Chapter 22: The Goddess Descends
A Divine Presence
Astraea, the Goddess of Wisdom, descended from the heavens in a pillar of golden light.
The world trembled. The sky turned white, as if the universe itself recognized her presence. Her mere arrival sent shockwaves through existence, distorting space and time.
Any mortal who witnessed this would have fallen to their knees, unable to withstand the sheer divine majesty of her arrival.
Except for one person.
Frank Luminous yawned.
Sitting on his veranda, a cup of tea in his hand, he lazily watched the golden light fade.
"Another one?" He sighed. "Man, I just finished eating."
Elise was hyperventilating beside him.
"T-That's… that's Astraea! The Goddess of Wisdom! A direct divine manifestation! She's literally stepping into the mortal realm herself! Frank—do something!"
Frank sipped his tea. "Why?"
Elise almost screamed.
A Goddess Humbled
The golden light faded, revealing a woman of immense beauty and grace.
Astraea's long silver hair shimmered like the stars, and her golden eyes held the weight of infinite wisdom. She wore flowing celestial robes, radiating divine energy. Every step she took left glowing marks in the air.
She stared at Frank. The man she feared the most.
"…Frank Luminous."
Her voice echoed with the authority of an immortal being.
Elise was practically vibrating with fear, but Frank… just scratched his cheek.
"Yeah?"
Astraea's perfect divine aura faltered for a split second.
"…You know who I am?"
Frank blinked. "Should I?"
For the first time in thousands of years, Astraea didn't know what to say.
Her entire existence, her presence, her divine authority—meant nothing to him.
The heavens feared him. The gods called him a calamity. And yet, the man before her acted like she was just another visitor.
Astraea took a slow breath.
"…I am Astraea, Goddess of Wisdom. I have come as an envoy on behalf of the divine realm."
Frank took another sip of tea. "Okay."
"…We wish to discuss terms."
Frank set his teacup down. Now she had his attention.
He raised an eyebrow. "Terms?"
Astraea nodded, forcing herself to remain composed.
The Gods' Proposal
"The divine realm acknowledges your… unparalleled strength."
Astraea chose her words carefully.
"The gods… seek peace. We do not wish to be your enemies."
Frank tilted his head. "I never said I was your enemy."
Astraea hesitated.
"…Then you will not move against us?"
Frank shrugged. "I don't really care about you guys."
The goddess blinked. She had prepared countless arguments, plans, strategies—but nothing for this.
Elise, meanwhile, looked like she was about to explode.
Frank continued. "I just want to eat, sleep, and read my books."
Astraea couldn't believe what she was hearing.
The most powerful existence in the world… wasn't plotting anything.
He wasn't waiting to attack.
He wasn't building an army.
He just didn't care.
The Gods' Dilemma
This was… a problem.
If Frank was evil, they could justify taking action.
If Frank was ambitious, they could attempt to control him.
But this? How do you negotiate with someone who wants nothing?
Astraea's mind raced.
"…Then, what would it take for you to guarantee that you will never interfere with the divine realm?"
Frank tapped his chin. "Hmmm…"
For the first time, he actually thought about it.
Astraea held her breath. This was their one chance.
Finally, Frank shrugged. "A lifetime supply of snacks."
Astraea's divine mind froze.
"…What?"
Frank nodded. "Yeah. If you guys just send over some good food regularly, I won't bother with you."
Elise actually collapsed.
Astraea stood in stunned silence.
This unimaginable cosmic force… this legendary being… the one who even the Forgotten One feared…
Wanted snacks.
The Goddess' Decision
Astraea's divine brain was on fire.
This was… the best possible outcome.
No bloodshed.
No war.
No destruction.
Just snacks.
Astraea straightened herself, forcing her voice to remain steady.
"…Very well."
A golden contract appeared in the air.
A celestial pact.
"If you agree to this contract, the divine realm will send regular offerings of food to the Luminous Estate in exchange for your non-interference."
Frank yawned. "Yeah, yeah. Sure."
He casually pressed his finger against the contract.
The golden letters shone brightly as the pact was sealed.
The Aftermath
Astraea had come prepared for the greatest battle of wits in history.
Instead, she had negotiated peace with the strongest existence… over snacks.
"…It is done," she said.
She turned to leave but hesitated.
Then, quietly, she spoke.
"…Thank you, Frank Luminous."
Frank waved lazily.
As Astraea disappeared back into the heavens, the gods finally received her message.
They held their breath.
"Did we… survive?"
Astraea's voice echoed through the divine halls.
"We have come to an agreement."
The gods wept in relief.
And thus, the greatest conflict between mortals and gods in history… was resolved with snacks.
Frank Luminous took another sip of tea.
"Finally. Some peace and quiet."