The atmosphere in the study was grave and solemn. Even Amber, usually the most lively and mischievous, stood to one side with a serious expression, showing no intention of joking around.
"This was the entirety of our exchange." Gawain sat behind his desk, leaning comfortably against the back of his chair as he spoke to the people before him. The Guardian's Shield rested on a weapon rack not far behind him.
Under the lingering rays of the setting sun, everything in the study was coated in a faint orange glow.
"Unbelievable..." Heti's expression was more solemn than ever, and even getting those few words out seemed immensely difficult. Clearly, organizing her thoughts so quickly after such an overwhelming flood of information was no easy task, even for the Empire's Grand Chancellor. "Ancestor, if everything the Nature God said is true, then our understanding of this world..."
"Our understanding of this world, of the gods, of the Magic Tide, of faith, even of the stars in the universe—everything has opened a new door before us," Veronica/Ophelia said in a low, grave voice, gripping her platinum scepter tightly. "We must reassess the relationship between gods and mortals, and rediscover the planet on which we live, as well as the boundless space beyond it..."
"As mortals, the knowledge we possess is limited. Yet among the limited truths we know, nothing directly conflicts with what Amun the Giant Deer has said," Camil said, analyzing the intelligence revealed by the Nature God from a scholar's perspective. "I believe most of what He said is credible."
"Ancestor," Heti suddenly raised her head and looked at Gawain, "do you believe what the 'Nature God' said?"
"Everything He said may be true, but I will always retain some doubt," Gawain said bluntly. "A god capable of Suspended Animation