Chapter 459 - 427: Flyer Of Grand Divine Gathering...

(A/N):

Drop a meme here that you find funny. Or reflects your mood.

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As Devara and Bek continued walking through the marketplace, they passed several merchants who were busy arranging their goods for the day.

The streets had become considerably more crowded, with people moving in every direction and vendors loudly advertising their products.

Suddenly, a piece of parchment came flying through the air, carried by a gust of wind.

Devara casually raised his hand and caught it before it could land on the ground.

He glanced at the parchment, noticing that it was a printed announcement decorated with golden borders and a symbol depicting a falcon with outstretched wings.

The writing was unfamiliar, but thanks to his ability to understand every language, he could read its contents without difficulty.

[A GRAND DIVINE GATHERING AT HELIOPOLIS!]

The announcement invited wealthy merchants, nobles, royal officials and representatives from various settlements to attend an upcoming grand gathering in Heliopolis.

The event was being organised under the authority of the Egyptian divine houses, with several prominent gods and their representatives expected to attend.

There would be grand celebrations, religious ceremonies, trading opportunities and exhibitions of valuable goods brought from different regions.

The announcement further mentioned that merchants would be permitted to establish temporary stalls near the designated gathering grounds, provided they received approval from the royal administration.

Devara examined the parchment for another moment.

"Well, that’s interesting."

Bek, who had been standing beside him, noticed the announcement and immediately became excited.

"That’s the announcement! It’s finally happening!"

Devara turned towards him.

"You know about this gathering?"

"Of course! Everyone in Heliopolis has been talking about it. It’s one of the biggest events held here. Merchants and wealthy people from different regions come to the city, bringing all kinds of expensive goods. Some even arrive with entire caravans!"

Bek’s eyes practically sparkled as he spoke.

"Do you know how much money people spend during these gatherings? The inns become crowded, the markets become busier, and merchants are willing to pay ridiculous amounts for rare items. Even the restaurants increase their prices because wealthy visitors don’t care about spending a few extra gold coins."

He rubbed his hands together excitedly.

"This is going to be wonderful!"

Devara chuckled at his enthusiasm.

"You’re certainly happy about it."

"Why wouldn’t I be? More wealthy people means more opportunities!"

Bek suddenly stopped, looking towards the announcement in Devara’s hand.

"Actually, if we play our cards right, I might even be able to introduce you to some important merchants. Some of them are extremely generous when they’re in a good mood."

Devara smiled but noticed something in Bek’s expression.

There was excitement, certainly, but also a certain bitterness whenever he spoke about the gods and their representatives.

"Tell me something, Bek. You seem rather interested in wealthy merchants, but you don’t appear particularly enthusiastic about the gods themselves."

Bek’s smile faded slightly.

He glanced around before lowering his voice.

"That’s because I know what they’re like."

Devara waited.

Bek kicked a small stone lying on the road before continuing.

"People here always talk about how magnificent the gods are, how powerful they are and how fortunate we are to live under their protection. But what does that protection actually mean for people like us?"

He gestured towards the construction sites visible in the distance.

"Look at those monuments. Look at the temples and the enormous statues they’re building. Everyone praises the gods for their greatness, but who do you think is doing all the work?"

Devara followed his gesture.

"The workers," he answered.

"Exactly. Ordinary people. Some are prisoners, some are debtors, and some are simply people who were taken from their villages. They spend their entire days carrying stones under the scorching sun. If they collapse, the guards beat them until they stand up again."

Bek’s voice grew quieter.

"And the gods? Most of them don’t even look at us as people. We’re just ants to them. Something that exists to serve them, build their monuments and provide whatever they demand."

He looked towards the announcement again.

"During these gatherings, they’ll arrive with their magnificent chariots, surrounded by servants and guards. Everyone will bow, everyone will praise them, and everyone will pretend that their lives are wonderful."

Bek shrugged his shoulder.

"Perhaps some gods are different. I wouldn’t know. I’ve never met one who cared enough to speak to someone like me."

Devara remained silent.

He looked at the young man standing beside him, noticing that the excitement he had displayed moments earlier had been replaced by an expression that suggested these were thoughts he had carried for a long time.

"Have you ever seen one of these gods yourself?" Devara asked.

Bek nodded his head.

"Not many, but I’ve seen their representatives. I’ve even seen a few divine beings passing through the city. They’re always surrounded by people who fall over themselves trying to please them."

"And you’ve never wanted to meet one?"

Bek gave a short laugh.

"Why would I? What am I supposed to say? Welcome to Heliopolis, please don’t step on me?"

Devara couldn’t help but laugh at the young man’s remark.

Bek looked at him, wondering what was so amusing.

"What’s funny?"

"Nothing. I just found your way of describing them rather interesting."

Devara looked down at the announcement once again.

A grand divine gathering, with representatives from several Egyptian divine houses expected to attend.

That could prove useful.

He had come to this world searching for the Forty-Two Stars Bracelet, and meeting some of the Egyptian deities might provide an opportunity to gather information about its whereabouts.

However, he would need to be careful.

He was still an outsider, and openly revealing his identity without understanding the political structure of this pantheon would be unwise.

He folded the parchment and placed it inside his clothing.

"Bek, when is this gathering supposed to take place?"

The young man’s excitement returned.

"In a few days! The entire city is preparing for it. You’ll see the difference once the visitors start arriving. Trust me, this place will become ten times busier!"

Devara nodded.

"Then perhaps we should make sure we don’t miss it."

Bek grinned.

"That’s what I’m talking about! I’ll show you everything when the time comes."

The two resumed walking.

However, Devara’s thoughts had already moved towards the gathering.

He had originally planned to explore Heliopolis quietly, locate the bracelet and return home.

But now, it seemed that the Egyptian gods themselves might soon provide him with an opportunity to introduce himself.

Whether that introduction would be peaceful was another question entirely.

After examining the announcement for another moment, Devara folded the parchment and returned it to his clothing.

"So, where exactly is this gathering going to take place?" he asked Bek.

"At the Grand Arena!" Bek immediately replied.

"It’s one of the largest structures in Heliopolis. You’ll be able to see it from quite a distance."

"The Grand Arena?"

"Yes! That’s where the gods hold their duels and demonstrate their strength. Whenever an important divine gathering takes place, they organise these contests so that people can witness the might of the Egyptian gods."

Bek’s excitement was becoming increasingly difficult to conceal.

"Come on! We should go there. Even if the actual event is still a few days away, there might be preparations happening already. Besides, I can show you the arena."

Devara nodded.

"Lead the way."

The two made their way through the marketplace, taking a wider road that gradually led them away from the commercial district.

As they walked, Bek continued explaining the purpose of the arena.

According to him, the Grand Arena was not merely a place for entertainment.

It was also an important gathering ground where the gods occasionally demonstrated their martial abilities, settled certain disputes through formal duels and allowed their followers to witness divine contests.

The upcoming event was expected to attract visitors from different settlements and territories.

Several gods were supposed to participate, although the exact list of combatants had not yet been announced.

"People come from everywhere to watch these duels," Bek explained.

"Some travel for days just to get a place inside the arena. The wealthy purchase special seats, while ordinary people usually have to arrive early if they want to see anything."

"And what happens during these duels?" Devara asked.

"They fight, obviously!"

Devara gave him an amused look.

"I gathered that much."

Bek laughed.

"But it’s not like ordinary fights. These are gods we’re talking about. Some can summon storms, others can create enormous flames or transform their bodies. I’ve heard stories about battles where the entire arena shook because of the power released by the fighters."

"Have you witnessed one yourself?"

"Not a proper duel between gods. I’ve only seen demonstrations from a distance. The last time something like this happened, the entire city was crowded for days."

Devara listened with interest.

He was particularly curious about how the Egyptian gods approached combat.

Each pantheon had its own traditions, divine weapons and methods of warfare.

Observing their fighting styles could prove useful, especially since he had come to this realm with the intention of retrieving an important divine artefact.

After walking for some time, they finally reached a massive structure.

The Grand Arena stood before them.

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(Author note:)

I hope you guys give me your opinion and idea’s.