God’s Masterpiece

The Dawn of the Radiant Dominion

The news of the total annihilation of the Holy Radiant Theocracy, leaving no survivors, spread like wildfire throughout the Holy Light Alliance. The revelation struck the various factions like a massive stone crashing into a tranquil lake, sending ripples of shock in every direction. Reactions varied wildly—some with horror, others with indifference, and a few with barely restrained excitement.

Among them, Raymond could barely contain his exhilaration upon hearing the news. He paced around his chamber, eyes gleaming with excitement, his chest swelling with triumph. He clenched his fists and thought to himself, "Unbelievable! The Holy Pope possesses such overwhelming power! The Radiant Theocracy has been utterly destroyed! Finally, the Glorious Theocracy will rise above all! No one will ever dare to look down on us again!"

But for Cardinal Karo of the shattered Radiant Theocracy, the revelation was a thunderclap from a clear sky. He sat frozen, his gaze vacant, mind drowning in the cruel echo of the report. The once-mighty Radiant Theocracy—his foundation, his purpose—was now nothing more than dust and ash. The weight of the loss crushed him, rendering him numb and adrift in a sea of despair. Never had he imagined such devastation, and yet here it was, reality staring him in the face. He was now alone.

The other factions, upon hearing the news, first reacted with disbelief, then fell into a deep, contemplative silence. They all understood the significance of this turn of events: The strength the Radiant Pontiff had displayed was beyond anyone's expectations. The rise of the Radiant Theocracy was inevitable; its military might had been laid bare for all to see. It was now an undeniable force on the continent, one they dared not underestimate. None of them wished to become the next in line for destruction.

Among those present, Cardinal Kaich of the Holy Theocracy sat motionless in his chair. His mind whirred with calculations, assessing the new power dynamics. He remained silent, contemplating the repercussions of the Radiant Theocracy's fall. Then, with a deep breath, he finally spoke. "We must negotiate," he declared.

A meeting was swiftly convened. Representatives from all factions sat together, their expressions unreadable as they weighed their options. Rowan, the Pope of the Radiant Theocracy, sat at the head of the table, exuding an aura of authority. When it was Karo's turn to speak, he hesitated, his eyes still clouded with despair. He finally found his voice.

"Your Holiness, I… I will follow you." His tone, though subdued, held a glimmer of renewed hope.

Rowan nodded, extending a reassuring hand to the fallen Cardinal. "Come with me to the Radiant Theocracy. The Lightbringer is a High Lesser God. Even though the Theocracy is no more, its faith is not lost. With time and the right opportunity, it may rise again."

At those words, a spark flickered in Karo's hollow eyes. It was the first hint of light after the long, dark abyss that had engulfed him. He rose abruptly, bowing with reverence. "Your Holiness, I swear that one day, the Radiant Theocracy will once again stand tall."

With the meeting concluded, the factions dispersed, each leader returning to their strongholds, contemplating their next moves in light of this sudden power shift.

As Rowan returned to his quarters, a soft glow greeted him—a warmth that was unmistakable. The moment Alice laid eyes on him, her expression lit up like the morning sun breaking over the horizon. Without hesitation, she leaped to her feet, flinging herself into his embrace like a joyous bird taking flight.

"You're finally back," she murmured, her voice a melody of relief and longing. "I missed you so much."

Rowan's arms tightened around her slender frame, his fingers threading through the silk of her golden hair. A gentle chuckle rumbled in his chest. "I missed you too, Alice."

Her eyes gleamed as she looked up at him, happiness evident in every inch of her face. Then, in a voice laced with teasing mischief, she added, "Rowan… I'm pregnant. Just a little over a month."

For a moment, Rowan froze. Then his lips curved into a broad grin. He reached out, brushing a few loose strands of hair from Alice's face. "You're incredible, Alice," he whispered, pressing a soft kiss against her forehead.

She giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck, and murmured, "I can still—"

Rowan cut her off with a chuckle, playfully pinching the tip of her nose. "Oh? And here I thought I was the ambitious one."

Alice huffed, feigning annoyance. "I can control myself, you know." She pouted, narrowing her eyes at him. "I just think you should stop worrying so much about things we can't control. You've done so much already, Rowan. You deserve some happiness too."

A smirk tugged at the corner of Rowan's lips as he watched her feigned irritation melt into a teasing grin. Before she could say another word, he leaned in, his breath warm against her cheek.

The soft candlelight flickered. The air between them grew heavy with an unspoken longing.

A gentle push from Alice sent Rowan stumbling back a step, and she crossed her arms, a mock pout on her lips. "Well? Don't you have somewhere to be? Or were you hoping I'd invite you to stay?"

Rowan laughed, shaking his head. "Clever girl." He playfully pinched her cheek before stepping back. "But you're right about one thing. There's much to be done."

He turned, casting her one last lingering glance before walking away. Alice watched him leave, her heart full, her face still glowing with the remnants of their reunion.

———

Back in the grand halls of the Radiant Theocracy, Rowan took his place upon the Pope's throne—a seat that symbolized absolute authority. For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself a deep breath. The battles had been fought, the war for dominance was over, and the Radiant Theocracy had emerged victorious.

But peace was fleeting.

The system's cold, mechanical voice suddenly echoed in his mind, cutting through his thoughts with a sharp chime.

"Warning: A powerful entity has been detected in the Forbidden Lands. The Ancient Goddess of Blessings possesses an unparalleled ability to enhance your combat potential. It is recommended that the Host takes her as a wife. This will be of great benefit to your future."

Rowan's brows furrowed. "A goddess?" He muttered under his breath. "How can a deity still exist in this plane? That shouldn't be possible."

"Host is mistaken," the system replied flatly. "The Goddess of Blessings was sealed away in the Forbidden Lands eons ago. The passing millennia have left her power diminished to less than a fraction of its former glory. Her existence hangs by a thread. This is a rare opportunity—you must not let it slip away."

Rowan let out an exasperated sigh. "A woman who won't even appear for another year… and you're already making recommendations? Couldn't this have waited?"

The system's tone was as impassive as ever. "Informing you in advance allows you to prepare accordingly. I expected gratitude, but I see it is wasted on you."

And with that, the system fell silent, refusing to entertain any further questions.

Resigned, Rowan turned his thoughts toward more immediate matters. There was still much to do. With the Loran Kingdom fallen and its royal family destroyed, rebel forces remained scattered across the land. To solidify his rule over the newly conquered province, he had to ensure complete control.

Calling for his trusted general, Black, he gave his orders. "Black, we have eliminated the Loran royal family and the Radiant Theocracy, but resistance still lingers in the kingdom. Take our forces and root them out. Leave no loose ends. Stability is paramount now."

Black nodded sharply. "Rest assured, Your Holiness. I will personally see to it that every last remnant of rebellion is crushed. The Loran Principality will be fully under our rule."

Rowan's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Good. But make sure to leave enough forces to support Duke Leo. Consolidating control over the new territory is our top priority now."

"Understood, Your Holiness," Black responded solemnly. "I will see it done."

With his orders given, Rowan rose from his seat. There was no time to waste. The battle was won, but the war for the continent had only just begun.

The true game was only getting started.