1946, soon after the end of WWII
In response too multiple strategic deployment of "demonic objects and creatures" as described in reports, The US formed their PID, a Department of the Government tasked to find, investigate, and control paranormal objects or individuals.
The PID was, on the surface, a short staffed federal department that had little success and dwindling funds. But beneath the false exterior, the PID was better staffed then the USPS's Postal inspectors in both tactical units and officers.
The largest public situation they ever had to deal with was a demonic set of dinosaur bones trying to eat other bones in broad daylight. But the new resident of the United States was something they couldn't cover up, in fact the had been instructed to try their best to downplay the incident and be a low-profile in dealing with the bones as possible.
Beyond public affairs the a anomalous and enigmatic object the had encountered was a door of Aztec design that when opened lead to a Aztec temple that floated in the sky and was surrounded by flying creatures only comparable to wyrms, a species of dragon shown in eoropean mythology reminiscent of eastern dragons but with wings.
Their department head was now sitting in his office with a headache and multiple high ranking officials from not just his own department but also the CIA, and FBI.
"What am I supposed to do again, Carson?"
Carson, an Executive assistant director of national security — someone only two ranks below Reginald in his respective bureau — spoke in a level tone the third time in the last two minutes, "The president has now told you through not just direct communication but other departments as well too handle it 'at your discretion' Sir."
Having handled many situations throughout his career, from a basic police officer risin to a PID tactical unit after accurately handling a murderous doll, to later having a promotion to higher and higher ranks for outstanding achievements. Reginald was a well decorated member of the PID he had landed himself in the Director position for the last five years of his life, after a unfortunate accident with the last director.
Yet in all his years of this position he had never had to handle a situation this chaotic and public facing. Multiple global organizations, religious or not, were gearing up either financially or militarily and taking sides, fast.
"At my own discretion, huh…" Reginald repeated as he leaned back in his leather chair. "Ok, here's what we do. We are clearly on the side of Clay. The young gods temple has not only revitalized the forest he resides in but he also has made a deal with us. In addition to helping him in any way possible we need to figure out how to harness this mana. According to reports from agents in the field it's what gives the forest and Clay such magical properties," resting his head in the back of his chair he finished his orders. " and investigate the actions of these foreign forces and religions, keep me updated."
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Back in in the pine barrens.
The once lone temple a large, new landmark of the area was now surrounded by a small grouping of tents with more and more people in converting to Silvanecra, the official name of Clay and Nirins religion on Earth.
At the top of the tree where all amenities of lay where situated, a group of new devotees grouped around a table deciding a layout for a town the would surround the Temple. At the end of the table Clay sat observing their civil debate on infrastructure. Hear many mentions of Rome, Clay was curious. "What is this, Rome?"
At his voice all five men quickly quieted, and paused before one spoke up.
"Rome is and city that once stood and lasted for thousands of years in all of its glory. Too this day it remains but with only remnants of it's original infustructure. The city payed warship too the romen pantheon or the Dii Consentes. My lord." As the middle aged civil engineer stopped. Clay had a face of realization hit him, before he spoke with a tone of realization.
"When you say the romen pantheon, do you mean gods such as Posiden, Athena, Thanatos, and Kronos?"
With a startled expression another man, much younger, wore a face of shock, "yes, my lord! Do you know them?" He said while ingnoreing the semantics.
"Yes, they where teachers at the school I went too. I did not take the any classes with Posiden or Kronos as they where not on subjects that would help immediately… but I did learn from Athena about magic in relation to a crafts." Clay responded in a level and non-overbearing tone.
"That's great, maybe…
And the planning went on just like that for the next few hours with Clays input shaping the city's to look almost like a giant magic circle with his temple being the focus.
The streets would be made of any stone willing and the building would be made to match the temple. With all the buildings enchanted by Clays divine power, the city would be the holiest the world had ever seen.
The day after the planning many devotees had been tasked with outlining the plans with stick they find and moving people to not interfere with the planning. A grand undertaking considering the human nature and capacity for trouble.
While this was ongoing, PID officer Norman was talking with Clay, now not just as a PID officer but also a Paladin of the order, one of the first.
"Is there any way you can teach me magic Lord Clay?" Norman asked with a respectful look.
"What kind of magic? If you want to learn any generic kind of magic you have a whole world to explore in the game Erebus online." Clay stated while laughing.
"As a paladin I only find it suitable to learn the magic of my god."
"Ok. But my magic is hard to learn and you must teach it to all the other paladins that come after you" was what Clay was saying on the outside but his inner thoughts betrayed him.
I haven't even read the whole book my self and you want me to teach it too you!