DxD: The Dragon Oppai {Chapter 194: What exactly is Yggdrasil?! ] (Patreon)

Athena responded with a measured tone, "I am merely being objective and exploring all possibilities. A wise individual does not dismiss an inconvenient truth simply because it challenges their worldview. I'm not stating that I believe it, but I refuse to discard it without concrete evidence to disprove it. The reality is that we do not have all the answers, and only a blind zealot would outright reject all possibilities without proper investigation."

Amaterasu expressed concern, "I wonder if our parents, Izanagi and Izanami, possess any knowledge regarding this matter?"

Artemis interjected, her curiosity piqued, "Thor, what did your pantheon refer to as the world tree that connects all realms?"

Thor replied thoughtfully, "Yggdrasil."

Artemis placed a hand on her chin, contemplating, "If we consider the dragon's theory literally, could Yggdrasil be the remains of the original creator?"

Thor appeared puzzled, "How could a tree be a corpse?"

Verethragna, stroking his beard, asked, "What exactly is Yggdrasil?"

Athena provided an explanation, "Yggdrasil is the term used by the Norse Gods and the Jotnar to describe the interconnected realms and worlds that comprise our existence. It symbolizes a cosmic tree that links various realms through its branches and roots. While their pantheon acknowledges nine realms, other pantheons recognize additional realms."

Verethragna contemplated the information, "So, what could the dimensional gap be? Wasn't it considered the space between worlds?"

Athena clarified, "Not precisely. The heavens, earth, and the underworld are interconnected in some way, as are other realms. My theory is that the Dimensional Gap exists outside of Yggdrasil or any similar cosmological structure."

Verethragna glanced at Thor, intrigued, "Your pantheon's interpretation of Yggdrasil is fascinating. In our pantheon, we have a similar concept known as the Cosmic Tree of Life, which connects the entire universe. The Hebrews referred to it as the Kabbalah."

"That can't be mere coincidence. Many creation myths across different cultures involve trees and their association with knowledge and enlightenment," Rossweisse interjected, her eyes reflecting urgency.

"I'm curious to know what the Egyptians would contribute to this discussion. Ra, one of the oldest gods, had knowledge of their pantheon's progenitor, Nun. According to their beliefs, Nun emerged from primordial waters, similar to Ymir's birth from ice. Additionally, we have the primordials to consider..." Athena speculated further.

"Thor mentioned that King Odin sought counsel from Mimir. The Allfather entrusted Mimir to the Norns at the Well of Urd several centuries ago to reconstruct his body after the Vanir severed his head. If anyone can unravel this mystery, it would likely be Mimir, the most intelligent god we know," Rossweisse suggested, recognizing the potential insight Mimir could provide.

The gods continued to delve into the intricacies of their respective mythologies, pondering the connections between Yggdrasil, the Cosmic Tree of Life, and the potential insights that Mimir might hold. They understood that deciphering this enigma would require a combination of knowledge, ancient wisdom, and the willingness to explore uncharted territories.

Thor nodded in agreement, acknowledging the significance of Mimir's knowledge about the Dragon Gods and the potential insights he could provide regarding Ophis and her motives within the Dimensional Gap.

Athena turned to Verethragna, expressing her interest, "Lord Verethragna, I believe it would be valuable to discuss this matter with Ormuzd. His wisdom, particularly concerning Ahriman, would be invaluable. Will he be joining us?"

Verethragna hesitated before responding, "That's a bit complicated... Ahura Mazda is unable to leave his current location."

Athena looked puzzled, seeking clarification, "Why is that?"

"He is bound to the Tree of Life. To prevent Angra Mainyu's powers from seeping out of Cocytus and corrupting the Underworld, he had to bind himself to the tree in the heavens. This binding also enables him to nourish and protect the Earth with his own power on a larger scale," Verethragna explained.

Athena expressed surprise, "I had no knowledge of this... I apologize."

Verethragna assured her, "It's understandable. We can still communicate with him, but it would require a journey to his location. Mithra traveled there as well."

Rossweisse interjected, raising a question, "Lady Athena, Hermod mentioned Zeus having dealings with the Fates. I admit I don't possess much knowledge about them. Could they offer valuable insights on this matter?"

Athena nodded, "Indeed, the Fates share similarities with the Norns. While I don't possess extensive knowledge about them, they primarily communicate with my father. Hera believes them to be his daughters, but their true nature remains uncertain. I am quite certain, however, that they are primordial beings."

Susanoo, growing impatient, interjected, "Enough of this deliberation! What is our plan now?"

Athena sighed, recognizing the need for action, "For now, we must exercise patience and wait for two days. I will send a message to Olympus, informing them of Ophis' imminent arrival."

Thor added, giving a command to Rossweisse, "Do the same for Asgard, Rossweisse."

"Yes, my lord!" Rossweisse acknowledged with a nod.

Beyond the Earth's Firmament,

The journey of the four Olympians in search of the Sisters of Fate had been uneventful thus far. Zeus, accompanied by his brother Poseidon and his sisters Demeter and Hera, ventured beyond the boundaries of the world's firmament, entering an island realm situated between realms. Apart from Zeus, none of them had ever ventured to this realm before.

Currently, Poseidon, Hera, and Demeter rode on the back of Zeus, who had transformed into a giant eagle. Hera voiced her annoyance as they approached the island over an abyssal void beyond the edges of the spiritual realm, "Zeus, why couldn't we simply teleport here?"

"I have already explained this, Hera... Teleportation is not possible to reach the Island of Fate. It exists beyond the earthly realm, within the cosmic branches of the spiritual plane. We had to physically traverse the spiritual plane between worlds through the Hyperion Gate, and now we must cross this void to reach their realm," Zeus responded, despite his current eagle form.