Chapter 640: The Final Path

Time swiftly passes by, and except for the distant North and Dorne, the Seven Kingdoms enjoy a period of peace and prosperity. The atmosphere throughout the realm is one of national stability and a content citizenry.

The North and Dorne, being at the extreme ends of the realm, seem too distant for the majority of the populace to worry about.

Viserys, residing in King's Landing for the past few months, has mostly been engaged in daily governance, with not much else demanding his attention. However, the golden flame within him has grown, albeit at a slow pace.

It is so gradual that without keen observation, it might go unnoticed.

"I see... its growth seems very slow?" he remarks, standing within the tower of Maegor, addressing a stone statue.

"Yes, accumulating faith is not an easy task. Only the purest of beliefs can be absorbed," the calm voice emanates from the statue of the Faceless God.

Viserys, after spending months in this new world, is getting accustomed to the Valyrian tongue and the alterations in the geopolitical landscape post Valyria's era. The city-states which once bowed to Valyria have claimed independence, ruling autonomously.

Shockingly, the city-state established by escaped slaves of Valyria now stands as the trade hub in this new world, wielding significant influence.

"Merely former slaves of the empire," scoffs Miraxis towards Braavos' newfound prominence. In the days of the great empire, insignificant city-states like Braavos dared not even to breathe too loudly, yet now they've risen to exert influence.

Viserys is equally curious about this divine conscience, Miraxis. In his understanding, deities should be lofty beings, detached from worldly concerns.

Yet, the deity before him seems quite cynical, almost human-like in demeanor.

"Do not overestimate the gods, Viserys," Miraxis advises.

Viserys candidly presents his confusion, receiving elucidation from Miraxis.

"The hierarchy among deities is clear. The powerful ones are integral to the world's operation, indispensable. The weakest are but lost souls, unable to rival even a human, destined to fade into the cosmos," explains Miraxis.

Although a divine conscience devoid of a physical form, Miraxis holds profound understanding of the gods, detailing their features and differences to Viserys.

The most common gods are born of collective faith, igniting the divine flame to ascend. Their domain is often restricted to a specific land, nation, or race.

Once detached from their land, or if their nation falls or race perishes, their source of power vanishes, leading to their dissipation into the cosmos.

Besides these common faith-born gods, there are others.

Some ancient entities, born during the world's infancy even before the Children of the Forest, ascended due to their accumulated magic and power during a time when magic surged like tides across the realms.

The ascension through faith is slow. Many don't realize the ignition of the divine flame, feeling merely an enhanced spirit. Only upon death, transforming into spiritual beings, do they perceive the divine flame, continuing a lengthy accumulation towards ascension.

The living hardly witness the moment of ascension. Miraxis advises Viserys against haste, as forceful promotion of faith could backfire, inciting resistance. Only pure belief is beneficial.

Lastly, there are gods who, after ascension, grasp certain universal laws, becoming gods of those domains, like Light, Darkness, Death, Time, Life, and elements like Water, Storm, Heat, Cold.

The powerful gods span vast lands with their rule, while weaker ones are confined to specific areas. However, these gods of laws are generally stronger than those ascended through faith or magic.

Miraxis, though merely a divine conscience, holds deep insights into godly realms, overwhelming Viserys with her extensive exposition.

Yet, one point strikes home, "So gods of faith are the lowest in the divine hierarchy?" Viserys finally inquires.

Indeed, Miraxis confirms, elaborating that the pathway of faith is the only viable route towards ascension in this era, as the tides of magic have weakened considerably compared to the days of Valyria, let alone compared to tens or hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Yet, Viserys seems to be an exceptionally unique human.

"Ordinary humans should remain unaware of the divine flame, yet your mental strength is extraordinary, almost..." Miraxis hesitates, unable to explain Viserys's peculiar existence.

If not for Viserys's perception of the divine flame and discovery of the concealed divinity within the statue, Miraxis might never have awakened, fading away eventually.

"You are quite different from other humans," Miraxis finally states after a pause.

"Perhaps you may carve a distinct path, Viserys."