Suddenly, Philaps realized what Modi meant by "the root of it all"!
Disbelief crossed his face. A gifted Transcendent, he was young but had already reached Peak Formal Rank. With Modi's recent guidance, he was about to advance to Legendary Rank.
So Philaps knew the gods existed. He also knew of their greatness and the vast, terrifying powers they wielded.
Now that Modi had pointed to the root of it all, wasn't he talking about those gods who stood so far above everyone else?
"Godslaying!" The hair-raising word flashed through Philaps's mind.
He stared at Modi in shock, as though seeing the teacher he admired for the first time. He disagreed with some of Modi's views, but admired him beyond measure as a person.
The thought of godslaying did not frighten Philaps. If anything, beneath his nerves stirred a faint excitement.
Challenging authority and overturning everything old was rebellion written into the bones of the young. With one casual remark, Modi had awakened the defiance Philaps had kept buried beneath reason.
"Teacher, I understand. Rest assured, I'll treat this as a test you've set for me," Philaps said solemnly. "If I can't even manage this, I don't deserve to be your disciple."
Modi smiled with satisfaction. He said nothing more, merely waved a hand for Philaps to get going.
Philaps nodded emphatically, then turned and left.
Just then, the Golden Dragon Girl Arudika appeared beside Modi. Watching Philaps disappear, she wore an odd expression and gave a snort. "You've fooled another one. I really don't get what you're doing. He's a decent prospect, sure, but even at his peak he'll only reach Calamity Rank. You don't expect people like him to fight gods, do you?"
Instead of answering, Modi asked, "What number was he?"
Arudika took out a little notebook,