Souta had seriously thought about what kind of identity he should present while intervening in this world.
After careful consideration, he decided that his divine persona should feel a little more... human.
In other words, he needed to show desire.
It would make negotiations easier.
Otherwise, if he gave away goodwill for no reason, people would inevitably grow suspicious of his motives.
Besides, if he truly had no desires,
he shouldn't have shown himself to humanity in the first place.
He would've had to maintain an image like God—
omniscient, omnipotent, all-good, all-loving.
Always remaining a background force.
Just descending to the mortal realm would cheapen that image.
Even if he had to descend,
he should have set up something like the Christian Trinity—a "Son of God" acting on his behalf.
Souta didn't want to be bound by that many rules.
Thus, he didn't mind letting some of this world's higher-ups know he was an "Otherworldly God."
The Path of Peace the Lord was one of those in the know.
After all, Souta had initially tried to negotiate with him—though it failed miserably back then.
Now, despite knowing Souta's identity,
the Path of Peace the Lord still devoted his faith.
Souta could clearly feel the faith power flowing to him from the the Lord.
he was a little confused.
He hadn't expected such a skilled politician...
to actually believe in gods.
Why hasn't Nezuko offered any faith though?
Was it because group members were somehow "special"?
Souta had already coordinated with the Path of Peace the Lord about how to reshape this world, and how to behave when receiving Najenda and her team.
So, facing Najenda's cautious inquiry, Souta responded simply:
His cold, distant tone matched the aura of icy nobility he exuded.
Najenda blinked, slightly confused.
At that moment, the Path of Peace the Lord stepped forward and said:
you've read our Lord's creation myth, haven't you?"
Najenda answered, puzzled.
What does the myth have to do with this?
the the Lord explained,
"the world created in the myths is not this world.
Our Lord simply happened upon this land while journeying through realms.
Upon seeing its people suffering in hardship, He wished to sow His will here as well,
and make this world just as peaceful and prosperous as His own."
"An... otherworldly god?"
Najenda was surprised.
But quickly, everything made sense.
No wonder the Path of Peace god had never shown any signs before—then suddenly descended recently.
Of course—He wasn't a native god at all.
Meaning Chelsea becoming a Saintess was just good fortune—chosen by the divine.
Najenda breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as it has nothing to do with the Minister...
Suddenly, a chilling realization struck her:
The myth they recently published—
She gulped instinctively.
According to that mythology, creation was done by hacking things apart with an axe.
He split light and darkness with a single swing.
He split the sky and earth with another swing...
Basically, a violent embodiment of cosmic destruction.
If something displeased Him—
one axe swing to fix it.
If all of that was real, then...
Najenda couldn't even imagine what kind of power this god wielded.
"May I ask, Lord God...
what state of peace does your created world currently enjoy?"
Najenda asked nervously.
The Path of Peace the Lord didn't seem like the type to joke about this.
She was starting to believe it all might be real.
the "peace" the god wanted,
was the same as what she imagined.
Instead, he simply lifted his free hand and gave a lazy wave.
Immediately, visions filled the minds of Najenda, Akame, and Bulat—
Cars racing down highways.
Towering steel cities.
People living happily.
Endless entertainment and prosperity...
Something that had only ever existed in their dreams.
The three stood there, stunned, for a long time.
"So this is... the world of the gods?"
Akame whispered, her eyes shining with pure longing.
The awe was so overwhelming that even her guard dropped considerably.
Najenda, more composed, asked cautiously:
"Is it truly possible... for us to achieve such peace?"
Souta lazily glanced at her and replied, flatly:
"Ahem. Allow me to explain,"
the Path of Peace the Lord quickly interjected.
"What my Lord means is—
due to differences in historical and societal development,
the political system of His world cannot simply be transplanted here.
To achieve peace here, we must stick to our current system for now.
To truly evolve into a world like His,
we would need multiple waves of ideological awakening and political reform.
Neither of which can happen overnight."
I understand the peace part now,"
Najenda nodded thoughtfully.
Born into a military and political family,
she had plenty of theoretical knowledge.
Upon reflection, the the Lord's words made perfect sense.
"what did the Lord mean by mutual benefit?"
"Our Lord wishes for the Path of Peace faith to spread across this land.
The faith and devotion of believers provide nourishment to His divine existence,"
the the Lord explained calmly.
He wishes for His followers to enjoy better lives.
Thus, He plans to lend you power to purge the corrupt Empire,
to create a stable environment.
In return, a thriving congregation will grow.
That is mutual benefit."
Upon hearing that explanation,
Najenda actually felt a surprising sense of relief.
If a god was purely acting out of compassion,
it would seem too suspicious, too hollow.
But if He needed peace to harvest faith—
it made much more sense.
It gave His actions a clear, understandable motive.
And people always felt safer when they could understand motivations.
Still, one question remained:
If this god was so strong,
why didn't He just do everything Himself?
Why lend His power out instead?
On the throne, Souta easily read her mind.
He gracefully parted his lips and uttered two words:
Najenda blinked in confusion.
"Ahem, allow me to interpret,"
the Path of Peace the Lord stepped in again, acting as translator:
"There is no force in this world that could pose a true threat to our Lord.
He simply disdains the idea of involving Himself in such trivial matters.
Handling minor, worldly issues...
is the duty of us, His faithful,
those blessed by His protection."
Calling rebuilding an empire a minor, trivial matter...
Just because it was annoying.
This... really is a god, huh?