The state of depression in Greece in recent years had caused considerable unrest among the populace. Now, the appearance of Alexander was like a spark igniting the simmering flames within the people.
However, they wouldn't rush into war or make any rash moves. It wasn't because they lacked the courage - far from it, they had more than enough of that. But courage did not equate to stupidity.
Their current army was not yet strong enough to start a war, but just a few years of preparation would be sufficient. By then, the army might have broken through by a few levels, giving them the qualifications to wage a war.
This wasn't just their way of thinking, it was similar in other countries as well. They were all nations that had once experienced periods of glory and strength. Now, they only wanted to reclaim the honor that originally belonged to them, which wasn't surprising at all.
Conflict was inherently natural, and society was always divided into ranks. But perhaps it wasn't excessively rigid.
For example, at work, a boss might be a higher existence than you, but after work, the two of you could be friends on equal footing. Depending on the circumstances and situations, the social hierarchy might shift.
God, of course, didn't care if humanity killed each other since, after all, this wasn't truly significant. The lifespan of humans, a mere hundred years, was no different from a blink of an eye to God. Living a little longer or a little less wouldn't affect God.
If God truly didn't want to see war, He could change the consciousness of all living beings so they could achieve eternal peace. Or, He could immediately erase all life, and thus there would be no more conflict.
Moreover, if God truly favored humanity, He wouldn't have given them a test with a high chance of extinction.
In fact, humanity was not the only subject of this test. Those who would invade them were also beings who had to undergo the same test.
.....
In Japan, at this moment, there were also significant changes. A male member of the Japanese royal family was discussing matters with a close confidant. His name was Hirohito - the man who would soon become the Emperor.
"Hideki, take a look at this."
A flame appeared in his palm. Hideki wasn't startled by the flame, but he understood that Hirohito wouldn't bring up something trivial at this time.
Soon after, he understood the significance of the flame. He said:
"A descendant of Amaterasu has awakened the flame of the god. It's a highly symbolic image."
Hirohito nodded and said:
"Exactly. Perhaps my martial soul isn't the strongest... No, I should say that regardless of the martial soul, the realm that truly determines power. However, the symbolism of the Japanese royal family that it holds is immensely valuable. I can use this opportunity to speed up my ascension to the position of Emperor."
Hideki had known him for a long time and understood Hirohito's character to some extent. He said:
"Are you planning to make this nation rise once more?"
Hirohito didn't immediately answer but instead walked over to the window, looking outside. He gazed at the cityscape before him for a while, then nodded.
"Indeed, our submission to the United States back then was merely a temporary measure to buy time for continued development. We are not a cowardly nation easily frightened by two small bombs. The moment we've been waiting for has finally arrived. It's time to show the world that no one can make the Japanese bow down."
Hideki nodded. He, of course, knew that the courage and pride of his nation could rank among the highest in the world. This wasn't an exaggeration, if they weren't capable, they could never have been major players in the world war 2.
"You are right. The world only sees us as being afraid of the United States because of those two bombs, deciding to act like a turtle hiding in its shell and surrender. Though it's hard to admit, surrendering so quickly truly brought shame to the Japanese people.
Since that day, we've been at a disadvantage when facing the United States. But how can our country remain bowed forever? We call it 'taking a step back to move a thousand miles forward.' not actual defeat. Now that the opportunity has come, it's time to bring Japan to its pinnacle once again."
Although Japan was known as an ally of the United States, everyone could see who was truly in charge and who was the junior partner. But this wouldn't continue for long, the Japanese people were not ones to easily submit.
If they were truly that easily subdued, there wouldn't be such proud chapters in their history, no glorious eras, but only a colonial state.
Hirohito nodded in satisfaction. Originally, he might have needed more time to achieve this, but with a martial soul capable of such powerful symbolism, the task would be much easier.
"Alright, let's start preparing quickly. America may be the world's center now, but it won't be long before humanity realizes that the Japanese are the true center of the world."
"Hahaha, I also want to announce to this world that the Japanese will once again awaken and surpass the United States. Our nation is the most noble in the world. Only under our leadership can humanity reach true heights."
Hideki enthusiastically agreed. Having worked together for many years, they understood each other quite well. They knew each other's ambitions, and they were completely aligned.
What they desired was to bring Japan to its most glorious era. They wanted to make Japan the center of the new world, a nation that would lead humanity to the pinnacle.
Humans are inherently like that, always striving to reach further and using every possible means to rise. Human society has been able to develop to this day because of this relentless pursuit of progress.
What is good? What is bad? In terms of the development of humanity, only the ceaseless desire for personal growth can be considered good.
There are those considered bad, who think of every possible way and do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. Then there are those considered good, who strive to invent, to work, to create things that can oppose their adversaries. This endless cycle causes humans to develop at an astonishingly rapid pace.
But you know, whether they are 'good people' or 'bad people,' they are all the same. Do you know why? Because within a hundred years, they maybe all die. And while they are alive, they all strive tirelessly to achieve the goals of their lives.
Thus, it can be said that whether good or bad, they are the same - they are all individuals with dreams to fulfill.
The so-called second chance after death is essentially a meaningless consolation. People die simply because they deserve to die, their bodies are too fragile, leading to death.
In this universe, even planets and stars must eventually die, though it will take many years because they are much stronger than humans.
Humans always think they are right, that they are the center of the universe, that they are something special. But in reality, from God's perspective, they are merely a rare form of life in the universe, not irreplaceable.
Can you tell me why God would grant a second chance to a being that deserves to die? Do you think anyone truly has the qualifications to be favored by God to have a second chance? Whether saint or demon, they are not entitled to a second chance.
As for Alex, since he was the last saint in this test, he was granted a slight favor, but that's all. If he dies this time, it will be a true death, not some kind of joke.