473 The Cooperation (1/2)

”Why?”

It was Anheuse who asked the question.

Anheuse had come back in disguise after finishing up guiding the believers. He was very concerned about the current situation, and the decision could lead to a major consequence. Although the almighty Ell's true power had awakened, the enemy they were now facing was also much stronger than the God of Moon Asin.

Facing the enemy consisting of the Lord of War and the rest seven gods as well as their strongest priests, Anheuse did not believe it at all that Ell had a chance to win.

Therefore, although both Lucien and Francis were quite good at giving speeches, and Anheuse indeed felt quite encouraged, Anheuse would prefer to rely on his own judgment when facing this major decision, rather than blindly hoping for the great existence beyond definitions and imagination to bestow power on Lord Ell.

Hearing Lucien and Ell deny at the same time, Ell did not appear to be surprised at all.

”Say your reason.” He said slowly and firmly.

Lucien felt that whether it was because Ell's psychosis became more serious or not, at least He now seemed more like a God. Ell was now calmer and more patient. Although they could not be optimistic at all facing the current situation, Ell's current attitude was definitely more convincing than acting furious and worried.

Lucien took a look at Francis and saw he was just smiling. Obviously, Francis was waiting for him to reply.

Being very cautious, Francis was still testing Lucien.

Weighing the words, Lucien said carefully, ”because… because it is a chance, a very good chance.”

”Chance? You mean the chance of being killed and entering the underworld?” Anheuse was quite pissed, thinking of the fact that their enemy was now at least eight times stronger than the previous.

He was pissed also because, in order to win the debate, Leviathan and Francis revealed the almighty Ell's true identity, and thus incurred the anger and fear of the Lord of War. Anheuse suspected that it was the almighty Ell who purposefully told Francis and Leviathan his true identity to ensure that the plan could be carried out smoothly. Thus, Anheuse was even feeling a bit jealous — He had been serving the Lord of Fire and Destruction for more than twenty years, yet the Lord trusted the two youngsters who just joined the Secret Praying Convention more than him.

Lucien asked seriously, ”why does the Lord of War's priest want Asin and the Lord of Underworld to strike tonight? Why does the Lord of War want all of the churches to get involved?”

Ell nodded, as if He had completely understood what Lucien was trying to imply. He then turned to Francis and gestured him to elaborate.

”Because the Lord of War is afraid, afraid of the almightiness of our Lord, afraid of falling under the magnificent radiance of our Lord. The Lord of War wants to be very cautious. Before he could ascertain the current strength of Lord Ell, he does not dare to strike directly. If our Lord has awakened completely, such a dangerous move could lead to his death.”

Francis made lots of praises, but the core message was simple — He and Lucien boasted so far off that the Lord of War was shocked. He became concerned about the power of the God of Revival, Fertility, and Redemption and therefore decided to send the rest of the eight Gods and the priests to carry out this mission. If something was indeed off, the Lord of War could easily find an excuse and tell the followers that it was just a private conflict.

In the theology debate, Francis and Lucien described the God of Revival, Fertility, and Redemption as a lawful good god full of mercy and kindness. As long as there was no evidence that the God of War was directly involved in the assassination, the God of Revival, Fertility, and Redemption would have to show generosity and tolerance.

Meanwhile, according to the information they had, Lucien and Francis believed that the gods of the Angonormanian or Barril pantheon did not believe that there was an omniscient and omnipotent existence above, so many gods died of plotted murder and deception.

”I see…” Anheuse started getting some clues.

During the debate, Nena was acted rather calm, or at least relatively calm, during the debate. She had probably already got the plan at that time.

Ell slightly nodded, the corner of his mouth formed a imperceptible smile that disappeared in a second.

”But, our enemy is still very powerful. The eight gods, and their priests,” said Anheuse in great concern. ”They are too strong for us now. We'd better leave. Our Lord the almighty Ell has awakened and he will become stronger in the time to go. We can wait in patience, instead of taking the risk for literally nothing.”

Lucien was a bit speechless. He wondered if he'd also start having mental problems if he continued to get around with them,

He coughed and said, ”according to Mr. Francis's description, our Lord can only gradually grow stronger by taking away others' godhood. If we run away this time, the Lord of War and the rest of the false gods will find it out that we're still weak. They'll abandon any hesitations and keep trying their best to kill us outside of the valley. Then the situation will be even worse.”

Before Anheuse could speak, Lucien continued. ”Think about it. Except for the God of Moon and the Lord of Underworld, will the rest of the gods really work together? Only one out of the six can win our position to preach in the river valley. This seems to be a very slight chance, so will they try other plans? Say, kill the God of Moon 'by mistake', or set up a trap, or… work with us?”

”They surely will,” said Anheuse with no doubt.

Ell remained rather calm, ”This is indeed our opportunity if we know the right thing to do. But Leviathan, Francis, how do we know who really wants to work with us, and who schemes to betray?”

Francis grinned. ”Why need we?”

Even Ell was a bit surprised this time.

”The situation is too complex, and the gods' attitude changes all the time. It's impossible for us to tell who really wants to be our ally. We can trust nobody,” said Francis.