Unlike the Frost Giant, whose soul had partly resided within the fallen divine spark, Atsam's spirit had recondensed purely in response to the faith of his followers.
After his death, his soul had slumbered in the Frost Giant's divine kingdom. Thus, only after Quillras had risked his life to open the Close at Hand Divine Kingdom could Atsam's spirit awaken.
Atsam's soul was whole, but what chilled Quillras to the bone was the resistance in his attitude.
Quillras stared at Atsam, the ancestor he had worshipped beyond measure since childhood.
After a long while, Atsam finally asked in confusion:
"Have the Kutelin People truly fallen to such a terrible state?"
This was the first time he had spoken. Compared to the Frost Giant's remnant spirit, Atsam was clearly far more capable of thought and communication.
Though Quillras had already fallen into despair, he still hurriedly answered upon hearing this:
"Not really... Why do you ask?"
Atsam looked even more puzzled. "If things have not reached such dire straits, why expend so much effort to revive the two of us, who have already passed on?"
"Are there no outstanding talents among the younger Kutelin People?"
"Why cling so stubbornly to the past..."
His grammar was quite simple, his wording exceptionally blunt, and his confusion sincere. He did not seem to be brushing Quillras off.
Quillras was left speechless.
For a moment, he could not accept Atsam's question. He fell silent, but the Divine Fire beneath his feet had already surged up to his knees.
The Close at Hand Divine Kingdom could no longer hold.
Atsam had clearly noticed this. He felt some pity, but even more confusion.
"I can feel your devotion, and I am grateful that you still remember me... But this is not what I want."
"Whether it is