(3rd Person POV)
Arthur waited patiently for their response, his curiosity sharpening by the second. He observed the group closely. Their hesitation was evident, their eyes downcast, their expressions heavy with memories they clearly didn't want to recall.
Finally, Astu stepped forward again, gathering the courage to speak. He cleared his throat and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, allow me the honor of explaining everything."
There was a weight behind his eyes, a burden buried deep. He took a deep breath.
"We are called «Orphans» for a reason. As the name implies, we are those without families… and more importantly, without a home to call our own."
Arthur said nothing, simply nodded for him to continue.
Astu paused, his throat tight. "But… it wasn't always like this. We once had homes. Families. A kingdom. A king. A deity we served with everything we had."
He swallowed hard, his voice faltering for a moment. Then he continued, "Each of us here carries our own story, but they all lead to the same end. In my case… my king was slain. His kingdom fell to ruin, wiped away like it never existed. My people scattered. My family and I… we barely escaped."
He clenched his fists, pain flashing across his face.
"And the rest… is history. That's how I became an Orphan."
Arthur exhaled quietly, his gaze softening.
'Just as I thought… no wonder they look so worn out. They're survivors… not wanderers by choice.'
He looked over the group again, this time with more understanding.
Then he asked calmly, "Can't you settle permanently in another kingdom? Or… is it because your devotion still lies with your fallen deity?"
Astu chuckled bitterly, and the old man beside him nodded.
"Yes," the elder said, "Many among us refuse to worship another, even after our gods have fallen. Our faith still belongs to the ones we lost."
"But," he added, "there are others, too—those whose deities abandoned them. For them, worshipping a new god isn't betrayal… it's survival."
Another voice chimed in from the crowd, "Even when we are willing, many deities don't trust us. They see our faith as fractured. Some refuse to accept us… fearing we might stir unrest or weaken the bonds of their existing followers."
Arthur listened in silence, his interest in the Divine World growing with every word. Behind his back, his hands clasped as he looked out toward the horizon. Far below the floating city, the land stretched endlessly—lush forests, winding rivers, glittering lakes that reflected a sky full of stars and cosmic light.
He pointed toward the expanse. "Then why not settle down there? The land below is vast, untouched. Couldn't you build a life there instead of hopping from kingdom to kingdom?"
There was another ripple of uneasy laughter.
Astu shook his head. "Tempting, isn't it? But that land—beautiful as it is—isn't what it seems."
He glanced down at the world beneath them.
"It's dangerous. The surface is home to creatures even deities fear. Eldritch beasts. Forgotten Titans. Ancient horrors left behind by fallen gods. It's home to terrifying entities—creatures so powerful even deities avoid them. No mortal—or even a weak demigod—can survive there for long. Staying too long down there… is suicide."
Arthur's eyes widened slightly. He looked again at the surface. It was breathtaking—rivers that mirrored the cosmos, mountains that pierced the clouds, and a sky filled with twelve massive planets, seven shimmering moons, and a radiant light that mimicked day… yet without a sun in sight.
He breathed in, awe and caution mixing in his chest.
'So this is the Divine World… a realm of staggering beauty—and lurking death. A place where even gods tread carefully.'
Arthur stood silently, taking in the breathtaking view of the Divine World—its starlit rivers, floating islands, and cosmic skies. He reflected in silence for a few minutes, his expression thoughtful, while the Orphans stood quietly beside him, giving him space.
At last, he turned to face them. His decision was made.
"All right," he said calmly. "You may stay in my kingdom."
A small smile touched his lips as he added, "Looks like you'll be my first guests—not counting my own followers, of course."
The Orphans exchanged surprised glances, then bowed deeply with joy and gratitude.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"We are honored!"
"Truly… thank you."
Arthur simply nodded and waved his hand. The divine barrier surrounding his kingdom shimmered, then parted—opening a narrow path through which the Orphans and their mounts could pass.
He took the lead, flying ahead with a relaxed grace. The group followed eagerly, their beasts gliding through the opening with silent wings.
The moment they entered, their eyes widened in disbelief.
This… was not what they expected.
They had imagined an open, empty land—perhaps a small temple or a barren plaza, something modest, as most new deities lacked the power to shape vast realms.
But what greeted them was a sprawling, fully-developed city. Towering skyscrapers gleamed beneath a cosmic sky, billboards flickered with vivid images, and the distant silhouette of a tall red tower stood proudly in the heart of the city.
It looked nothing like the sanctuaries of most deities—and yet, it felt powerful. Living. Pulsing with potential.
"Hey… this kinda reminds me of the dwarven kingdoms we've seen before…"
"Yeah, but… this is on another level."
Arthur overheard their murmurs and chuckled softly to himself.
Flying alongside him, Astu looked over with curiosity. "Your Majesty," he said, "what should we call you? What is your «Authority» and divine title?"
Others turned their attention to Arthur as well, eager to know more about the god who had accepted them.
Arthur looked ahead, his voice steady and proud.
"I am the God of Entertainment," he declared. "Dionysus."
There was a pause.
Some of the Orphans furrowed their brows. A few exchanged puzzled glances.
"God of… Entertainment?" someone echoed. "That's… a new one."
"Yeah, never heard of that Authority before," another added. "We've met gods of war, of craft, of fertility—but entertainment?"
Arthur merely smiled, unfazed.
"Well," he said with a knowing glint in his eye, "you've just met your first."
After a brief conversation in the skies, Arthur led the group toward the circular structure at the heart of his kingdom—Hellfire Park. Its grand, modern design stood in stark contrast to the temples the Orphans had seen before.
As they approached the central courtyard, several Orphans looked around with wide eyes.
"Is this… Lord Dionysus' temple?" someone whispered.
"It looks nothing like the temples we've seen before," another murmured. "It's so… unique."
Arthur smiled but said nothing. Instead, he gestured for them to follow him inside.
He led them to his office—a sleek, high-ceilinged chamber filled with ambient light and polished marble floors. As they stepped in, Arthur motioned toward the chairs.
"Please, have a seat."
The Orphans obeyed, settling in with a mix of awe and curiosity. Arthur observed them for a moment, then leaned forward slightly.
"I'm willing to let you stay in my kingdom," he said. "However… there's one condition."
The room instantly grew tense. The Orphans' expressions hardened, expecting a harsh demand or a religious vow.
They waited, silent.
Then Arthur continued, "I'd like to offer you employment."
He raised his hand, and several sheets of parchment shimmered into existence, floating gently into the hands of each Orphan. The group began reading—and confusion quickly spread across their faces.
"Waiter?" one of them muttered. "Cashier? Restaurant manager?"
"These are… basic jobs," someone else said, puzzled.
Arthur chuckled lightly. "That's right," he said. "Simple work, but necessary. Just mark the position you want. Once selected, the knowledge and skills needed for the role will be granted directly to your mind."
He reclined slightly in his seat, smiling to himself.
'Perfect. I needed labor to keep the city functional… and fate dropped them into my lap.'
In truth, Arthur had considered using his clones to staff the city—but their personalities, quirks, and tendency to complain made that solution temporary at best. The Orphans, however, were strong, adaptable, and capable of filling the roles with ease.
And most importantly, they were real people.
After discussing the assignments and arrangements, Arthur rose from his chair.
"Well then," he said, brushing imaginary dust from his sleeves, "if there's nothing more, feel free to settle in. Make this place your home."
The Orphans stood and bowed gratefully before exiting the office, clutching their papers and murmuring amongst themselves.
The moment the last of them left, Arthur vanished from his chair—reappearing in the mortal world.
As his feet touched down, he immediately felt the shift.
Power surged through him. It was overwhelming. In the Divine World, his strength had been limited by strict universal laws… but here?
He was unshackled.
Arthur grinned, his golden eyes gleaming as he clenched his fist.
"So this is what it feels like to be a god… in a mortal world," he murmured.
His voice dropped to a whisper, thick with confidence.
"With this power… is there anyone left who can stop me?"
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