About the Deities... and Anne's Identity

As Luo Wei came to understand this world, he learned that there were three types of beings that could be called "gods."

The Ancient Gods, the Great Old Ones, and the Outer Gods.

First, the Outer Gods were the most powerful. They originated from the depths of the cosmos, some even embodying the fundamental rules of the universe itself. For instance, Naya's true form symbolized chaos and disorder, while the "Key to the Gate" represented absolute truth.

The Great Old Ones, though not as formidable as the Outer Gods and lacking their cosmic-level authority, were still ancient and terrifying rulers of the universe. Some of them were even avatars or lesser manifestations of the Outer Gods, serving as the primary enforcers in this so-called "invasion of the eldritch."

As for the Ancient Gods, they were simpler—they were the native deities of this world. Figures like the dream-ruler Nodens or the gods depicted in the murals. Their attitudes toward humans varied, but since this was their domain, they were, in a way, aligned with humanity.

After examining the earlier murals, the real revelation came when Annie led the group to the final few paintings.

In the second-to-last mural, Luo Wei spotted a familiar deity—the radiant God of Light, beneath whose feet countless devout worshippers prostrated as chaos and darkness receded, restoring order to the world.

"According to church records, one day, the God of Light reappeared in the sky. His power was dazzling and magnificent. He collaborated with the remaining deities to finally seal away the malevolent entities plaguing the world. People rejoiced, marking the end of the Dark Age and the dawn of the 'enlightened' era of the Church."

Luo Wei turned to Annie in confusion. "The God of Light... returned?"

Evelyn was equally surprised. She reflexively glanced back at the earlier murals. "But didn't the God of Light die during the War of the Gods? How could he come back?"

Annie shook her head. "That's the mystery we've never been able to solve. Because... a different God of Light appeared."

"A different God of Light?" Even the usually composed Joe couldn't suppress his curiosity. "How do you know this one isn't the same as before? Does the Church believe this too?"

Annie nodded, her gaze fixed on the mural. "Haven't you noticed the subtle differences in how He's depicted before and after?"

Luo Wei looked again and immediately understood. The earlier God of Light was bald, clearly male, while the later one had long hair and an androgynous, serene face.

Helena's mind spun in confusion. "Did the God of Light get a sex change?"

Annie burst into laughter. "If the Church heard you say that, they'd lose their minds and send you straight to the pyre. According to their doctrine, deities are beyond gender—or can embody any gender—because the God of Light is the one true deity, the incarnation of holy radiance."

Luo Wei quickly moved to the bookshelf near the mural, where handwritten copies about the painting were stored. As he flipped through them, he learned that there were indeed signs suggesting this God of Light was distinct from the one among the pantheon in the garden.

During the Dark Age, the original faith in the God of Light had nearly vanished, as people could no longer invoke His power. But this new God of Light seemed to appear out of nowhere. Church records indicated that the divine magic system, casting methods, and even the source of power He introduced were entirely different—something high-ranking clergy well-versed in divine arts could discern.

Yet, since He bore the name of the God of Light and had genuinely saved humanity, the faith quickly reignited and spread. Whether for power or other motives, the surviving Church embraced this new "patch," and soon, the worship of holy light expanded across the continent.

After the Great Old Ones were sealed away by the Ancient Gods, they fell into a long slumber. Humanity flourished during the Church's golden age, and the world gradually took on a form familiar to Luo Wei.

But the Church's prosperity lasted less than a millennium. Luo Wei turned to the next mural—the God of Light, while sealing away the Great Old Ones one by one, became corrupted once more and was forced to leave this world.

Before His departure, He left a divine decree for His followers: the Great Old Ones would eventually awaken again, plunging the world back into hell. But when He returned, He would restore light and order.

From then on, the Church declined. Though its core believers clung to the hope of salvation, the institution inevitably withered. History then unfolded more clearly—secular powers broke free from the Church's grasp, the rise of Wigner from the borderlands ushered in an era of great power rivalries, humanity progressed from ignorance, science advanced, the mystical waned, and Magical Industry led the world...

After absorbing all this, Luo Wei had a much clearer picture of this world's true history. He couldn't help but marvel—General Abraham had indeed brought back something invaluable. While he already knew about the "Outer God invasion," the revelation of two Gods of Light was unexpected.

While the others remained engrossed in the murals, Luo Wei quietly approached Annie. Truthfully, he was now more curious about how the General had managed to bring back such a trove of information.

After all, everyone knew the former patriarch had died deep in the Sacred Mountains, his entire retinue wiped out, and not even his own body recovered.

"You're not curious about the historical secrets, but fixated on this instead?" Annie chuckled, glancing at him and Evelyn. "Your chosen partner certainly has an unconventional way of thinking, miss. But I must admit, this is important too."

"Annie?" Evelyn gave her a puzzled look. "So how did the former patriarch retrieve this information?"

"Blood thrall," Annie said softly.

"Oh..." Evelyn's eyes lit up in realization.

"Clever as ever, miss," Annie smiled. "As a direct descendant, you know blood thralls share a mental link with their masters. The General's most loyal subordinate—his blood thrall—was left behind with the army. As the General studied the Church's secret archives, the thrall swiftly transcribed the information."

"I see," Luo Wei nodded, realizing how unique the bond of a blood thrall was—like a living Bluetooth connection...

"So," he studied Annie, a theory forming, "you're the Duke's blood thrall, aren't you, Ms. Annie?"

"What?"

Not only Evelyn, but even Monica, who had been standing nearby, hurried over in shock.

"Annie is Father's blood thrall?!" Monica stared at her in disbelief. "But I thought you were an heir from a branch family? Chosen by Father for your exceptional talents, which is why you became the steward who raised us..."

"That was merely my disguise," Annie sighed with a wistful smile. "I was originally just a human—one saved by the master during the chaos of war. Though I’ve spent five hundred years by his side, a blood thrall’s lowly status still doesn’t allow me to walk openly within the halls of Thornrose Castle..."

Hearing her openly acknowledge this identity, Evelyn furrowed her brow, a sudden realization dawning on her. "Father likely had another reason for keeping this hidden. He wouldn’t want his blood thrall exposed to outsiders—it would complicate certain matters."

Her gaze instinctively shifted to Luo Wei, who nodded in agreement. "If Annie is the Duke’s blood thrall, then he must have been watching everything unfold today."

Annie studied Luo Wei for a long moment before turning back to Evelyn with a smile tinged with quiet relief.

"I must apologize for my earlier actions, Miss Evelyn. The partner you’ve chosen is quite clever—the two of you are truly well-matched. Knowing someone like him is by your side puts both the master and me at ease."

She was referring, of course, to the violent confrontation with Luo Wei in the office earlier. Annie continued softly, "Because I once lived as a human for thirty-two years, I understand all too well how fleeting and fragile human life is."

"Every one of the sisters who fled the war with me grew old and died before my eyes."

"Even the greatest human heroes of five hundred years ago—no matter how mighty or legendary they were in life—have long since turned to dust, reduced to distant records in forgotten books."

Her eyes lingered on Luo Wei. "That’s why I was so opposed to your union from the beginning."