As the beast vanished into the air, I let out a sigh of relief.
I had regained control over my body, and after feeling whatever pressure had been released from the creature during those last moments, the pressure from the Tragedy now seemed natural to me.
"That was really something," Adon said between breaths as he turned towards me, and I couldn't help but agree.
We were finally able to speak to each other without death looming over us, and I made sure to take the opportunity.
"I hope you don't mind me asking, but what is your power level?" The question was improper, but I had to ask it to properly gauge the difference in strength between me and him.
The God of Rationale paused a moment before answering.
"23. I've really pushed myself during my time in my world," he replied, and I noticed he didn't even ask for my own power level.
Could he tell that he was so much stronger than me, to the point where it didn't even matter to him?
The last time Osidon had updated me, my power level was at 15.
I hoped it had increased with the completion of this Tragedy.
"You're incredibly nimble. I doubt I would have been able to pull off such a maneuver," Adon said as he pointed to the wall that I had run up and flipped off of.
"It's thanks to the amount of time I've spent running up the forest trees. Your maneuver was more impressive, though far more daring."
I still couldn't believe what he had done. I myself was far too afraid to even go near the beast, let alone trip it by its ankles.
The god let out a laugh and outstretched his hand for me to take, which I did.
"You are a competent god, not like Melis." The woman's fallen form had disappeared with the beast's, and I refused to think about her death any further.
"If the time ever comes, let us team up. I'm sure that we do not all need to be enemies. Making friends must be of some benefit."
I found myself agreeing with Adon. I didn't wish to be enemies with all of these gods, especially not those so much stronger than myself.
"Consider it a vow," I said, and the red-eyed man flashed a smile at me.
I wondered what his world would look like, and if I would ever get a chance to see the creations of any of the other gods.
After we had made our vow, the world began to shift and fade around us as it had done so many times before, and we lost consciousness.
---
I awoke in the crimson field with my body feeling brilliant.
Having been relieved of the pressure that came with the Tragedy, I was now able to truly appreciate normality.
However, I was uncertain whether I felt so strong simply because I had been relieved from the pressure, or if I had actually gotten much stronger.
My question was answered as Osidon's voice rang in my head, announcing my new stats.
Realm population: 22
Realm prosperity: 900
Power level: 20
Unique World Attribute: The Shattering
I still wondered what The Shattering was, but I was more focused on my new power level.
It had increased by 5.
I still had no idea how Osidon determined the number and which factors came into play, but I was sure that it was a sign of my strength increase.
"Congratulations, Vale, the Tragedy has benefited you immensely. Even though you are not close enough for me to tell you about the second tier, you are most certainly nearing that point. Keep training, and in time you will be granted further knowledge."
Then his voice faded.
---
As I returned to my world, I was met with greetings from all of my disciples.
Osidon was right; a day had passed in my world, which was evident from the news given to me by Zerlos.
It seemed things had continued smoothly in my absence, which was a sign that I could trust the man as a leader.
This would prove beneficial, especially once our population increased even further.
The next piece of important news was that we had begun constructing wooden bows and arrows.
I much preferred a ranged method of combat for my disciples, especially those physically weaker, as it kept them further away from danger.
One of our newer men, Obin, was good with the bow and was put in charge of delivering lessons to the people of Unus.
After being filled in on all of the necessary news, I headed back to the training grounds in my palace and tested myself against the equipment.
I was pleased with what I found. My body seemed so much stronger in all areas.
The Tragedy has truly benefited me. I'll have to make sure I enter all that I'm invited to in the future, at least as long as circumstances allow me to do so.
---
Later that night, when everyone had returned to their houses and fallen asleep, I meditated in the fields.
Nighttime was a good time for me to test my sensory capabilities, especially my vision,
and I had now become efficient enough to see in the dark as well as I could in the light.
It was then that from afar, I spotted unknown men and women nearing our camp.
I was prepared to launch myself to my feet and dash towards them, ending their lives before they endangered my people. But upon further inspection, I noticed that one held torn white fabric up on a large stick and waved it around as they approached.
They come in peace?
I headed over to them, unafraid, as none of them were gods; they could not harm me.
They were also unarmed.
It seems as though invaders are not even classed as a survival event anymore. This could prove a problem in the future if more hostile men ever arrive.
As I neared them, the man holding the flag spoke. He wore no shirt, as the peace flag was made from his torn garments.
"We come in peace, oh great one. We have been left without a world, our god slain by the Tragedy. There were more of us, but I think only five were allowed to travel to your world; the rest were probably sent to others. Please take us in, we swear to worship you. We are useful in our respective fields."
The man continued to beg, but he didn't need to, as of course, I welcomed them with open arms.
It was within my nature to do so.
They asketh, and I giveth.
I led them to a house that they could sleep in, waking those that already slept to notify them of the newcomers.
Although they were tired, my men and women still granted them a warm welcome.
And I was proud of them.