God’s Perspective

I have three options for venturing beyond Ravenshade:

First, I could allow my incarnation—crafted from a fraction of my consciousness—to leave my divine realm and explore on its own. However, this choice comes with significant risk. Although I’m merely an incarnation and only a part of my overall self, its potential death would have severe consequences for me. Losing it would result in a reduction of nearly 30 percent of my divine power, possibly causing me to regress to rank 2.

The second option is to upgrade the altar and expand its range. Unfortunately, this presents its own challenges. Given the vastness of the world, my current rank allows me to expand the altar's reach only twice, and each increment becomes exponentially more taxing in terms of divine energy. Additionally, chances to catch a nearby village inside the altar's range is too slim.

Lastly, I could consider sending out missionaries. This could be an effective strategy, but there’s a significant hurdle: missionaries activity might gotten whiff by other gods believers and be targeted, even if they might find a believers willing to be my believers, believers must first 'baptize' themselves by praying in front of my altar, which is only in Ravenshade, that serves as my anchor in this realm. While I could seek out another unclaimed altar and claimed it, the exposure risk remains, similar to the first scenario. This means that, for safety and to access the system, believers would need to come all the way to Ravenshade to undergo baptism and gain access to the divine system.

What if I inspired a merchant to become a believer? Once they journey to another village, they could promote the system and invite fellow travelers to join the faith. Along their route, they’d have the choice to head to Ravenshade for baptism or, if they stumble upon an unclaimed altar, I could swiftly descend to claim it as my own.

Alternatively, I could forge my very own altar. However, an altar can only be recognized as such if it has been soaked in faith for an extended period while remaining unclaimed, much like the revered altar in Ravenshade. 

To further this vision, I can assign a mission to the residents of Ravenshade to imbue a newly created virtual altar with their prayers. Once this altar is prepared, I could deploy it to a village or even a bustling city, spreading the faith further.

I need to determine when a merchant will arrive in Ravenshade to strategize the conversion of faith. I could approach the village head, but too much communication might diminish the enigma surrounding my existence. Instead, I’ll enlist the help of the saintess. Since she is just a child, it’s perfectly acceptable for her to reach out on my behalf. Meanwhile, I must focus on creating my virtual altar to set this plan into motion until the time is right.

... 

It has been seven days since the God of Imagination blessed our village with their divine presence. In this brief yet transformative period, I’ve witnessed a remarkable evolution in our way of life. As the village head, I feel an immense sense of pride and gratitude for the blessings we’ve received.

I find myself absentmindedly touching the necklace that symbolizes the God of Imagination. Its cross-shaped design is meticulously crafted, featuring intricate engravings that capture the essence of our newfound faith. The necklace is available in various materials: cedar wood, crystal, and marble.

The cedar wood necklace exudes a warm, earthy charm, its rich texture and natural grains embodying the strength and resilience of the forest. Its subtle aroma brings a sense of calm and grounding, connecting the wearer to the spirit of nature.

The bluish crystal variant, which I chose, is translucent and gem-like, shimmering in a vibrant blue that evokes images of the sky and the ocean waves I encountered during my days as an adventurer. Its ethereal glow seems to change with the light, casting gentle reflections that inspire creativity and imagination.

The golden-white marble necklace stands out with its luxurious sheen and elegant patterns. The marble’s surface is polished to perfection, reflecting light in a way that gives it an almost celestial appearance. This design symbolizes purity and divine grace, making it a perfect choice for those who seek to embody the God’s ideals.

Each day, the villagers harness their mystical abilities bestowed upon them by their classes, incorporating these powers into their daily routines. Farmers use earth magic to enhance their crops, while artisans channel creativity to craft beautiful tools and decorations. Even the children play games that reflect their budding skills, weaving spells of light and color in joyous displays.

As I gently caress the necklace, I catch sight of the Divine Interface glowing to life before me. A radiant dot catches my attention on the communication icon. Curious, I open it and discover an announcement at the very top of the menu. It reveals the exciting news of a newly created mission board within the user information panel. Additionally, it highlights a mission personally issued by the God of Imagination, presenting an important opportunity for our village to further engage with the divine and explore new horizons.

*Quest Announcement: The Divine Prayer of Imagination

Adventurers, gather round! A celestial challenge awaits you at the Virtual Altar of the God of Imagination. Each prayer you offer will grant you 15 quarks—5 more than your usual offerings. 

The top ten most devoted souls shall be rewarded with magical equipment, each possessing unique powers. The ultimate champion, the one who ascends to the first place, will claim a legendary magical weapon.

This sacred event lasts for 7 days. Will you rise to the occasion and earn your place among the finest?*

...

Most of the villagers quickly noticed the announcement, and soon, the atmosphere transformed into a lively buzz reminiscent of a festival week. Excitement crackled in the air as people gathered in small clusters, discussing the implications of the new mission board and the divine mission personally issued by the God of Imagination.

Children ran through the streets, laughter ringing out as they played games that involved their newfound magical abilities. Some conjured colorful sparks of light, while others created illusions that danced in the air, mesmerizing their friends. The elders shared stories of their experiences with the God’s blessings, their eyes sparkling with wonder as they recounted how their lives had changed.

Market stalls were abuzz with activity as vendors showcased their crafts, proudly displaying items enhanced by their mystical skills. Artisans unveiled intricate jewelry and tools that reflected the beauty of their faith, while farmers promoted fresh produce that thrived under the influence of earth magic. The vibrant colors and lively chatter made the village feel as though it were alive with a newfound energy.

As the day unfolded, groups formed to discuss strategies for completing the missions outlined in the announcement. Villagers of all ages exchanged ideas, their faces alight with determination and creativity. Some proposed forming teams to tackle the challenges, while others suggested pooling their unique abilities to ensure success.

The air was filled with the sweet scent of baked goods as the local bakers prepared treats to celebrate the occasion. The aroma wafted through the village, drawing people together as they shared food and stories, reinforcing their bonds of community.

Everywhere I looked, there was a palpable sense of unity and hope. The God of Imagination had not only granted us blessings but had also ignited a spark of collaboration among the villagers. Together, they embraced the call to action, ready to embark on this new journey and explore the possibilities that lay ahead.