Special thanks to these amazing contributors who made this possible:
Yogi ($25) – your steady support is like a heartbeat. Never skipped, always appreciated!
Terrag ($20) – your contribution powers this journey. Thank you for your generosity!
This incredible milestone wouldn’t be possible without you all. Here’s to many more chapters ahead!

From the Author: Shiro

It wasn’t just the people on the surface who were relieved when Asagi Minami finally calmed down and the situation was peacefully resolved.

“Oh, thank goodness.”

“Seriously, we can’t intervene from here, and Asagi chooses not to use [Divine Descent] at times like these.”

“Even if he used it, there’s no telling if he would listen to us anyway.”

These sentiments were shared by the three individuals—Kouya Endou, Aran Machida, and Izumi Shimada—who were spinning the wheel of the reincarnation system within Rodcorte’s divine realm, all while scheming behind the scenes.

From Rodcorte’s divine realm, they watched over Asagi and the others, hoping for a peaceful resolution. This was because, at the moment, they were powerless to do anything other than watch. They weren’t gods, only Familiar Spirits, so they couldn’t pass down divine messages on their own. Therefore, they couldn’t send messages to Asagi, Tendou, or Shouko.

If Asagi and the others used [Familiar Spirit Descent], the three could convey their will by descending into their bodies. However, since Asagi and his group were just resting peacefully in Orbaume after a significant incident, there was no opportunity for that to happen.

Some might argue that they should have done something about Asagi before Rodcorte was incapacitated by Alda. However, if that had been possible, Tendou and Shouko would have straightened him out long ago. Since they couldn’t, they are in the current predicament. Nevertheless, in the end, things settled down peacefully.

“We owe it to Mari and Vandalieu. If Asagi had been killed, his spirit would have been guided to Vandalieu. He might not crush his soul just because he’s annoying, but he could have been left inside some random golem for millennia.”

Though Asagi often complained about Vandalieu’s actions, as a spirit, he wouldn’t be able to escape Vandalieu’s influence. Whether Vandalieu acknowledged him or not was irrelevant; he would be easily guided.

With Rodcorte out of commission, his soul couldn’t be retrieved from the surface. It wasn’t entirely impossible that upon death, Asagi’s soul might return to the reincarnation system, but that was highly unlikely.

But how Vandalieu would view Asagi’s spirit was obvious without even considering it.

“What about Alda’s Familiar Spirits?”

“Well, I can’t tell from here, but they don’t seem to be causing any commotion, so I think it’s fine.”

Alda’s Familiar Spirits, placed to monitor Aran and the others, guarded the entrance to Rodcorte’s divine realm, watching closely to ensure Aran and the others wouldn’t influence Asagi and his group to cooperate with Vandalieu.

Ironically, Alda, one of Vandalieu’s foes, believed Asagi was Vandalieu’s ally. To be precise, Alda thought they had a relationship where they might cooperate under certain circumstances.

“Judging by their reactions, who knows what lies ahead… But at least until things settle down, they’ll remain quiet.”

“Then, with our worries gone, let’s get back to work.”

With that, the three of them returned to their tasks with a sigh of relief.

<<<< ++++ >>>>

In the Laverta Archipelago, where Mao of [Noah] and Gotouda of [Super Sense] resided, life continued undisturbed. This remained true even as major events unfolded elsewhere: the revival and defeat of Guduranis by Vandalieu, the transformation of the Amid Empire into the Amid Holy Kingdom, and the movement of the Boundary Mountain Range.

The distance between the Bahn Gaia continent and the Laverta Archipelago took over a month by ship, and voyages weren’t that frequent, making news slow to travel. In about a month, sailors and captains may gossip over drinks, telling stories of how Guduranis was revived by some guy named Dark Avalon but was eventually defeated. Merchants exchanging stories would turn it into a bit of a commotion.

And in a month and a half, the news of the Boundary Mountain Range shifting—and even more so, the isolationist stance of the Fazon Duchy—would have the island’s commerce guilds in turmoil.

However, for residents not directly involved in trade, the events on the Bahn Gaia continent were like happenings in a distant world. Those involved in trade worried if it would interfere with business, and families of sailors harbored anxiety about the safe return of their husbands and sons. That was the extent of it.

“Wow, another good day for business, huh? Oh, I’m heading to the commerce guild today, so you take care of the shop in the meantime.”

“Alright, alright, Boss.”

Since Gotouda started living and working there, Mao’s shop became known for its unusual staff: a dwarf manager and an elf employee. The fact that both were former adventurers also drew attention.

It would be about half a month later when the two heard about the happenings on the Bahn Gaia continent. Since leaving adventuring behind, they had no need to use [Familiar Spirit Descent], and Aran and the others didn’t feel the need to relay every piece of information. On the contrary, frequent information exchange had been deemed potentially dangerous some time ago.

In fact, some hero candidates from the Laverta Archipelago had embarked on a journey to the Bahn Gaia continent, but Mao and Gotouda were unaware of this.

The hero candidates, having received divine protection, kept silent about it outside of their party. And since adventurers regularly left the island, serving also as ship escorts to the Bahn Gaia continent or other islands, Mao and Gotouda thought nothing of it. Even if they had known, Mao and Gotouda couldn’t have stopped them.

Meanwhile, the ‘God of Law and Fate’ Alda was aware of the two reincarnated individuals on the island, but he considered it not worth intervening just yet. Or rather, he saw no point or sufficient resources for that.

The two weren’t cooperating with Vandalieu, nor were they blatant enemies, and neither did they worship gods from their faction.

Sending divine decrees to assassinate them through Eileek, or conversely, attempting recruitment would take too much time due to the island’s distant location from the Bahn Gaia continent.

Finding an assassin capable of taking out Gotouda, who had the cheat ability [Super Sense], was challenging. Even if successful, since the two weren’t Vandalieu’s allies, it wouldn’t reduce his forces. A failed assassination would decrease their own numbers.

Even worse, the Familiars Spirits operating the reincarnation system in Rodcorte’s Divine Realm might rebel and stop the system entirely were these two to die.

Recruiting them would offer little benefit, as they were only C-rank adventurers despite their special abilities. Alda decided it was wiser to focus on developing hero candidates who would follow instructions rather than risk bringing in two unpredictable reincarnated individuals.

Likewise, Vandalieu also had no time to engage with Mao and the others… or rather, he had no interest.

With allies like Sam and the Quattro offering greater transport capabilities than Mao’s [Noah], and because Vandalieu’s senses could be enhanced through [Demon King’s Fragments], Gotouda’s [Super Sense] wasn’t particularly needed.

If the two joined Alda’s forces, they’d need to be dealt with as enemies, but they hadn’t left the island, so there was no need.

In the future, they might visit the island to spread Vida’s faith and support the revival of Vida’s new races, but unless there was severe persecution of new Vida races on the island, there was no urgency to do so. In short, they weren’t a priority for Vandalieu.

Thus, the two reincarnated individuals remained outside the ongoing battles for the world’s future, just as they wished.

<<<< ++++ >>>>

Meanwhile, in the Amid Holy Kingdom and the Fazon Duchy, miracles by the gods were unfolding daily.

“A dungeon appeared! This time it’s the ‘God of Soldiers’ dungeon!”

“They say a hero under the ‘God of Soldiers’ protection is already challenging it. Should we also go?”

“No, let’s leave it for those blessed by divine protection. That dungeon’s true purpose is to train the heroes blessed by the gods.”

Much like how the ‘God of Thunderclouds’ Fitun used his own ‘Dungeon of Trials’ to train hastily fused heroes, the gods of Alda’s faction have started dropping the entrances to their ‘Dungeon of Trials’ onto the surface, to further train hero candidates.

It’s technically forbidden to bring ‘Dungeons of Trials’ down to the surface. Not only does it consume a lot of power, but if these dungeons were to run amok, they would unleash even more monsters into a world already teeming with them.

Reclaiming a ‘Dungeon of Trials’ afterward also requires significant energy. These dungeons are meant to be special challenges for the chosen few, thus bestowing them with a sense of reverence. If they became accessible in broad daylight, they would be little more than tougher-than-average dungeons.

While the first might be appreciated, the continual appearance of such dungeons has begun to erode the mystique for the faithful populace of the Amid Holy Kingdom.

Although people understand the urgent circumstances forcing the gods to act, they have become increasingly desensitized to new high-level ‘Dungeons of Trials’, even though these dungeons are meant exclusively for the chosen few.

Sensing this, the gods allied with Alda reckon it’s unavoidable due to the critical times—a sentiment echoed within their minds: “It’s all for the impending battle that determines the fate of the world.”

Indeed, Alda and the subordinate gods believe sincerely that defeating Vandalieu would save the world, restore sanity to Botin, Peria, Ricklent, and Zurwan, cause Vida to finally fall from grace, and steer the world in a better direction. They perceive this notion as correct and justified.

As independent deities, they were once devout believers of Alda, placing him at the apex of their religious hierarchy. They revered the ‘God of Law and Fate’ Alda as the chief among gods since their mortal lives. Even now, as gods themselves, they continue to believe and revere Alda.

If only they had paused to consider that defeating Vandalieu would not bridge the chasm between Alda and the other great gods, but instead widen it—a consequence they should have foreseen. What would repeating what transpired a hundred thousand years ago actually change? None of them paused to ponder this.

Moreover, there’s little chance of Alda’s faction defeating Vandalieu’s forces. This remains true even if they pooled all resources, allowing the world’s population to dwindle to the thousands by battle’s end.

Even if Vandalieu were defeated, it wouldn’t automatically eliminate the Devil’s Nests causing chaos across the world. Moreover, since Alda had impaled Rodcorte, destroying Vida’s system alone wouldn’t fix the problems with the reincarnation system.

Destroying Vida’s system without more would just leave souls within it stranded, requiring Rodcorte to recollect them afterward. Originally, souls without a Rank incorporated into Vida’s system were supposed to be absorbed by Rodcorte’s reincarnation system.

However, Rodcorte now lay incapacitated. And even if Alda freed him post-Vandalieu’s defeat, there’s no guarantee that Rodcorte wouldn’t renounce his agreement with the one who skewered him with stakes, Alda.

If broken, Alda’s promise—made through Eileek—to acknowledge Vida’s new races and legitimize Alda’s Peaceful faction would crumble. In that case, even a victory against Vandalieu would generate significant distrust among any surviving populace.

Yet, the subordinate gods remaining in Alda’s faction neither notice nor dwell upon these matters. Because gods like Bashas or Elk, who recognize or can think of such things, have already defected or distanced from Alda’s faction. Those remaining are either unquestioners of Alda or those incapable of doing otherwise.

“For justice, for my children, my lambs, walk the path I illuminate.”

Regrettably, Alda himself remains blind to these realities, completely consumed by thoughts solely of vanquishing Vandalieu, like the subordinate gods.

Duke Gerald Birgitt had characterized the actions of Duke Fazon and his allies as a “holy war.” The same description could be applied to Alda and his legion of subordinate gods.

And now, Alda finds himself backed into a corner.

“Though we lost Edgar, Heinz and his group are growing stronger than before. Heinz in particular grows more in sync with Bellwood; the effects of [Heroic God Descent] are heightened, and its limits extended. Though I worry that Heinz is directing Bellwood, not vice versa… Nor does the growth of the hero candidates stall. Both the previously chosen and newly selected thrive.”

The strength of ‘The Five-Colored Blades’ continues to swell. The hero candidates are following suit. Yet, Alda deems it insufficient—a judgement that appears justified.

However, few new tactical options remained. Even previously forbidden strategies—such as when the ‘God of Thunderclouds’ Fitun used the reincarnator Hajime Inui, known as [Puppeteer], to turn worshippers into empty vessels for heroic spirits—proved too complicated to implement with believers.

Fitun was able to accomplish such a forbidden act largely due to possessing a reincarnator’s body. When gods directly interfere with mortal affairs, it can easily drain and incapacitate many believers. Additionally, turning someone into an empty vessel while leaving their body and brain undamaged poses significant challenges.

While memories and personas must be dismantled, impairments to sensory and motor functions would prevent the hosted heroic spirits from exhibiting full power.

Most crucially, if such actions were exposed, it could shake the faith of his worshippers—a risk Alda could not afford to take.

“Eileek has handled matters well so far, but… it’s still not enough.”

Alda uttered these words while gazing at the sealed fragments of Guduranis’ soul. He had retrieved these fragments from Rodcorte’s divine realm, ensuring he possessed all of Guduranis’ soul fragments—except for the portions Vandalieu had consumed.

“These fragments could serve as a powerful weapon against Vandalieu… but releasing Guduranis would be catastrophic if we fail to have Vandalieu consume him. That would only end up making Vandalieu stronger.”

To Alda, failing to vanquish Vandalieu meant eternally failing to restore the world to its ideal state… Still, he was acutely aware the risks involved in Guduranis’ revival.

“However, at this rate, our chances of defeating Vandalieu remain slim. In that case… I must determine how to utilize this.”

After much deliberation, Alda reached out towards Guduranis’ soul fragments.

<<<< ++++ >>>>

Meanwhile, Eileek Marm, the head of the Holy Kingdom of Alda, was deeply absorbed in the divine duties assigned to him by his god.

“Is the Rite of Rebirth proceeding smoothly?” “Yes, without issue.” “Are there any problems with candidate selection?” “Of course not.”

Erik was conversing with dutiful messengers of the gods, individuals ready to offer their lives without hesitation if the gods demanded it—whether their own or their loved ones. They are true clergy ready to gladly sacrifice everything.

“Let me confirm once more: there are no issues with candidate selection, correct? If we lower our standards just to meet quotas based on our own judgment, we may end up defying divine will.”

“Certainly.”

Their dedication to holy duties was unwavering. Prioritizing divine will over personal preference, they refrained from acting on their discretion.

“Though Schneider and the ‘Storm of Tyranny’ have eliminated some eligible candidates, we still maintain adequate numbers.”

“No need to relax the criteria. If necessary, we were prepared to sacrifice ourselves…”

“In ordinary times, it would be lamentable, but perhaps it’s divine wisdom.”

The marked candidates, bound in chains, were methodically broken down and then “reborn” at their hands.

<<<< ++++ >>>>

And here, too, were those fervent in their faith.

“Bashas-sama, congratulations on your descent!”

Before a dusky beauty, a massive man resembling stone incarnate, bristling with muscle, knelt and bowed.

His name was Arthur—a youth of intimidating appearance yet pure and kind-hearted.

“Th-Thank you, Arthur. F-For receiving such joy, I-I am so happy…!”

The dark-haired beauty was none other than the ‘Goddess of Rainclouds’ Bashas whom he revered. Through Mari’s help, she had acquired a suitable vessel and manifested a portion of her spirit.

Anyone perceptive enough could sense the significant aura—a sacred power flowing from her. If she willed it, clear skies might turn to showers, and her enemies would face omens of misfortune.

“So much appreciation—it’s truly a first time for me! Thank you for believing in someone like me!”

Yet now, she simply looked like a teary-eyed woman.

Formerly worshipped as a deity who informed about water-related calamities besides weather, Bashas never boasted a high self-image, having seen her believers dwindle for centuries.

“What are you saying! It’s thanks to Bashas-sama’s blessing that I am who I am today! Because of you, my sister, my close friends, and I have gained amazing allies and can wield this power for the world and humanity!”

“We are ever grateful!”

Arthur, along with his sister Kalinia and childhood friend Borzofoy, expressed their gratitude to Bashas. Through Bashas’s encouragement, they also received blessings from the ‘Goddess of Dark Nights’ Zelzeria and the ‘God of Shadows’ Hamul.

“Me too!”

Miriam, who accidentally encountered Arthur’s group and joined them, felt the same gratitude but—

“I—I am grateful to you, Miriam! Thank you for accepting them. Visiting the village where they live was destined. In the name of the ‘Goddess of Rainclouds,’ for as long as I exist, I shall love you eternally…”

Flowing with intensity, indescribable depth resided within those bright yet dark eyes as if swirling with a violent storm. The goddess’s assessment seemingly elevated itself excessively.

“Y-Yikes!”

Hugged and fixed with those eyes, Miriam could only respond thus.

Having grown accustomed to Vandalieu, yet now encountering a real deity’s overwhelming aura, she wondered if Vandalieu had always been restraining his power. Could divine love truly be this intimidating?

Amid those thoughts, Miriam grew convinced that Arthur’s group and Bashas were kindred spirits.

As for whether Zelzeria and Hamul resembled Kalinia and Borzofoy in the same way, Miriam entertained the thought briefly but reconsidered.

“So, about what lies ahead, I also want to—”

Miriam guessed she meant to say “fight together.”

“I want to sing and dance, as well. Is that alright?”

“Of course! …Wait, what?”

Her immediate, enthusiastic assent, reflexively reversing into an inquiry.