"That's exactly why I don't want to be this Godly Genius. That kind of life doesn't interest me in the slightest. I would be unhappy," Rocky stated. He harbored strong feelings about being a god.
"But there are many types of gods that each have different responsibilities in the worlds. For example, the Holy Lord that is in charge of time records things that he observes but he can never interfere. We are not like him. We are in charge of the world's balance, and we can interfere and adjust things in the world as we see fit. Our only downfall is that our power is too strong and we can't directly interfere with the mortal world. That's why we need to select some Godly Geniuses and grant them divine power. In that way, we can adjust the balance of the world through their hands," the goddess explained.
"Some Godly Geniuses? How many Godly Geniuses are there on this continent?" Rocky asked, tilting his head to the side.
"There are many. Nine Godly Geniuses are selected every ten years, and this continent has been around for over a thousand years. Think about it for a minute and I'm sure you can do the math."
"Well... that's quite a lot."
"Exactly. The problem is that most of them perished during previous battles of Godly Geniuses. There are only a handful left now," the goddess added in a flat voice.
"Battles of Godly Geniuses?" Rocky repeated, frowning. It seemed that things were not as simple as he had once thought.
"That's right. Every time we choose new Godly Geniuses, they must fight. Only the ones who win and survive become true gods," the goddess explained.
"Well, that sounds exhilarating. A long time ago, I would have agreed without hesitation. But now I would rather stay in the Ghost Palace than get involved in the world's disputes," Rocky replied, wearing a calm, apologetic smile. He looked like a man that had lost all his vigor.
"But don't you want to return to your original world?" the goddess asked.
Her words touched the bottom of Rocky's heart, making him sigh. Of course he wanted to return to his original world, but with his current strength, it was impossible for him to open the door again. The power of the Star Beast Ring had been exhausted and it couldn't just replenish over time. If he wanted to open the door, he would have to cultivate until he was the strongest in the world which would not be an easy feat.
"If you can win the battle of the newly-selected Godly Geniuses, I will send you back to that world," the goddess offered. His eyes shot up to her face. Needless to say, Rocky was beginning to feel tempted.
"That deal is a good one but do you really think I could win?" Rocky asked, scrunching his eyebrows together. The people who were selected to compete must be talented and must possess unlimited potential. Plus, he knew that the members of the Shura Race were usually more powerful than the human race and the spiritual race. Therefore, even if he were to agree to become a Godly Genius, he could easily lose the battle.
"Honestly, I don't. But that's only because you're the first human ever to become a Godly Genius. All the previous Godly Geniuses were selected from the members of the Shura Race. The human race is always weaker than the Shura Race in terms of talent and potential. If you were from the spiritual race, there would be a chance. However, I think it would be interesting to see a human compete. That's why I selected you," the goddess stated. It sounded like she treated all of it like a game and Rocky was her trusty pawn.
"That makes sense. And because you know exactly what I crave, you must have assumed by now that I will agree to your terms," Rocky said. What the goddess had offered him was too tempting. She had left him with no other choices.
"So are you ready to accept the divine power now?"
"Yes. But, before you start, how am I supposed to know if you are tricking me or not?" Rocky asked, holding up his hands and taking a small step backwards.
"Well, if I am, you will just have to accept it!" the goddess said, rendering Rocky speechless.
A bitter smile spread on his lips. He didn't want to take the risk but it seemed like the only chance he had to get back to his original world.
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