Game World: I Can Share Talents

Chapter 86: You Shall Be a Demigod

The [Oath] sounded as if the [Radiant Holy Tree], in its benevolence and magnanimity, was watching over the younger Holy Spirits with the affection of an elder. Such parental love was truly moving enough to bring one to tears.

But one should take Imperial propaganda with a grain of salt. In the hands of the Imperial mouthpieces, they could probably claim the [Radiant Holy Tree] had violently assaulted the [Star Abyss Wings]. Was there anything they couldn’t fabricate?

As the Clan Leader of Purity Forest, Westheid naturally knew the truth behind the [Oath].

In truth, it wasn’t some dark secret. The [Oath] could, at best, be called a treaty between equals.

The Radiant Holy Tree supported the growth of fellow Holy Spirits. On the one hand, this was indeed out of an elder’s benevolence. On the other hand, however, it was to have the other Holy Spirits defend the Empire against Chaos.

To an Innate Holy Spirit rooted in the earth, Chaos—the embodiment of disorder and entropy—was more fucking terrifying than a million murderers!

This was because Holy Spirits were products of extreme Order, putting them in direct opposition to Chaos.

And purifying Chaos is a duty every Celestial God must fulfill. The [Radiant Holy Tree] was no exception. Furthermore, because the Empire’s great expeditions had expanded its territory so immensely, the likelihood of a [Chaos Shock] was even greater.

Even for a supreme Celestial God, confronting primordial Chaos was a daunting task. It wasn’t that they couldn’t handle it, but it was exceptionally revolting. Being repeatedly struck by a [Chaos Tide] was like doing the butterfly stroke in a cesspool.

Coincidentally, other Holy Spirits were discovered during the great expeditions. The [Radiant Holy Tree] then decided to cultivate these kindred spirits to serve as a [Barrier] protecting It, absorbing the [Chaos Tides] in place of Its [Holy Root System].

’Young Holy Spirits need to be trained, of course.’

In exchange for the [Holy Tree]’s protection and cultivation, the Holy Spirits who signed the [Oath] essentially became vassals with a high degree of freedom. They enjoyed the Empire’s boons while also fulfilling the duty of guarding its borders.

Regardless of the treaty’s fairness, Westheid could not tolerate his [Holy Spirit Ancestor] being subservient to the [Radiant Holy Tree]. In the world of the [Poem of Destiny], bloodline limitations were far too significant; a contract signed by one’s ancestor could directly affect all of their [Direct Lineage].

’Basically, it’s like I’ve also signed a contract of servitude to the [Radiant Holy Tree]. A slave for a day, a slave for generations!’

If Westheid wanted to set foot on the [Ascension Ladder], he would have to sever these chains.

"Purity... is in distress. I am aware. To resolve this plight, you need only command the Empire."

The [Radiant Holy Tree] fell silent for a moment after hearing Westheid’s request, then replied.

It did not say yes or no, but the implication was that It wished to retain him.

Westheid put on an expression of perfect loyalty and virtue. "It was clearly my incompetence that led to our territory falling and our homeland being ravaged. How could I have the audacity to use public authority for personal gain? I will wash away the defeat and humiliation I have suffered with my own two hands... It’s just that if I must still abide by the past [Oath], my hands may be tied in my efforts to retake my ancestral lands."

"Therefore, I hope that you, Divine Ancestor, will permit a modification to the [Oath] with the [Pure Holy Spirit], allowing me to avenge this disgrace without relying on the Empire!"

He deliberately took a roundabout approach, using the conservative term "modify" under the noble pretext of ’relying on my own strength to wash away my shame.’

After all, to directly ask to dissolve the [Oath] would sound rather disloyal.

For now, Westheid didn’t have the resources to make a clean break with the Empire.

"...You may."

In the end, the [Radiant Holy Tree] agreed to Westheid’s request. For a [Celestial God], giving up a [Holy Spirit] subordinate was no great matter, especially one currently in the [Chaos Fallen Area], who could fall to corruption at any moment.

Since the descendant of the [Pure Holy Spirit] was so ambitious, It would simply let him be.

Duke Qinghui breathed a sigh of relief and bowed.

"Thank you for your benevolence... I will present the specific modifications to the [Holy Hall] later."

Westheid had left himself some room to maneuver by not stating the details on the spot.

Having received the [Radiant Holy Tree]’s approval, Westheid casually stepped back and resumed his one-kneed kneel, just like everyone else.

Westheid’s request was surprising, but it wasn’t earth-shattering. Everyone’s attention soon shifted to Reiya.

To be fair, even though the Silver-haired Dragon Lady’s performance in the [Trial] had won her a great deal of recognition, humans always struggle to reflect on their past mistakes.

’For the person we’ve bullied and mocked for over a decade to actually receive such an honor... it just doesn’t sit right.’

’She just rode Duke Qinghui’s coattails, and got lucky because of her Dragon Bloodline, that’s all.’

The excuse most people used to convince themselves was identical to Yaligong’s: they attributed the achievement to Westheid. Only then could they ignore the image of Reiya slaying the Demon Dragon.

Reiya couldn’t care less what others thought. She stood, took a deep breath, and looked toward the spectral branches scattering their brilliant light.

"My God, my Ancestor, I ask that you return everything you have taken from me!"

"Please end that absurd and cruel Divine Punishment! Grant me a normal life!"

"That is all I ask."

The Silver-haired Dragon Lady’s words were resolute, yet the entire plaza fell deathly silent.

In truth, many had already guessed what Reiya would wish for; the Fourth Princess had not concealed her intentions in the slightest.

’Speaking to the Divine Ancestor like that... Is she questioning Its decision?’

Then again, many people were genuinely curious about the [Radiant Holy Tree]’s attitude toward Reiya. The fact that It had allowed her to participate in the [Trial] suggested the [Divine Ancestor] did not want to torture her to death, which already contradicted the conviction everyone had held for over a decade.

The Regent King Sylvia, Prince Yaligong... and others who realized this all turned their gazes to the sky.

Reiya held her head high, resolutely awaiting the Divine Ancestor’s response.

After a long silence, the Divine Ancestor’s will came through like a heavy echo:

"What I have bestowed upon you is not punishment."

"This is the path of tribulation and glory, necessary for your ascension to Demigod. You need only accept it."

The [Radiant Holy Tree] wasn’t one for riddles. Cross-planar communication was expensive, so It could only reply in the most concise language possible.

However, those two simple sentences sent monstrous waves crashing through the hearts of all who heard them.

A few with weaker constitutions even cried out in shock.

"Dem... Demigod?!"

"What?"

"I didn’t mishear, did I? The Divine Ancestor just said... said..."

"It was Demigod. By the Divine Ancestor..."

The meaning the [Radiant Holy Tree] expressed was exceptionally clear, leaving not even a sliver of room for misunderstanding.

And it was precisely for this reason that everyone was shocked into a stupor.

What was a Demigod?

Among the [Extraordinary Tiers] of the [Mortal World], a [Tier] called "Demigod" simply did not exist. Even the ineffable sequence of god-ascension that came after becoming a [Legendary] powerhouse was not called Demigod.

Only one kind of being was ever called a "Demigod": a scion personally elevated by a [Celestial God]—a [Dominator] from ancient times who acted on the [Celestial God]’s will and ruled over the [Mortal World]!