Only God
Chapter 275 - 236: Establishing an Immortal Foundation

Chapter 275: Chapter 236: Establishing an Immortal Foundation

Within the Imperial Palace.

General Bek met with King Anuket who sat upon the throne.

This general was a key military officer of the Kingdom’s border forces, ever since over a decade ago when the "tyrant" attacked Ajia Royal City.

In that era when heroes gathered, the woman who controlled everything realized the necessity of building a new military stronghold outside the lands of Ajia in order to guard a citadel for the kingdom.

Following the Queen’s orders, countless massive stones from the mines of Ajia Land were transported beyond Ajia Royal City, watchtowers rose from the ground, and a standing army of thousands was stationed there, perpetually prepared to defend against the Beastmen who could pillage or attack Ajia at any moment.

"General Bek, I’ve been informed by my subordinates that the warfare among the Beastmen has slowly subsided. They had been at war over the Heavenly Descending Gem for years, now everything is in ruins, devastated."

King Anuket resided high above on his throne, peering down at General Bek before him.

Even the general, accustomed to bloodshed, tensed under the monarch’s direct gaze.

He slowly said,

"Your Highness, nothing escapes your control."

King Anuket laughed, a smile that was cold and detached.

In his piercing eyes swirled a desire for expansion and conquest.

Then, King Anuket spoke.

"General Bek, where does my authority lie?"

General Bek was startled, all three of his eyes looking at King Anuket.

He did not understand the purpose behind King Anuket’s question.

"Your Highness, wherever the sun shines, your authority is revered. Even the Beastmen bow before your crown, your scepter, and your visage."

Although General Bek did not grasp the intent, he still spoke with flattery.

He dared not contradict King Anuket’s will, for he knew that within a few short years, the King had reclaimed the divided royal power from the ministers, and those who once had a share of it were either stripped of their hereditary positions, expelled from the Palace, thrown into dungeons, or executed.

Were King Anuket’s methods any less severe than those of Queen Isis?

"General Bek, there’s no need for flattery,"

said King Anuket with a cold laugh.

"My authority lies in Ajia, in my Kingdom, only in Ajia, only in my Kingdom.

The moment I leave Ajia Land, I’m merely a down-and-out rich man. In the eyes of those Beastmen, I’m nothing but fat on a knife’s edge; they do not revere my crown or my scepter, and even less so my face. They only revere the land of Ajia."

"Your Highness..."

General Bek wanted to say more.

However, a look from King Anuket made the general hesitate, silently listening.

King Anuket continued,

"Before me, the Three-eyed Ape People had gone through many dynasties, many Kings, and how many people had touched power only to fall as quickly as a comet.

Among them, how many had once been bold and triumphant, only to crumble in an instant, and how many ended up in desperate straits, causing chaos, even erased from history.

But... there is one kind of ruler whose deeds can never be erased by anyone.

Do you know what that is, General Bek?"

General Bek looked up at the King, his voice trembling as he asked,

"Your Highness, what is it..."

King Anuket said,

"I know that among these rulers, only the land they conquered is an immortal deed."

General Bek looked at King Anuket somewhat taken aback.

"Your Highness, are you saying..."

Surrounded by the complex aroma of spices, King Anuket continued,

"General Bek, since the Beastmen have been devastated by war and now lie in waste, why not seize the opportunity to expand our borders and ensure our names endure in history?

Let those Beastmen who once worshipped Endora also bow before the statues of Prophecy, offering their tributes. For the creatures created by Kagawus, what could be more glorious than this?"

King Anuket spoke every word deliberately, his voice growing louder and more intense. General Bek, overshadowed by the towering presence of the throne, couldn’t help shaking.

"This... this..."

General Bek was at a loss for words. After a long pause, he slowly said,

"Your Highness, but Ajia Land is not yet prepared for war."

"General Bek, as a leader of armies, you surely know better than I how to prepare?"

King Anuket lowered his head, his eyes like a vigilant lion, fixating on the general.

In this Kingdom, the King’s authority was supreme, second only to the Divine.

Defying the King was not tolerable, nor could it be tolerated.

King Anuket had resolved to ignite a revolution within and wage war beyond, with both endeavors advancing side by side.

Internally, he intended to unify the two religions and two beliefs within the country.

Externally, he wanted to seize the moment when the Beastmen were at their weakest and military defenses dwindling, to greatly expand the Kingdom’s territories, heralding a great era, an era that would bear his name!

The King knew that such aggressive ambition would face resistance and slander both from within and without, but when his efforts reached fruition,

all opposition and slander

would turn into dazzling gemstones upon the crown!

Facing King Anuket, seated high on his throne.

The general was speechless, feeling an intense unease in his heart for the imminent war.

As King Anuket had said, the Beastmen, having suffered a great war and heavy losses, presented the perfect opportunity to send forth troops and extend the Kingdom’s domains.

But as a soldier, his military intuition still left him restless.

Yet he couldn’t articulate this instinct,

and besides, he alone could not defy the will of King Anuket.

King Anuket stared at the general,

and with an undeniable tone, asked,

"General Beck, what are you still waiting for?"

............

............

"What? What are you talking about?"

Xilan couldn’t believe what he was hearing from Casas in front of him.

"Today, His Majesty the King summoned all the ministers.

Currently, His Majesty is eager to expand the borders and establish an everlasting legacy, and he also desires to unify the faith of Kagawus with your New Rule Garden.

Today, no one dares to oppose His Majesty’s decree."

Xilan asked with a trembling voice,

"He wants us to erect a Divine Statue of Kagawus and offer worship to Kagawus?"

Casas nodded, then slowly said,

"Yes, Xilan, that’s right.

His Majesty mentioned your defense statement in front of the ministers, as well as the thoughts of High Priest Hetep.

He told us, since the Three-eyed Ape People once worshipped Kagawus and God at the same time, we should follow the traditions of the past, worship Kagawus first, and then worship your God."

Xilan stood up abruptly, suppressing his anger and said,

"How can a servant serve two masters?!

Kagawus is one of the Gods, and we certainly respect that enigmatic Prophecy,

but we can never offer sacrifices to Kagawus, nor can we place His Divine Statue within this New Rule Garden, replacing the position of the three parts of the Holy Scripture."

After raising his voice, Xilan slowly sat back down.

He looked at Casas before him, then apologized,

"I’m sorry, Casas, my words were not directed at you."

Casas shook his head,

"It’s alright, Xilan, I didn’t take it to heart.

I know the New Rule Garden is a legacy left by Noen, and I have tried my best to maintain the existence of this place, which is why I have made so many donations to the New Rule Garden.

However, Xilan, my father told me, His Majesty the King is now resolute in his decision.

No one can defy his will, no one dares to defy his will."

Xilan calmed down and asked softly,

"What happens if someone defies His Majesty the King’s will?"

Casas had a reminiscent look and then sighed,

"A year ago, a minister, in one of the city-states, refused to follow the decree of His Majesty and reduced the taxes for that city-state on his own.

In Queen Isis’s era, such a transgression would result only in a demotion and the demand to make up for the shortfall.

But King Anuket had that minister executed. That day, within the Palace, His Majesty had the guards seize the minister and announced that a secret trial had already taken place, resulting in the capital punishment."

"That minister was hanged in the square, and his body was exposed for three full days and nights."

Xilan gasped upon hearing this.

In the land of Ajia, official positions are usually chosen or inherited by the King and sometimes combined with Divine Office, hence they hold great power and prestige.

Those who have the privilege to be summoned by the King are naturally of exceptional bloodline.

For such a noble to be subject to the most dishonorable death—hanging—

was shocking. That was usually the punishment reserved for slaves who were murderers or rapists, their bodies publicly displayed to highlight their crimes.

Casas looked deeply at Xilan and said,

"Xilan I know you find it difficult to accept the King’s decree.

"But now you’ll have to temporarily accept it.

Otherwise, I dare not imagine what could happen."

As Casas spoke, Xilan’s hands trembled,

Indeed, as Casas had said, they could not defy the King’s will.

Their faith may be unwavering, but what could they do in the face of the King’s swords?

After a long while, Xilan came to an idea, nodded with difficulty, and then said slowly,

"Casas, we can erect the Divine Statue of Kagawus.

But we will not place it within the New Rule Garden; it will be outside.

I will constantly remind our congregation that we respect Him but do not worship Him, that our true belief is still in God."

After speaking, Xilan tensed all over, brought his hands together, and silently prayed in repentance to God.

Oh God, please forgive me...

Hearing Xilan’s strategy, Casisa sighed,

"This solution is only a temporary one, but I know... it’s better to have a temporary solution than none at all.

I understand your dedication to God,

honestly, I cannot comprehend why you are so committed, just as I cannot understand Noen."

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