He made a subconscious judgement but quickly overturned it.
Aaron pushed the door open and climbed directly onto a simple wooden tower built nearby.
Originally used for observing the layout of construction, it was now utilized by Aaron to survey the distant situation.
"There... that's the 'enemy' he spoke of."
Gazing into the distance from a higher vantage point, Aaron could see the scene outside the city.
As time passed, the camp of several thousand Egyptians was almost submerged by the tide. Only a few were still holding on, but they appeared to be in their death throes.
Humans possess an absolute advantage when facing a small number of insects, but with such numbers... just looking at them made Aaron's scalp tingle.
"Let Messe think of a solution... no, his scepter has transformed into a giant tree, and it shouldn't be disturbed before the city construction is completed."
"I don't care about this city, but it's better to finish building it. At least that will make Messe see the Egyptians cannot be trusted, and we must amputate to save the body."
"Have the men I've just trained man the walls for defense... no, that won't work either. Aside from the fact that the city walls are nowhere near completion, even if they were, what use would they be against those insect-wolves?"
Idea after idea flashed through his mind, only to be dismissed one by one.
To counter such clearly supernatural-driven life forms, one could only use the supernatural to fight back. But they hardly had any—
"...It seems we still have something."
His gaze shifted, and Aaron looked toward the only remaining Spring of Life.
The Spring of Life emanated energy, accessible only to the faithful; any malicious individuals would be turned into mummies.
However, the Spring was not infinite, its daily yield was just so much. Aaron had known this for some time, but he was also aware of something else.
That is, the yield of the Spring could actually be increased artificially. Its production needed life energy, and besides the natural recovery each day, there was a second way to solve this.
That is, to exchange life for life.
"...Guard, I remember I had you separate those who believe in God from those who don't, right?"
With a calm demeanor, Aaron inquired.
Believers, in actuality, are quite varied.
Like pan-believers and shallow believers, who can hardly be said to be particularly devout—mostly 'believing just a little'. Yet even so, many Hebrews were unwilling to take a leap of faith.
Aaron felt that Messe was too merciful. He might be suitable as a spiritual leader, but certainly not fit to wield power over a nation fraught with internal and external troubles.
"Let's not tell him about this for now, some of The Faithless, I suppose God would understand my decision."
Stepping down from the tower, Aaron made his decision.
"For the future of the Hebrews, for the glory of God, for victory and justice, there always needs to be some sacrifice."
"Messe doesn't need to know about this, I will bear the infamy instead."
With enough Life Energy from the Spring of Life, this substance that could directly drain the life of pagans ought to be able to deal with those insects.
Only hoping the Gods of Egypt wouldn't produce any more surprises...
"Indeed, relying solely on these worldly beings won't resolve the issue with the Hebrews, nor will it suffice to prompt Him to act," remarked a voice above the Sea of Origin.
Sweat nearly soaked the clothing of the Sky Goddess as she hovered above the Sea.
Tefnut and Set had acted in succession, but the Outer God had not shown the slightest intention of intervening, instead observing their actions.
Could it be... He wouldn't be planning to leave the opportunity to them, would He? The Hebrews are facing a crisis, won't You consider saving them?
"I will shake the stars."
As if certain of her grasp, the Sky Goddess forced a smile and said, "Fallen Stars will fall from the sky, striking the tree that withstood the torrential rain, turning it into dust."
"The Outer God will surely act then. We don't have anything to worry about. The game has only progressed to a small extent, He wouldn't just sit by and watch the Hebrews be decimated, right?"
No one responded to her; the remaining All Gods were nervously watching the ground, especially Tefnut, Thoth, and Set, who had taken action together.
The logic was clear, but who could know whether the Outer God abides by such logic?
Let's hope He does, although the Gods of Hemenu were fated to perish, they were still quite distant from death.