The Mortal Realm

History books are filled with wars, treaties, marriage alliances, and betrayals, but not a single page is about inventions; the technology tree hasn't grown a single new branch in three thousand years.

Before embarking on their journey, the hero visits a palace or Church for support, and then listens to a bunch of useless NPCs speaking in their own language—that's how it's portrayed in stories.

So Ming Yuanwu eventually arrived at the capital of one of the countries and successfully entered the palace, which was virtually unguarded.

However, after Ming Yuanwu entered the palace, he discovered that a coup had already taken place. After the coup, the guards loyal to the king were purged. The reason there was no one at the gate was that the newly enthroned ruler had not yet had time to form a new guard.

The king's head was on the palace steps; you could see it if you went up and shone a light on it. It took him some effort to get out.

"So what should I do next...? Should I just follow the steps the goddess said before, go on adventures step by step, find partners to form a hero team, conquer the Demon Tide, and then defeat the Demon King?" Ming Yuanwu fell into deep thought.

"But soon all the people will die out, right? Without light, there's no way to reproduce, and they'll all be dead within six months."

Lost in thought, Ming Yuanwu groped his way to the front of a Church and decided to go inside.

There are definitely Gods in this world, and the Church must have a very close connection with the Gods; perhaps they can share some information.

Even without information, at least they could find a place to stay. After darkness fell, all the inns in the capital closed.

If you're resting outside, it's a good thing the hook isn't safe; the real fear is getting eaten.

Ming Yuanwu stepped inside and found that the Church was indeed different.

The world was plunged into complete darkness, social productivity was extremely low, basic education was nonexistent, and the rulers' ability to control and supervise society was weak. As a result, the towns surrounding the country had basically collapsed, with looting, rioting, and sword fights happening everywhere, even in the capital.

There was absolutely no chaos at the Church entrance. While this was partly due to the powerful figures within the Church, it was also largely due to the fact that this world had been colonized by faith for countless years.

For thousands of years, the various Churches have been the only organizations that have never completely collapsed. Dynasties have changed, empires have risen and fallen, but the Churches have always stood, the clergy have always been noble, and the believers have always been praying.

It's not because the Church is so powerful, but because no one dares to truly touch the Church. To touch the Church is to touch God. To touch God is to touch the entire faith system.

"Hello."

A woman's voice came from the doorway. Ming Yuanwu used his Illumination Spell to walk to the counter, held the light source up to the woman's face, and confirmed that she was Nun with large breasts and a white robe.

"Sir, please have some self-respect."

Because Ming Yuanwu was not from this world, and his height was below average, his approaching motion resembled measuring a woman's bust size, causing the Nun's voice to turn cold.

"Hello, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it. What kind of cult do you belong to?"

"We are Church that worships the God of Ten Thousand Crafts, who wields all weapons and machinery, and whose divine will is forged in steel... Are you here to join our denomination?"

The Nun's voice became more enthusiastic, and she even used Spell to illuminate the surroundings.

Only then did Ming Yuanwu get a clear look at the Church entrance: a tall dome, stained glass windows, and directly in front of it a Deity Statue made of an unknown metal. The Deity Statue was a faceless human figure, holding a hammer and chisel, with gears and an anvil under its feet.

"Oh." Ming Yuanwu had never heard of this God.

"Then, between Him and the God of Light, who is stronger?" he asked sincerely.

"You fucking looking for trouble, huh?"

The Nun's expression turned terrifying, and her voice was many times colder than when Ming Yuanwu had approached her earlier.

Ming Yuanwu realized he had said the wrong thing. He frowned and thought for a while, not wanting to explain anything, and instead displayed his Career Panel.

Based on the information gathered and literature searched over the past few days, it appears that Mortal Realm kingdoms and religious sects tend to treat heroes with great favor, as if this is how they can gain "God attention." After all, heroes are chosen by the Gods, especially heroes from other worlds.

[Occupation: Warrior]

[Growth: Max]

[Level: 12]

[...]

The Nun looked over with some impatience, but her gaze sharpened instantly when she saw the profession!

"Ah, ah... Haha, it's the Hero! Welcome! What brings you to the Church today?"

The Nun's attitude changed completely; her voice became respectful, and she quickly informed the bishop.

"I need information and some assistance. In exchange, what do I need to give?"

Ten minutes later, the bishop emerged from the depths of the church. He wore the emblem of the God of Ten Thousand Crafts on his chest and used Spell to illuminate the entire hall, allowing Ming Yuanwu to finally see the details of the Church entrance.

The walls were covered with blueprints of various machines: gears, pistons, connecting rods, Steam. Each blueprint was covered with densely packed prayers, and the air was filled with the smell of machine oil and metal.

Perhaps we can start with this Church and try the path of the Industrial Revolution...

Ming Yuanwu pondered the path ahead.

The bishop and all his entourage exchanged glances for a moment, and after a long while, he finally spoke:

"Hero, our Church has no demands and will do everything in its power to support you until you reach level ninety or higher, so you can go and defeat the Demon King."

Ming Yuanwu pondered for a moment, then responded with a smile:

"Very well, I am the hero chosen by the Gods, and I have come to the Mortal Realm to end the Calamity brought by the Demon King for all living beings. Your support is a testament to your devotion to the Gods, and I believe they will see it."

The bishop remained silent.

After a long while, the bishop dismissed everyone and said to Ming Yuanwu:

"Hero, we will indeed provide you with all the resources you need, and even bring monsters for you to kill. You need not worry about any schemes or tricks; our help to you is sincere, just like our faith in the God of Ten Thousand Machines."

"And what's the price?"

"We're just betting on a possibility that you might reach level one hundred or higher, which would qualify you to become a servant of God. When you enter the Divine Court, could you let my God know the depth of our faith?"

Ming Yuanwu remained silent for a long while before finally speaking:

"Tell me what you know about the relationship between the Mortal Realm, the Divine Court, and the gods. I am destined to enter the Divine Court; I am protected by the Gods."

Half a day later, the bishop left, leaving Ming Yuanwu with a furrowed brow.

"This world is truly a mess."

According to the bishop's words, there is not only [Eldran] in the Mortal Realm, but many, so the vision and grace of the Gods are also dispersed.

However, there is no communication between Mortal Realms, no one knows how many Mortal Realms there are, and no one knows what the other Mortal Realms are like.

The Gods are indifferent, only occasionally bestowing favors or allowing believers to increase their power more quickly.

There are usually no divine pronouncements, no responses, only a suffocating silence.