Chapter 292 290-Enslaving a God
Lana Mokos and Hilna understood the gravity of the situation; both stood solemnly, guarding Ethan.
Ethan's fingers formed seals as he silently recited the Soul Language of Nature.
Golden threads emanated from Ethan, enveloping Aneropo.
The soul threads tightly coiled around Aneropo, slowly seeping into his body.
Feeling the invasion of his soul, Aneropo slightly furrowed his brows, his eyelids seeming as though they might open.
Hilna covered her mouth, almost crying out in her nervousness.
Lana Mokos remained expressionless, for she understood.
Within the illusion, Aneropo had already become familiar with Ethan's Power of Soul.
Now, as Ethan's Power of Soul invaded, Aneropo would only feel a sense of familiarity.
Indeed, Aneropo's brow slowly relaxed, and once again, an infant-like smile appeared on his face.
The soul threads gradually merged with Aneropo's soul, and a golden dragon emblem appeared upon it.
Ethan abruptly opened his eyes, exhaling a murky breath: "It's done."
Hilna, incredulous, spoke, "Did you really just enslave Aneropo?"
Ethan nodded slightly, a smile blossoming on his face: "Indeed."
Lana Mokos also offered some congratulatory words before adding, "Don't forget to let me study Aneropo."
Ethan waved his hand slightly, "Why let you study him alone?"
Lana Mokos' brows furrowed, her tone turning cold, "Are you going back on your word?"
Ethan spoke calmly, "What kind of person do you take me for? I'm quite interested in deities as well. Wouldn't it be more convenient for us to study him together?"
Lana Mokos let out a sigh of relief. She thought of all the innovative ideas Ethan had come up with so far.
Add to that Ethan's recent surge in strength, along with the various adventures he'd experienced.
Lana Mokos felt that studying an ancient deity alongside Ethan might lead to some extraordinary discoveries.
Lana Mokos: "Fine, you set a time, and we will study it together."
Having become the most powerful being beneath the deities, Ethan was now on the path to godhood.
"Why not today? Let's ask Aneropo now," Ethan decided promptly. "Aneropo, wake up."
Aneropo slowly opened his eyes, stepping out from the flames.
He knelt on one knee, speaking respectfully, "Master, what can your servant do for you?"
Even if Hilna was mentally prepared, she was still shocked.
The Son of the Sun, who had been lofty and looked down upon all just a few hours ago, was now a subservient Aneropo?
This world was truly too fantastical.
Ethan narrowed his eyes slightly, asking the question that everyone present was most concerned about: "How does one become a deity?"
Aneropo's expression suddenly stiffened, and his brows furrowed, "Master, I became a deity naturally; I don't quite understand the process myself."
Aneropo's answer took everyone aback.
Lana Mokos stepped forward to ask, "Then how did you become a deity?"
Aneropo narrowed his eyes slightly, completely ignoring Lana Mokos.
Ethan coughed once, "Answer the question."
"Yes, Master." Aneropo bowed slightly towards Ethan.
Lana Mokos clenched her fists. Aneropo was too devoted; only Ethan's commands were effective on him.
"I was originally a Golden Raven statue. When more people worshiped me and I collected an abundance of the Power of Faith, I became a deity," Aneropo recounted, "That was a very long time ago. Was it tens of thousands of years ago? Hundreds of thousands? Or even millions..."
A bitter smile appeared on Aneropo's face, "Master, I have been asleep for so long, there are some things I can't remember clearly anymore."
Ethan stroked his chin, deep in thought.
Aneropo had transformed from a stone statue into a deity, but astonishingly, he could morph into a Golden Raven and even possessed the full divine power to use the secret techniques of the Three-Legged Golden Raven clan.
For instance, the Day of Apocalypse, a world-destroying divine art, was surely not something a mere idol could learn.
The most perplexing question was: Who created Aneropo's statue?
And who could possibly have worshipped Aneropo in that era?
Aneropo was an ancient deity.
Were all ancient deities created, rather than being innate deities born with the universe?
Ethan's mind was in turmoil, feeling like he had grasped at some threads of understanding, yet he was unable to fully make sense of them.
Lana Mokos, with her deeper understanding of ancient deities compared to Ethan, fell silent upon hearing Aneropo's words.
The notion that ancient deities were created -- if this idea were to spread, that would brand Lana Mokos a heretic.
In this world, every sect's deities were believed to be naturally nurtured into existence.
The concept of creation had never been part of the narrative; the followers believed their deities were omniscient, omnipotent, and unique.
However, Aneropo's words seemed to shred all those lies.
If Aneropo's worshippers knew that he was created, one couldn't help but wonder if their fervent faith would collapse and their minds break down.
At this moment, one of Hilna's subordinates rushed up to the city walls, shouting urgently, "Queen Hilna, it's not good. Someone is leading an army and attacking us."
Hilna's body was once again enveloped in a heroic aura.
She swayed her body and swung her long fire whip, "Who is it? Could it be those people from Sourcewater City?"
Sourcewater City didn't have much to do with Flame City, as Twin City lay between them.
However, due to the events surrounding the Son of the Sun, Flame City had undergone changes.
Knowing about the turmoil in Flame City, Sourcewater City harbored ulterior motives, hoping to wage war and either annex or plunder Flame City.
Sourcewater City had already tested the waters several times before, but were blocked by Twin City each time.
Furthermore, Hilna's formidable strength deterred Sourcewater City from making any significant moves.
But now, aware of all that had transpired in Flame City, Sourcewater City actually wanted to fish in troubled waters and take advantage of the chaos.
This caught Hilna off guard, and a question arose in her heart: How could Twin City possibly let the Sourcewater City army through? Was this some kind of joke?
If Flame City were to be swallowed or occupied by Sourcewater City, with Twin City squeezed in between Flame City and Sourcewater City, would they still have good days ahead?
Unbelievably, today, Sourcewater City was kicking Flame City while it was down, directly attacking in the midst of the chaos.
Hilna's face twitched as she spoke sharply, "What about Twin City? Did they not stop Sourcewater City's actions? Don't tell me Twin City has joined forces with Sourcewater City?"
Her subordinate spoke loudly, "Queen Hilna, I am not sure. But currently, the army of Sourcewater City has already started marching and is attacking Flame City."
Ethan furrowed his brows slightly.
Although he didn't quite understand the relationship between these cities, he grasped one concept: when the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold.
Could it be that Twin City had made a deal with those people from Sourcewater City?
Seeing everyone falling into silence, the subordinate became even more frantic, speaking tremulously, "Queen Hilna, what should we do now? There are not many people left in the city."
Hilna looked around. The flames on the ruins had been extinguished, but thick smoke rose with the wind.
Inside Flame City, desolation reigned supreme.
Everywhere, people were covered in dust and ash. Even with Hilna's subordinates working tirelessly, they couldn't prevent the city's decline.
Hilna turned to Ethan again, sighing, "Ethan, I didn't think I would ever need your help."
Ethan walked to Hilna's side, wrapping his arm gently around her waist, "Don't worry, I'm here for you."
Hilna felt deeply moved, looking at Ethan with love in her eyes.
Ethan slightly turned his head, whispering, "Aneropo, do you still have the strength to wipe out a human army?"
Aneropo, with a smile on his face, spoke softly, "Master, command as you wish; your servant is willing to serve you."
Ethan pointed towards the distance, speaking loudly, "Go, wipe them out."
The flames on Aneropo's body flickered as he covered his chest, bowing, "Rest assured, Master."
In a flash, Aneropo's figure disappeared from the spot.
Lana Mokos shook her head slightly, scoffing, "Can Aneropo, in his current state, really eliminate an entire army?"
Ethan, with a smile in his eyes, responded, "You must understand, there is a world of difference between deities and humans."
...
Aneropo stood over twenty kilometers outside of Flame City, hovering in the air, awaiting the arrival of the army.
Soon, a roar like thunderous beastly howls came from afar.
Aneropo's expression was icy as he murmured, "My master commands your demise, and so you shall not live."
Sourcewater City
A young man dressed in knight's attire stood atop a castle, overlooking all the structures of Sourcewater City.
His name was Fernard, and he was a Hero.
His upbringing was favorable; he was born and raised within the academy, never having experienced chaos or ruin.
He received a fine education, and his family was in excellent financial standing.
This content is taken from fr(e)ewebn(o)vel.𝓬𝓸𝓶