Chapter 120: Progression

In a place where decisions that could change the fate of the world were treated as nothing more than ordinary conversations, the guardians of the world once again gathered around the Roundtable for their usual dinner. The warm light of the great chandelier illuminated the chamber, while quiet discussions and the sound of utensils filled the air. Despite carrying divine authorities and overseeing countless lives below, moments like these felt strangely normal.

Calean, who sat with his arms crossed, spoke first. "I think we might need to change the rule. Showing up here every night is no longer possible."

Odir nodded in understanding. "How about we change it to once every week?"

The others considered it for a moment before nodding in agreement. Some quietly gave their approval, while others simply continued eating, accepting the suggestion without objection.

Ragnir, who had been patiently eating in silence, suddenly raised his head. "Did the others receive their authorities as well?"

He looked around the table, and to his surprise, everyone nodded.

"So it wasn’t only me..." he muttered, silently clicking his tongue. For a moment, he had truly thought that he alone had received the Creator’s favor, that he had been given something special above the others.

Le Von Dia calmly placed down his cup. "If someone intends to suggest revealing our authorities, then I am afraid I must refuse."

"Same here," Pandi immediately added.

"Likewise," Calean said.

Akuma looked toward them before speaking. "I think it is better if we do not reveal them yet. If everyone knows each other’s authorities, it may influence how the others grow and act."

Le Von Dia let out a short laugh. "And it would ruin the fun as well. Let the dynamics of authority remain a mystery."

Olium nodded slightly. "Then I agree. It is better left unknown."

Another Pantheon raised his hand. "I think we should also establish another rule. Scientific discoveries and movements that push civilization forward should be protected."

"We cannot allow progress to be destroyed. If the future threat truly comes, then we must ensure that the world is prepared at all times."

The others nodded in agreement, many of them unconsciously glancing toward Wias and Moleius. Out of all the Pantheons, the two were the most dedicated to knowledge, invention, and discovery, constantly guiding the civilizations below toward greater heights.

"Moleius, what do you think about our progress compared to the past? Or should I say, the future?" Olium asked.

"We are about eighty-five percent there," Moleius responded. "The difference is that there has not been any significant conflict that could push them toward further development."

"Conflict really does push progress forward, huh..." Coasta wondered.

Moleius nodded before continuing. "And we are only about twenty percent toward reaching the civilization described in the books within my library. I think we need to push them forward, or at this pace, we may arrive at the same point when the foreign individuals invade."

A Pantheon then looked around the table. "What do you think we should do?"

Wias, who had been patiently listening to the conversation, finally spoke.

"We should create conflicts."

"Conflicts?" one of the Pantheons asked.

"Conflicts in the sense that there should be some sort of rivalries, or perhaps a few minor wars. Something where both sides are constantly trying to surpass the other."

"Like the Riversian and the Forestian..." Odir said.

"Exactly. Rivalries and hatred can sometimes bring results in the grand scheme of things."

Wias then added, "We are already doing it at the moment, but not exactly..." He paused for a moment, seemingly choosing his words carefully. "Religions... Different beliefs."

The words lingered in the air. Until now, they had viewed the religions they created as nothing more than a way to spread their teachings and guide the civilizations below, never considering what could happen when those teachings began to conflict with one another. If different civilizations became devoted to different Pantheons, then their beliefs could naturally create disagreements, competition, and eventually conflict between them.

The hall went silent.

For a second, everyone looked at one another, seemingly struck by the same realization. It was as if Wias had just pointed out something that had been sitting in front of them the entire time.

The conversation then gradually shifted into more casual topics. Some spoke about their followers, others shared strange stories from the world below, while a few simply listened in silence. Even divine beings eventually grew accustomed to one another.

After several more minutes, the gathering slowly came to an end. One by one, the Pantheons rose from their seats and returned to their respective domains, each carrying out their own duties.

Some returned to their rooms within the Council. Others left the Consciousness Space entirely to observe the world below.

--

Far above the clouds, in the lands of Heaven where eternal light gently illuminated the golden pathways, the angel race welcomed its fiftieth member.

As always, the same ritual was performed.

The newly born angel was guided before the others, where prayers toward the Creator echoed through the heavens. The older angels welcomed the newcomer, teaching them the customs and purpose of their existence.

With each new angel born, more houses appeared across the heavenly lands. White limestone homes stood among gardens of glowing flowers, while paths of gold stretched between them, forming a peaceful and orderly settlement.

Below, Levectus casually spoke with another angel.

"Your wings have grown beautifully."

The shy angel lowered her head slightly, her wings moving subtly behind her in embarrassment.

"Continue training and gathering magic," Levectus said with a gentle smile. "Soon, you will be able to fly."

The angel nodded softly.

"Rest well. We will train together with the others tomorrow."

The shy angel quietly turned and walked away, her small wings swaying behind her.

Levectus remained where he was for a moment before walking toward the window of his home. Beyond the clouds, countless stars filled the endless sky, shining quietly in the darkness.

He looked toward the distant lights for a long time.

"I wonder what lies beyond," he quietly muttered.