Chapter 40.1

Kevin: "..."

Oswald didn't hear his response, turned his head, and glanced at him again: "Do you consider my idea too ludicrous?"

Kevin let out a dry laugh: "...No, no."

"Although it may appear that the age of gods has come to an end, in reality, artifacts related to gods have continued to surface." Oswald casually gestured towards the distant Observatory of the Priesthood.

"Speaking of the priests, they possess knowledge beyond the reach of ordinary people, witness sights beyond ordinary perception, and even predict future events and the rise and fall of nations. These stem from the era of gods. The same can be said for the spirit race. Although their magic is more acquired than innate, their talents are undoubtedly a legacy of the gods, even if they are part of a collateral lineage."

It was rare for him to speak at length, prompting Kevin to turn his head and look at him: "Are you trying to argue that traces of God still exist?"

Oswald paused for a moment, then pondered silently before responding: "It's not just about proving... If it were Phae, I hope he still exists."

Oswald held a more favorable view of the old gods compared to the later ones, and Kevin sensed this. His affection for Phae was also much stronger compared to other gods, both major and minor. Kevin was aware of this, but he had never understood the reason behind it.

When he was the God of Light, he didn't concern himself with such matters, and later, as an ordinary person, he didn't pay much attention to others' evaluations and ideas.

However, with his elbow resting on the iron railing of the tall tower, his chin loosely cradled by his curled fingers, he gazed at Oswald and suddenly asked, "Why?"

Oswald was momentarily taken aback: "Hmm?"

Kevin continued, "Why do you like Phae? Is it because he is the God of Light?"

The proud and enigmatic emperor seemed unaccustomed to discussing his fondness for someone so directly. More precisely, he was unused to casually employing the word "like" to evaluate someone. But when faced with Kevin's abrupt questioning, he couldn't find a way to refute the term, nor could he think of a more suitable alternative.

Thus, he casually sidestepped the word, placed himself in his own heart, and replied, "There is no reason. Is there a reason for finding someone pleasing or displeasing? Everything I know about Phae is from divine history, and even that book contains too many subsequent additions. What I see is likely not the truest portrayal of Phae, but merely one of his multifaceted aspects. But at least—"

He spoke slowly, lifting his gaze to take in the panoramic view of the imperial city of St. Antis. "When I was young, at least when I read stories about Phae, I felt that one day I would grow strong enough to be unbeatable. I believed that this was not an impossibility. Therefore, I hope that a god who can instill courage in people can endure for a longer time."

Kevin was momentarily bewildered upon hearing this, and finally couldn't help but ask dumbfoundedly, "Why endure longer? Why not inspire more people to confront the world with your courage?"

Oswald rolled his eyes at him indignantly and retorted, "The premise is that you have to encounter someone like you; otherwise, this dormant potential for battle remains largely untapped. Furthermore, I didn't say that I hope he remains the God of Light. After living for so long, according to the subsequent portions of the divine calendar, following the gods' demise, a new life may commence.

"They could become any ordinary person in this world, or they may choose to slumber eternally, never awakening. I hope he becomes the former and experiences this world they created as an ordinary person—tsk, why are you looking at me like that?"

Kevin couldn't help but burst into laughter, patting Oswald on the shoulder. "You always wear such a solemn expression, as if the entire world owes you a treasury. I never expected to discover such emotion within you."

"Does it amuse you to jest at me every single day?" The young emperor shot him a condescending glare.

"Did you pay attention to what Dawn said? He mentioned that in the scene witnessed by Priest Mowgli, countless corpses lay beneath the feet of the person who seemingly resembled Phae," Kevin said. "And here you are, penning a reflective essay on your emotions. Aren't you afraid that you'll turn around and find the real Phae has shattered all your notions?"

Oswald's brow furrowed slightly.

In truth, what troubled him most about Dawn's statement was the revelation of countless corpses under Phae's and his body is still stained with blood.

The words that the prophet spoke suggest that the reappearing Phae may not be as noble and holy as the world imagined and that his appearance is closely related to the fate of the Golden Lion Kingdom.

Oswald spoke slowly and deliberately. "I do not quite believe this. Even if that scene is real, I still think there is something strange about it."

Kevin raised his eyebrows but did not answer immediately. His expression suggested that he was deep in thought.

After a few moments, he asked out of the blue, "Let me ask you something. What would you do if Phae himself looked like me after being reborn as a human?"

Kevin didn't regard him as a high-ranking emperor in the slightest. He casually draped his arms over Oswald's shoulders, with a slightly mischievous glint in his clear eyes.