Dea, Please Come Back

As the light gradually dimmed, a sense of newfound familiarity enveloped me. Yet the intense stares from three pairs of eyes still felt like a piercing interrogation.

Taking a step toward me, Lamar's face softened, creased by lines of regret. "Jaime, my doubt in you was misplaced," she admitted with sincerity. "I hadn't realized you share such a revered bond with your God."

Confused, I asked, "What exactly is an apostle?"

Her eyes flickered, as if illuminated by some inner wisdom. "An apostle is second only to God, Jaime. Each planet is blessed with one, making them the de facto rulers of their celestial domains."

My brows knitted in bewilderment, failing to grasp the enormity of what she said. Lamar sensed my confusion and elaborated further, her tone patient but insistent.

"Picture Gaia, this planet as an awe-inspiring tapestry," she began, "each thread meticulously woven into seven spellbinding landscapes. First, there's [Enchantica]—a realm where ancient forests murmur secrets to the attentive. Elves glide beneath a moon-dappled sky, their lilting tunes harmonizing with the jubilant roars of the beastmen. Trolls, so often maligned, safeguard the hallowed groves, while the very air is thick with the essence of magical beings."

Her eyes glazed over, as if gazing into a distant world, and she went on, "Then there's [Atlantis]—a marvel rising phoenix-like from the ocean's depths. More than just a city, it's a continent devoted to the zenith of technological advancement. Skyscrapers reach for the heavens, interstellar travel is a reality, and unimaginable weapons of defense—and offense—exist. It's an orchestra of human ingenuity."

Transitioning her narrative to the awe-inspiring [Dragon Phoenix Continent], Lamar breathed life into her words, "Also recognized as Jianghu, this territory hums with an energy of its own. Here, the whisper of every breeze and the murmur of each pond ripple echo the eternal quest for Dao. It's a mystical sanctuary where cultivators meditate across lifetimes, and Daoist masters delve into arcane arts, all in the pursuit of the elusive secret to immortality."

Her tone acquired a wistful quality as she spoke of [Eldoria], "A realm where magic transcends mere theory to become the very essence of life. Grand castles and serpentine dungeons offer both danger and untold riches. Wizards and spellcasters roam freely, their magic drawn from the very heartbeat of the universe."

As she moved to the topic of the [Dark Continent], her expression turned grave, "A land where sunlight is a forgotten guest, shrouded in an eternal twilight. Gothic cities, ruled by vampires, stretch across its vast landscapes. Necromancers converse with shadowy spirits, while demons dance to the haunting tunes of darkness. Here, the quest for power demands sacrifices, often exacting a hefty toll."

Her eyes shimmered like a sunlit sea as she pivoted her narrative, "Last but not least is Gaia's hidden treasure—the [Sea Kingdom]. Its fathomless depths harbor civilizations so magnificent they outshine anything on solid ground. Mermaids serenade the ocean's depths with their enchanting voices, while ancient leviathans frolic amidst coral fortresses."

I couldn't help but interrupt, tallying the worlds she had described, "That's only six realms. What's the seventh—the missing piece?"

A fleeting shadow crossed Lamar's face, her voice lowering to a near whisper as though discussing a taboo subject. "Ah, the [Hidden Highlands]. Once a towering kingdom that brushed the very heavens, it was cast into seclusion by its own hubris and conceit. Today, it's Gaia's whispered legend—a land that chose isolation, taking its stories and destiny into its own sealed fate."

Undeterred, Lamar elaborated further, "Every continent within Gaia presents a complex weave of governance and spirituality, bound together in a fragile equilibrium of power. Their ruling systems are intricately structured, mirroring the rich tapestry of history and depth that these expansive lands hold."

🌍 1. Territorial Governance: 

Every continent is divided into specific territories: countries, states (or prefectures), districts, cities, towns, and villages. Each level has its own ruler or governing body.

- 🏰 Country: The largest territorial unit, ruled by a monarch or an elected representative. This could be a King, Queen, Emperor, or President.

- 🏞️ State/Prefecture: A subset of a country, often governed by a Lord or Governor. They report directly to the country's ruling entity.

- 🏙️ District: Governed by Chiefs or Magistrates, they oversee a collection of cities and towns, ensuring law and order.

- 🌆 City: Led by a Mayor or City Lord, they handle the daily governance and administration of their respective urban territories.

- 🏡 Town/Village: The smallest unit, often overseen by a Town Chief or Village Head.

🙏 2. Religious Governance: 

Parallel to the territorial governance, the religious hierarchy dictates spiritual matters, based on the various gods and their followers in each region.

- 🕊️ Follower: The laypeople or the general believers of the faith, the base of the religious pyramid.

- 📜 Deacon: A rank above the general believers. They assist priests in rituals and are often in charge of specific religious tasks or smaller congregations.

- 🕍 Priest: Ordained ministers who lead individual congregations or temples. They perform sacred rituals, offer spiritual guidance, and act as intermediaries between the divine and their followers.

- 🌌 Bishop: Overseers of a particular territory or religious jurisdiction. They supervise several churches or temples and ensure the faith's doctrines are upheld.

- ⛪ Archbishop: A higher ecclesiastical officer overseeing Bishops. They're responsible for a significant region, often encompassing multiple territories or states.

- 📿 Cardinal: The inner circle of the religious hierarchy, often involved in important decision-making processes. They serve as a bridge between the Pope and the lower ranks.

- 🤴 Pope: The highest religious authority, the Pope is the direct representative of the god on GAIA. They provide spiritual guidance, interpret scriptures, and make religious decrees.

- ⭐ Apostle: A special title, not always present in every religion. Apostles are direct emissaries of the god, often possessing unique abilities or insights. Their role is often shrouded in mystery but is revered by all.

As Lamar divulged, "Maa and I serve merely as deacon to our gods, with many higher ranks above us. Maa, in particular, is in the midst of her priestly training."

Curiosity gnawing at me, I softly inquired, "Where are we now?"

"We're in Rogue's Haven," Lamar answered.

The name itself evoked a sense of enigma—obscure, unfamiliar, and shrouded in secrecy. "Is that a country?"

Lamar leaned in conspiratorially. "Rogue's Haven is unlike any of the known continents. It's a clandestine island tucked away between the seven recognized lands. For centuries, this place has served as a sanctuary for the exiled, the outcasts, and those shunned from their native soil."

"An unclaimed land, then?"

She shrugged dismissively. "Rogue's Haven lacks the coveted riches and resources that make other continents valuable. This island is barren, its waters offer no promise of wealth; hence, it's disregarded as worthless by the other continents."

Yet, Lamar's tone shifted to something softer, more introspective, "But for those of us who've discovered refuge here, its worth is immeasurable. We establish our own norms, forming pockets of order amidst the prevailing chaos. In this place, every soul carries a concealed past, a narrative they'd prefer remains untold."

Lamar wore a distant smile, her eyes betraying a hesitancy to reveal more. Then, her mood lightened, and she became almost flirtatious, "I've glimpsed your divine quest. I'm actually contemplating seeking a new blessing from your God. What are your thoughts?"

My throat tightened as I glanced at Lisa and Maa, who simply chuckled as if no taboo were being broken. Is this the norm here among the outlaws—a land with no laws?

'What if they turn hot and attack me?'

'I'll feign weakness, appearing truly vulnerable.'

"Can you see my status?" I queried.

"Absolutely," Lamar responded. "You didn't conceal it, so it's visible to us."

"How can I hide it?"

"Just say 'hide permanently,' and it will be invisible to anyone but you. To reveal it, you need only utter 'appear.'"

Lamar closed the gap between us, her behavior growing increasingly audacious. I found myself conflicted—elated, yet anxious.

"Let's be together," she suggested. A flirtatious tilt of her head exposed a portion of her neck and collarbone, her shirt falling away slightly. "What's stopping us? You can continue your divine quest tomorrow."

Intrigued, I asked, "How many followers does the God of Infinite Light and Everlasting Love have?"

Her hand softly graced my skin, her touch a delicate distraction, as her voice answered, "You're the apostle; you have access. Just command, 'status, show me our God's followers.' The strength of a god correlates to the number of followers. Your own strength suggests that your God must have quite the following," Lamar observed, her finger gently tracing the contours of my chest.

"Status window, show me the followers of the God of Infinite Light and Everlasting Love."

[🛐On this planet, currently only 1: Yourself.

Please be more active to get new followers, so you can gain more power and wealth. Please convert every creature into a believer of God.🛐]

Looking at Lamar, I needed more clarity. "Can I check my status?"

Her smile, patient and understanding, reassured me. "Just command, and it'll guide you."

"My status!"

The unfolding events painted a vivid picture of my newfound role, the power I wielded, and the perplexing reality I was thrust into.

[Name: Jaime

Level: 5, a seasoned adventurer 😎

Strength: 25 - A body sculpted through hardship, bearing the strength of the wilderness 💪

Agility: 30 - Swift as a hawk, movements honed to perfection 🏃

Intelligence: 40 - Cunning mind, sharpened by strategy and tactics 🧠

Health: 100 - A living embodiment of vigor and vitality ❤️

Mana: 50 - Pool of mystical energy, flowing and vibrant ✨

Luck Points: 0 (Too much negative karma, please do more repent - a haunting reminder) 😔

Charm Points: MAX - Irresistible magnetism, the epitome of allure 😉

Skills:

- Shooting (Guns): C - Proficient in various firearms, Jaime's hands dance with the guns, trained in pinpoint aiming and rapid firing like a relentless storm.

- Explosives Handling: D - Knowledgeable in crafting and deploying bombs, grenades, and other explosive devices, a master of chaos and destruction 💣

- Knife Fighting: D - Skilled in close combat with knives, Jaime's every movement is both offensive and defensive, a graceful dance of blades 🗡️

- Martial Arts (Killing Techniques): D - Trained in lethal hand-to-hand combat techniques, emphasizing efficiency and lethality, a deadly force to reckon with 👊

- Tactical Awareness: D - Understands battlefield strategy, can plan and execute coordinated attacks, a chessmaster on the field 🎖️

- Survival Skills: C - Basic training in wilderness survival, including foraging, shelter, and evasion, a survivor forged by nature 🌲

Apostle Skills:

- Sanctuary: Claim a 100 mx 100 m space as a sanctuary; a sacred ground where no creature can enter without permission, and Light and Love will be abundant (1 time use only per one year) 🛐

- Revive: Bring back 1 life within 24 hours after death, body required; a miracle of life's rebirth (1 time use only per one year) Option to revive now, DEA (10 hours left) 🌅

- Purify (F): Cleanse dark energy, help souls ascend to heaven. Use 10 points of mana per use; a beacon of light and purity 🕊️

- Daily Check-in: Pray daily for additional bonuses and blessings; a humble communion with higher powers 🙏

Equipment:

- Weapon: Iron Baton (F) - A symbol of authority and might 🎗️

- Secondary Weapon: -

- Armor: -

- Accessory 1: -

- Accessory 2: -

Item:

- @#$@#$% (SSS Grade Item) [Find its name to use this item; an enigmatic treasure] 🏆

- Alice, a gate portal to Wonderland [Totally dead, please find a way to repair it] 🌀

Unspent Skill Points: 5 (get 1 skill every level up; a promise of potential)

Title: First President of the Earth, Apostle of God Of Infinite Light and Everlasting Love; 👑

Affiliation: True Source, God Of Infinite Light and Everlasting Love;🌟

Status: Apostle; a sacred calling 📜

Achievements:

- The Most Handsome Male ever alive in the universe (Effect Charm MAX); 😍

Quests:

[ Build our base: Choose a place to be claimed as sanctuary, to be the base of God Of Infinite Light and Everlasting Love 🏰]

[ Share your love and seed to the world: Make love with any female that likes you and loves her. For each time you make love, you and she will get a random skill or blessing. Mission 1000 lovers 💏]

[ Upgrade purify: Frequently use the Purify skill to raise the grade; a journey of spiritual growth 🌈]

[ First Daily Check-in: Get your basic item by checking in and get the love from True Source; a gift of Divine Love 💖]

Apostle Special Quest:

[ Memory of past life: Find a way to look for your past life memories, before you were born as Jaime, to understand more about the secret of life; a quest of self-discovery 🌠]

Notes:

- Raised in the war, accustomed to conflict and violence; a warrior molded by strife 🛡️

- Carries the blessings and responsibilities of an Apostle, with special skills and duties; a chosen one on a path filled with challenges and destiny 🌌

Glancing at the status display, an uncertainty gripped me, prompting me to turn swiftly to Lamar. "Lamar, how do I wield a skill?"

Lamar responded, "just call the skill name,"

Inhaling deeply, urgency laced my voice, "REVIVE!" Without missing a beat, I roared, "DEA!!!"