Lucky 416
Half-step God.
A being that was so close to Godhood. A creature that could topple countries alone. An existence that everyone fears.
Even though Half-step God was not an official level, everyone fears a person who reached this level.
DemiGod has to face tribulation. Then, Half-step God has to find his own heavenly tribulation. He has to create his own miracles to be a real God.
After the extinction of Gods after the last descent of the Demon King, the planet returned to its dormant state. Civilization started again after the worldwide destruction that Demon King brought.
So far, there was no official information about Half-step God. There was a rumor that the Emperor of Xummolu was a Half-step God as well but no one could confirm the fact.
Maybe Principal Lycan, President Esmeralda, and Triad's Ivy Naomi Higashikata could reach Half-step God but they need at least another 100 years to acquire the strength.
Reaching the state of Half-step God was never easy.
Prince Diane trembled as he put his head on the ground with utmost fear.
The voice from the water capsule was terrifying like it was a living monster.
The grey-haired man, the Great Ancestor, was staring at the three with no emotions.
He had met so many descendants. He could not remember what generation he was speaking to right now.
"I can feel the power of Fate and Death. These two powers will never have peaceful interaction. I can feel it. Something will happen. I want you to prevent it."
Perhaps it was the intuition of a Half-step God.
"As you wish, Great Ancestor."
It was mind-blowing that the arrogant prideful King of Junian was kneeling in front of a strong 'vegetable'.
"Who is this person?"
The man stared at Prince Diane with his pure black eyes.
Prince Diane shuddered and further lowered his head.
Fear.
His instinct as a being told him that the man in the water capsule could bring more pain than death.
"Great Ancestor, he is my son. The current crown Prince."
"I see... You brought him here. This means that he is past adolescent and he has talent."
"Yes."
"Very well. Child, come here."
"..."
Prince Diane was sweating, pale as silver. He was scared shitless.
Yet, his feet moved and approached the water capsule. He was afraid, very afraid.
But he wanted to live.
He realized that his mentality was weak. He could not believe that everything he believes was nothing in front of absolute strength.
"Touch the glass."
"..."
He nodded. He swallowed the glass and--
"Guaaarrrrggghhh---!"
Unexplainable pain shattered his body. Blood spurted out of his orifice as he screamed. To much pain.
King Baboy and Pope Slavko watched the scene with reverence. As if they were watching the work of God.
After the extinction of Gods, the Church of Love was led by humans. They did their best to spread the teaching of the Church.
But Pope Slavko understood that the Church of Love needs a real God. He believed that the man in the water capsule was the answer to his prayer.
"Guurhhgh--!"
Prince Diane gurgled in his own blood and dropped to the ground. He was shaking, slowly dying.
A few seconds later, Prince Diane's body stopped.
"... Tch." King Baboy clicked his tongue.
"Pathetic." Even Pope Slavko could not help but be disappointed.
Prince Diane was given the chance to become stronger yet he failed.
"No, he is still alive."
Unlike the other two, Great Ancestor was staring at Prince Diane. He was waiting for the man to wake up.
Then, Prince Diane's eyes opened. His pupils were gone, and his eyes were pure black.
These changes remained for a few seconds before his original pupils returned.
"Congratulations. You just need to practice your power and you will become a Demi-God within a year."
Great Ancestor had the power to increase someone's strength. However, it was dangerous. The chances of dying were greater than surviving the power-up.
Only the Royal Family has a higher chance of surviving the power-up. This was one of the reasons why the Royal Family always have DemiGod each generation.
"Kahak--!"
Prince Diane coughed blood. He felt like he died and was resurrected again. He looked at the man in the water capsule.
"T- Thank you, Great Ancestor.",
For unknown reasons, he felt strong reverence for the Great Ancestor.
"Hm, you may leave now. I need to return to rest."
The grey-haired man closed his eyes.
"The three people bowed for the last time and left the place.
No one dared to speak, as if everyone had a tacit understanding. Even Prince Diane felt strange.
When they reached the higher floor, where the Demihumans were imprisoned.
"This place... What is this place, actually?" He frowned.
He felt strong disgust against these creatures. As if he wanted to kill each one of them.
"Well. These creatures have only one purpose in their lives-- to be the Great Ancestor's nutrition. Their blood keeps the Great Ancestor alive and strong. The Great Ancestor is a human and his lifespan is shorter than these disgusting creatures. So he uses their blood to maintain his youth. At the same time, they use their blood to strengthen his cultivation. These creatures are his key to Godhood."
King Baboy was speaking so well.
"I see..."
Now the secret of the dungeon was answered.
What was the best term for this kind of cultivation? Was it Blood Cultivation?
"Heh. They are actually. Metaphorically and Literally." Pope Slavko added and licked his lips.
"..."
The two men from the Royal Family stared at the Pope with disgust.
"What? I'm not lying. They are indeed delicious. I took a male from the Panther Tribe and raped him, then I ate him--"
"Don't you dare continue your words. You disgust me to my core!"
"Indeed. How can you say that these lowly beings are delicious? Hah! Outrageous!"
"I recommend you guys to try it. I'm being honest here! Their meat is delicious, literally and metaphorically!" The Pope defended his opinion.
"Shut up!"
King Baboy and Prince Diane yelled at the same time.