The morning sun painted the fields of Astra with a soft, golden glow. The village—nestled among massive hills and wide rivers—thrived on simple farming, modest homes, and a close-knit community. At its center stood a statue: a relic from times long past that the villagers worshipped with unshakable faith.
Crafted from weathered clay, with cracks on its arms and torso, the statue's serene, blank expression never changed. Each dawn, villagers gathered with offerings—small wooden carvings, delicate flowers, golden trinkets, even a handful of grains—tokens of devotion to the God of Astra, known to them as Hathras.
But within that clay shell, something stirred.
Theo's consciousness flickered like a candle in a breeze. Dim memories of his previous life drifted at the edges of his awareness, but the present quickly overshadowed them. He wasn't in the body he remembered—he was here, trapped in a clay statue, surrounded by warmth and whispered prayers.
He blinked inwardly, and a translucent status window appeared before his mind's eye.
---
[Status Window]
Name : Hathras
Race : God (Clay statue)
Level : 1 (Mortal)
Mana : 100/100
Skills : Creation (Unique), God forum (Unique)
Barrier : Astra (Active)
Followers : 30
---
A mechanical yet gentle voice echoed in his mind:
[System Notification]
You have been reincarnated as a God. You are bound to your clay vessel in Astra. Would you like to view the skill window or the information channel?
---
Theo stared at the screen, his heart pounding—though he no longer had a real heart.
Hathras.
He had a new name in this world: Hathras, the god of Astra.
'Select the Info Channel' Theo thought, determined to understand this world and his place in it.
---
[Info Channel Selected]
1. System
2. The world
3. Something else
'System' Theo—now Hathras—chose, still amazed by the glowing window floating in his mind's eye.
---
[System Explanation]
The System is a status window given to all beings—gods included. Would you like to learn more about the gods?
'Yes' Theo thought. Information was the most important thing for anyone reincarnated in another world.
---
[God explanation]
Every gods begins their journey on the earth of their galaxy. From there, they can conquer other planets, expand their influence, and gather followers. Gods can also access a special place called God forum–a cosmic network, like an eternal chatroom where gods from every corner of existence brag,
scheme, or share advice. Some discuss battle strategies against local threats; others complain about their followers ' lack of faith and slow growth.
[Would you like to access God forum?]
'Yes' Theo answered, curiosity blazing in his mind.
---
[God Forum— General Chat]
FireLord12 : Another 500 believers today! Feels so good to grow stronger!
LeafGoddess : Ugh, I'm still stuck at 37 believers. These mortals are so fickle.
OceanEmpress : Does anyone have tips on barrier expansion?
StormCaller : Anyone else dealing with an insect invasion in their galaxy? These bugs are so hard to kill! 😩
EdgeLord : @StormCaller — You can actually use emojis here?
StormCaller : @EdgeLord — You didn't know? I thought everyone knew!
EdgeLord : @StormCaller — I didn't! 😭 These look cool btw😎
Theo scrolled through the endless chatter, wide-eyed at how casual and lively it all was.
'What the hell am I reading? I thought they'd be wise and serious, not… this' Theo muttered to himself, shaking his head in disbelief.
He flicked his mental screen to the side, revealing a layout that looked suspiciously like a Discord server, complete with channels and forums.
'Anyway, what is this Barrier and Follower thing?' Theo asked the System, confused.
---
[Answer]
The Barrier is an extraordinary force that defines your domain. Initially, it only covers Astra – a small circle around the village. Within this area, you can teleport instantly from any shrine and temple, but beyond it, you are blocked by a think, impenetrable fog.
Followers strengthen your Barrier and recover your mana through their faith.
---
[Follower system]
F rank : 0.1 mana/day per follower
E rank : 1 mana/day
D rank : 10 mana/day
C rank : 50 mana/day
B rank : 200 mana/day
A rank : 1000 mana/day
S rank : 5000 mana/day
[Would you like to learn more about the world?]
'Oh my… Yes' Theo sighed. Can't you just transfer the knowledge to me?
---
[Data Transfer Initiated]
[Transfer Complete]
The Barrier defined his domain. At first, it only encompassed Astra. Any village that worshipped him—even without a formal temple—would gradually thin the fog, expanding his territory. A fully built temple would solidify his presence and grant him greater power.
' Show me my skills, System' Theo requested, a sense of anticipation building.
---
[Skill Window]
Creation (Unique)
- Allows the user to create anything using mana. The More mana spent, the stronger and more elaborate the creation.
God Forum (Unique)
- Allows the user to access God Forum – a channel only for gods.
×1000 Offerings (Hidden/Ultimate)
- While other gods receive a ×5 bonus from offerings, the host receives a ×1000 bonus.
' A skill that lets me create anything at the cost of mana… And a 1000× offering bonus? Am I hallucinating?' Theo thought, eyes wide.
Just then, a small boy approached the statue, clutching a smooth stone like a precious gem. His mother stood behind him, hands on his shoulders.
"Please, great Hathras," the boy whispered, "help my papa's crops grow strong this year."
He placed the stone at the statue's feet.
Hathras's Creation skill pulsed instinctively. A shimmer of blue light enveloped the stone, drawing on his mana. Within moments, the stone transformed into a tiny, swirling planet—complete with miniature oceans, clouds, and a heartbeat of mana only Theo could feel.
'Is that a literal planet!' Theo marveled. This bonus is something else.
He was starting to realize: being a god was going to be more complicated—and more powerful—than he had ever imagined.