Above the harbor, the phantom of the Tree of Life shimmered with divine radiance, its light washing across the sea.
From beneath its vast branches, a figure cloaked in holy brilliance released a wave of power that fell upon the kneeling believers.
Godly might pressed down like a prison.
One by one, the faithful trembled, faces pressed to the ground, their hearts overwhelmed with reverence and awe.
There was no longer any room for doubt. They knew without question that the Lord of Life truly existed.
Excitement and fervor rippled through the crowd.
"O great and holy Lord of Life, protect your humble servants!"
Over a thousand voices rose as one, filled with worship.
Roland's voice echoed from within the radiant figure, carrying both majesty and warmth.
"I am pleased with your offerings. In return… here is my blessing."
A thunderous sound rolled through the heavens as his words fell.
Arcs of pure white light streamed from the Tree of Life, descending with flawless precision onto each and every believer.
This was the miracle of Life's Radiance.
The people gasped as warmth poured into them. Wounds sealed, sicknesses vanished. Muscles strengthened, skin tightened, vitality surged. Wrinkles faded as their bodies returned to the peak of youth.
The miracle of renewed life left them trembling with joy. They wept, bowing lower, foreheads striking the earth as they offered endless thanks.
Roland, watching from within his divine domain, felt the results immediately. His believer interface shifted once again:
Saints: 0
Apostles: 3
Fanatics: 1,012
Devout Believers: 1,686
True Believers: 832
Shallow Believers: 105
Five hundred more fanatics. Five hundred more devout believers.
Effie's flock had been raised almost entirely into fanatics and devout followers. Their zeal soared, their faith unshakable.
He couldn't help but smirk. So this is the power of vanity.
Women who had once doubted, once hesitated, now adored him because he had restored their beauty and youth. They would never stray.
Foolish, perhaps but for him, an incredible advantage.
Every additional fanatic meant more Faith Power flowing in daily. Enough to shorten the time needed to condense his divine energy by days at a time.
And that was only Effie's side.
Meanwhile, across the sea at Vog's main cathedral, another two thousand believers were deep in their own ceremony.
Their chants rose in unison, calling upon the Lord of Life.
The connection opened, and Roland's system alerts immediately rang out:
[Log]: Your believers have held a devout sacrificial ritual.
[Log]: Your believers have offered a fifth-tier transcendent magic ring.
[Log]: You have gained 101,132 Faith Power.
[System]: Your offering has received a critical blessing. Quality increased a million-fold.
[System]: You have obtained a ninth-tier demi-god artifact The Ring of the Holy Spirit.
Roland's eyes widened. "The Ring of the Holy Spirit?!"
Shock swept through him. A magic ring, used by the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj to store magical energy. Normally uncommon, reserved for disciples of the Ancient One. Kaecilius himself had worn one before his betrayal.
Roland pieced it together quickly. During Kaecilius's battle with Laffey, the ring must have been lost. Vog, ever the scavenger, had stumbled upon it and offered it as tribute.
By itself, the ring was merely fifth-tier transcendent. But with his system's million-fold enhancement, it had been reborn as a demi-god artifact.
A treasure equal to his own level.
He lifted the gleaming band, and knowledge flowed directly into his mind.
Ring of the Holy Spirit
Rank: Demi-God Artifact
Connection: Tied to the Vishanti, Lords of White Magic
Effect: Grants the bearer the ability to channel raw White Magic
"The Vishanti…?" Roland whispered. "The origin of White Magic itself?"
His heart stirred with excitement.
In the films, they had never appeared. But in the lore, the Vishanti were ancient beings of multiversal power. Gods beyond reckoning.
And now, through this ring, a sliver of their strength rested in his palm.
The artifact alone could grant him power equal to his own divine half. Two demi-god forces together his and the ring's would make him a terror beyond comparison.
Still, Roland tempered his excitement. The ring was borrowed power. It was not his own growth. Using it too often would only make him dependent.
But that didn't mean it lacked value.
When the time was right, once he had fully condensed his divine energy, the ring could become a reward for one of his apostles. A gift fit for the loyal.
For now, though, it was his. And the thought of wielding both his divine power and the essence of White Magic made his blood burn with anticipation.
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