Chapter 18: God - Heavenly Way

Chapter 18: God - Heavenly Way

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[Ding Dong, congratulations to the host for acquiring the second follower - the Recorder.]

Name: Kasumigaoka Utaha (Follower)

Race: Human

Follower Job: Recorder

Strength: E

Durability: E

Agility: E

Magic: E

Luck: B

Charm: S

Recorder Ability: Writing

The Recorder possesses two unique abilities: Intelligence Retrieval and Blank Page.

Intelligence Retrieval: Allows the retrieval of unknown information the host desires. However, the amount and quality of the information depend on its difficulty. For instance, if the host seeks details about a certain god, the ability may initially only reveal the god's name. This ability improves as the follower's own abilities grow.

Blank Page: By writing a desired future event on a blank page, the corresponding outcome will materialize, though adjusted by difficulty. For example, writing "win 100 million yen in a week" might result in winning 100,000 yen instead. This ability can only be used once every 168 hours.

[Ding Dong, congratulations to the host for acquiring two followers. The power of the gods awakens and begins to materialize...]

[Materialization completed. Congratulations to the host for obtaining the ultimate occupation: Heavenly Way (EX).]

Heavenly Way (EX):

The essence of the rules and truths of all things, embodying the universe's Arcanum. As the Beast of the Apocalypse, the Beast of the Savior, and the Emperor's heir, the host possesses the fundamental powers of creation and destruction. The universe is your domain, and all things emanate from you.

Heavenly Way Ability 1 (Family): Enables the host to develop their own family, granting them awakening abilities. Additionally, the host can use the special abilities of all family members.

Heavenly Way Ability 2 (Rules): Not yet unlocked.

Heavenly Way Ability 3 (All Realms): Not yet unlocked.

Heavenly Way Ability 4 (All Things): Not yet unlocked.

Heavenly Way Ability 5 (Authority): Not yet unlocked.

Heavenly Way Ability 6: ???

Heavenly Way Ability 7: ???

Heavenly Way Ability 8: ???

Heavenly Way Ability 9: ???

---

As Utaha smiled, she softly declared Elric to be her god. With her favorability already at its peak, she became Elric's family, officially his second follower.

Upon awakening two followers, Elric's divine power materialized, granting him the ultimate authority of the Emperor of the End. Bearing the attributes of the Beast of the Apocalypse and the Beast of the Savior, this power is both primordial and unmatched, representing the will of the Heavenly Dao itself—the force that governs the world.

In essence, Elric is the Heavenly Dao. However, as an early god, his powers remain undeveloped, requiring time to fully awaken.

---

"Elric, this is..."

Hearing the system's notification, Utaha looked at Elric with surprise. Her crimson eyes sparkled with an intensity that rivaled her curiosity.

"Elric... so you're a god?"

Unlike Sora, Utaha had a deeper understanding of legends surrounding gods. She comprehended the significance of being a follower and never imagined she had fallen in love with a genuine deity.

"Utaha, you don't seem surprised," Elric remarked, a hint of curiosity in his tone. He hadn't anticipated Utaha to become his follower so easily, merely through his words.

"Surprised?" Utaha tilted her head slightly, a subtle smile gracing her lips. "Rather than being surprised... it's more like I'm delighted."

Slightly closing her eyes and sensing the power coursing through her body, Utaha immediately grasped the extent of her newfound abilities.

"Elric, to me, your existence is special and irreplaceable."

"The existence of gods might be intangible, but to me, you are no different from my personal deity."

With a devout expression, as though embarking on a sacred pilgrimage, Utaha spoke with quiet conviction. Her voice, though soft, carried the weight of her emotions, conveying her feelings to Elric.

Every word lingered in Elric's mind, etched into his memory.

---

After escorting Utaha home, Elric found himself under the curious, ambiguous gazes of her parents. Politely, he explained that he had to return home and assured them he wouldn't impose further.

Despite reaching the level of a familial bond with Utaha, their relationship hadn't transitioned into a romantic one. No matter how open-minded she might be, Utaha still grappled with the complexities of being connected to a god.

Their bond felt more like a delicate mix of reverence and ambiguity, akin to the dynamic between a superior and a subordinate. Utaha mentioned needing time to understand her abilities and suggested they communicate through a messaging app for now.

---

"Brother, you're back."

Since acquiring the role of a Follower princess, Sora had grown increasingly attached to Elric.

She didn't feel the need to question his identity, acknowledge the existence of gods, or consider the significance of her powers as a follower. All she cared about was that Elric remained by her side.

That was enough.

"Sora, there's something I need to tell you."

Sitting next to her, Elric decided not to hide the fact that Utaha had also become one of his Followers.

"That woman is also my brother's Follower now, isn't she?"

Her delicate face bore an expression of inevitability, as if Sora had already anticipated this development.

"You're not surprised?"

Elric raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback by her reaction. He himself hadn't expected Utaha to accept becoming his dependent so readily, yet his sister seemed wholly unsurprised.

"Not at all."

Sora shook her head, though her expression hinted at mild frustration. "Even though I don't like that woman, her feelings for my brother are undeniable. It's not surprising this happened."

Despite her dislike for Utaha, there was truth in the saying: The one who knows you best is your rival.

Sora was well aware of how deeply Utaha cared for Elric. She had read all of Utaha's novels, many of which were infused with self-indulgent scenarios that only served to irritate her further.

---

"Brother."

"Hm? What is it?"

Elric turned to his sister, noticing the sudden flicker of confusion in Sora's eyes.

"Brother, no matter what happens in the future, I will always be your sister. Promise me that, okay?"

Sora was starting to sense the changes in Elric. As his closest sibling, she had no desire to share him with anyone else.

And yet...

If destiny meant he wouldn't belong to her alone, then perhaps receiving the greatest portion of his love would be enough.

Leaning gently into Elric's arms and feeling the warmth of his embrace, Sora found solace. She was certain of one thing: this was the only place she truly wanted to be.