“By the way, what has brought you here in such a rush. And when you reside so far away? Surely, it could not be that you have grown weary of all the gossip and have escaped those noisy little sparrows?”
“Now that Saliashe has acquired so many territories, continuing these games will inevitably have a great effect. And so I have come with the intention of inviting her to the gathering of gods.”
The other gods muttered to each other after hearing Furukamuto’s words.
The gathering in the clouds, who observed all and held the games in their hands.
Within the celestial world, it was the highest seat that the gods all dreamed of reaching.
“You are now a greater god. There should be no reason for you to lock horns and engage in petty skirmishes anymore… Join us, Goddess of Peace.”
Any other god would have replied immediately and agreed. However, Salia smiled like a poisonous flower.
“Let’s put an end to these little tricks, Seer.”
“…Tricks?”
She had seen through it. Though, after considering his words and actions up until now, it would not have been difficult.
“You make such an offer after corrupting the gods here and disrespecting the one to whom I owe a debt… In short, you meant for me to say no, didn’t you?”
“…Oh?”
“But if I had answered to your contempt with obedience and flattery anyway, then the invitation would still carry its literal meaning. However, I have instead shown my displeasure. At this point, the offer changes to a declaration of war.”
The Seer looked at her with amusement.
“So, you provoke me with harsh words, push me to declare war…so you can strike down my subordinate while the situation is still unstable, is that right?”
“And you won’t be so easily moved? Do you really think you have been perceptive enough, that you understand the truth and weight of my words?”
“I will accept it. Your invitation.”
Furukamuto’s eyes widened a little, and then he smiled.
“What is the matter? I just agreed to accept your invitation…”
“Very well. However, there is a condition.”
“The condition being…I must cut off and discard the foul subordinate monster at once?”
The air seemed to chill around them. There was a sharp hostility in her eyes. The Seer opened his mouth with an angry look.
“…So, you are backing out?”
“Just a confirmation. I wanted to get a glimpse of your designs… And the answer was rather boring.”
“You misunderstand me.”
With a look of annoyance, the Seer brought up a water mirror in the air.
What was shown was a beautiful army with polished armor. They marched in perfect order, making their way through the path in the wilds.
“Your words seem to be based on the assumption that the strength of the pawns each of us holds is in an equal state… But after seeing this, do you still think you can hold onto such a ridiculous belief?”
Among the marching army, there were the giant, mountain-like forms of demon beasts. A manticore glared maliciously, a hydra hissed with numerous heads, and a flock of wyverns flew above.
However, even with such an army, they were blocked by a group of greatshield wielders in the forefront.
As soon as the enemy army stopped, magic and arrows flew, and then the cavalry charged with their longspears.
“My Radiant Milites are soldiers of unmatched strength. Even a single soldier possesses the power to rival the Heroes from other worlds who serve lesser gods.”
As they watched, the monsters were trampled and torn apart in no time. Salia could not help but bite her lip a little.
“After this, my Hero’s army will travel south from northern Morania, and slay the monsters there. And then, they will destroy the northern demon general. By the way, I believe your subordinate is still in the Elephas mountains?”
“…You are well-informed.”
“My army should pass through in the not so distant future. And they will avenge the insult faced by the hundred heroes. And crush the blight that has soiled the celestial world.”
He said confidently. However, she was not sure how to respond to the challenge. A single kobold going up against a powerful army. The end of that was certain death.
“After seeing this, do you still think the same way? That your pathetic kobold could survive against my Hero?”
“Tsk…”
“Hmm? This is odd…”
The dragon god had been silent for some time, but he now peered into the mirror.
“Seer. The most important piece is not even in view.”
“…What are you talking about?”
“You have merely shown your soldiers. But why are you hiding the one who leads this army? The great and courageous figure who is the embodiment of your will?”
Indeed. The Hero was not visible through the mirror. All of the soldiers looked similar, and there was no one who wore something to suggest they were a leader.
The Seer laughed at this observation.
“Ah, but my army does not use such inefficient methods. A shouting commander or blowing whistle are not needed, dragon god.”
“…Ah, I see. Indeed. And so what is it that makes this army invincible?”
“The divine rule?”
Salia muttered, and then the mirror disappeared.
The power to change the laws in the realm of the games, granting various blessings to the Heroes. As one of the four pillar gods, it would be well within his ability to wield such a power freely.
“In that case, should I take this as you rejecting any attempts to negotiate, Goddess of Peace?”
“That is…”
“Seer. May I ask you one question?”
The god of wisdom lifted an eyebrow, but the dragon continued cheerfully as if he had not noticed.
“Your Hero has gone to Morania, is that not so?”
“…It is true.”
“I see. Very good.”
As if satisfied by this, the golden dragon rose up and took off into the air.
“Let us go then, Salia.”
“Go? Where?”
“My god seat. I have now read the Seer’s hand. And so we must plan ahead.”
The crowd of onlookers were shocked by this. And the dragon soon disappeared beyond the door. As Salia was about to follow him, she suddenly turned around.
The Seer’s eyes seemed to pierce through her.
And even after she went through the door, to the world that was cut off from all others, the impression of his eyes did not leave her.