Chapter 146: Doubting Authority (1/2)

”Why did you do it?” Ania asked quietly as her soft lips quivered.

Exile raised an eyebrow at this question. She had asked to speak with him before he returned to the Divine Realms. ”Do what?”

”You know...” A solitary tear ran down her cheek. ”Why did you really abandon the warmth that you used to give off for this coldness? A lot of people have switched to other gods in the Pantheon because they don't see any real benefit from worshipping you now.”

'Ah, so that's it....' Exile thought about this question for a while. ”I needed more power...”

Ania shot a sideways, surprised glance at him. As she studied his face, she realised that he seemed more human than she realised. ”How does it give you more power?”

”Ania, my recent change is more suitable for the times we are facing. There's a civil war going on in Skardia and the Sommerdans have invaded.” Exile gave her a gentle look as they walked through the snow on the outskirts of Eraldsfen. ”The hearth, with its power, was a great starting point as a god. But it did not offer the kind of offensive power I need to strike down the other gods who come against me. I have to be the spear that breaks our enemies.”

Ania's head dropped as she stared at her feet. ”But, isn't the shield just as important as the spear? When you were the God of the Hearth, everyone could feel your presence in their home. They all felt as if you were right there, watching over them. Do you understand the comfort that brought them?”

Exile revealed a surprised expression as he took in her words. 'So... It's not just about the benefits I can give them but how they can feel connected to me...' It gave him some food for thought. It seemed to him that it was far more complicated than he initially realised.

”How do you feel about it?” Exile asked with a curious expression. Seeking to understand the situation better from the point of view of the NPCs.

”How do I feel? I'm not really sure it's my place to say anything...” Ania quickly glanced away as her face flushed with a crimson colour.

”I mean, how do you feel about my presence. My authority over lightning.” Exile sighed as he realised she had only heard part of what he said.