Chapter 953: Aiwass's Pre-War Speech
May 1st.
West coast of Avalon, Midsummershire.
War is about to begin, and armies from all over the world are gathering here. The passion of the past has gradually cooled, and a tense and oppressive atmosphere permeates the surroundings.
Last night's emergency promotions were definitely a good deal in terms of the exchange ratio—using an average exchange ratio of less than 1:2 to raise nearly half of his soldiers by one rank—but from any perspective, it was a profit, a huge one, a huge profit.
——But in fact, the sounds coming from inside the legion’s base were not like that.
Although the winning rate has increased sharply, there is an inexplicable panic in the air.
Because it's not obvious whether a force is strong or weak without fighting, the soldiers can directly see that their comrades and companions have been hurt on a large scale. Especially since this war has a certain sense of "one-way-out", their decision to withdraw from the war due to injuries has been condemned by some.
——Is it possible that they deliberately participated in the promotion ceremony and avoided fighting by getting injured?
After all, the country where the demons descended was the Xingti Kingdom, not their own country.
Not many people were willing to risk a war to save the people of other countries—not to mention that quite a few of them had been hostile to Xingti not long ago.
Iris had already been facing oppression and threats from Star Antimony. Although no war had taken place, the economic and political pressure had persisted for many years.
Not to mention, Narcissus and Black Hawk had only recently gained independence from Star Antimony. Avalon was even more so—every passionate young man still remembered the royal family's curse and the queen's assassination. So even though the Griffin Knights had once ridden down Star Antimony for months, there was no sign of war weariness within Avalon.
Under normal circumstances, the risks of the promotion ceremony are high enough that failure could result in disability or even death.
This promotion ceremony set a new record for the lowest mortality rate, and the losers had the opportunity to leave the war they didn't want to participate in in the first place - so those soldiers who had the opportunity to be promoted but hesitated for various reasons came to regret it.
Some of them feared death, others felt unprepared. Only a small number of soldiers sought to stay in shape for the battle... yet almost everyone claimed to share this sentiment. This, in turn, made those who were promoted selfish—their motives shifted to "taking advantage of the situation to advance" or "wanting to injure themselves to avoid conscription."
What they find most unacceptable is that... there are actually quite a few people who think this way.
Jealousy, anger, arrogance, laziness... all sorts of discontent boiled over inexplicably. People became even more jealous and irritable than usual. Because the ratio of those eligible for promotion to those not eligible was nearly even, the situation became stalemated, and chaos spread like wildfire.
Before the war even began, a civil war was about to break out within the various legions.
The few who remained awake sent out a request for help earlier.
——At this point, I'm afraid only Aiwass, who organized the people here, can stop this civil war!
At half past four in the afternoon, news arrived that Aiwass Moriarty was about to arrive.
As a result, the quarrels and chaos subsided a little and turned into confrontation and cold war.
After all, no matter which country these soldiers came from, they still respected Aiwass.
It's not just because Aiwass, although a human, became a cardinal and the eternal pope...it's also because Aiwass himself is a devotee of the fifth level.
For most mid- to low-level transcendents, their understanding of the path of devotion is simply "being a good person," and the higher the level, the better. A second-level devotee is the best person they can come into contact with, while a third-level devotee is significantly better than the second, being considered a representative of public opinion recognized and respected by almost everyone in a region... and so on. They dare not even imagine what kind of saints a fifth-level devotee is.
Only a very small number of transcendents knew that high-level devotees, when pushed to extremes, would inevitably turn into lunatics. These people were even more in awe of Aiwass—he had seized the throne of Pope from a group of top-tier lunatics! He was the craziest of the crazies, someone to be feared.
As Aiwass approached, the coalition camp gradually became quiet.
When Aiwass actually arrived, all the conflicts seemed to disappear. People seemed to become more friendly—no one wanted to embarrass themselves in front of the respected former Pope. Even if they had to pretend to be friendly, they would try to be more friendly.
Louis Victor was an officer from Fleur-de-Lise—technically, a marshal. Supreme Commander of the Fleur-de-Lise Army.
Although he looked only in his early thirties, he was actually already eighty years old. Naturally, his true identity was a Moon Child of the Blood Sky Division faction.
Although the Son of the Moon has almost controlled half of the upper echelons of the Iris Kingdom... people still have a natural hostility towards the Son of the Moon.
It's not discrimination, it's fear.
Because of this, no matter who is believed by the public to be the Son of the Moon - for example, when a miracle such as rejuvenation or sudden recovery from a serious illness occurs, he will always publicly deny his identity in the newspapers even though he has been transformed into the Son of the Moon. Even if people know that he is the Son of the Moon, he will never admit it.
——Until now.
This situation has changed.
The demonic army invades the material world - and the Moon Child, who is naturally resistant to demons, becomes the savior!
The Pope, the Theocracy, the Elves... the "Saints" revered by the people, personally spoke up - demanding that the Son of the Moon join the war!
This initially caused dissatisfaction and complaints within the Moon Children population, but the true superiors knew... this was an opportunity.
This is a chance for Yuezi to clear his name!
Not to mention... His Holiness the Pope also promised research on the "perfect man".
After discussion, the Moon Children of Iris came to the conclusion that this was a rare Pope who was friendly towards the Moon Children.
For this reason, when he heard that Aiwass was coming to inspect, he waited at the gate of the military camp early, wanting to express a friendly attitude to him.
However, Aiwass did not go to the military camp, but went directly to the Nine Pillars Holy Temple in Midsummer County.
When Louis learned about this, he hurried to the temple with his men.
This is a very important matter... after all, it concerns a "perfect person"!
Although the Moon Children were internally united and united, they did have many factions. At least the Moon Children of each country naturally took sides with some of their leaders—the interests of the Moon Children of Iris and those of the Narcissus Duchy were definitely not completely aligned.
They care about their species, but they care about themselves even more. Whoever can establish a good relationship with Aiwass first will have a better chance of obtaining the "Secret of Perfect Man"!
When Louis went to the temple, he was somewhat annoyed to find... that everyone thought the same way!
The Archmage of the Narcissus Duchy, the Legion Commander of the Black Eagle Duchy, everyone gathered here - even the Great Guardian of Avalon and his giant griffin!
——What does this have to do with you!
Oh, you're the driver? That's fine...
I saw Aiwass concentrating on performing the sacrament.
Today is May 1st, which can also be considered the holy day of sand clocks.
Although it is less sacred than May 5th, pastors still have to hold services.
As the former Eternal Pope and the son of the Candlelighter, Aiwass no longer needs to kneel down respectfully to the Enneads.
This is not the headquarters of the Church, so the object enshrined in the temple is not the real Sand Clock.
But a huge hourglass——
The interior of the hourglass is filled with sand made of topaz, while two trays extend from its sides, which are empty.
"I pray to the god of the sand clock, whose sacred number is five."
Aiwass placed his hands in front of him with his fingers crossed, holding them horizontally with his palms facing inward.
The posture was like burning incense or toasting.
He murmured softly, "God of the connection between heaven and earth, God of harmony of all aspects... Hourglass of balance.
"When the Fallen Angels descend upon the world, peace will cease to exist. Grant me the power of balance, and I will defeat the Fallen God..."
As Aiwass prayed, the scales on both sides of the hourglass suddenly moved.
Clear water appeared out of thin air on one side, and fire ignited on the other. It swayed for a moment, then regained its balance.
And a strange bright yellow wave spread in all directions along the statue, covering the entire city!
When it penetrated into everyone's body, no matter whether they were human, elf or child of the moon, they all felt a strange sense of warmth.
That is the balancing power of the sand clock!
Everyone was stunned for a moment, and then a clear illusion appeared before their eyes—
No matter where they were, they saw Aiwass standing in front of the hourglass.
He was dressed in the black robes of a cardinal, his hands loose and raised high, palms facing forward.
Then he turned around - that glance seemed to be looking at everyone from afar across the broken time and space.
This was also the first time people saw the young Pope.
He wore a black bishop's robe inlaid with golden runes, with a huge emerald green gem on his chest. A pair of jade antlers, over ten centimeters long, sprouted from his head, and his handsome, upright features were breathtaking.
His emerald green pupils gradually ignited with bright yellow flames—evidence of the overflowing power of balance bestowed upon him. The pair of antlers on Aiwass's forehead ignited with white flames... looking like candles.
"Everyone."
Aiwass suddenly spoke, his voice transcending time and space, resounding in everyone's heart: "I want to ask you a question.
"—Do you know when was the last time humans fought against God?"
The first words the Pope said shocked people!
People were terrified, and even the few people in the temple did not dare to respond.
Finally, the Great Guardian asked tentatively, "Perhaps it is... a change in the [Royal Power]?"
He didn't dare to speak the Silver Crown Dragon's honorable name directly, and could only answer vaguely with a pseudonym.
"That's not the case."
Aiwass shook his head.
He frankly said, "The Silver Crown Dragon was able to defeat the Supreme Heaven not because he was human, nor because he was the strongest among humans...
"It's because He is the incarnation of the 'Crown Celestial Master'—it's not humans defeating gods, but gods defeating gods."
Aiwass said, looking around.
He gave the correct answer: "Humanity has never defeated God. Even the Celestial Beings, even the Apostles—they have never won. Except for humans, all other intelligent races have fought against God.
"—Why? Is it that we can't do it?
"But the apostle who comes to the world may not be stronger than you and me!"
Everything Aiwass said was rebellious.
"It's cowardice."
Without waiting for a response, Aiwass said, "It's fear. It's low self-esteem.
"—It's the phrase 'I'm not worthy'.
"Dwarves and elves defeated monsters, and dragons defeated sea monsters. Snakemen, lizardmen, harpies... these races that seem weak today all once had glorious histories.
"The dwarves developed railroads three thousand years ago, and the harpies challenged the gods eight thousand years ago. Even the depths of the sea still hide cities from a bygone civilization.
"——Is it because we are too weak?! But now humans are the masters of the world!
"—Is it because we're not united enough? But the civilizations of the past couldn't even form a nation!"
Aiwass's words made people think.
……yes.
Humanity was not weak. Although the Theocracy remained powerful, humanity truly dominated the world, becoming the rulers of most regions. Even the mighty dragons of ancient times could be captured and hunted...
But back then, even those races were able to fight against the gods, why...?
"It's because we are too young! Because we missed the risk, and at the same time, we missed the opportunity!"
Aiwass's voice was clear and penetrating: "When we came into the world, the sand clock had already been cut off from the earth and the sky - no gods set foot on the earth anymore, not even the apostles came anymore.
“Now is the time for change!
“—This is not a disaster, but a trial for us!
“This is a challenge, a clarion call, a drumbeat, the announcement we’ve been missing!
"Defeat the gods with a mortal body!
"Listen, everyone—this is such a glorious sign of victory! A possibility we've never faced before! The hope for the future!"
Aiwass's voice became slightly lower when he said this.
He asked, "Do you have any questions about why gods have never appeared before?"
This is exactly the question that people are wondering about.
Although people were moved when they heard it... that was all.
On the contrary, they were more afraid of the Fallen Angels... because Aiwass's speech emphasized that the Fallen Angels were gods, not demons that could be defeated by them.
But why would a god descend upon the human world when all was well? Aren't gods supposed to be unable to interfere with the material world?
Why can the Fallen Angels occupy mortal countries?
And, most importantly...
——Why didn’t the God we worship come?
And Aiwass finally answered their doubts
"This isn't the first time the Fallen Angel has appeared."
Aiwass looked around and said something shocking: "Have you ever thought about why the former Heracles Empire suddenly collapsed? Why did the blood of Heracles suddenly disappear?
"--Yes, it's just as you think! The Herasil Empire summoned the Fallen Angels to the lower realms--just like what Xingbi is facing!
"This isn't a disaster, but a challenge! Like Herasil, Xingbi summoned the Fallen Angels when he was in dire straits...
“Because this is a ritual, a trial—the key to a new era!
"——As long as we defeat the Fallen Angels, we will rise higher!"
Aiwass finally revealed the biggest secret: "Distribute the power held by the gods to everyone and make us stronger!
"The sixth energy level will no longer be the exclusive privilege of the Pope, and the fifth energy level will no longer be the privilege of the strong - you can also easily become the fifth energy level, just like you became the third energy level! You can do it, you can do it too!
"You can also reach the sixth energy level, or even the seventh energy level, or even higher! We can be mortal gods, just like the gods of the past! In the material world, we can surpass the apostles and the celestial officials—and touch the wall of the pillar gods!
"That wall—the wall of equilibrium—will be crossed by us! Not by breaking it, but by lifting the sky high and making it rise higher!"
Hearing this, people opened their eyes wide.
It turns out... the limits of the fifth and sixth energy levels are not unshakable truths?
So... can it really be broken through?
Can you easily reach the fifth energy level or the sixth energy level... ?
If someone else said this, people would never believe it.
—But that’s the Pope!
That is the spokesperson for the Nine Pillars of God, and he also has the horns of a candle!
Is this the will of the Pillar God?
Aiwass leaned against the hourglass and scales burning with water and fire, and declared loudly: "This is not an act of rebellion, nor is it an act of usurpation!
"I declare in my name, Son of the Candle Master, Eternal Pope, that this is the Trial of Balance of the Sand Clock! Even the Pillar Gods want us to defeat the Fallen Angels!
"Listen carefully, we will defeat the Heavenly Master who descended to the world and open up the limits of the Tao!
"Listen carefully, the time has come to change everything! For eight thousand years—or even before that, the trials that have eluded us will be completed here!
"Yes, we have the ability and the will to do so! We will march forward with our heads held high, reaching new realms that no other race has ever reached!
"We will surpass the Herasil Empire—and it will be easy! For we are not Herasil, facing despair, nor are we Star Antimony, in chaos and despair. We are not despairing, but full of hope! We are united, fortunate, and powerful!
"The Fallen Angels are afraid, that's why we quarrel! That's why we clash—it's because the Fallen Angels are afraid of our power that they interfere with us and try to separate us!"
Aiwass declared loudly: "Listen, everyone! He is afraid! Because at this point, he is the weak one! Just like we fear the gods!
"This isn't a rescue, though we will save the lives and souls of the Star Antimony people—but this is a hard-earned test! It's an opportunity, a possibility that hasn't appeared in eight thousand years!
"It's because the Star Antimony people started the trial, and it's because they lost—and we will win! Because I am with you!"
In everyone’s vision, Aiwass powerfully calls out: “We will all become history!
"From now on, the rivers of the world will flow in a different direction, and people in the future will remember our victory!
"We will become a glorious part of history! We will become heroes that people will be proud of!
“We are history!
“We are the future!
"—You are history! You are the future!"
Two in one, update completed meow!
(End of this chapter)
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