Chapter 411: Let Us Celebrate! (Part 3)

"The protection of wings!"

The bird-shaped black flames within the fire emitted a tremendous sound.

Jier muttered to himself: "Next is—the patron god of hunters? Ha, but he is currently being chased by a hunter, so how does that work?"

"Ancient messenger of the wilderness!" The tremendous voice actually skipped over the title, or rather the divine essence, of the patron god of hunters, which secretly startled Jier. But then he thought, if the great bird deity didn't take the initiative to speak of this, then besides him, no one else present would know, right?

Thinking of it this way, there was no problem.

"I am the shadow! I am the wings! I am the hunter of the sky! At the same time, I am also the darkest nightmare of you mortals!"

The tremendous voice echoed in the center of the camp. Most of the commoners had no time to listen to what was being said in the pitch-black campfire; only some particularly bold fellows dared to listen to the words of an unknown existence whose status as friend or foe was unclear during such an uncertain situation.

Bata'er Jiaoshi held his Metal Long Staff high, cyan divine power of the Agricultural God circulating at high speed over his body; clearly, he had already actively raised his defenses to the highest state. At this moment, he frowned, muttering to himself: "What kind of classical old-school god? This era is no longer one where one can gain people's faith just by intimidating them."

He glanced at Jier, who was standing not far away with a few Dwarves. The unknown god's rhetoric and the symbols that appeared were somewhat similar to an ancient god Jier had briefly mentioned while on the road, one that had entangled him.

Sigh, it was supposed to be a wonderful day of celebration; who would have thought it would be ruined by such a reckless, backward god.

Jier, you have to bear the primary responsibility.

Meanwhile, the Dwarf Wild Priest had recovered from the frustration of his own god not favoring him. The old Dwarf and his companions were currently discussing what was happening before them under the protection of three other Dwarves.

The old Dwarf was knowledgeable; he had caught a few glimpses of the human girl's dance earlier, so he guessed that the dance, the lyrics, and the surrounding environment had combined to form a crude ritual for summoning a god.

Because it was a crude, makeshift ritual, it would not be strange to summon some bizarre god or unknown existence.

And the Wild Priest guessed that the change in the Statue of the God of Strength earlier might also be related to that ritual?

"Perhaps the great God of Strength will also manifest later and perform a God's Miracle?" the Wild Priest speculated. He then complained: "But why is the first one to appear such an unknown god from who knows where? Instead of the God of Strength whose statue is present?"

After he finished speaking, he glanced at Bata'er Jiaoshi, who was surrounded by the crowd not far away. The Dwarf Wild Priest did not recognize the human Agricultural God Church, but he could estimate that the human priest opposite likely had some skills; the divine power on his body was no less than his own, and he should also be carrying a divine power concentration object, like a statue of the corresponding god.

But the human priest's god was not the first to arrive and manifest either.

This was interesting. Did this mean that the unknown god currently declaring its existence with a tremendous voice in the black campfire was actually the god closest to their location?

This thought broke both him and the old Dwarf out in a cold sweat.

But before they could do anything, the situation on the field changed again.

"Where did this weak bird god come from? How dare you precede me? Get away from me!!!"

Another tremendous voice came from the surrounding campfire flames, but this time the voice spoke in Dwarven Language, sounding like a robust male voice.

The human commoners present, including Jier, Bata'er Jiaoshi, and others, could not understand what this sentence said, but the few Dwarves present were stunned at first, then their faces lit up with joy.

Especially the Wild Priest who originally worshipped the God of Strength, and his two Warrior companions who used Heavy Weapons.

The three immediately knelt down. The Wild Priest also held high the Metal Box containing the Statue of the God, loudly cheering in Dwarven Language: "Great God of Strength! We are your most loyal believers, and I am your most, most loyal herald. Please look upon us, please look upon me, please examine our strength, the beauty of our strength!!!"

While the Dwarf Wild Priest was shouting, the campfire also underwent some visible changes.

Starting from where the campfire flames ignited, the original feather-shaped misty flames rapidly changed into bronze-colored scorching flames.

The new flames rose from the bottom, driving away the black flames of the great bird god all the way, and after one breath, completely replaced the black flames.

The great bird god only had time to let out an extremely unwilling "Caw caw!" sound, and then it 'exited' the scene.

The black Wooden Carving of the great bird god on Jier's chest also became slightly dim in color. The originally black bird-shaped wood carving amulet was now graying; clearly, it had consumed a great deal of energy in this sudden ritual, having only enough time to announce its name but no opportunity to speak and recruit human believers.

In short, it was a huge loss.

The bronze-colored flames of the God of Strength rose much higher from the campfires than those of the bird god. Each campfire flame surged by several meters, looking exactly like 'pillars of fire'.

Consequently, the voices emanating from these tall pillars of fire were naturally even louder than the bird god's, practically deafening.

"I am the god of the Dwarves, the most essential part of civilization, Strength! I am the God of Strength!!!"

The tremendous sound rang out once again; this time, the existence within the flames spoke in Human Common Language.

At this moment, everyone finally understood that it wasn't an unknown monster attacking, but a god manifesting its existence to them! So this was the Dwarven God of Strength, and the previous one was also a god? It was just pitch-black, looking weird, timid, and not like a righteous god.

As for this one, the bronze-colored flames looked as if they were cast from copper coins representing wealth; the momentum was grand and shocking, clearly a proper god and church.

Among the crowd, Jier, the Tusi Brothers, and others who knew about the Dwarves of Torito Village knew exactly how powerful the Dwarven God of Strength was. After all, the huge pit in the center of the village was caused by a Dwarf Warrior favored by this god.

"Mortals, look upon me, and bow down before me! I shall grant you the path to pursue strength. Though this path is difficult and filled with obstacles, those who are finally favored by strength, favored by me, will overcome enemies and remain ever-victorious!"

"If blocked by mountains, break through the mountain ranges!"

"If blocked by water, obstruct the flow of water!"

"If blocked by ten thousand armies, kill a thousand, destroy the ten thousand!"

The bronze-colored flames gradually changed shape amidst the grand voice; the campfire flames gradually turned into bronze-colored flame giants several meters tall.

As these bronze-colored flame giants spoke the words above, they also made various bodybuilding poses to the bewildered humans.

If Dwarves made these movements, it would be somewhat ridiculous; after all, Dwarves are less than 1.5 meters tall, short and sturdy, so similar bodybuilding movements would be funny.

But at this moment, these several-meter-tall bronze-colored flame giants, radiating surging heat and emitting deep, tremendous sounds while making these movements, allowed anyone to feel the surging masculine power and the fierce aura coming toward them.

"Are you willing to submit to me?"

The bronze-colored flame giants rising from the campfires scanned the surrounding crowd with their gazes. Naturally, some in the crowd were attracted by the power displayed and immediately knelt on the ground, shouting loudly to the flame giants in the campfires: "I am willing!"

"Please grant me strength! Lord God!"

"I want the strength to defeat all enemies, I want revenge! Those Bandits killed my father, I want revenge!"

The Swordsman Weier was also breathing heavily at this moment, his entire chest expanding and contracting, expanding and contracting. He realized this was a rare opportunity; although he didn't know what was happening, this was clearly a chance to help him gain strength and take revenge!

He was about to speak and submit to the Dwarven God of Strength, his knees even beginning to bend.

At this moment, the old Merchant Fentijia beside Weier did not look at the huge flame giants, but instead kept his slightly cloudy eyes on a few other people in the crowd.

Bata'er Jiaoshi, this priest facing a powerful god of another race, had an ugly expression, but his stance was extremely steady. One hand still held the Amber Metal Long Staff high, while the other hand took out a wooden statue of the Agricultural God. At this moment, the wooden statue of the Agricultural God was blooming with a rich cyan glow, showing signs of abnormality.

Knight Jier, dressed in casual clothes and wearing no weapons, was squinting, looking directly at the god of the other race. As a knight possessing powerful strength, he should have been the one to pursue strength more, but Jier was not speaking, nor did he have any intention of kneeling or submitting.

The old Dwarf, who was the leader among the Dwarves of the other race, was also clearly not moved by the god's rhetoric; he even turned slightly to the side and closed his eyes.

Seeing the attitudes of these important figures, the old Merchant, experienced and shrewd, felt that there was no such thing as a cheap deal with all benefits in the world. Therefore, he said to Weier, who was about to kneel and beg for strength: "Weier."

Weier was stunned for a moment, his movements pausing slightly, and he asked the old Merchant: "What is it, Mr. Fentijia?"

"I wonder if there is a fable called 'The Gluttonous Bear' in your Southern Alliance Kingdom?" the old Merchant asked quietly. That was all he would say; if this young man Weier couldn't understand the meaning behind these words, then that was all his warning would be.

And if he understood the meaning behind it, then it meant this Weier was not yet a foolish fellow, and perhaps there really was a tiny possibility of success for his own path of revenge.

Because the old merchant deeply felt that, based on his own knowledge and experience, to take revenge against an opponent with extremely powerful influence and strength, strength was naturally needed—this went without saying—but sufficient wisdom and caution were also quite important things.

Without strength, one cannot contend with the enemy.

Without wisdom, one will only be trapped in the Mist on the path of revenge.

Without caution, the fire of revenge will only burn the avenger themselves to ashes.

One cannot lack any of these; one cannot lack any of these.

Hearing the old merchant's strange question, Weier was stunned; of course, he had heard the fable of "The Gluttonous Bear" since he was a child. But at this very moment, what did this fable told to young children have to do with him?

The gluttonous bear? Him? Weier? So, am I that gluttonous bear?

Thinking of this, his heart was like a thunderclap, and he was instantly awakened.

He swallowed a mouthful of saliva and no longer looked at the sturdy, enormous flame giant on the campfire; his breathing became more rapid, yet it was because he was panting at having almost taken the wrong path, and those previously slightly bent knees also gradually straightened up.

Facing the powerful might of the Dwarf God of Strength, many people in the Refugee Team knelt down to it; although many people usually honestly followed orders in the team—letting them chop wood, they chopped wood; letting them fight, they fought; letting them drive carts, they drove carts; letting them hold goods and walk to keep up with the team, they held goods and walked to keep up with the team.

All complaints and emotions seemed to have nothing to do with the many ordinary people in the team.

It was as if they had fled from their hometowns without ever having bitterness, without ever having forbearance, and without ever having the desire and thoughts of revenge.

In fact, they had them; they had all of those things mentioned above. It was just that the ordinary people were truly skilled at covering up their painful side, because they knew they had no strength.

They had no strength to take revenge on the bad guys who harmed them, so they could only swallow their broken teeth into their stomachs, could only sigh when in pain, and accept the painful reality.

And today, at this moment, an opportunity to obtain strength was suddenly placed right in front of them.

One might ask, who could not take a step to test it? In any case, many people were currently all alone, with nothing at all.

Perhaps the place Jier the Knight arranged for them was great, able to safely avoid the chaotic situation of the war period. But what if they accidentally obtained strength? Compared to honestly hiding to take refuge, using powerful strength to take revenge on the bad guys was perhaps what some people truly wanted in their hearts, right?

"God of Strength! I pray to you for strength!"

Some simple-minded fellow knelt on the ground and immediately shouted to the God of Strength to pray for strength.

"I am willing to offer my Faith, just ask that you grant me strength similar to Jier the Knight! I want revenge; at the White Stone Pass, my older brother was actually beaten to death by the shop thugs in the pass just to beg for one more bite to eat! I want revenge, I beg you to grant me strength!"

Some people bore hatred, pursuing strength only for revenge.

"I only need to possess half of Jier the Knight's strength! I will not only offer my own Faith to you! There is also my wife's, my younger sister's—our whole family's Faith is given to you, I beg you to grant me strength!"

Some people, for the sake of strength, did not hesitate to sell themselves, or even the right to choose the Faith of other relatives, and there was an underlying intention of bargaining with the deity.

"I have no enemies, but I pursue strength, because becoming strong means I won't be bullied."

There was also a member of the Armed Squad, who was even a Captain of a squad; at this moment, wearing leather armor and kneeling on one knee, while praying to the deity for strength, he took out his sword and shield and vigorously slapped the front of the leather shield in his hand with his Long Sword to show his bravery.

Jier saw all of this in his eyes, without joy or sorrow, without disdain or appreciation. He counted as half a Knight and was already standing on dry land, so seeing others still struggling in the water trying to survive, he did not have any opinions.

After all, changing identities, if it were this time last year, when he had just arrived in this different world, if he were given the opportunity he had now, would he be like these refugee civilians from different regions, different identities, and different experiences, praying to the powerful alien deity for strength?

He probably would, right?

After all, it didn't cost anything, so why not give it a try? Maybe it would work?

Bata'er Jiaoshi, however, had a very ugly expression; after all, these people had basically survived to this point these past few days by eating the glowing grain he produced using Divine Art. He had spent his heart and energy managing these hundreds of refugee civilians, and he had consumed Faith and Divine Power to provide them with food and medical aid; it could basically be said that he had consumed most of his skills and accumulated Divine Power.

Basically, it was supposed to be that afterward, hundreds of people would join the Faith of the God of Agriculture, thereby becoming a new parish managed by him personally, which counted as his most important foundation of church believers for the future.

But what was all this before his eyes?

An alien deity, some flashy performances? Some unverified promises? Or was it deliberately seeing through the deep-seated anxiety of the refugee civilians along the way, their thirst for strength?

What was this? Wouldn't it be better for everyone to unite together to manifest strength? Compared to the violent strength that harms others, wouldn't relying on labor to obtain crops to fill one's stomach give people more real security?

Was the God of Agriculture not good? As for military force, wasn't Jier the Warrior the very powerful military force guided by the God of Agriculture to lead and save everyone?

Bata'er Jiaoshi's face was livid, but he could not truly voice questions to the alien deity who had descended at this moment, nor could he curse the refugee civilians who were bowing and praying to it.

He did not want to fall short of success for lack of a final effort; after all, the civilians who were "rebelling" at this moment were only a few dozen people, and the vast majority of the refugee civilians were still tightly united around him and Jier the Warrior.

This discovery was still a great comfort to Bata'er Jiaoshi, keeping him from truly doing something irrational at this time.

On the Dwarf side, the old Dwarf "Iron Fist" did not care about the so-called promises of the God of Strength, because of his family background; compared to strength in terms of military force, he actually had a deeper insight and understanding of true strength—that is, power.

Their Dwarf God of Strength did indeed have quite a few believers in Dwarf society, but in truth, these believers were mostly deities worshipped by Miners in the mines.

It was not to say that the Dwarf God of Strength was not strong, but compared to the truly powerful Dwarf deities capable of letting the Divine Kingdom roam outside the planet, it was still far too inferior.

The other few Dwarves present had different performances; the Soldier Captain was happy to see the opportunity given by the God of Strength at this moment. He was a Soldier; he was not originally a Soldier Captain, but only because the true Soldier Captain of the Treasure Mine went out to scout the path for everyone and went missing, and the mine needed someone to lead the other Soldiers to protect everyone, so he was pushed to the position of Soldier Captain.

Therefore, he was actually quite interested in any path that could improve combat strength. The reason he had not joined the Faith of the God of Strength before was mainly because after he became the Soldier Captain, his side's Soldier team and the Wild Priest who believed in the God of Strength were both the guarantee of military force for the Dwarves in the Valley.

Both sides actually had a bit of a competitive meaning in it. Therefore, it was impossible for him to lower his status to join the Wild Priest's team of believers of the God of Strength.

Wouldn't he be a head shorter than the Wild Priest if he did that?

But it was different now; the God of Strength appeared in person, widely recruiting believers to believe in it, so if he joined now, couldn't he skip the Wild Priest, or rather, half-skip that link of the Wild Priest, and directly offer Faith to the God of Strength to obtain strength!

The Wild Priest, however, was in pain and happy at the same time; the pain was because the deity showing its strength and recruiting believers at this moment was not achieved through his hard work of preaching, so the credit was not his. The happiness was because, after all, he was the only support point for the Faith of the deity here; no matter what, these humans who thirsted for strength from the God of Strength were all under his management.

Wait, the Wild Priest was stunned; human believers of a Dwarf deity?

If these humans really became believers of the God of Strength, then he would definitely have to stay behind to manage the believers, so did that mean that when the other Dwarves embarked on the journey back to their hometown, he would be the only one truly left behind?

The moment he understood this, the Wild Priest's hair stood on end, and his beard and hair exploded upward.

"Great God of Strength! Please, great one, open your eyes of discernment! You have said that strength is not a gift! Strength is tribulation, strength is pain, strength is persistence, strength is harvest, strength is beauty, strength is the origin of the body. Everything in the world has strength, but those who can make strength grow cannot do so without a strong heart, a strong body, and a strong soul."

The Wild Priest actually ran out; he held high the Metal Box containing the metal statue of the God of Strength, stood in front of everyone, and shouted loudly toward the flame giant in the campfire.

"Hmm..."

The huge flame giant hesitated; the opportunity obtained by chance was rare, and it was very difficult for its consciousness to have the chance to project to a place so far from Dwarf society, let alone develop a batch of human believers.

But what its Priest said also made a lot of sense; strength could only ever be mastered by the strong, and granting it to the weak would only end up letting the strength destroy the weak themselves.

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? (End of this chapter)