Magic’s ultimate goal was evolution, and even the gods sought a path of evolution.
Who wouldn’t desire evolution?
If one could be directed towards evolution, any sacrifice was worth it.
The Dark Goddess desired evolution, but accustomed to her lofty status, she could not stand Wayne’s condescending tone. She considered the process of hosting a guest, beheading, and taking as her dog—a three-step process to transform Wayne into her Subsidiary God.
Seizing an Ancient God’s kin to turn into a Subsidiary God showed undeniable ambition.
Unsurprisingly, everyone struggling on the path to evolution, whether a Legendary Mage or a Demigod, harbored a strong and unbearable desire to surpass others.
The Dark Goddess was no exception.
Leaving distant Ancient Gods aside, the once Heavenly Father, and later the Nature Goddess had preceded the Dark Goddess. The pressure drove her to seek progress, eager to surpass the others.
The Heavenly Father had blocked one path, and the Nature Goddess had blocked another, leaving the Dark Goddess with few choices.
She muttered a curse under her breath and politely initiated the first step of hosting a guest, "Wayne, I am willing to cooperate with you and exchange thoughts on evolution. I’ve already shown my sincerity."
You use my person as a gift to me, and you call that sincerity?
Wayne, inwardly disdainful, nodded and replied, "It makes sense, full of sincerity."
Both took a step back and slid down a crooked ladder, each hoping for a good outcome.
Wayne didn’t ask for much; he would delay as long as possible.
Thirty years of ruling east of the Themes River, thirty years ruling west; never underestimate the young and poor.
Clutching The Book of Greed, he knew someday he would sit at the same level as the Dark Goddess and would claim his dues with interest.
Once surpassing the Dark Goddess, he could command her as he pleased.
The Dark Goddess, facing tougher circumstances than Wayne, craved more: "Wayne, you’ve demonstrated your evolution. I am willing to keep this secret from other deities. To show my sincerity, I can point out a shortcut for you."
Really? Are you that kind-hearted?
Wayne raised an eyebrow, suppressed his disdain, and said sternly, "Please enlighten me, Goddess, what should I do?"
"You must know your strength and heritage don’t match your life rank. You could be much stronger, but God-chosen Continent’s resources are limited, unable to quickly enhance your power," the Dark Goddess said.
Her words struck a chord with Wayne. He had acquired vast resources, enough to create a Legendary Mage with just a small portion.
Only because The Book of Greed was so sinister and insatiable, it remained eternally starved.
The Book of Greed complained pitifully. Since following Wayne, it rarely ate a full meal, worse off than Little Wayne even!
What was Little Wayne, anyway? Just a surplus item.
Not even worth mentioning compared to the surplus, not to speak of the greater grievances!
This was the negative emotion brought by evolution, a byproduct Wayne normally ignored, this time included.
He valued brotherhood deeply; he could endure hunger, but his brothers must always be satiated. This was a fundamental principle for him.
"The resources on God-chosen Continent were divided long ago. You came too late, only scraps are left. To quickly amass foundation, pillaging is the only way," the Dark Goddess slowly explained.
Heavens forbid the righteous occupy treasures; resources are prioritized for the strong. This isn’t robbery, it’s survival of the fittest, harsh but realistic—a straightforward principle.
Being backward doesn’t always lead to being beaten, but lagging behind while guarding a gold mine certainly will.
No need for excuses, just make one up—like two soldiers went missing, and boom, your doors are blown open.
But if you’re strong, it’s a different story. Not just about two missing soldiers—even a general’s death, lost at sea, has the other side arguing for you.
Wayne understood this well—not just about generals; he defended without flaws.
Like now in Windsor, why did the Queen constantly parade in black silk in front of Austin?
No, because the Lando Family had more knights and wild cards.
"Goddess, I understand all this. Let’s be direct, where should I pick up resources?"
"There is a place within Windsor Domain, and the Dark Church has abundant resources. I can give these to you for free," the Dark Goddess said.
"No need for free; we are allies, and I shouldn’t take advantage of you."
Wayne slightly shook his head and then said, "So, what’s the cost?"
"Let my thoughts leave."
Wayne fell silent, not speaking, and so did the Dark Goddess; both remained at an impasse.
After a long while, Wayne said, "I can release the thoughts inside me, but not now. Goddess, the pressure you give is too great. We aren’t equals; without the capital for cooperation, I cannot converse with you as equals."
"You know we aren’t equals, and yet you dare propose conditions?"
"Rare things are precious; I’m valuable now, but that might not be the case later."
The Dark Goddess disagreed. She deemed Wayne rebellious, making him a hundred times harder to tame than Austin. If not controlled now, later would be even less likely.
After both took one step back, neither wanted to recede further. Continuing at odds solved nothing. After a discussion, both retreated half a step.
Wayne split the thoughts of the Dark Goddess within him in half, suppressing one half and returning the other as a gesture of sincerity to the Dark Goddess.