Nathan reclined on his throne in the celestial palace, gazing at the vibrant projection of his world below. Thirty years had passed since the reincarnated teenagers had introduced modernization, and the fruits of their efforts were unmistakable. What was once a humble medieval society had grown into a thriving, innovative civilization. Towers of stone and concrete reached toward the skies, roads wove like intricate threads across the lands, and at night, the cities sparkled with magical-powered streetlights.
"This world... it's unrecognizable," Nathan mused, a faint smile playing on his lips. The pride in his heart was undeniable, yet he longed to experience it all firsthand once again.
The supreme angel Seraphiel approached, bowing deeply. "My Lord, the world sings your praises louder than ever. They owe all of this progress to your divine guidance."
Nathan chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Perhaps, but much of it is their own ingenuity and determination. I wish to see it with my own eyes—disguised, of course. I'll walk among them as one of their own."
For his second visit, Nathan chose a form similar to the one he had used before, albeit slightly adjusted to blend in with the newly advanced society. His tall, commanding figure remained, but he toned down the aura of divinity that often surrounded him. His attire was modern yet elegant—a crisp white shirt, neatly fitted black trousers, and a flowing long coat in midnight blue. The coat's inner lining shimmered faintly with golden threads, a subtle nod to his celestial origins.
When he stepped onto the cobbled streets of the capital city of Arcanis, Nathan was momentarily stunned by the changes. The once quaint medieval square was now a bustling urban center. Paved roads crisscrossed the city, lined with buildings that reached toward the skies, constructed from concrete and adorned with colorful glass windows. Magical streetlights cast a warm glow, even during the day, while enchanted carriages powered by magical cores zipped by.
The hum of progress filled the air. Merchants displayed advanced cooking appliances, televisions, and tools in their shop windows, while townsfolk discussed the latest innovations with enthusiasm. Nathan couldn't help but smile as he strolled through the streets, hands in his coat pockets.
It didn't take long for Nathan's striking presence to draw attention. Heads turned as he passed, and whispers began to ripple through the crowd.
"Who is that man?" one woman asked, her eyes wide. "He's... he's gorgeous!"
"Is he a noble? Or perhaps a visiting prince?" another speculated, her gaze following him intently.
Children stopped playing to stare, their mouths agape. Even the merchants paused mid-bargain, their attention fixed on the tall, mysterious man who seemed to exude an air of effortless charisma.
Nathan, accustomed to the reverence he inspired in his celestial form, found their reactions amusing. His lips quirked into a gentle smile, and he offered polite nods to those who gawked at him. He was here to observe, not disrupt their lives with his divine presence.
As Nathan wandered deeper into the city, he found himself in the residential district, where tall, sleek apartment buildings had replaced the old wooden homes. The streets were alive with chatter and activity, and just ahead, he noticed a familiar group of individuals—Sophia, Lily, and a few others from the reincarnated team.
The young women were carrying groceries, laughing and chatting as they strolled toward their home. When they saw Nathan, however, their conversation halted abruptly.
Sophia was the first to react. Her cheeks flushed a bright red, and she clutched the bag of vegetables in her arms tightly. "Who... who is that?" she whispered to Lily.
Lily, equally flustered, nudged her friend. "I... I don't know, but he's so handsome!"
Nathan approached them, offering a kind smile. "Good afternoon, ladies," he greeted, his voice smooth and warm. "Could you tell me where I might find the best place to eat around here? I'm new to the city."
Sophia stammered, her heart pounding. "Y-You're new? Oh, uh... there's a great place just down the street. I can—uh, I mean, we can show you if you'd like!"
Lily giggled nervously. "Yes, we'd be happy to help!"
Nathan nodded graciously. "That would be most kind of you. I appreciate it."
As they walked, Sophia and Lily couldn't contain their curiosity.
"You seem very young," Sophia ventured, glancing up at him shyly. "May I ask how old you are?"
Nathan chuckled softly, his golden eyes twinkling. "I'm 18," he replied, adopting the guise of a young adult.
Sophia nearly tripped over her own feet. "E-Eighteen?" she echoed, her cheeks flushing even deeper.
Lily leaned closer, her expression a mix of excitement and disbelief. "You look so... mature for your age. And so... perfect."
Nathan merely smiled, amused by their reactions but careful not to reveal too much.
As they continued to walk, the girls eagerly pointed out the city's innovations, many of which they had helped introduce during their mission. Nathan listened attentively, his pride swelling with each explanation.
They stopped by a shop displaying the latest magical televisions. A crowd had gathered to watch a broadcast featuring a cooking tutorial using one of the magic stoves. Nathan was impressed by the seamless integration of magic and technology.
"You've done well," he said softly, though the girls didn't catch the full meaning of his words.
Further down the street, they passed a construction site where workers were building a new hospital using advanced concrete and magical tools. Nathan watched as enchanted cranes lifted heavy beams effortlessly, guided by skilled craftsmen.
"The world has changed so much," he murmured, almost to himself.
When they reached the restaurant, Nathan thanked the girls warmly. "It was a pleasure meeting you," he said. "Perhaps we'll cross paths again."
Sophia and Lily watched as he walked away, their hearts fluttering.
"Who was he?" Sophia wondered aloud. "There's something... otherworldly about him."
Lily nodded. "I don't know, but I hope we meet him again."
As Nathan continued his journey through the city, the System chimed in his mind.
System Notification:
Congratulations, Lord Nathan! Your world now boasts over 10 million worshipers. As a reward, your divine abilities have been upgraded. You may now influence mortal affairs on a deeper level.
Nathan smiled to himself. "One million... and this is only the beginning."
He decided it was time to return to the heavens. His visit had shown him how far his world had come, but there was still much to do.
With a final glance at the bustling city, Nathan vanished into the ether, leaving behind a world that was growing closer to perfection with every passing day.