“So you’re saying these thinly spread positions on the board aren’t relying on reinforcements from the outside? Now that is quite absurd.”
“If you’re going to prepare liquor, couldn’t you bring something stronger? Grape or barley is fine…but bring me a distilled spirit aged at least twenty years.”
The dragon’s long tongue dripped as he snorted with annoyance. The Seer looked at him angrily but then brought out a few barrels from another world anyway.
“Water of life, eh? Much obliged. I’ve been holed up at the god seat lately, so I haven’t had the chance to tour any distilleries.”
“By all means, drink to your fill. I can provide as much ‘water for your final moments’ as you like.”
“The Goddess of Victory is at my side. And so only the finest wine of triumph will be drunk by me.”
The Dragon God picked up one of the barrels and removed the lid with his claws. And then he began to drink from it as if it was a cup.
“I see. Vulgar and slothful in bearing… I suppose such behavior is perfectly befitting for the gluttonous lord of dragons.”
“Tell me, has there ever been a time when we gods, sitting on our thrones and baring our ego while ruling over the mortal world…were not vulgar? What I find far more detestable is those who loudly insist that they are the sole noble and pure god. A lofty god never stained by base conduct.”
“Don’t misunderstand me. I choose to soil myself of my own accord. If that’s what it takes to change this utterly chaotic game.”
The Seer walked up to the water mirror and pointed to his own army below.
“Let the gods themselves gaze upon it. The might of my host, and the fruits of their power.”
And then the water mirror showed the entirety of the Morania lands.
“A god is meant to guide and to grant solace to humankind. The true path of this ‘game’ should have been to protect the world from demonic hands and bring prosperity and peace. And now my followers possess the power to do just that.”
People traveled up and down the paved roads. And with the technologies bestowed upon them, industries were flourishing.
After showing all of it like a glittering jewel, the Seer proudly boasted of his achievements.
“Grant unto the faithful happiness and prosperity without distinction! This is the true form of divine authority!”
The scene suddenly changed to the battlefield once again, showing the movement of the monster army.
And in the lead, clearly visible, was the kobold and the minotaur general.
“But those without power have no way to bring such things to pass. They cling pitifully to this ‘game’ merely to preserve their own authority. These lesser gods go so far as to commit such acts of betrayal without the slightest shame!”
The gazes of the other gods turned towards the two with quiet reproach.
Salia accepted it in silence as her eyes fixed on Sheto.
No one objected to the Seer’s words. After all, through striving for victory in the game and choosing the most practical means available to her, she was now on the verge of tearing down one corner of their world’s prosperity.
Even so, she had no intention of denying the promise they had exchanged, nor the resolve sworn by that small monster.
“The question of where righteousness lies is now plain for all to see. By divine authority, I shall grind that creature’s wickedness and tyranny into the dust!”
The Seer must have felt good about her silence, as he used the opportunity to unleash the definitive words.
“And I will declare it right here. I shall win this game and reform the current system from its very foundations. From this moment on, only those capable of making the divine radiance known upon the mortal world shall be permitted to participate.”
The onlookers let out wordless groans.
The accusing gazes turned toward her with confusion and unease, and then shifted to the Seer. Ignoring it all with cold indifference, the God of Wisdom looked upon Saia with triumphant confidence.
“This is a holy war. A feat that only a righteous god can achieve. The foolish monsters should accept their defeat and destruction.”
A haughty face, intent on crushing all things beneath its own divine radiance.
And the legitimacy that supported his confidence.
“Heh…”
Salia laughed at all of it.
With a smile that seemed to rebel against everything.
“My friend, Canila Farada, told me this. That there was one who sought to break the seal upon my star. He used the secret of world-devouring and opened the first hostilities with the monsters.”
And then the murmuring of the crowd changed to silence.
Bonus chapter courtesy of Photo. Thank you so much!!