha

Currently, Nyx stands proud at the pinnacle of this world. Nezha reckons that in the vast Primordial world, she may be equivalent to a Quasi-Saint who hasn't performed Corpse Cutting. To say she's not strong would be wrong, as she belongs to the top tier of existence among the countless beings in the Primordial realm. But to say she's truly powerful? Well, even excluding the Six Saints, there are still several entities capable of defeating her soundly.

Moreover, if placed head-to-head with Primordial Immortals of the same realm in the Primordial world, Nyx would undoubtedly be outmatched.

The laws of this world are far too incomplete compared to those of the Primordial realm—utterly incomparable. And as for things like Magical Treasures, the gap is even more staggering; in this world, what they call Divine Artifacts would amount to nothing more than scrap metal outside of it.

Nezha doesn't truly know whether Nyx's claims are true or false, but it doesn't matter at all. Right now, he doesn't even know what his true goal is or how he might obtain Hongmeng Purple Qi.

"I'm satisfied with your answer. I agree to collaborate."

As he spoke, Nezha extended his hand.

Nyx smiled faintly and reached out her hand. "We are destined to be the ultimate victors."

Their hands met in a light grasp, marking their agreement. Nezha then asked, half in thought, "So, what should I do now?"

"Fulfill the Twelve Glories decreed by your destiny. You've only to become greater and more spectacular to draw the attention of the world's will. Following the path destined for you is the best shortcut."

After deliberating about their future plans, the two parted ways. Nyx would secretly hide Nezha's true identity and offer assistance when the need arose.

Holding a strip of Nyx's dress in hand, Nezha resolved to complete the Twelve Glories decreed by his destiny. Nyx, as the manifestation of night, had fabric that intrigued him—a material reminiscent of Immortal Weave crafted by the Weaver from nebulous starlight, yet purely natural.

Nezha fashioned Nyx's hem into a robe, now draped in an aura of night, adding layers of mystique and dignity to his presence. The transformation allowed him to shed the appearance of a lowly shepherd and take on a more regal demeanor.

Early the next morning, after finishing the last of his plump lambs, Nezha decided to return to his long-abandoned homeland of Thebes in pursuit of Hera's puppet—Oulistros—a tool-like figure capable of issuing quests.

Rushing day and night, it took Nezha over a month to finally reach his childhood home. The place hadn't changed much, with its forlorn atmosphere intact: commoners wore expressions of despair.

Grown as Nezha now was, cloaked in the Divine Power of night, ordinary mortals couldn't recall the brilliant prodigy of earlier years. After a bit of discreet inquiry in the capital, Nezha learned that the current King was no longer his adoptive father; reportedly, his death had been due to illness.

During his inquiries, he also gleaned troubling tidbits—such as tales of oppression and exploitation by the Elginos people. Clearly, this King was far worse than his late adoptive father.

Nezha believed firmly in repaying kindness and avenging wrongs. That former King's care held immense significance to him. While he couldn't venture to the Netherworld to ask about lingering wishes, settling this matter of injustice seemed a fitting way to pay homage.

Proceeding toward the familiar Royal Palace, Nezha's imposing aura made the palace guards hesitant to show arrogance. Upon hearing Nezha's request to see the King, they rushed off to make the announcement.

Within the Royal City, a crowd quickly gathered at the sight of this unfolding scene. When Nezha removed his cloak, some elders recognized him vaguely despite the passage of time.

"Could it be...? Is it the genius Hercules of yore?"

"It truly is Hercules! We might be saved after all!"

"I've heard tales of him being the foster son of a former King—a hero proficient in martial arts, literature, and music alike!"

Nezha found the crowd's reaction to be agreeable. Yes, these people had good taste.

"Citizens, I am Hercules. News of my homeland suffering oppression at the hands of outsiders reached me during my travels. This is unacceptable. Rest assured, I will restore the peace and prosperity you once knew."

"Hurrah! This is wonderful—it really is Hercules!"

"The genius has finally returned!"

The King, upon hearing the jubilant commotion outside the palace gates, wore a face of relief and joy. He understood that if the oppressive situation continued, his realm would soon meet its doom.

Emerging from the palace, the King warmly invited Nezha inside for hospitality. During the banquet, the King eagerly asked, "Honored hero Hercules, do you truly have a plan to defeat the Elginos people?"

Nezha nodded solemnly and then laid out his own terms. "My return is driven by a search for my family. Do you have any information about them?"

The King pondered for a moment before replying, "The former Queen has remarried the former Judicial Officer. As for your brother, I believe he now reigns as King in Mycenae."

"Then, as a condition for aiding you in resisting the Elginos people, you must promise to take good care of the Queen and her family."

The King agreed enthusiastically.

Following the banquet, Nezha didn't rest. Instead, he visited Athena's temple. According to the narrative, the temple stored a wealth of weapons intended for the Thebans to overthrow the Elginos people under his leadership. But Nezha found such a method too troublesome.

Pushing open the temple's grand doors, Athena seemed to have been waiting for him. Upon seeing the brilliant maiden again, Nezha's attention instinctively fell on the owl perched on her shoulder.

This creature's incessant fixation on his most private parts back then was a memory he hadn't forgotten.

"Hey, have you eaten?"

Athena had originally wondered what heartfelt words would mark their reunion, but... this?

"Is this truly how you greet your elder sister?"

"You're Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom. Life surely treats you well; you don't need my concern."

Perhaps influenced by Nezha's easygoing demeanor, Athena herself gradually let go and responded playfully.