Chapter: 675
Leviathan, the multipurpose aerial-moving whale, didn’t fly in front of the kids.
“Swimming often tires people out, and it’s the same for me. It’s not easy to maneuver this body in flight.”
I found this reasoning for not flying surprisingly convincing. After all, it had only recently shown off its impressive display of power in the Jerano Kingdom.
Besides, the kids were interested in the giant whale, not in seeing it soar through the sky.
‘If the first whale they see is a flying one, it’ll create some weird expectations.’
As it stood, the kids only knew its name. Beyond that, they had little understanding other than that it was a gigantic fish living in the sea. If suddenly it took to the skies with its massive body, it would gift them bizarre knowledge that would confuse their innocent minds.
Hence, unable to fly or dive to play with the kids, what could Leviathan do?
“Taebu! Water rain!”
“Daddy! Rain! Rain!”
It managed to present a spectacular fountain show, thoroughly crushing even the elite mages guarding the Wise Duke.
Watching from a distance rather than being sprayed by the whale was certainly a sight to behold. The creature, as large as an island, shot up a massive column of water, which sprayed out high into the sky and rained down like a deluge upon the sea and land. It felt akin to witnessing a waterfall flowing upwards, or so I might exaggerate.
“Karl.”
While I was captivated by the fountain show that enthralled the kids, Trixie, fiddling with her communication device, tiptoed over.
“They say Ziz has arrived.”
“Flying solo, huh? That must have been quick. I guess she had to control her speed while carrying us earlier.”
I was impressed by the news of her arrival being earlier than expected. Claiming herself the queen of the skies, her speed in the air had nearly reached supersonic levels.
“Did anyone get startled?”
“Thanks to the heads-up, it seems there was no commotion.”
“Glad to hear that.”
A gigantic bird the size of a battleship circling above the World Tree’s canopy was quite the dynamic sight. Given the elves’ previous encounters with Apels, a notorious troublemaker, it wouldn’t be unusual for them to experience a bout of PTSD.
Thus, I had informed my grandmother in advance that a huge bird would be visiting. Although it was gentle in nature, there was no need for them to worry too much.
“Still, they seem overly curious about the World Tree, which makes me a bit uneasy…”
“It’s fine. Ziz’s family is within the World Tree, so they’ll take care of it just like the elves do.”
“I heard she asked Grandma if she could take the World Tree with her.”
In an instant, I was left momentarily speechless.
This insane bird! If you’re going to take something, it should be your sisters within the World Tree, not the whole house! The World Tree definitely belongs to Constantina.
“Whoa! It’s about to spray again!”
“Rain! Rain!”
“So refreshing~”
In the midst of all this, the kids erupted back into cheers.
I couldn’t help but begin to worry—can a whale blast water this often? To release such large amounts, it needs to be stocked up, right? But wasn’t it in the process of expelling water at the same time?
“Should we stop the kids first?”
“Let’s do that.”
Trixie seemed to share the same thought and nodded enthusiastically.
It seemed best to start the Leviathan tour instead of continuing the fountain show.
Suddenly, a bizarre occurrence took place.
– Just build me one temple.
‘Huh?’
That was an odd and rather bold request.
I quickly retraced my thoughts. Surely, the temples of the Eternal Blue Sky were being established across the northern lands, but was I mistaken? Had there not been a single temple in the north until now, so it resided within the World Tree?
Yet as I recalled swiftly, the answer came just as fast. Not at all.
‘Isn’t there already at least one temple in every major territory?’
Exactly, there were already at least one temple in every territory managed by the northern lords. I even heard that the center of the north, Barandi, had a giant temple and statue, so there was no need for me to handle the construction.
– That’s true, but it’s better for me to be in a place without people while staying with Ziz.
‘Ah.’
I understood the voice murmuring as if it was embarrassed.
If the Eternal Blue Sky was to spend time alone, the existing temples would suffice. Perhaps a temple dedicated solely to the Eternal Blue Sky would be more comfortable than one associated with the World Tree, which might not align with his faith.
However, the temples of the Eternal Blue Sky were located in central areas of each major territory to showcase their grandeur. Even in the slower-developing northern regions, the temple would likely be situated where Ziz would crash down hard.
– They say they’ve found a flat land where Ziz can feel comfortable. I was hoping to stay there with her, but is it not possible…?
‘Well, it won’t be a particularly nice temple in the middle of wasteland, but if you’d like, I can speedily build it.’
I nodded readily to their cautious inquiry.
This was no trifling reason; it was a home prepared for a sister I thought had perished. I had sought out Ziz for this reunion; such aftercare should lead to a happy conclusion.
‘Also, since it’s up in the north, it’s likely nomads won’t approach. Think of it as Ziz’s nest, so feel free to settle in.’
– Thank you! Ziz wants to thank you too!
I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle at her cheerful voice. The location for the temple would be among the most desolate of places, ensuring that the Eternal Blue Sky and Ziz could cozy up in peace together for the time being.
Yet, it would become a temple guarded by a massive eagle. If the faith of the Eternal Blue Sky remained strong, it would inevitably draw attention eventually. It could very well become a site as revered as any holy place.
‘We should probably enact a development ban around the temple.’
While I could build a path or a relay station to the temple, anything beyond that would be problematic due to Ziz’s enormous size.
Therefore, let’s thoroughly impose a development ban for a reasonable distance around the temple. This way, Ziz’s home would remain undisturbed for ages to come.
‘Finally back to the usual spot.’
I felt a bit mixed. The deity of the skies, a protector of nomads, and the god of flora were all part of the legacy that stayed within the realms of settled people. And now that deity hastily decides to move after meeting her sister.
Sisterly bonds certainly seem rather strong. If one were to have completely perished, I may have felt a bit melancholic.
*
Perched atop the World Tree, Ziz chattered non-stop.
– I searched the entire north but couldn’t find my sister! I thought I spotted a temple that must’ve belonged to her, but the goddess herself was missing, making it feel like an empty shell temple!
– For an empty shell, isn’t it a bit large?
– So what if it’s big! Losing faith happens instantaneously!
Her words carried weight perfectly, considering she is a deity who lost their faith.
– More importantly, I was worried I’d have to live alone if I couldn’t find my sister. Who would’ve guessed that the human I met there would turn out to be my sister’s priest!?
I couldn’t help but smile at Ziz’s joyous laughter.
Well, technically it’s an honorary priest, but I chose not to correct her. Knowing her personality, she’d probably forget it soon anyway.
– By the way, Ziz.
– Yeah? What is it?
– Would you like to be my divine beast?
Having watched her chatter for quite a while, I finally mustered the courage to express what I’d been wanting to say.
Before knowing Ziz had memories, I regretted not making her my divine beast when I thought she had died. I thought that if she got offended by the suggestion, I’d have at least given it a shot—regret lingered.
Yet, another opportunity had presented itself. Ziz was alive, and her memories remained intact. It was the perfect chance to resolve past regrets.
– Divine beast?
Ziz tilted her head at my proposal.
Although she sees me as her sister, this offer might not be taken too kindly. Regardless of whether she had fallen from grace, she was once a divine being. Submitting to another deity wouldn’t be an easy decision.
Still, I needed to persuade her. Ziz got lucky today, but she might wander into troublesome situations again; wouldn’t it be better for her to become my divine beast and grow stronger?
– Sure!
– Huh?
– I want to try being a divine beast! I’ve been a god, so I should experience being a divine beast too!
– Um…
My sister was more cheerful than I’d anticipated. Given that it’s been 2,000 years since we last met, I felt her purity had grown significantly.
– Great choice. Becoming my divine beast means you won’t have to suffer at the hands of humans.
I welcomed Ziz’s decision despite my complex emotions finally fading away.
Back 2,000 years ago, she had suffered from humans, but as my divine beast infused with my divine power, she could live eternally as long as my faith remained strong. Even if she physically took harm, she would rise again. It’s something I should’ve set up sooner, but at least I was securing her safety now.
– Huh? Humans?
– Yep. It’d be awful if it turned out like 2,000 years ago.
– I’ve never suffered at their hands!
– Huh?
– Humans today can barely reach for the sky, let alone have it worse 2,000 years ago. If I’m careful, who would even touch me?
???
– Then… what about that time you were modified by Trika…?
– Oh, that? I asked for it! Leviathan and Behemoth got killed by some troublemakers and were brought back by Loigas! From what I hear, it seems I can live a really long time, so I wanted in!
She added that cheerily, declaring her desire to live long with her sister!
But those words didn’t fully register.
So it was only Leviathan and Behemoth that were hunted by humans. Is that so?
So then, she hadn’t died; she modified her own body. Oh, I see…
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