Chapter 26 - Chapter 26: Parker's Decision

"Convey to your god-level superior that I'm only concerned with my small domain and have no interest in the matters of faith," Linn states from his black throne. He dismissively waves the report, his expression and tone devoid of emotion, leaving his true intentions enigmatic.

Yet...

His subtle divine aura thickens the air, making each breath a laborious effort, like struggling for air underwater.

"Yes."

The relieved messenger respectfully acknowledges and hastily leaves the Blackstone Palace. It's only outside that he breathes easily, realizing the extent of his nervous sweat.

"Such formidable divine presence," he reflects inwardly, his face pale with fear.

...

In a dark and ominous black tower within the Park Empire, allied with the Dark Alliance.

Parker, taken aback, asks cautiously about Kino's plan, wondering if it involves fallen angels.

Kino, with a hint of mystery, asks, "Do you know the intricacies of the fire element law?"

Laughing off Parker's query, Kino clarifies, "You're overthinking. It's not about summoning a god-level fallen angel in a holy domain body, but merely making contact through ordinary fallen angels."

Pleased with the god-level power at his disposal as per the higher realm's directive, Kino aims to recruit local god-level beings to oppose the Natural Church's forces.

Kino's cold laughter reveals a deeper strategy. "The Natural Church relies on the four elemental main gods, but the Dark Church's backing extends beyond the dark element. The god war five millennia ago was merely a prelude to the conflicts constantly unfolding across countless material planes."

Recently, another ascension to godhood occurred within the Natural Alliance, but the identity remains unverified.

Feeling somewhat subdued, Parker tries to hide his unease, commenting on the Dark Church's formidable legacy and wondering if the Natural Church has similar resources.

"News from the Blackstone Duke..."

Kino, with a matching expression, continues to fan the flames of rivalry.

The perception of a lower god is limited in scope.

The Dark Alliance's stance, however, remains ambiguous.

Parker shivers, his mind recalling long-forgotten secrets.

He concedes that he might not surpass the native god-level beings in talent.

"Excellent, you won't regret this decision!"

Not accounting for the near-simultaneous ascensions to godhood within the Natural Alliance decades ago.

The Violet Continent, vast yet constrained, becomes a stage for unfolding drama.

The Natural Church's aggression leads the Dark Alliance to worry and speculate.

Vivid memories of destruction and chaos haunt Parker, a reminder of past horrors.

The Dark Church is indeed powerful, supported by various main gods, but the Natural Church's core - the Four Divine Beasts families - are formidable opponents.

Parker, skeptical, gives his orders.

Kino, with his unique background and knowledge, knows things beyond the reach of a material plane native. If true, Parker must make an early decision.

The higher plane's god-level beings freely use their divine powers on this plane, causing death and destruction.

The path ahead often involves guesswork and intuition.

Parker thanks Kino with a calm demeanor.

A millennium has passed, and the spark for a faith war has now emerged.

With their positions clear, the conversation between the two becomes more engaged and intimate.

Parker vehemently states, "We can't allow them to plunder our faith any longer!"

Listening intently, Parker is completely absorbed in the discussion.

Unexpectedly, there's no forceful counterattack, just verbal protests and warnings, surprising all involved factions.

Now enlightened, Parker is confident in ascending to the middle god realm within a century.

Half a year ago, the Natural Church's priests crossed into Dark Alliance territory, stirring unrest with their provocative preaching.

Avoiding time-consuming and confidence-damaging actions is crucial.

"The fire element law is divided into six mysteries..."

Parker realizes the urgency of declaring his stance. Once the higher beings arrive and the god war erupts, how can a mere lower god protect himself?

Parker, understanding the implications, feels his heart race, his gaze intense.

Every bit of external support, even from lower gods, is valuable to the major noble families, reducing the enemy's divine power.

"He's a middle god and virtually family with Scott. He must have some plan."

Native god-level beings rely on talent, luck, and self-discovery for their cultivation.

Kino's lips curl into a smirk, a blend of defiance and self-assurance, clearly indicating he has some aces up his sleeve.

"Hmph, let them have their moment of triumph for a little while longer," Kino remarks, barely concealing his envy.

He elaborates, providing benefits to those god-level beings who have sided with them, as instructed by the higher realms. Without such guidance, he wouldn't reveal such valuable information.

Behind the Dark Church, there are powers beyond just the main god of darkness.

This thought reverberates in Parker's mind, squashing any covert inclination he might have had towards the Natural Church.

The meeting between Kino Klaraal, a lower god of darkness, and Parker, a lower god of fire, signifies a strategic discussion about the continent's situation and their shared interests.

Parker, a god-level being with exceptional talent and millennia of experience, quickly shows an epiphany, his expression one of thoughtful surprise.

The Higher Realms!

Although the Park Empire is nominally within the Dark Church's sphere of influence, their relationship is distant, aimed at maintaining the balance of god-level powers on the continent.

"Thank you, Mr. Kino. I appreciate this favor and will offer my support to the Dark Church," Parker pledges.

Looking up to meet Kino's impassive gaze, Parker firmly decides, "I will join the Dark Church!"

Kino simply reminds him, "The faith of the Park Empire needs a change."

"Understood!"

Two days later, a sensational piece of news spreads rapidly across the continent.

Emperor Benson Park of the Park Empire has been blessed by the Dark Pope at the headquarters of the Dark Church, marking a significant shift in the continent's power dynamics.