Chapter 102: This is a True Deity

The giant beetle, though possessing some intelligence initially, had been rather rudimentary and lacked true spiritual awareness. However, after its transformation, it suddenly gained clarity over its memories.

Originally, it was just a small beetle. When the profound spiritual energy re-emerged, it unexpectedly inherited the legacy of the ancient deity ‘Koro God’, worshipped by the Yar people, transforming into its current form amidst confusion.

Fortune smiled upon it indeed, as despite starting from such humble origins, even with the inheritance, its spiritual understanding remained insufficient. Yet, serendipitously, today it encountered a highly accomplished individual who took something unknown from it. In return, this stranger fully awakened its intellect, opening up a bright path for its future growth.

Duan Wenxuan observed the vivid changes in the giant beetle’s eyes with a satisfied smile; his fabricated memory served well. Given the beetle’s inherently hazy mind, there was no reason for it to doubt the information he implanted.

After a long moment, the large beetle hesitantly crawled over to Duan Wenxuan, obediently flattening its limbs and pressing its entire body against the ground. Its elongated mandibles rubbed affectionately against Duan Wenxuan’s thigh in a servile manner, while its mouthparts opened and closed, emitting somewhat peculiar sounds. With much practice, it had learned to vibrate the air, producing noises akin to human speech, although it was still not fully accustomed to this ability.

“All right, take your item now. Your reward has been given, so we’re even.”

The big beetle gazed earnestly at Duan Wenxuan with its round eyes, conveying a humble sentiment of “No, offering you something is only proper.”

Amused, Duan Wenxuan patted its long mandibles. “I’m leaving soon. Now that you’ve gained sentience, there are some followers of the Koro God outside. As the inheritor of the Koro God’s legacy, you should know how to manage your believers, right?”

With those words, Duan Wenxuan carefully picked up four or five small, attractive beetles lying nearby, cradling them in his arms. Sensing his departure, the large beetle followed closely behind.

Duan Wenxuan chuckled, “What, do you want to come along?”

The big beetle instinctively took half a step back, then realizing its mistake, quickly resumed its obsequious behavior and trailed after him.

“All right, with your massive size, you should stay here.” This time, Duan Wenxuan truly departed. With one step, he vanished completely from the plain.

The large beetle remained rooted in place, appearing disheartened and lost for over half an hour. After confirming that Duan Wenxuan would not return, it burst out with unrestrained joy.

Following Duan Wenxuan was nice, but nothing compared to the comfort of reigning supreme as a minor deity over this vast plain. Deep down, the cowardly and ambitiousless giant beetle had no desire to leave with Duan Wenxuan.

About four or five hundred meters away, Frojet Servant’s group sat wearily on the ground, all showing signs of exhaustion.

It couldn’t be helped; ever since a massive fissure appeared here, these locals believed it to be the Koro God. In Yar folklore, there is a verse stating: “When darkness descends, bringing calamity upon our land, the gods of fertility and reproduction retreat underground due to the sun’s disappearance. But when light rises anew, the gods shall return, guiding countless envoys to bring hope and prosperity once more to the Yar people.”

The extermination of the Yar people by colonizers marked the arrival of darkness, and now with global changes underway, a massive fissure had opened up beneath the earth, from which countless beetles continuously emerged and retreated. This was believed to be driven by the Koro God through His messengers.

This region was characterized by extensive agricultural areas but had a sparse population. The younger generation had left for Wanqi Nation’s major cities to work or settle down, leaving behind mostly elderly individuals who could endure the solitude.

As a result, the local residents readily began worshipping the Koro God under the guidance of the Frojet Servant.

After approximately half a month of such worship, anomalies were detected by Wanqi Nation’s satellites, leading to military forces and various experts arriving on-site to investigate.

Upon studying the area, they reported detecting numerous biological signals underground. From their findings, there was a significant congregation of beetle-like creatures below, which was not a favorable sign. Instead of acknowledging it as the Koro God, they planned to eliminate all those beetles in one fell swoop.

Upon hearing this news, the Frojet Servants were not pleased. They believed these experts and soldiers were outsiders, akin to the plunderers from over a hundred years ago, who simply refused to acknowledge the resurgence of Yar civilization. Consequently, they sought to destroy their Koro God.

Led by Bruce, they confronted the soldiers daily, presenting a united front with the message, “Either you leave or step over our dead bodies.”

This constant turmoil, combined with their advanced age and the emotional rollercoaster they had just experienced, was taxing. The fact that they hadn’t yet fainted was testament to their resilience.

Amidst this chaos, the seated Frojet Servants suddenly noticed the beetles moving again, but unlike before, their current movements seemed more orderly.

The five individuals huddled even closer together.

With anticipation, they observed a massive two-meter-long beetle slowly approaching like a giant boulder. However, this beetle was extraordinarily beautiful, or rather, possessed an exceptional aesthetic appeal.

Its back shimmered with hues, faintly reflecting iridescent colors. The beetle’s wings, delicate and translucent like thin membranes, vibrated slightly, their edges gleaming with traces of gold. Even this large beetle exuded an aura of elegance and divinity.

“I am the Koro God. From today onwards, I formally accept your worship.” Although the beetle couldn’t speak conventionally, it had devised a method. By trembling its mandibles, subtly vibrating the air to produce sounds akin to human speech, it communicated effectively.

Without hesitation, Frojet and his companions knelt down, tears welling up as they kissed the ground beneath them.

Their Yar deity had returned!

Observing the fervent excitement of Frojet and the others, the beetle felt deeply satisfied. “As a deity, I shall have my temple.”

Soon after, Frojet felt a jet-black beetle, about the size of his fist, land on his hand and obediently remain stationary. It wasn’t just him; all five individuals present received a beetle. Remarkably, his granddaughter’s beetle was even transparent, resembling soft, delicate jelly with striking beauty.

“Offerings shall be rewarded,” the large beetle declared, lifting its head slowly.

It wasn’t foolish; moreover, this old man displayed genuine devotion, which warranted protection. As expected, Frojet and the others excitedly recited a flurry of praise and worship towards their deity.

The giant beetle bestowed a glance upon the old man before leading its guards back underground, intending to return once the temple was completed for its enjoyment.

What defines a deity? Of course, being distant and aloof. How could it linger here any longer? Maintaining an aura of mystery is essential.

Frojet and his companions dared not stand up until long after the giant beetle had departed. The swarm of beetles around them had vanished entirely, leaving only occasional ordinary insects aimlessly crawling nearby.

Now, Frojet and his companions regarded beetles as sacred, refraining from stepping on even ordinary ones. Instead, upon seeing one, they carefully picked it up and placed it to the side.

The five of them had resolved that even if it meant selling all their possessions, they would find a way to swiftly construct the temple. With this newfound sense of fulfillment and joy, Frojet and his group gathered their belongings, planning to return home.

As they walked further outwards, they encountered various beetle carcasses along with traces of artillery fire, undoubtedly left behind by the officer who led the retreat earlier. Recalling this, they exchanged glances and hastily followed the trail of beetle bodies. Approximately a few kilometers away, Frojet noticed signs of several abandoned vehicles. The tires were corroded, causing the cars to collide haphazardly.

In that area, there were numerous beetle corpses, but also indications of human fatalities.

Frojet and his companions rushed over and found the officer, protected by three or four soldiers, taking shelter inside one of the vehicles. It seemed they had sprayed something on themselves, temporarily deterring the beetles from approaching too closely.

As time passed, the repulsive odor deterring the beetles would undoubtedly dissipate gradually, reducing their chances of survival with each passing moment.

Hearing footsteps, the trapped individuals inside the vehicle began to shout loudly for help.

“Grandpa, there are still survivors,” Frohman whispered softly.

Frohman was a young woman, possessing a vibrant and youthful appearance. However, she had grown up solely under her grandfather’s care since childhood and never received formal education. The few words she knew were taught to her by her grandfather. As a result, influenced by his teachings, some of her behaviors were even more aligned with traditional Yar customs than most genuine Yar people.

Frohman’s concern wasn’t driven by sudden compassion; although she didn’t inherit her grandfather’s stature as a “small giant,” she had been adept at slaughtering chickens and sheep from a young age. She always aspired to become a valiant warrior like the Yars. Her remark was purely observational, without any intention of actively rescuing anyone.

Frojet, on the other hand, had deeper thoughts, guided by his own plans.

Now that they had proven Koro to be a true deity, it was crucial for others to recognize and acknowledge this fact. Otherwise, if too many people from Wanqi arrived, it could disturb the Koro God’s rest.

Frojet took the lead, with the large black beetle perched on his shoulder emitting a distinct chittering sound. Instantly, the attacking beetles halted as if receding like a tide.

Among these besieging insects, some possessed exceptionally sharp pincers capable of piercing tires with a single strike. Additionally, upon death, certain beetles released highly corrosive fluids from their ruptured bodies… In short, the beetles exhibited diverse evolutionary traits. This explained why part of the convoy earlier suffered severe damage, forcing vehicles off the road.

As the beetles retreated, the commanding officer finally got a clear view of Frojet and his group. His eyes widened incredulously.

Frojet gently held the beetle in his hands, speaking with reverence, “Do you see? This is the blessing bestowed upon us by the Koro God. Tell me now, do you believe in the existence of the Koro God?”