"That's exactly why I don't want to be this Godly Genius. That kind of life doesn't interest me in the
slightest. I would be unhappy," Rocky stated. He harbored strong feelings about being a god.
"But there are many types of gods that each have different responsibilities in the worlds. For example,
the Holy Lord that is in charge of time records things that he observes but he can never interfere. We
are not like him. We are in charge of the world's balance, and we can interfere and adjust things in the
world as we see fit. Our only downfall is that our power is too strong and we can't directly interfere with
the mortal world. That's why we need to select some Godly Geniuses and grant them divine power. In
that way, we can adjust the balance of the world through their hands," the goddess explained.
"Some Godly Geniuses? How many Godly Geniuses are there on this continent?" Rocky asked, tilting
his head to the side.
"There are many. Nine Godly Geniuses are selected every ten years, and this continent has been
around for over a thousand years. Think about it for a minute and I'm sure you can do the math."
"Well... that's quite a lot."
"Exactly. The problem is that most of them perished during previous battles of Godly Geniuses. There
are only a handful left now," the goddess added in a flat voice.
"Battles of Godly Geniuses?" Rocky repeated, frowning. It seemed that things were not as simple as he
had once thought.
"That's right. Every time we choose new Godly Geniuses, they must fight. Only the ones who win and
survive become true gods," the goddess explained.
"Well, that sounds exhilarating. A long time ago, I would have agreed without hesitation. But now I
would rather stay in the Ghost Palace than get involved in the world's disputes," Rocky replied, wearing
a calm, apologetic smile. He looked like a man that had lost all his vigor.
"But don't you want to return to your original world?" the goddess asked.
Her words touched the bottom of Rocky's heart, making him sigh. Of course he wanted to return to his
original world, but with his current strength, it was impossible for him to open the door again. The
power of the Star Beast Ring had been exhausted and it couldn't just replenish over time. If he wanted
to open the door, he would have to cultivate until he was the strongest in the world which would not be
an easy feat.
"If you can win the battle of the newly-selected Godly Geniuses, I will send you back to that world," the
goddess offered. His eyes shot up to her face. Needless to say, Rocky was beginning to feel tempted.
"That deal is a good one but do you really think I could win?" Rocky asked, scrunching his eyebrows
together. The people who were selected to compete must be talented and must possess unlimited
potential. Plus, he knew that the members of the Shura Race were usually more powerful than the
human race and the spiritual race. Therefore, even if he were to agree to become a Godly Genius, he
could easily lose the battle.
"Honestly, I don't. But that's only because you're the first human ever to become a Godly Genius. All
the previous Godly Geniuses were selected from the members of the Shura Race. The human race is
always weaker than the Shura Race in terms of talent and potential. If you were from the spiritual race,
there would be a chance. However, I think it would be interesting to see a human compete. That's why I
selected you," the goddess stated. It sounded like she treated all of it like a game and Rocky was her
trusty pawn.
"That makes sense. And because you know exactly what I crave, you must have assumed by now that
I will agree to your terms," Rocky said. What the goddess had offered him was too tempting. She had
left him with no other choices.
"So are you ready to accept the divine power now?"
"Yes. But, before you start, how am I supposed to know if you are tricking me or not?" Rocky asked,
holding up his hands and taking a small step backwards.
"Well, if I am, you will just have to accept it!" the goddess said, rendering Rocky speechless.
A bitter smile spread on his lips. He didn't want to take the risk but it seemed like the only chance he
had to get back to his original world.
"Remember, the divine power I will grant you is not made of pure strength. You cannot use it directly.
What you can do is cultivate it through physical and mental methods, such as improving your strength
and intelligence. Make it stronger, and when you reach a certain level of cultivation, it will be of use to
you. Your divine power will be measured in the form of the pillar of divine power. The height of the pillar
of divine power will reflect how strong your divine power is. We will announce the progress of the pillar
of divine power every once in a while, so pay attention..."
"Okay. I understand. I'm ready. Give it to me!" Rocky planted his two feet on the ground and prepared
to accept the divine power.
In an instant, his surroundings were shrouded in dazzling, white light. Then, he closed his eyes and felt
a very gentle, warm energy flowing into his body. It traveled to all his extremities before it finally
gathered in the center of his chest. When he came to his senses again, he was back in the square and
many envious eyes were looking at him.
"Congratulations! You've become a Godly Genius. I hope this means that you can help us in the
future," Gilbert praised. The faint line of a smile had appeared on his normally serious face. Obviously,
Rocky obtaining the divine power would bring great things to him and his entire territory so he was
excited.
"Thank you, sir. I'll do my best," Rocky replied politely.
"By the way, would you mind telling me your name?" Gilbert asked.
"My name is..." Rocky hesitated, wondering what name he should choose.
"His name is Odin. He is a new disciple of mine. I'm surprised that he was selected as the Godly
Genius," Esteban chimed, breaking out of the crowd. He directed a subtle wink at Rocky.
When he saw his signal, Rocky nodded and said nothing.
"This is your new disciple?! Now I know how he got the extraordinary potential it takes to be the Godly
Genius!" Gilbert exclaimed, gasping.
Now, the members of the Shura Race standing in the square were looking at Rocky with even more
surprise dancing in their eyes. They had thought that Rocky was a nobody with lots of luck. They never
guessed that he was a disciple of the famous doctor in the Ghost Fief, Esteban.
"He was just lucky." Esteban's face twitched as he forced a smile. If he had known that bringing him to
the God-worshipping Ritual would have made him the Godly Genius, he wouldn't have brought Rocky
at all.
"Somebody, take our Godly Genius to his accommodation!" Gilbert ordered.
"Wait, sir. If it's okay with you, I'd prefer to continue living in the Ghost Palace. I'm a Godly Genius now,
but I'm still a disciple of Master Esteban. I have to stay by his side until I complete my studies," Rocky
interrupted.
"Well..." It had never occurred to Gilbert that Rocky would choose to stay in the Ghost Palace.
The other members of the Shura Race were also concerned. After all, the status of a Godly Genius
was pretty high. He didn't have to live in a place as cold and secluded as the Ghost Palace.
"Sir, even if he were to become a true Godly Genius, he still needs to study and cultivate. I know you
understand that a Godly Genius' cultivation is different from ordinary cultivation. He must improve his
strength, and he must improve other aspects too. If I remember correctly, the former Godly Genius
focused on martial cultivation and that was it. As a result, he perished soon after he went to the
battlefield. I think it's better to teach Odin my medical skills first. Then, he can at least save his own life.
Isn't that ideal?" Esteban chimed in.
"You have a point. But he can't fall behind in his martial cultivation. That is most important." Gilbert
thought Esteban's words were reasonable, but he wanted his way no matter what.
"Don't worry, sir. I will supervise him. We are leaving now." Once again, Esteban winked at Rocky.
Then, the two of them left the square, ignoring everyone's eyes on their backs.
62fb1bb41dcb31934bd49bda