"Starving... all this time?" Li stood dumbfounded by Muria's explanation. It sounded almost comical to him.
"Based on my assessment, that ancient divine war caused the Lasha people to lose their god. This armor—this Divine Regalia—was brought into battle alongside its master. Although its master was defeated and perished, the armor wasn't completely destroyed and managed to survive.
Afterward, it returned to its place of origin—a sanctuary where it should have been maintained. However, it found that the entire energy-gathering array had been obliterated during the war. Without a power source, it was left in this depleted state until you discovered it and mistakenly thought it was a god's corpse."
"Then... can this Divine Regalia still be used?" Despite the previous misidentification, Li was visibly excited. If this really was divine armor, it was an incredible find.
"Of course, it can. Didn't you see how it tried to devour life force to sustain itself? But before you think about using it, you need to solve a crucial problem: you've got to feed it."
Muria pointed at the armor, now docile under his suppressive power. Although it was technically alive, it was still just a tool forged by a god. Muria's reincarnated form easily kept it in check.
"How much energy would I need to feed it back to full strength?" Li asked hesitantly.
"You're asking the wrong person. I didn't create this thing. If you're serious about trying, go ahead and pour your divine power into it—it seems to like your energy. But before doing something that reckless, you should confirm if the armor recognizes you as its rightful owner."
Li hesitated, biting his lip. He understood the implications.
"Think carefully before you answer," Muria continued. "It may look hideous right now, but with enough energy, it can return to peak condition. If you wear it, your combat strength will soar far beyond your current capabilities—even when you ascend to full godhood.
Are you really willing to give up such a powerful artifact just for the chance to say goodbye to your mother and your girlfriend?"
"I..." Li faltered. It was a straightforward decision on the surface, but he found himself wavering.
"Teacher, a treasure like this... wouldn't it also be useful to you?" Li asked cautiously, probing Muria's intentions.
Muria chuckled, seeing through his student's doubts. "Naturally, a god-forged artifact like this is tempting. It would make a fine addition to my collection. But it's not enough to make me compromise my principles."
Muria's words amused him; he could tell Li was still somewhat wary of him. The discovery of a powerful artifact had heightened the young god's suspicion.
"Li, you don't need to test me. I won't betray my moral code for something like this. Even if there are artifacts in existence that could tempt me to cross that line, you won't be able to find or even glimpse them."
"I'm sorry, Teacher..." Li apologized sincerely. His wariness eased as he realized Muria was being completely transparent with him.
"No need to apologize. Given your upbringing, your cautious nature is understandable—and useful. It'll help you survive longer," Muria reassured him. Then he got straight to the point. "Now tell me: will you choose this Divine Regalia, which could significantly enhance your power, or will you sacrifice it for the chance to visit your loved ones?"
"Teacher, I choose to go home and see my family," Li answered decisively.
Muria smiled. "To others, that would seem like a foolish choice."
"Do you think it's foolish, Teacher?"
"From a purely pragmatic standpoint, yes. But from a personal perspective, no.
The pursuit of power shouldn't be an end in itself. You seek strength to protect those you care about. By making this choice, you're staying true to your core values. That's commendable."
Muria gazed skyward, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "I've seen many beings grow powerful and forget the promises they made when they were weak. They sever ties with their past and lose sight of what once mattered most to them. In the end, they're left with nothing but power, longevity, and an eternity of loneliness."
"You've chosen a different path. You've remained grounded in your humanity. That's a rare and admirable quality," Muria said with approval.
"I became strong to protect my family and wife. If I abandon them, what's the point of becoming a True God?" Li stated firmly.
"Very well. I'll send you home now, but you only have one day to say your goodbyes and put your affairs in order."
Muria raised his hand and gently tapped the air. Golden ripples spread outward, and before Li's eyes, the familiar steel jungle of his world appeared.
"I'll allow you this moment of sentiment, but you cannot let it hinder your progress. Only as a True God will you truly earn the title of my chief student," Muria declared.
"Thank you, Teacher!"
Li bowed deeply before stepping through the portal. The towering god of the Lasha people reverted to his pale, ordinary human form. As soon as he crossed over, the portal behind him vanished.
"Wow! Your student is something else," Arina remarked, shaking her head in amazement. "He gave up a divine artifact just to visit his family. It's not like he couldn't go back later."
"He's not a fool. In a short time, he's gone from a mere mortal to the god of these islands. Someone like that doesn't act on stupidity. He simply followed his heart—and that's a rare thing."
"Whatever you say. I don't get you gods and epics," Arina said, shrugging. She turned her attention back to the armor. "Still, that ugly thing is a divine artifact? It really does look like a corpse."
"It's malnourished. Once it's fed properly, it'll look very different," Muria explained.
"So... you got yourself a pretty sweet deal, huh? Sending him home probably didn't cost you much energy. You really pulled one over on him!" Arina teased.
"Pulled one over? I didn't trick him. I told you, this thing isn't much use to me. At most, it'll just enrich my collection."
"Are you planning to give it back to him?"
"It belongs to me now. If he wants to use it, he'll have to earn that privilege by achieving something that impresses me," Muria replied with a grin.
"Wow, you really are a tough but caring teacher."
"I never shortchange those under my protection," Muria said, his voice carrying a deeper meaning.
The next day, Li returned, having been abruptly pulled from his brief reunion with his girlfriend. His face lit up in surprise when Muria offered the Divine Regalia.
"Teacher, you're giving this to me?"
"You wish," Muria snorted. "I'm lending it to you. I still own it. If I want it back, you'll return it immediately. Understood?"
"Yes, Teacher," Li replied, his previous frustration melting into excitement.
"Oh, and don't ask me to power it up for you. You're a god with millions of followers. Gather the energy yourself," Muria added with a roll of his eyes.
"Thank you, Teacher!" Li bowed again after Muria handed him a fully refined cultivation method.
"Now that everything's settled, it's time for me to leave. The next time we meet, I expect good results from you."
"You're leaving already?"
"I've got other matters to attend to. That Luminous Civilization intrigues me. Let's see if they can surprise me."
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