Chapter 323: 323

Por’s eyes, still hollow from the betrayal she had realized, met the plantkeeper’s. Slowly, she nodded in understanding. There was no hope in her gaze, only quiet resignation.

Ikenga and Keles, meanwhile, had been observing the entire situation. The mage’s sudden movements and plans for the ratfolk were something they hadn’t anticipated.

Looking at the downcast and dejected ratmen, Ikenga knew this could be a good opportunity to reveal himself and act as a saving grace for them. But thinking long-term, Ikenga wasn’t a fan of working hard only for others to benefit. If this world was conquered by the demons, the ratfolk would fall into the abyss along with it, and they wouldn’t be a prize he could claim simply because he helped them.

So, Ikenga remained still, raising his palm for Keles to see. An image of the marked ratman’s consciousness appeared, with the tree and snake working to break the seal.

Ikenga had planned on letting things take their natural course, not forcing anything, but the mage’s movements made him reconsider.

Watching the ratman leaders leave the room with their shoulders slumped, an idea formed in Ikenga’s mind. If it worked, the seal would be broken sooner, and the ratmen would get the king they were in dire need of.

Keles, noticing Ikenga lost in thought, called for Vaegur, who entered the carriage as Keles began a new game of chess. Being a demon, Vaegur recognized the human game and stole a glance at Keles and Ikenga before shaking his head.

At the moment, Ikenga sat with his eyes closed, his mind racing with multiple thoughts. One idea surfaced that caused his divinity to react, warning him of the risks involved.

Ikenga had considered interfering with the dreams of the marked ratman, presenting himself within the dream to subtly influence the outcome. But he was quickly reminded of his divine nature and past experiences.

When he had attempted to whisper or contact the former king and queen of the Silver Kingdom, he had nearly killed them. To present himself to the conscious ratman might have the opposite effect of what he intended.

From experience and observation, Ikenga had learned that the more a mortal mind tries to comprehend a divine presence, the more damage it sustains—unless the mortal is of considerable strength. He and Keles could tour the ratman find simply because he was asleep, if he was awake it would be a different outcome.

A figure Ikenga had almost forgotten about flashed into his mind, and he chuckled. “If my divine presence prevents me from doing what I want, then I’ll just find someone who can do it for me—someone who can do I need without the burden of divinity.”

Glancing at Keles and Vaegur, deeply engrossed in their game, Ikenga cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to interrupt your game, but we need to pick up a companion. Vaegur, if you don’t mind?” An image of the destination flashed in Vaegur’s mind, raising a brow in surprise, he nodded, left the carriage, and mounted Lavderh as they made their way out from the underground toward their new destination.

“Are we going back for Phantom?” Keles asked, intrigued by Ikenga’s sudden decision. Ikenga nodded, though his eyes sparkled with a different curiosity. He posed a question that had been lingering in his mind.

“I’ve realized something recently,” Ikenga began thoughtfully. “Most of the beings we encounter and talk to, have only seen our physical form. No doubt those with certain heritage and strength can bear our true presence but what about the mortals who worship us?”

Keles tilted her head in confusion, pondering Ikenga’s question. It wasn’t something she had ever considered before. The more she thought about it, the more curious she became. However, instead of answering, she threw a question back at him. “Why does it matter how they see us?”

Ikenga leaned back, a faint smile playing on his lips. He had expected this response—his sister, though sharp in many ways, rarely delved into the subtleties of perception, especially when it came to the powerless. Still, he could see her curiosity spark as she mulled over the question.

“Why does it matter?” Keles asked again, raising an eyebrow with skepticism. “They are beneath us. What significance is there in how we appear to them?”

Ikenga chuckled softly. “Ah, that’s precisely why it matters, dear sister. We are gods to them—forces beyond comprehension. But have you ever wondered what that does to them?”

“They already know we are gods,” Ikenga said. “They’ve carved us into images—stone, metal, symbols they can understand and worship. It gives them comfort, something they can kneel before, something familiar. But if we were to appear before them in our true forms, beyond their carved images and crafted idols… what would happen then?”

Keles uncrossed her arms, curiosity flickering in her gaze. “They’ve already accepted us as gods. But their acceptance is indeed shallow, based on their own constructs, their own limitations. If their minds can’t fully grasp what stands before them it usually ends up shattering?”

Ikenga nodded. “That’s exactly it. It’s one thing to worship an idea of a god, to bow before a statue or a story passed down through generations. But to see the real thing—something they cannot comprehend or translate—would break them. The mind can only bend so far before it snaps. Worse still, the divine strength we exude without being reigned in would overwhelm them, leading to their death.”

Keles looked intrigued. “And you’re thinking… what? That we should appear to them as something more familiar?”

“Appearing before them in flesh isn’t the issue,” Ikenga replied. “You’ve taught me quite a bit about souls since our journey. If they were to see this flesh and blood form,” he said, raising his arm in front of him, “I believe nothing would happen.”

“But our conversation now lies in the realm of consciousness and souls. The sight of a soul is different from that of mortal eyes. Awakening the ratman’s consciousness while we are present in it is where my question is, whether he can see beyond the physical form and get a glimpse of our divine essence.”

Keles leaned back, her eyes narrowing in thought. “Ah, I see now,” she said, her tone more measured. “You’re not worried about how they perceive us in flesh—what concerns you is their perception of our divine essence, the truth of what we are when their consciousness touches ours.”

Ikenga nodded, raising his arm slightly as if examining it through new eyes. “Exactly. Mortal eyes can process this form, even if they recognize it as divine. But the soul… it can’t lie to itself like the mind can. Once their consciousness brushes against the true nature of divinity, they’re no longer dealing with just a physical presence. The soul sees us as we truly are.”

Keles nodded in understanding. “So, when we awaken the ratman’s consciousness and come into contact with his soul… you fear he might see beyond what his mind can comprehend?”

Ikenga sighed, the weight of the dilemma evident in his expression. “Yes. I almost destroyed the minds of the Silver Kingdom’s rulers because their souls were forced to look upon a power far greater than their fragile existence could bear. They couldn’t cope with the divine force—not just in form, but in essence. Their souls recoiled, trying to protect themselves.”

Keles tapped her chin thoughtfully. “And that’s why you’re considering Phantom. His lack of divinity allows him to interact with the ratman’s soul without overwhelming it. He’s a bridge, not a god. He can approach them on a level they can handle.”

Ikenga smiled slightly. “Exactly. Phantom can do what we cannot. He can awaken the ratman consciousness and dreams without causing a problem to his soul. It’s the subtlety we need—guidance without destruction.”

Keles gave a slow nod. The two gods continued their discussion about mortal perception as they left the underground. Back in the abyss, Phanthom still posing as a gargoyle already got Ikenga’s message.

The situation of the gargoyle was truly bad as they have made no progress since seeing the mage tower and goblins using spells. Not too long ago like other places invaded by demons.

The goblin empire began building walls and deploying soldiers who will take guard on the wall. The only difference here compared to the rest was how the goblins were moving.

They seem to understand that the portal on this side was the weak part of this invasion, so they are actively trying to push their way into the portal.

Malzor had been in a state of unrest since the beginning of the invasion. Nonetheless, his tension spiked when he saw the goblins rallying their troops, preparing to push back.

Immediately, Malzor deployed a fourth-stage gargoyle demon to the other world. Once there, the gargoyle took command of the gathered troops, keeping a close watch on the goblins’ movements.

Phanthom continued serving as an advisor, but he wasn’t as enthusiastic as before. It saddened him deeply that he had not been able to help Malzor fully realize his ambitions and goals.

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