Chapter 415

On the western edge of Elda Domain, a newly carved stretch of barren wasteland had just been crowned with a crude altar.

Nine massive dark-gray stones formed the altar’s base, painted with ancient star charts in pale, bone-colored pigment.

Blue-glowing metal softened in the hiss of flames, poured gently along the altar’s surface, winding into intricate, ancient runes as it solidified.

The mysterious runes interwove, shimmering with a faint blue luminescence under the sunlight.

The massive altar had three tiers, each slightly smaller than the one below, forming a stepped structure.

At the center of the top tier rested an irregular black shard—the fragment of the Spirit Pool.

Though the Spirit Pool fragment was only a tiny portion of the original, it was by no means small—otherwise, Herbert couldn’t have bathed with Valentina inside it.

Its surface was pitted and uneven, emitting a strange, faint glow, yet radiating an aura of profound mystery.

Under the altar’s enhancement, this aura swelled, shocking everyone present.

“This is the altar to communicate with the gods...”

Miser, invited to observe, had buried most of his body underground, leaving only half his head exposed like a stool, his miniature puppet perched atop it.

The puppet rubbed his chin and nodded thoughtfully: “No strong magical fluctuations detected, yet it still connects to the gods—how astonishing!”

Though she had lived among humans for a long time and conducted many trades, she had little contact with the Divine Church.

The True Gods’ Church would never accept someone like her, while too much contact with the Heretical Churches risked trouble.

This was her first time witnessing a divine altar firsthand.

What an eye-opener.

Even Joanna, a member of the Divine Church, was stunned by the sight—though her shock differed from Miser’s.

She was confused.

Outsiders see the spectacle; insiders see the method.

Joanna couldn’t understand why such a crude altar could possibly work.

Miser assumed such simplicity was normal, finding nothing unusual about it.

But in truth, even the lowest-tier altar was dozens of times more complex than this one.

No proper materials, no correct form—so crude it felt like the shamanic altar of some wild, false deity.

No materials, no proper form—it was so crude it made her think it was the shamanic altar of some wilderness false god.

Yet precisely this altar—so simple it baffled Joanna—had genuinely connected to a god.

If she had prepared such an altar, the Ice Goddess wouldn’t just ignore her—she might even punish her afterward!

The punishment? Probably six months of ignoring her prayers.

Why only six months, and not longer? Because by then, Hecathys herself would inevitably break the silence and reach out to Joanna.

Yes, within six months, the Ice Goddess would inevitably break the ice herself.

Don’t ask why—ask why cats who are goddesses behave this way.

Petting cats is an art.

If you please it today, it might ignore you tomorrow.

But if you ignore it for too long, it will trot over, tail raised, rubbing against your calves.

Dealing with such goddesses works the same way.

Actively pleasing Her might earn affection—or dislike—you never know.

But if you ignore Her for long enough, She’ll likely come to you herself, wondering what’s going on with you.

Of course, easy to say—but not everyone has the courage or right to do this.

If you anger a cat, it might scratch you, leave a mark, give you a vaccine, and bleed a bit—that’s all.

If worse comes to worst, you can give it away.

But goddesses in this world truly deliver divine punishment.

Remember: goddesses are usually vengeful.

And cat-like goddesses with poor brains are the worst of all.

Joanna certainly didn’t have the courage to tease the Ice Goddess—she didn’t want to lose Her favor.

Of course, secretly wanting to switch allegiance to the Winter Goddess was another matter entirely—that was about progress!

Of course, her inner desire to switch allegiance to the Goddess of Winter was another matter entirely—that was about progress!

After a moment’s thought, Joanna sighed deeply, attributing the miracle to two words—favor.

Herbert was loved by the gods.

He bore a level of favor she could scarcely imagine.

This seemingly harmless, white-haired boy was deeply cherished by the deity he served.

This seemingly harmless white-haired boy was deeply loved by the deity he served.

Behind her, the priestess squad shared the same thought.

They gazed at Herbert’s tall, upright figure with sincere admiration and envy.

Envious of this extravagant favor, awed that he possessed the right to be favored.

Divine favor never comes without reason—Herbert must possess qualities they didn’t see but the gods admired.

A deity’s favor never comes without reason; on Herbert, there must be some quality unknown to them but admired by the deity.

Among the squad, the divine favored one, Eunil, stood out—her expression different from the others, lips slightly parted, eyes blinking rapidly.

The Winter Goddess now turned her gaze toward him.

Even She was awed by the favor bestowed upon Herbert.

This favor surpassed even the limits of a divine favored one—nearly approaching that granted to a divine child.

Only a god’s own offspring—especially the most beloved one—would receive such devotion.

But She had already confirmed: Herbert carried no trace of divine blood—he was no descendant of any god.

Herbert was not a divine child.

Then why was he so deeply favored?

This mystery made the Winter Goddess even more curious about Herbert’s secret.

She was truly intrigued.

Good, boy—you’ve successfully drawn my attention again!

But to avoid alarming him, Euphemia concealed herself even more carefully.

For now, She had no desire to provoke direct conflict with the unknown deity.

Whether She would later step forward to claim Herbert depended on future developments.

“I’ll need to have Eunil interact more with Herbert—their bond isn’t close enough.”

Though the Winter Goddess wanted Eunil to grow closer to Herbert, She wouldn’t manipulate her body to force it.

“Hmm... let her keep nurturing her friendship with Teresa—they’re already good friends.”

“With this trajectory, she’ll naturally have more contact with Herbert.”

“At this rate, she will naturally have more contact with Herbert.”

Of course, one person among the stunned onlookers was exempt.

Herbert stared at the altar, lips slightly curled, unimpressed.

“Tch. Feels kinda underwhelming.”

Ideally, the altar’s materials should’ve been higher-grade magical components.

Like replacing ordinary stone with purified obsidian soaked in Frost Giant blood, or swapping the star-chart pigment for magic ink made from dragon bone powder...

Herbert had originally planned exactly that—wasn’t that bold?

But later, he gave up.

High EQ version: Herbert was an animal rights advocate—he refused to kill innocent creatures for his own convenience.

The high-emotional-intelligence way to put it: Herbert is an animal rights advocate—he refuses to kill innocent lives for his own selfish gain.

With limited resources, he had to make do with what was available.

For this summoning, the crucial part wasn’t the “channel” to the gods—it was everything else.

He didn’t need the altar to communicate with the gods.

Because the god was already here.

She had long since turned her gaze here—actually, she’d never left.

Had it not been for discretion, Herbert wouldn’t have prepared any altar at all—he could’ve had Nenesha summon the spirits directly.

This “summoning” altar was just for show—to avoid frightening others.

This “summoning” altar was merely for show, to avoid scaring others.

Herbert hesitated, then asked inwardly: “Hey, isn’t this a bit stingy? Should we add something more?”

Even he felt this might be too half-hearted.

Even he wondered if this whole thing was a bit too half-hearted.

Herbert was mercilessly roasted by Nenesha.

【“What are you talking about?”】

Nenesha snapped back: 【“Enough already. It’s not even a big ceremony—just summoning a few spirits. Why make it so complicated?”】

Nenasha replied irritably: “Enough already—it’s not even an important ritual, just awakening a few spirits. Why make it so complicated?”

Herbert pouted inwardly: “I was just trying to create some ceremony, give you some emotional value, you know?”

Herbert curled his lips and muttered to himself: “Aw, I wasn’t trying to chase some sense of ceremony—I was just trying to give you some emotional value.”

What’s this nonsense about the first cup of milk tea of autumn, heartfelt little gifts for Valentine’s Day, year-end summaries, heartfelt confessions on anniversaries…

Aren’t these all the emotional value you’re after?

【“I already said I don’t need any of it.”】

As a result, Miss Xie Shen, who had never fallen into the trap of consumerism, ignored Herbert’s goodwill and punched his “moral coercion” right back.

【“What emotional value? What sense of ritual? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”】

She dismissed it carelessly: 【“Besides, it’s for me—not anyone else. If I think it’s fine, isn’t that enough?”】

Herbert thought about it, and realized the wording was crude but the logic held.

True.

After all, the one receiving the gift hadn’t complained—why should the one giving it obsess over it?

He softly said, “Oh.”

“Oh…”

Still, the principle was one thing, but being rejected despite good intentions made it hard to feel happy.

【“…”】

Sensing Herbert’s low spirits, Nie Nasa hesitated, then unusually explained: 【“Herbert, I’m not complaining to you—this truly isn’t necessary.”】

【“If you really want to give me something in the future, of course you may—I’ll accept it gladly.”】

If Herbert wished to give her a gift, Nie Nasa would gladly accept it.

Intention matters. No one dislikes someone who cares. No one dislikes the feeling of being loved.

But that intention must be used where it counts.

The most important thing about giving gifts isn’t moving yourself—it’s whether the recipient likes it or needs it.

Writing a ten-thousand-word essay to confess your love, exhausting yourself to appear deeply romantic, is nothing but a trick to fool children.

In truth, such a gift brings far less satisfaction than one that actually meets the recipient’s need.

Giving what they truly desire—that’s the real key to gift-giving.

Moreover, someone who truly loves you will never unreservedly accept your one-sided sacrifice.

They’ll feel pity for your effort, be moved by your intention.

Most importantly, they’ll respond in kind, offering you equal return.

Not with hollow words or cheap, careless trinkets to brush you off.

【“But I hope you choose something else—not these meaningless rituals.”】

【“Rather than waste resources on useless things, I’d rather you use them on yourself—to improve your strength quickly and fulfill our promise sooner.”】

Huh?

Herbert blinked, surprised he’d just been lectured by Nie Nasa on this matter. He nodded helplessly.

“Uh… since you put it that way… fine, I’ll do as you say.”

He shrugged helplessly: “You’re the boss here now. Since it’s for you, you decide.”

Herbert didn’t get angry—in fact, he found the situation rather amusing.

He hadn’t actually felt upset earlier; he’d just been at a loss for words.

But after Nie Nasa carefully explained it all, he felt oddly unsettled.

This is weird.

Why is she acting so proper, so virtuous and maternal all of a sudden?

Where’s my usual irresponsible little female demon?

Give her back!

Whoever you are, get out of Nie Nasa’s body right now!

As if hearing Herbert’s inner cry, Nie Nasa—who had just been in virtuous mode—immediately broke character and returned to her true Xie Shen nature.

【“Hehe~ That’s right! I’m the boss!”】

She let out a cute, peculiar noise, smugly humming, then quickly asked: 【“How’s that? Moved? Did you suddenly fall in love with me?”】

【“Did you? Did you?!”】

In good spirits, Herbert readily agreed: “Love it, love it, madly in love.”

【“See how much my acting improved! Hehe! Hahaha!”】

She laughed triumphantly, as if she could no longer pretend.

Listening to the wild, triumphant laughter in his mind, Herbert’s lips curled slightly, and he softly laughed too.

“Heh.”

Given how adorable Nie Nasa had been this time, he’d let it slide that he’d noticed her voice sounded a little guilty and shy.

It wasn’t that she couldn’t keep up the act—it was that she’d suddenly realized what she’d just done, and was now laughing to hide her embarrassment.

Herbert was kind-hearted—he’d let her little trick slide this time.

He looked up at the darkening sky and nodded slightly.

“Hmm, time’s about right.”

It was nearly the dusk hour Nie Nasa had requested.

【“Hahaha, cough cough… yeah, I’m ready. We can start anytime.”】

He turned his head, nodded with a smile at the half-horse lady standing quietly beside him, clutching a cloth sack: “Sophia, go—awaken your people.”

Sophia bowed low and replied respectfully: “As you command.”

She walked slowly to the altar, opened the sack, and poured its contents out.

One by one, amber-colored soul crystals, shimmering with tiny silver sparks, slid from the sack and gently fell into the pool.

The instant the soul crystals touched the water, the entire altar shuddered violently!

Hum—

The once-still runes blazed to life like torches ignited, their light racing along the rune paths, spreading rapidly across the barren land around the altar, forcing the onlookers to retreat.

When the final soul crystal was cast in, the Spirit Pool erupted in a blinding flash of light.

The light shot skyward like a colossal pillar, dispersing the mist and illuminating the wasteland.

Everyone stared, stunned—none had expected such a spectacle.

And those shocked by this upheaval were far more than just those present!

Though the light faded quickly and spread no farther than a few li,

at the very moment it appeared, deep within the heart of the Mist Mountains, several figures jolted upright.

!!!

They vaguely sensed something—and instantly turned their gazes toward the light’s origin, as if piercing through layers of mist.

Those ancient, lifeless eyes suddenly came alive, blazing with intensity!

Their expressions burned with the fervor of lost wanderers who’d finally glimpsed the beacon guiding their path.

“That’s…”

“That feeling again!”

“Our Lord…”

“Are you still there?”

“Our Lord!”

They stirred with excitement, ready to rush toward the light, to welcome their god’s return.

But just as they prepared to move, it was as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped on them—they all froze simultaneously.

“…”

They stood motionless, lost in thought, hesitant—then gradually fell silent, the fire in their eyes slowly dimming.

They had been disappointed too many times.

They no longer wished to be disappointed again.

Besides, in their hearts, other thoughts lingered.

So many years had passed—the god was no longer the god of old.

And they… were no longer who they once were.

…

【“…Huh? None of you came?”】

Nie Nasa silently sensed their reactions, unsurprised, and let out two cold laughs: 【“Heh, you lot, wait. You’ll regret this.”】

She wasn’t surprised by their “betrayal,” but neither was she pleased.

She understood their reasoning—but still could not forgive their choice.

After all, she was a goddess who held grudges.

Today, Nie Nasa was in a good mood—rarely, she’d extended an olive branch, offering divine favor, giving them a chance to repent.

Who knew they’d completely reject it?

Hmph.

You all wait.

When the time comes, I’ll make you all pay a terrible price!

【“Forget them. Now, back to business.”】 Nie Nasa grumbled inwardly—much work remained undone.

She melted down the discarded soul crystals, reshaped them, and awakened the slumbering wills within.

Finally, the change began.

The dissolving beam of light shattered into countless tiny specks, gathering in midair to form a massive light cocoon.

The cocoon continuously expanded, as if breathing with a life of its own.

Moments later, accompanied by a low rumble, the cocoon suddenly shattered.

Crack! Crack! Crack! Boom!

Countless rays of light rained outward like falling meteors, as if a brilliant shower of blossoms had descended from the heavens.

Within the light, dozens of figures gradually emerged—silent spirits of the fallen, awakening once more.

They wore different garments: some clad in armor, others in long mage robes, still others in leather armor…

Moreover, though they retained human forms, none were human—they were all non-human races.

Elves, dwarves, halflings… and among them, two centaur spirits identical to Sophia.

Their power was not great; the strongest were merely Gao Jie, none having reached the Legendary realm.

Yet when gathered together, their collective impact far surpassed that of a single Legendary warrior!

Though their eyes remained closed, standing quietly upon the altar, the air around them trembled faintly.

For they were not mortals—they were the will of the gods!

A gentle breeze brushed past, causing the closed-eyed spirits to slowly open their eyes.

“…Hm?”

“Who?”

“Who awakened me…”

They opened their eyes slowly, gazing in confusion at the long-lost world.

The spirits felt they had forgotten much, yet still remembered the emptiness before their slumber.

They had once been unwilling, unwilling to sink into such deep sleep.

Then…

All the spirits’ gazes halted—they saw a stranger’s figure.

A tall, slender youth stood quietly beneath the dim twilight, smiling gently at them.

“Who?”

“That’s…”

No.

There was no need to ask.

Even though his appearance had changed.

They still recognized that figure.

Without a word or command, the spirits leapt from the altar and knelt before him.

He was the god they would follow!

Though His form had changed, though they had forgotten their past,

they would still steadfastly follow Him, bowing at His feet.

“My Lord…”

The spirits wept with tearful joy, heads bowed, sobbing softly.

“You have finally returned!”

They had not been abandoned.

The god still lovingly cherished them, these lost lambs.

“Returned?”

The white-haired, gray-eyed god lowered his gaze, looking down at the prostrate servants, and smiled faintly:

“No, this is far from a return.”

This return paled in comparison to the future he had once promised Nena Sha.

“Yet, though it is still far from enough,”

Herbert smiled faintly, whispering to himself: “But at least, I’ve taken another step toward my goal.”

(End of Chapter)