The Midnight Dragonflame, Joining the Hunt!

Avalon was a very personable god.

Murphy had always thought so. He hadn't had much contact with other gods, but Avalon had made the best impression on him, despite having a few odd and unpleasant habits.

Avalon liked to spy.

Avalon had been the first astral titan to discover Murphy's existence, but had creepily kept it from the other gods. Only after arranging for the revival of the human church did Avalon quietly reveal the secret.

And Murphy was certain Avalon had been secretly observing his actions on this continent all along, occasionally making adjustments to support the choices he made.

That alone proved that Avalon might not be the strongest of the gods, but was definitely the smartest—or perhaps the craftiest.

By the time Murphy left Avalon's sanctuary, he had realized that Avalon was hiding a very impressive plan.

From what Avalon had just told him, it was easy to tell that, having fashioned three aspects for themself when they first ascended to godhood, they had a complete plan for their divine career. If not for the unexpected factor of the Spider Lady, perhaps Avalon's attempt would already have succeeded.

But that was a divine secret, and Murphy thought it best not to go around gossiping about it. He'd rather not have divine punishment brought down on him.

Next, he still had to make the same deal with Gaia and the Eastern Sacred Spirit. But Murphy needed to plan ahead so he could better persuade the stubborn Earth Mother and the astral dragon, who was said to be the strictest and most self-disciplined among the gods.

There was no need to rush.

Besides, Kulkhan had made it clear that even if the gods were willing to help, their symbolic cultivation would take time. It wouldn't happen overnight.

So he