I Reborn as a God Within a Statue, And You Ask Me to Enslave All Gods?-Chapter 157 --The Four Deities

Over a hundred thousand people had gathered here, even though a large portion of the villagers had yet to arrive.

After all, the influence of Deus Initium had now spread to extraordinarily distant places, reaching villages and settlements that were days away from Annasi Town.

It was not easy for those villagers to make the journey here — some had to trek for several days across rugged mountains and treacherous lands.

"Everyone gathered here is a devoted follower of Deus Initium. I believe you all know why we have come together today: this is the day when Deus Initium will bestow the title of Protector of the Village!"

"From once living in villages on the brink of annihilation to now living securely here, with some even awakening their powers, it is all thanks to the boundless grace and guidance of Deus Initium!"

"Now, let us stand witness and await the appearance of the divine!"

After speaking, Thomas swept his gaze over the assembled crowd before him. Then, he turned toward the towering temple and bowed deeply in reverence.

With that movement, a powerful and peculiar fluctuation radiated outward, a surge of devotion that stirred every single one of the hundred thousand devotees gathered. As one, they followed Thomas’s example, bowing solemnly toward the temple. ƒreewebɳovel.com

At the same time, they each offered up their spice points — precious offerings of fragrant spices meant for the gods.

In an instant, the rich aroma of the burning spices filled the air, a thick, pervasive fragrance that hung heavily in every corner of the vast plaza.

Inside the colossal statue within the temple, Owen watched the countless fervent devotees. A glimmer of light pulsed from his forehead as his god mark manifested — an ancient sigil that resonated with the very fabric of the divine.

As the god mark shimmered, countless divine points, like densely clustered stars in a night sky, surged before him, gathering into four illusory god marks.

These four god marks were differentiated from his own, yet they originated from him — each was a part of Owen, split from his god mark. They carried within them divine information, carefully woven to help the new deities quickly grasp their powers.

Additionally, Owen had infused several powerful god skills into these marks, greatly enhancing the future combat capabilities of their bearers.

But that was not all.

Eight hundred order fragments streamed forth from the center of Owen’s forehead, swirling around the god marks, further reinforcing them.

Before becoming a 2-star pinnacle Ancient God, Owen had only possessed 380 order fragments. But after ascending to the 2-star peak, his territory expanded rapidly. In the process, he uncovered and eradicated numerous Aberrations — twisted beings who carried fragments of divine order.

Most of these Aberrations were of relatively low rank, yielding standard order fragments upon their defeat. Nevertheless, after annihilating them, Owen amassed a total of 600 ordinary order fragments and 100 fragments classified as first-tier quality.

Thus, even after granting power to four Protectors of the Village, Owen had more than enough resources remaining.

"After I complete this Divine Throne bestowal," Owen murmured to himself, "I’ll still have 180 order fragments left. As for the first-tier ones, there’ll be 220 remaining."

He let out a soft chuckle. Divine order fragments were precious treasures, no matter how many one had, they were never enough.

Yet, from everything Owen had learned so far, there were only two ways to acquire order fragments: destroy Aberrations or participate in divine battles.

"Strange though... It’s been several months now. Why haven’t I been matched for a divine battle yet?"

Owen pondered aloud.

Then again, upon further thought, it made sense. Even the once-arrogant deities must have grown more cautious after the last divine battle.

The matchups had been brutally fair — the strength difference between opponents was minimal, resulting in genuine life-or-death struggles.

Of course, Owen was an exception. With his abilities, he had steamrolled through the divine battlefield, but for most gods, victories were hard-fought and costly.

After surviving such carnage, even the most brash deities would surely think twice before recklessly plunging into another battle.

Owen shook his head, dismissing the thought. Then, he waved his hand.

The four ethereal god marks, imbued with 800 order fragments, shot out from the temple’s colossal statue like streaks of divine brilliance.

The moment they burst into the open air, an overwhelming divine pressure erupted outward from the temple.

The majestic tide of godly might was like an inverted river in the sky, cascading down upon the plaza and sweeping across the surrounding land.

It felt as if the heavens themselves had been overturned.

The space around the temple twisted and shuddered. The plaza, at the heart of it all, was the first to be engulfed by the expanding Divine Throne aura.

Then, like a tempest unleashed, the divine pressure rushed across every corner of Owen’s territory, carrying unstoppable momentum.

Every devotee within the territory instantly felt it — a godly presence so profound and awe-inspiring that it made their bones tremble.

Throughout the vast land, villagers fell to their knees, prostrating themselves in the direction of the temple, their hearts filled with fervent prayer and adoration.

"Great Deus Initium, your devoted follower humbly prays to you, beseeching you to bless me with endless wealth!"

"Deus Initium, please let me find a virtuous and loving wife! I swear by my devotion, I will cherish her and strive to have ten sons, each raised as your faithful devotees!"

Countless prayers rang out beneath the sky, as the people poured out their deepest desires to the deity they revered.

In front of the temple, the gathered villagers and residents maintained their utmost reverence. None dared entertain idle thoughts.

They all knew — during the manifestation of divine power, Deus Initium was silently observing each and every one of them.

Beneath their earnest bows, the four resplendent god marks shot outward from the temple.

They shone like four miniature suns, radiant and blinding, their light tearing through the heavens.

Under this divine illumination, fatigue and weariness seemed to melt away from every devotee, replaced by a rush of vigor and joy.

Was this... the light of the gods?

Tears filled many eyes. Devotees felt their spirits lift to soaring heights as the divine radiance bathed them.

At that moment, a mighty voice reverberated from the temple, echoing through every corner of the territory.

"Today, four devoted followers have demonstrated a perfect resonance with the divine way. They are chosen to become pillars of the people!"

"From this day forth, I hereby appoint Camilla as Protector of the Village for the Northern Settlement, with full authority to govern its affairs!"

"I appoint Eric as Protector of the Village for the Southern Settlement, with full authority to govern its affairs!"

"I appoint Robert as Protector of the Village for the Western Settlement, with full authority to govern its affairs!"

"I appoint Henry as Protector of the Village for the Eastern Settlement, with full authority to govern its affairs!"

"You four shall henceforth serve as my Protectors of the Village. Never forget your sacred duty: to safeguard humanity and to strive tirelessly for humanity’s prosperity and revival!"

Owen’s voice rolled like thunder across the land.

Every single devotee heard it clearly, their hearts pounding with excitement.

"To bestow the title of Protector of the Village upon four people at once — Deus Initium is truly being generous this time!"

"Eric... he was our old village chief not long ago! Who would have thought he’d be chosen by Deus Initium himself?"

"Camilla... wasn’t she the one responsible for cultivating Rich Soil? She always worked diligently and selflessly. No wonder she caught the eye of Deus Initium! She’s soaring into the heavens now!"

All around, faces filled with expressions of admiration and envy.

For the people knew: once someone ascended to divinity, they would gain an unimaginably long lifespan, immense power, and eternal prestige.

What could be more desirable than long life and strength?

Moreover, these four individuals were not distant legends — they were familiar faces, acquaintances from daily life.

The impact of seeing such familiar figures rise to godhood struck a deep, profound chord in everyone’s hearts.

As everyone watched, the four ethereal god marks, wrapped in order fragments, floated toward the chosen Protectors.

The crowd held its collective breath, as the marks merged seamlessly into the foreheads of the four individuals.

This... this was the first time any of them had witnessed a mortal ascend into the ranks of the divine!

Camilla, upon receiving the god mark, felt her entire body become light as air, as if she were about to drift weightlessly into the sky.

The elements of the world — fire, water, earth, and air — responded instinctively, gathering toward her in waves.

Her plain village dress, once simple and humble, now transformed under the divine power.

Seven-colored lights — like ethereal rainbows — coiled around her form, shimmering and rippling in breathtaking patterns.

Divine power radiated from her, washing over the plaza.

Her once reserved, timid expression bloomed into a radiant confidence, as though she stood bathed in eternal sunlight.

Her mortal flesh, once ordinary and flawed, now became translucent, as pure and flawless as crystal.

From this moment onward, she would no longer possess mere mortal flesh.

She had become a Divine Vessel.

By her side, the other three — Eric, Robert, and Henry — underwent similar transformations.

Their bodies shed the impurities of mortality, becoming vessels of power and divine authority.

The majesty they exuded made them seem like towering mountains — immovable and eternal.

As their transformations concluded, everyone across Owen’s vast domain looked up with awe and reverence.

Rising slowly into the sky were the Four New Deities.

From this day forth, mortals and gods would be forever divided.

"Thank you, Deus Initium, for your infinite grace! We vow to uphold our original aspirations, to labor for the prosperity of humanity, and to obey your sacred teachings with unwavering loyalty!"