Chapter 15: Chapter 15: The Rise of a Divine Kingdom
The battlefield was still littered with the bodies of those who had defied Philippe's growing influence. His followers, though victorious, stood with a mixture of awe and exhaustion. The reality of war had settled upon them, yet so had the reality of their god's power. Philippe had manifested his divine presence for all to see, striking down enemies with his will alone. Faith in him had surged, and with it, his power.
[New System Notification]
Divine Influence Expands: 4000 Fate Points Gained
Faith Level Increased: Lesser Deity → Emerging Deity
Philippe felt it within himself—the shift, the subtle strengthening of his existence. He was no longer a vague presence clinging to the mortal plane. His influence was solidifying, and his believers' prayers were now feeding him in a way that was becoming tangible.
The Aftermath of the Battle
Aya and Hiro approached him, their faces grim despite the victory. The people had seen miracles today, but they had also seen death. Faith was powerful, but fear could be just as strong. They needed guidance.
"We lost good people," Hiro said, kneeling before Philippe's shrine. "They died believing in you."
Aya placed a hand over her heart. "What do we tell the families of those who fell?"
Philippe's divine form flickered slightly as he processed their words. He had the power to command faith, but with that power came responsibility. If he wanted a kingdom that would last, he needed to ensure his people knew that their sacrifices were not in vain.
"They will be honored," Philippe said, his voice resonating throughout the temple. "Their names shall be etched into the foundation of our holy city. Their families will be cared for. And most importantly, their faith will not have been for nothing."
Aya bowed. "Then we shall see it done."
Expanding the Holy City
The kingdom had begun as a simple refuge, but it could no longer remain that way. The war with the Forgotten Gods had made one thing clear: they needed to grow. Expansion was not a luxury—it was a necessity.
[System Shop – Divine Upgrades Available]
Sacred Grounds (5000 Fate Points): Enhances a chosen city, making it a beacon of faith that strengthens believers and repels non-believers.
Holy Citadel (7000 Fate Points): Fortifies a stronghold with divine protection, making it nearly impenetrable to mundane attacks.
Oracle's Shrine (4500 Fate Points): Strengthens Aya's prophetic abilities, allowing her to see the movements of enemies in greater detail.
Philippe made his choices swiftly. Sacred Grounds and Holy Citadel were too important to ignore. If they were going to stand against the Forgotten Gods and their mortal puppets, they needed a place where their faith could be cultivated and defended.
As soon as he confirmed his selections, the effects rippled outward. The air within the city changed—lighter, purer, infused with his divine presence. Those who doubted before now fell to their knees in reverence. Those who already believed felt their devotion deepen.
Aya gasped. "This… this is incredible."
Hiro clenched his fist, feeling the energy surge around him. "This place is no longer just a refuge. It's the heart of a divine kingdom."
Philippe watched from his divine plane. Yes. That was exactly what it was becoming.
A Message to the World
The Forgotten Gods would not remain idle. They had underestimated him once, but they would not make that mistake again. Philippe knew that his time was limited before they retaliated. And so, he made a decision.
It was time to make his presence known to the world.
[System Ability: Divine Proclamation Activated]
A golden radiance spread from the temple, reaching beyond the kingdom's borders. The message was clear, carried by divine energy into the hearts and minds of all who could hear it:
"I am Philippe, the Rising God. To those who seek peace and prosperity, come. To those who would resist, know this: your gods are fading. Their time is over. The era of the Forgotten Gods ends now."
The message echoed across the land, shaking the very foundation of the Warring States period. The mortals would not ignore it. And neither would the gods.
As the proclamation faded, Philippe sensed it immediately—a response, a ripple in the divine fabric. He had stirred something. Someone powerful was listening.
Aya shivered. "That was bold."
Hiro smirked. "That was necessary."
Philippe's voice was calm, but resolute. "Then let them come."
The divine war was far from over. But now, the battlefield had changed.
[End of Chapter 15]