Only God

Under the threat of Storm God Utus, that group of Divines eventually chose to retreat.

Even though Laiendos, with the Sword of Victory in hand, stood on their side, and by all accounts, victory should have been assured for them, who could bear the cost of that victory?

The presence of Laiendos and the Sword of Victory could only guarantee victory, but not ensure whether it would be a grand victory or a pyrrhic one.

And a Fifth Rank Divine, even with the number of Divines on their side pulling out all the stops, could still very likely result in a pyrrhic victory.

Sibos was almost biting his teeth through in frustration. He had held so many feasts, sent so many casks of fine wine, only to be met with such an outcome in the end.

But there was nothing he could do, no matter how much the Divines on the field despised Utus and Laren, they were helpless.

So, Sibos and the throng of Divines chose to leave, and that party of Divines completely disbanded. The site of the banquet was littered with shattered goblets and spilled wine, a scene of utter disarray.

Watching the Divines disappear into the sky above Kaelonde, Hiris let out a deep sigh, slowly put down the furnace, and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Although the God of Mountains and Craftsmen had just regarded the assembly of gods with indifference, He couldn't guarantee that if a conflict were to erupt between them, the three of them would be able to come out unscathed.

However, the outcome was still somewhat acceptable. Sibos and other Divines had departed, and without Laren, the linchpin, all their prior schemes and tricks turned to naught, and it was now impossible for Laren to return. According to what Xilan had said, they had become "people belonging to God."

"Speaking of which... Xilan, where has he gone?"

Hiris turned and asked softly.

Laren and Utus exchanged a glance and, realizing neither knew of Xilan's whereabouts, shook their heads repeatedly.

"I don't know. Ever since he came here with us, he told me that he was leaving the rest up to us,"

Laren spoke out.

Xilan had come to Kaelonde with the three Divines from Pasofilo Sixfold Mountain. After arriving at the foot of the Royal City, Xilan had vanished without a trace, and no one could figure out where he had gone.

"Should we go look for him?"

Storm God Utus lowered his gaze, looking toward the city that was indulging in post-crisis celebration.

Pairs of raised hands, pairs of upward-looking eyes, and many praising mouths were expressing their fervent faith towards the Divines in the sky.

Hiris hesitated and closed His eyes, pondering laboriously.

After a long while, the God of Mountains and Craftsmen spoke:

"No need. The revelations he has given us are plentiful enough."

As the words fell, they were quickly agreed upon by Laren.

"I think so too,"

said Laren, turning His gaze towards the devotees of the Dream God within the Royal City.

"Next, I will expose my sins to my Believers.

I will make them understand the extent of the wrongs they have committed under my seduction, and that all of it stems from me."

The Storm God and the God of Mountains and Craftsmen were surprised by Laren's decision.

They had long understood Laren's remorseful heart but hadn't known He would go to such lengths for penance.

It's known that in the eyes of the Believers, the Divines they worship are impeccable. Yet, Laren was about to admit His errors and sins, proactively destroying the image of a flawless Divine Statue.

How many in this world could do the same?

Kafu the Sixth, who was viewed as "Hiris's Glory," was once a valiant ruler, but after defeat, he still sought to deceive his subjects with lies rather than reveal the truth to the public.

Nimirda, who led the Elves away, was worshipped like a Holy King by the Exiles. Even after perishing in a great fire, his successor continued to claim: The Holy King was flawless; he was just beguiled by a venomous serpent.

...In this world, whether at high positions or amongst the common people, they have long become accustomed to lies, to covering up their own flaws, to finding excuses and reasons for their mistakes. How many are truly willing to step forward and willingly shoulder responsibility?

"The toughest barrier to overcome is dignity.

But I've realized that I can't continue to cover up my sins just to maintain my dignity.

After this, let as many people leave as will leave.

Let them go,

And those who are willing to follow, come."

Laren spoke softly, as if these words were meant for Hiris and Utus to hear, and perhaps also for Himself.

Hiris and Utus involuntarily nodded slightly; they understood that what Laren was about to do required tremendous courage.

Then, they watched Laren leave, witnessing Him reveal His sins to the Believers.

.............

.............

Denis hid in the room of an inn, trembling with fear.

"Damn it, damn it, why did I have to come to a place like this.

God, forgive me, please forgive me."

Denis had already been scared half to death by the fire, and even though the fire had ceased, he dare not venture out of the room.

The cheering from outside grew louder. He carefully pushed open the wooden window and smelled the intense smoky scent, which made him choke and collapse on the floor, coughing, with his corpulence shaking.

Denis clumsily got up from the ground and held his head, regretting deeply that he had actually come to Kaelonde.

As a regional Bishop, he had enjoyed a lavish life in that sanctified and luxurious Grand Cathedral, not only with offerings from Believers and financial support from the Empire but also lands and farms—many of which were his private property. Beyond material wealth, his spirit was immensely enriched. During the day, countless people revered and loved him as the Archbishop, and at night, he was served by beautiful and charming lovers. No matter how one thought about it, it was a life of utmost happiness without blemish.