Not long after.
Thomas carried his tools and led his two sons, who were carrying their packs, to the dam.
The dam was built along the riverbank. On regular days, many villagers used it to dry wheat. During festivals or sacrificial ceremonies, it became the center of the village's communal activities.
Now, beneath a centuries-old tree, Thomas beheld the sight of Deus Initium, just as he had seen in his dream last night!
Even though Deus Initium was now only a clay statue, after experiencing the divine revelation in his dream, Thomas could only feel awe and devotion toward it!
Without hesitation, he turned to his two sons and instructed:
"Theodore, Benjamin, hurry up and start constructing a temple around the statue! How can we allow Deus Initium to suffer through the wind and rain?"
Theodore and Benjamin, both in their prime, exchanged glances, seeing bewilderment and helplessness in each other's eyes.
Theodore, the elder brother, was frail and sickly, having been plagued by illness since childhood. He couldn't help but ask:
"Father, are you seriously not joking?"
Benjamin, the younger yet stronger brother, though physically fit, was no Awakener—his strength was merely above average. Even he couldn't help but mutter:
"Father, you're too old for this. You should go home and rest. I'll get a doctor to check on you later."
Seeing his sons doubting him, Thomas's chest heaved with frustration. He immediately knocked each of them on the head.
"You two brats dare doubt your father? I truly dreamt of Deus Initium last night and received His divine revelation!"
"Get to work now! One more word of nonsense, and I'll break your legs!"
Thomas held considerable authority in the hearts of his sons. Though they didn't believe his words, they dared not disobey him.
With resigned expressions, they began hauling stones from nearby, preparing to construct a simple shelter for Deus Initium.
As they started working, news spread rapidly throughout the village.
Many elderly villagers rushed over, looking at Thomas with serious expressions as they questioned him:
"Thomas, did you really receive Deus Initium's divine revelation in your dream?"
The speaker was Thomas' childhood friend, now so old his teeth were nearly gone. Unlike Thomas, he was not an Awakener and was physically far weaker.
"Thomas, is Deus Initium truly granting you the divine position of Missionary?"
"Did Deus Initium really take the Sacred Vestige as a sacrificial offering?"
Other elders gathered, chattering among themselves while watching Thomas.
Thomas patted his chest with confidence and declared:
"Of course it's true! Deus Initium commanded me to be here this morning. From now on, you shouldn't call me by name directly—call me Thomas, the Missionary!"
Seeing Thomas surrounded by elders, Old John furrowed his brows.
Judging from Thomas' demeanor, he didn't seem to be lying.
But Deus Initium had been worshiped in the village for centuries, and nothing like this had ever happened before.
Why would Thomas be the first to receive divine revelation?
Old John shared the same doubts as Benjamin—he did not believe this was real.
In fact, he suspected that Thomas had orchestrated the Sacred Vestige's disappearance!
After all, Theodore's health was weak, and the Sacred Vestige could have been used to ease his suffering. Thomas had a clear motive!
"Alright, everyone, step aside. Let me first perform my worship to Deus Initium. After I officially become His Missionary, we can discuss this further!"
By now, the morning mist had cleared, and the rising sun bathed the land in golden light—a perfect time for the ceremony.
As an Awakener and a blacksmith, Thomas held great prestige in the village.
The moment he spoke, the elders immediately stepped back, all eyes now fixed upon him.
Among the elders stood many younger villagers, who had come merely to watch the spectacle.
Seeing Thomas acting so solemnly, their curiosity intensified.
If Deus Initium had not truly descended, and Thomas' divine revelation was false, how would he explain himself?
After all, in their eyes, the idea that a god had spoken to him in a dream was impossible.
And receiving an official divine title? That was even more absurd!
Under the watchful eyes of the entire village, Thomas stepped forward, straightened his robes, and with sincere reverence, walked step by step toward Deus Initium's statue.
With a heavy thud, he knelt down and clasped his hands together.
"O revered Deus Initium! I, Thomas of Annasi, am willing to become Your Missionary, to spread Your faith! I humbly implore Deus Initium to grant me this divine honor!"
His firm voice instantly silenced all discussions.
Everyone present felt a strange sense of solemnity, unconsciously focusing their gazes on Deus Initium's statue.
In an instant, the atmosphere at the dam shifted, becoming reverent and tense.
—
Inside the statue.
Owen gazed at Thomas, who knelt before him with sincere devotion and unwavering resolve.
He nodded slightly.
Then, he narrowed his eyes and began writing upon an ethereal scroll.
Soon, as golden Divine Points swirled around him, a scroll imbued with divine power materialized before him.
This was the Divine Scroll of Ordination!
The proof of a true Missionary!
Whoever held this scroll would carry the authority of Deus Initium Himself!
"From this moment forth, you are My Missionary. You shall spread My faith in My name!"
As the scroll was completed, Owen's majestic voice resounded.
With a flick of his finger, the scroll shot through the void!
—
"From this moment forth, you are My Missionary. You shall spread My faith in My name!"
The booming voice echoed across the heavens and earth.
All the villagers felt their ears ringing, their minds overwhelmed by the words that repeated endlessly.
Within their consciousness, a colossal divine figure emerged!
Shrouded in mystic clouds, its form remained indistinct, yet its two brilliant eyes gleamed like burning suns, radiating an overwhelming divine presence.
As the voice echoed, the scroll pierced through the sky, materializing before their very eyes before merging into Thomas' body.
Thomas trembled, and then—
His wrinkled, aged skin smoothed, regaining a youthful glow.
His hunched back straightened like a towering pine tree.
The dim, weary eyes of an old man now burned with fiery vitality.
In a single moment, he transformed from an elderly man into a vigorous, imposing figure!
Golden Divine Points shimmered around him, radiating divine majesty!
Compared to before, Thomas had undergone a complete rebirth!
The villagers stood in stunned silence, unable to believe their eyes.
Yet, the voice that still lingered in their ears—
The undeniable transformation of Thomas—
Left only one conclusion in their minds.
"Deus Initium… has truly descended!"
"Thomas was not lying—he really received a divine revelation!"
"He looks so young! And his aura… it's terrifying! I can't even bring myself to look at him directly!"
"Deus Initium has truly descended!"
Before long, all the elders and even the young villagers fell to their knees, their hearts pounding with devotion and awe.
They had witnessed history.
They had witnessed a miracle.
Their village truly had a god protecting them!
At that moment, the faith of the villagers deepened immeasurably.
Some even swore to offer more tributes—more spices, treasures, and sacrifices, seeking Deus Initium's continued protection.
"Deus Initium…"
Old John felt his entire body go numb.
Then, as if by instinct, he fell to his knees—
And prostrated himself, bowing over and over again.
In that fleeting moment, he had truly felt the divine presence—
And in the face of such power, he was nothing but an ant!