Power really was a catalyst for ambition. After buying a host of strange creatures to bolster his strength, even Count Shuesterm, who had once wanted nothing more than to become king and enjoy himself, had begun expanding his territory.
In his Divine Kingdom, Jiang Hao sat on his Divine Throne, watching events unfold on the Main Plane. The corners of his mouth lifted.
Lady of Wealth is really going all out now that she's found a path to advancement... That Devil named Yarlin looks like an ordinary believer of hers, but he's actually her representative in the Underworld—practically her Pope. He's hidden it remarkably well, too. If I hadn't been watching her and seen her deliver a divine oracle with my own eyes, I'd have thought he was just an ordinary believer...
And the power an ancient God has amassed over hundreds of thousands of years is terrifying. A Mutated Wind Elemental, a Variant Redley, Pure White Armor that developed self-awareness and possesses both undead and light attributes... Where did she find all these strange creatures?
The Outer Void held countless species—so many that, apart from the Lord of Omniscience, probably no God knew how many there were.
Though Gods could learn about anything they saw or sensed, that ability only worked once they encountered the creature itself. Many species in the Void had never appeared before a God at all.
"With Lady of Wealth's help, there's basically no need to worry about the Strathlade Kingdom. Even if the Churches of other Gods intervene, they won't change much. I have to admit, even in the Otherworld, the power wealth can bring to bear is frightening."
"The Church of Artisans and Steam is developing steadily. The Goddess of the Forest and the Goddess of the Spring have both pulled back. Without