Chapter 297
His leadership style had changed as well. The once ruthless demon who sought only power and control now led with a more measured hand. He allowed his people the freedom to worship as they wished, understanding that forcing them into submission would only breed rebellion. He had become more attuned to the emotions of those around him, recognizing that human emotions, while chaotic, were also a source of incredible strength.
Osita sat in his grand hall, reflecting on Björn’s ascension. When he noticed that one of Murmur’s consciousness had managed to ascend to godhood, he knew that changes would soon come to this world.
He understood that this marked the demons’ successful stamp on the world. Considering Björn’s divinity, Osita already knew it would pose a significant problem for this world. Perhaps in other realms, Björn’s divinity wouldn’t have the same effect, but this world was too peaceful—a peace that had once troubled Osita but had since grown on him. The gods of this world and their children had done everything in their power to ensure peace, but as a demon who had dealt with humans before, Osita knew that peace wasn’t the defining trait of their race.
The chaos now unfolding was something he had expected once humans learned of Björn’s religion. The peace the gods maintained was like a cage, and Björn presented an opportunity to break free of it.
Osita’s main concern, however, was how organized Björn’s religion seemed. Osita understood what Björn’s divinity could do to ordinary humans exposed to it, and even to Björn himself. Planning and strategizing were not something Björn’s followers should be capable of, yet somehow a religion had been created. Osita already had someone in mind who might be behind it all, but he didn’t have enough evidence to conclude it was truly him.
Nevertheless, Osita knew that Murmur’s main consciousness somehow had a hand in everything, and that Björn was playing right into it.
If the war Murmur hoped for came to pass, Björn would be in great danger of being weakened and possibly killed. His ascension tied him to this world, and certain actions against it would bring severe repercussions.
Osita knew that Murmur was counting on this. He seemed to be boosting Björn’s strength, fattening him like a caged animal, waiting for the right moment to devour him.
The rapid growth of Björn’s religion may look good for now, but Osita knew how dangerous it was for Björn. Unlike Origin gods, who had natural gifts to filter faith energy, Björn had none. At the moment, he was simply absorbing raw, unfiltered faith energy.