I Ascend to the Divine Throne through Arcane Means

"So, you want to disrupt their plan?"

Lis looked at Azus and then asked.

"If that’s all it is, I wouldn’t be too concerned."

Azus shook his head and said with a bitter smile:

"I am well aware of the strength of the Beastman God System, but Ruseke... has already planned to kill me and steal my Divine Position once he gains control of [Knowledge]."

And you managed to find out about this?

Lis looked at Azus, somewhat surprised.

It seems that ancient Divines like Azus indeed have remarkable means.

Noteworthy!

"So you’re planning to act ahead of time?"

Lis asked.

"Of course!"

Azus replied without hesitation:

"Anyway, since they’re preparing to make a move on me, I won’t hesitate either."

"If I let Ruseke gain control over [Knowledge], dealing with him will be even more troublesome, so it’s better to strike first."

"After all, when it comes to the [Knowledge] Divine Position, I’ve gone the farthest."

"For Ruseke, the best way to make progress is to make a move on me."

Lis nodded, understanding Azus’s concerns.

If that’s the case, he would also take action.

However, this also means that the Beastman God System would hate Azus even more.

From Lis’s understanding of the Beastmen, they wouldn’t consider it as preemptive action against Azus.

In the minds of the Beastmen, Azus should simply wait for death once they have this thought.

Dare to resist?

Prepare to be torn apart by them?

Lis hesitated for a moment but decided not to intervene.

On one hand, the pressure he would face is indeed overwhelming, and there could be even more trouble later on.

On the other hand, Lis has been contemplating the World Rules recently, solving the troubles with the World Tree while preparing for his own Ascension.

Under such circumstances, intervening in the conflict between Azus and the Beastman God System seemed unwise.

Seeing Lis’s expression, Azus understood his intention and became somewhat anxious.

Indeed, apart from seeking Lis’s help, he could also seek aid from other Divines, but that always comes at a cost.

The cooperation with Lis is most reassuring and requires the least sacrifice.

Azus could perfectly seek help from entities like the God of Dawn, and receive protection.

However, that would mean Azus must join the Pantheon of the God of Dawn.

Otherwise, why would the God of Dawn help him withstand the pressure from the Beastman Main God Gushu?

Joining the God System is not just a verbal agreement; it involves following the orders of the God of Dawn.

Besides, the God of Dawn is sure to face off against the Abyss Evil God.

Joining the Dawn Pantheon, Azus would be unavoidable.

Such danger is something Azus does not want to undertake or face.

And if he could gain Lis’s assistance, it might not be as reliable as the God of Dawn, but within Gaia World, it would suffice.

Just as Lis was about to refuse, Azus said:

"Don’t rush to reject me yet."

"If you agree to help me, Lis, I am willing to offer more in return."

"Previously owed promises and favors will be written off, and I can give up my [Fantasy] Divine Position and hand it over to you."

"Moreover, I can even owe you a favor."

What?

Lis was shocked once more.

Azus truly brought him too many surprises.

Not only is Azus’s title [God of Fantasy and Knowledge] well-known, but even though Azus might have mastered other Divine Positions, it is [Fantasy] and [Knowledge] that are most critical to him.

Azus is willing to surrender the [Fantasy] Divine Position and offer it to him?

Such significant sacrifice, just to gain a prototype of a Divine Position?

Lis looked at Azus in disbelief, not immediately agreeing.

Though the condition sounds quite tempting, it feels somewhat peculiar.

Azus noticed Lis’s demeanor and realized that without a clear explanation, Lis wouldn’t agree.

He couldn’t help but admire Lis’s steadfast will.

After all, to resist the temptation of a complete Divine Position speaks to Lis’s uniqueness.

"When I took Ruseke’s prototype of a Divine Position, I also discovered Ogma’s [Knowledge] Divine Position beside it."

"Ruseke placed the two Divine Positions together, likely to facilitate the condensation of his prototype Divine Position."

"So, I also took the [Knowledge] Divine Position of Ogma casually."

Goodness!

Lis looked at Azus before him, feeling impressed.

Taking everything in sight would surely drive Ruseke mad.

No wonder Azus knew about the trade between the Beastman Gods and Ogma. It turns out Ogma’s Divine Position was taken by Azus too.

Having paid a hefty price, yet being completely thwarted by Azus.

Now, aside from killing Azus, it’s almost impossible to salvage this plan.

"Moreover, I’ve come to a realization."

Azus continued:

"Even if I pursue freedom and don’t join any God System, I still encounter such troubles."

"If I possess the strength of a Powerful Divine Power, would Ruseke dare make a move on me?"

"If I can completely digest these two Divine Positions, I might gain full control over the strength of the [Knowledge] Divine Domain."

"By then, even if I haven’t achieved a Powerful Divine Power, few would dare act against me."

To secure Lis’s help, Azus almost withheld nothing, honestly revealing his plan.

"Lis, you’ll agree, right?"

Azus looked at Lis, smiling, and said:

"As far as I know, the power of the [Fantasy] Domain is quite formidable for an Arcanist."

It’s true!

Lis nodded; with the power of the [Fantasy] Divine Position, he had already envisioned various applications.

Furthermore, Lis felt it might severely help conceal the existence of the [Wisdom] Divine Position post-ascension.

Lis had already mastered the Rule Domain of [Fantasy]; therefore, digesting Azus’s [Fantasy] Divine Position wouldn’t be immensely challenging.

"Deal!"

This time, Lis didn’t hesitate and immediately nodded in agreement.

...

A few days later, Kane Floating City,

At the moment, though the surface of the Floating City seemed calm, underneath, there were turbulent undercurrents.

Several defensive and surveillance Magic Arrays had quietly activated, silently guarding the Sky City like loyal sentinels, defending against any potential uninvited guests.

While the Floating City was immersed in a tranquil serenity, the sky far away suddenly brightened with an unusual light.

The light was so dazzling it shattered the serenity of the sky.

A meteor ablaze with flames, carrying a world-ending aura, raced from the distant sky, heading straight toward the Floating City.

Its trajectory left a long, dark scar across the azure sky, like a tear in the heavens.

At the approach of this ominous presence, the Floating City’s Magic Arrays sensed it and activated.

Numerous beams of lights suddenly lit up, weaving a dense Magic Net that enveloped the entire city tightly.

At the same time, a rapid alarm echoed within the Floating City, prompting all guards to swiftly mobilize for the imminent attack.

With a series of deep rumbling, various corners of the Floating City began to illuminate with even more brilliant light.

Magic Power Cannons were charging, readying to deliver a Thunderous Strike against the incoming foe.

At last, when the meteor drew close enough, the Floating City’s counterattack commenced.

Countless Magic Power Cannon Strikes cut through the heavens like a meteor shower, carrying destructive power towards the burning meteor.

The cannon strikes collided fiercely with the meteor mid-air, exploding with deafening roars.

Light burst forth, illuminating the entire sky.

The Floating City demonstrated astonishing might, successfully shattering the attacking meteor into countless fragments that scattered across the sky.

Simultaneously, a tall Phantom appeared outside the Floating City.