Village Chief John took this matter extremely seriously. He dared not be careless. Seeing Thomas inquire, he maintained a solemn expression and nodded firmly.
"Thomas, we've been planning this event for several days now. There will be no mishaps."
John understood better than most—today was a critical day for the ritual. Deus Initium would be watching them, observing every person in the town.
If this ritual could satisfy Deus Initium, many of His devotees might receive divine blessings, furthering their journey along the path of awakening.
Some might even be chosen to become deities under Deus Initium's command.
In an atmosphere that was both festive and solemn with anticipation, Thomas took a deep breath and walked steadily to the altar at the front of the town square.
As he stepped onto the square, the gentle morning light broke over the horizon, casting a thin veil of light over everything in town.
