What is a god?
A might that transcends the mundane.
A status that governs the world.
An indescribable loftiness.
The god said, "Let there be light."
The world shrouded in darkness was left with nothing but blinding brightness. All things floated in the light, warm yet scorching.
The thunder in the clouds, the sun in the sky, the boundless earth, the rising mist, and the howling storm.
All were lost in the purity of the light.
...
Three days later.
Xu Xi appeared in a new city with Krisha. The city, named "Varge," was Xu Xi's chosen new residence.
In their newly purchased home, Krisha was busy checking for any missing furniture or necessities.
Xu Xi, meanwhile, sat in the living room armchair.
Recalling the "divine punishment" from three days ago.
"Incredible..."
"As expected of a god, to accomplish such a feat so effortlessly—annihilating the monsters in Allenson City while protecting the surviving soldiers."
"The terrain and landscape around Allenson City were almost completely reshaped."
"How much power was used...?"
"10%? No, perhaps not even 1%."
Xu Xi closed his eyes in contemplation, holding a nearly shattered staff in his hand.
That day, the god's primary target had been the monsters, but its attack was so grand that even from a distance, the violent shockwaves forced Xu Xi to exhaust all his trump cards.
He cast dozens of level 7 spells in succession.
Only then did he barely manage to neutralize the residual impact of the "light" as it struck the ground.
Protecting both himself and the witch.
Such an experience was undeniably dangerous and harrowing, but it was worth it. By witnessing the god's descent and the fervor of the rescued soldiers, Xu Xi finally pieced together the truth.
"Extra! Extra!"
On the streets outside, a newsboy's excited cries echoed.
"Allenson City in the North ravaged by monster invasion! Multiple armies defeated, Allenson City nearly destroyed!"
"The great God of Light intervened, saving the survivors!"
"Extra! Extra!"
"The God of Light has bestowed divine grace!"
The cries spread further, drawing the attention of more passersby who hurriedly bought newspapers, eagerly reading the news.
Upon seeing Allenson City's invasion, their faces filled with sorrow.
Upon hearing of the human armies' defeat, their faces filled with fear.
Upon learning of the God of Light's descent, their faces filled with fervor.
"Praise the great God of Light, the Lord of Infinite Radiance. May light forever exist in the world, protecting the weak until death."
"Thank you for saving us once again!"
Some of the God of Light's followers immediately began to sing praises.
People sighed, prayed, and their expressions gradually turned devout.
The emotional ones shed tears.
Even those who were not believers could not help but be influenced by the fervent atmosphere, murmuring a few words of gratitude to the gods.
All of this.
Was observed by Xu Xi.
He saw through the gods' scheme.
"Creating the situation of a monster invasion, then sending human armies to their deaths, further highlighting the monsters' strength and the urgency of the crisis."
"Finally, the lofty gods intervene, not only harvesting human faith but also instilling fear and reverence."
Xu Xi pondered, sighing, "What a ruthless tactic."
The gods' understanding of human psychology.
Had clearly reached an extraordinary level.
They knew that if humans became too comfortable, no one would worship the gods.
Thus, the gods actively created danger, actively manufactured disasters, and when humans were struggling in despair, they stepped in as saviors.
In this way, they harvested people's faith, ensuring the devotion and adoration of their followers.
It must be said.
This method was indeed effective.
Within Xu Xi's line of sight, many had already chosen to join the divine church, wanting to experience the gods' might more closely and become magic users who worshipped the gods.
"Perhaps, this is also one of their goals."
Xu Xi remarked.
His index finger lightly tapped the armrest of the chair, producing a faint echo.
Faith mages and elemental mages.
Both could cast spells, but their paths were fundamentally different.
Faith mages drew their power from the god they worshipped. The god's blessings determined the extent of their abilities.
Thus, the pinnacle of this path was becoming a demigod, with no possibility of advancing further.
A servant could never surpass their master.
This was an immutable law of the world.
But elemental mages were different. These mages observed the world, comprehended its truths, and could truly ignite the divine spark, ascending to wield the world's authority.
The gods seemed unwilling to allow new deities to emerge, so they subtly promoted the convenience of faith mages, gradually reducing the space for elemental mages to thrive.
In this way.
The gods could sit comfortably in the clouds, overlooking the confused masses.
"If that's the case, then I'll have to be more careful in the future," Xu Xi muttered with a click of his tongue.
He had a strong intuition.
In this world of magic, he might very well be the strongest elemental mage. If his power continued to grow, it was highly likely to attract the attention of the gods.
That was not a result Xu Xi wished to see.
He had no desire to wake up one day and find himself, a mere grand mage, facing the combined assault of dozens or even hundreds of true gods.
Me, fighting gods? Really?
The thought was both absurd and despairing, and Xu Xi wanted no part of it.
"Ignorance can indeed be a blessing."
Xu Xi slowly stood up, stretching his limbs. His gaze passed through the window, observing the streets filled with excited followers of the gods.
The believers thought the gods loved humanity.
But in truth, the gods only loved themselves.
This lie, this carefully woven deception, could not be called entirely evil.
People provided faith, and the gods provided power. It was, after all, a mutually beneficial transaction.
For 99% of people, the path of the elemental mage was unattainable. If they could achieve greater heights through fervent devotion to the gods, it might even be a good thing.
If there was any price to pay.
It was the occasional need to live in fear, lest they become sacrifices in the name of "divine miracles."
Like in this case with Allenson City, where the combined death toll of local citizens and supporting soldiers approached a million, a truly tragic figure.
"Choo—"
"Choo—"
The sound of steam hissed, and a faint mist filled the new home.
Krisha approached, having activated the steam system in the house.
"Master, everything is in order. No deficiencies were found."
"Good work, Krisha."
Looking at the girl with silver-gray hair, Xu Xi instinctively met her gaze. As before, the only thing reflected in her eyes was his own image.
"Come, I'll cook today."
"Huh...?"
The witch was surprised but obediently followed Xu Xi.
Time flowed, and home was no longer what it once was. The surroundings were entirely unfamiliar.
But with a familiar presence by her side.
She felt no fear.
On the way to the kitchen, Krisha also heard the fervent cries from outside, offering blessings to the gods.
She paid them no mind, keeping close to her own "god."