Chapter 60
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 60
Chapter Title: The Value of Life (2)
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Their numbers were overwhelming. Even if he tried to pull more resources from his main base, his interference capacity was insufficient right now, requiring additional support.
I knew it would turn out like this. Full deities never know how to use resources efficiently.
Leading the charge was Queen Bellona and her frenzied nomadic swarm, every last worker ant transformed into mutant combat units, showcasing their ferocity and battle prowess as they pushed south into orc territory.
Meanwhile, the deities on the Edelion board were on high alert.
The most urgent among them was, naturally, Urmark, the deity of the orcs.
Interference capacity was determined by the number of territories and subordinates.
To interfere in Edelion, one needed that many territories and subordinates there.
No matter how vast the resources and heroes Urmark hoarded in his main base, what he could send to Edelion's orcs was limited.
The key is growing the faction's overall power. They're so focused on churning out hero units for quick wins instead of spreading tech, teaching civilization, and enlightening their followers. No wonder they lack depth.
The deity of the Lukadia Empire, the Arbiter of the Blue Eclipse—who was steadily expanding his influence there—mocked Urmark.
Instead of creating a few special heroes, he was imparting advanced magical civilization to his subordinates.
All the new magic tech rapidly developing in the empire's secret labs stemmed from the knowledge he had passed down.
Improved combat golems were part of that.
I believe my approach is correct. It's just that my opponent was unlucky. At least those who receive my power and become my loyal vassals never dare betray me with the very strength I gave them.
...All talk in tough times.
Of course, each method had pros and cons, which was why deities chose what suited them.
If you empowered specific subordinates into heroes like Urmark, the miracles they performed made other subordinates submit utterly.
No existence that had earned the title of full deity through countless conquests and achievements could defy a hero's power and miracles.
Funny when you think about it—you got robbed by those monsters too. Cut the crap and send more power. Don't you see they've turned their eyes on you now?
Goddess, shut that loose tongue of yours!
Goddess Henes, who had awakened as a deity through faith and doctrine, snapped back with one line, finally making him lose his temper.
But her words weren't wrong.
Having routed even the last remnants of the imperial army, the ant swarm was now preparing a massive expedition into the empire.
It was As mora's plan from the start; reconnaissance had already confirmed large forces on the move.
Why leave that puny theocracy near their nest alone and come charging here?
How could we read an Outer God's mind?
Without the ants, these three deities would have been each other's closest rivals, fighting fiercely for more land and power.
It's infuriating—they're holding the line at that theocracy barrier near their nest, yet coming for us.
Henes summed it up neatly:
The thoughts of Outer Gods were unreadable. They were chaos beyond order, defying common sense and dialogue.
'That's not it.'
But Kim Jin-hyuk, watching the deities' exchange, sighed at the mounting misunderstandings.
Deity Classification Depends on Accumulated Achievements
'I've checked it all out, and yeah—it's just weird labels slapped on without much else.'
Deity classifications reflected their inclinations.
Just as one who spread blind faith and devotion through doctrine became a goddess dominating the world, ruthless slaughter and destruction birthed evil gods.
Jin-hyuk's achievements were piled up by the ants—not by his will—but he decided to accept it.
Being labeled an evil god brought no penalties. Evil or demon god, they were all just deities in the Divine Net.
Only Outer Gods were shunned by their mere existence.
Having reached this point through unexpected awakening and growth, Jin-hyuk didn't dwell on it.
Unlike other deities bound rigidly by their convictions, this gave him great freedom.
'What As mora's really after is getting the theocracy to react.'
Unlike the flustered local deities, the ants had a different goal.
Attacking the empire by taking the long way around was merely a sideshow.
The real aim was luring the theocracy's forces—especially As mora's hated nemesis hiding behind the barrier—out to their empty nest.
[As mora is convinced: Humans are cunning and strike weak points efficiently.]
Learning about humans, As mora believed that pulling most forces outward would tempt them to exploit the gap.
"Giving up on crossing the sea directly, huh."
Jin-hyuk muttered, eyeing the jars in the trash.
He had used the water strider's abilities to give As mora aquatic insects for its first naval victory downstream: water beetles, whirligig beetles, dragonfly nymphs.
But As mora and the swarm deemed mass transport across the sea inefficient, even with predation skills.
Small units could be sent crudely, but that was the limit.
Judging the investment yielded no returns, they boldly abandoned it.
"...Building new nests entirely."
Instead, As mora began constructing new nests westward.
Turning the nomadic swarm's path into bases, it slowly shifted massive forces from across the territory toward the empire.
Just the visible numbers on the surface exceeded hundreds of thousands. Including underground workers, eggs, and larvae, it doubled or more.
Jin-hyuk, catching a glimpse of the army, stared in awe at the wide screen.
'But will it go as planned?'
He glanced at a split screen.
There was Seira, still diligently researching with a single worker ant.
Seira had heard the news of the ants' massive mobilization.
Yet she spent most days in the lab with other mages.
Anyway, this is our chance while they're sending everything at us. Goddess, when they attack us, move your subordinates and hit their nests.
Hmm...
As expected, the two deities now in all-out war with the ants demanded Henes join them.
Though her attitude remained lukewarm.
'Why jump in right away? Let them drag it out—they'll tire themselves eventually.'
Henes had grasped the root issue.
If the ants vanished, her enemies would be the neighboring empire and orcs.
'The losses I've suffered holding them back as a breakwater—while they sit pretty for the gains.'
Her territories were confined to the narrow Karmion Peninsula, subordinate growth stifled.
She would join, but not until the other two suffered heavy losses.
"Messages keep coming from the empire."
"But mobilizing now is tough. What if some remain behind?"
Thus, Henes kept silent, despite subordinates who would wage war on her word.
The Holy Nation's key church figures were locked in heated debate.
"Remember? They could spawn weird mutants anytime and hit us from behind."
"But it's a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Even if not total annihilation, destroying their northern nests!"
Even without deity intervention, locals recognized the situation.
Factions clashed: dispatch the army now, or hold back.
Both sides had valid points; leadership hesitated.
"Count Merlen, what was her reaction to the news?"
Weary Grand Duke Rubert quietly asked Count Merlen beside him.
Her identity was obvious: Seira.
"She just says more time is needed."
Merlen's reply was curt.
"Why wait? When will we get an opening like this?"
"Without full preparation, we can't win against Belzahad."
A bit away from the capital's heated council, nearer the barrier.
In the lab there, Seira shook her head at visiting Arianne's words.
"As Outer God creations, they grow and evolve rapidly. They'll change again during the imperial war. Rushing without confirming that means pointless sacrifices."
No one wanted the ants dead more than Seira.
But knowing their desperation, she stated firmly: no hasty moves.
Her resolve silenced even Arianne, who grumbled incomprehension.
"One mutant can shatter the balance. We need all intel, countermeasures from A to Z, to advance."
"Will that day come?"
"...I believe it will. If our current project succeeds, we might uncover how they communicate—and break it."
Seira urged faith in her words and research with unwavering eyes.
Arianne was fully convinced.
One of the five heroes chosen by the goddess herself—the top voice in the Holy Nation—went to the capital to relay and back Seira fully.
'Ha...What a shame. How do I convince her?'
Watching, Goddess Henes smacked her lips.
She had eyed Seira since first sight, especially now her talents bloomed.
But she couldn't empower her.
Deep down, Seira didn't truly believe in Henes.
She used the goddess's power against ants but harbored unconscious doubts.
Triggered by Judge Daniel's words and encounters with Urmark's orcs.
Was following a god truly right?
"Can't even tell the others."
Revealing her prized potential subordinate's disbelief would breed caution; Henes pondered persuasion anxiously.
It wouldn't take long, she believed.
No subordinate she invested in had escaped.
'Knew it.'
But Henes didn't know someone else watched Seira too.
Early morning, seeing Seira head to the lab as always, Jin-hyuk smirked.
Realizing As mora's grand plan needed time, he opened a new screen.
[Access Earth Board? Entry requires: 1 donation item]
[Entry Condition: Donate once]
Now, beyond peeking, he wanted proper entry with name and status—to participate fully.
This board was a competition system agreed by many deities, raging war against true Outer God forces.
Unlike Edelion, rules were set from the start; new entrants faced strict checks.
"It actually worked?"
Donating a divine spear—war trophy from ants, left in another room—Jin-hyuk chuckled as it vanished before him.
Breeder of the Endless Abyss, Board Entry
A new qualified deity had arrived.
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