Chapter 38: Worship
Ethan had never truly envisioned his ideal woman. Sure, he had preferences—long legs, thick thighs, maybe a nice ass—but beyond that, he appreciated beauty in all forms.
But if Esmeray wanted him to decide, then he would.
'System, take notes.'
'A tall woman, thick thighs, long legs. Silver hair, ruby-red eyes, fair skin. Breasts at the perfect size, a round, firm ass to match.'
[Noted. Please wait.]
Once again, the process began. A dense crimson mist coiled in the air, flickering with streaks of dark light. Then, flesh and sinew took form, blood swirling into veins, muscles layering over an emerging skeleton. Piece by piece, the body came into existence, a perfect blend of raw power and sensual grace.
When it was complete, Ethan examined his creation.
Tall. Silver hair cascading past her waist. Elven-like ears. Red eyes glimmering with eerie beauty. A sculpted hourglass figure—balanced, refined, without unnecessary exaggeration.
A masterpiece.
Esmeray studied her new body, her lips curving in satisfaction. "I like it," she murmured.
"Then go," Ethan gestured. "It's time."
Without hesitation, she stepped forward and entered the vessel. The process began.
Ethan watched in silence, then finally turned his attention to his rewards.
'System, show me what I got.'
[Key of the Soul Realm]
A key allowing physical entry into the Soul Realm. Usable at any rank, but to survive there is recommended to be SS-rank and above.
[Aura of Profanity (B-rank, Evolvable)]
Created by the Profane Queen after eons of experimentation in solitude. Pollutes the space around the user. At its peak, it can corrupt entire planets.
[Aura of Holiness (B-rank, Evolvable)]
The innate aura of angels. Exudes peace, instilling trust and devotion in those nearby.
Looking at these rewards, Ethan is very much pleased.
'Can people have multiple auras?'
[Yes. Because people can have multiple Intents.]
Intent?
'Explain.'
[Intent is an evolved form of Aura. It signifies the first step toward divinity. Those who awaken Intent begin carving their path to godhood.]
'Then why don't I have one?'
[Intent cannot be given. It is born from self-realization. Only those who understand their path can awaken it.]
Ethan frowned. 'Then what am I missing?'
He had a path—the path of a Giver, as the Tower called him. Yet, no Intent.
Was he truly who he claimed to be? Or was there something deeper he refused to acknowledge?
The thought lingered.
But for now—he pushed it aside.
'Can Holiness and Devotion be merged?'
[Yes. They will combine into a higher-tier aura unique to you.]
'Will it require karmic points ?'
[No. combining two low level auras is no difficult task.]
'Do it then.'
[DING! Aura of Holiness and Aura of Devotion are synthesizing…]
[DING! You have obtained Aura of Sacred Devotion (A-rank, Passive/Active).]
[Aura of Sacred Devotion]
Your presence radiates divine peace and absolute authority. Allies feel unwavering trust and resolve, while enemies hesitate before acting against you. As this aura evolves, its influence deepens, inspiring greater faith and commanding even stronger respect.
Ethan's presence shifted.
A calm, trusting aura still surrounded him, but now, it was laced with something more. Authority. Power. Holiness. A divine essence that demanded faith and obedience.
It was incredible. But Ethan did not pay any attention to that. He begin to think about intent again.
'Why haven't I awakened Intent? Am I missing something?'
Doubt gnawed at him.
If Intent was born from understanding one's true path, then shouldn't he have awakened it long ago?
'Or am I really fooling myself?'
A voice interrupted his thoughts.
"…Ah…"
Soft. Fragile.
He turned.
Anita stirred, her golden eyes fluttering open. She was wrapped in a delicate white dress, golden threads woven into intricate patterns of divine energy.
For a moment, she seemed disoriented. Then, realization struck.
"Mister… Mister!"
She launched herself at him, clinging tightly, her small frame trembling.
"Thank you… thank you so much…"
Tears spilled down her cheeks.
Ethan merely smiled, placing a gentle hand on her head. Unlike before, when she had no body, this time—he could feel her warmth.
A real, living being.
Anita let out a small, contented purr.
A second presence stirred.
A sultry voice, rich with allure, echoed through the space.
"Oh, Master… do me too?"
Ethan looked up.
Esmeray stood before him, fully reborn.
Her silver hair gleamed, cascading over bare shoulders. Her crimson eyes smoldered with mischief. Long legs, supple curves—every inch of her exuded dark, seductive power.
She took a slow step forward. Then another.
Her lips curled. "Pat my head."
Ethan stared.
Not just at her beauty, but at the change within her. "Did you not feel any change in yourself?"
Esmeray stopped abruptly at his words. She took the time to look inward. She feels how her blood flows differently, how her mana flows so naturally and smoothly. She feels her strong body filled with potential.
And she looks at her talent. And then— The realization strikes her.
Her Necromancer Talent—once SSS-rank—had transcended.
Now, it bore a new name.
Deathlord's Eminence.
A Supreme-grade talent.
Her mind struggled to process it.
Supreme talent. A rarity beyond measure. Something gods themselves coveted.
Because having it will smoothen your divine path greatly.
And yet—Ethan had given it to her as if it was… nothing.
Her crimson eyes flicked toward him.
He wasn't reacting. Just sitting there, calmly patting Anita.
As if handing out divine talents was an everyday occurrence.
A chill ran through her.
'Does he not understand what he has done?'
No. That wasn't it.
He understands. He just doesn't care.
The realization sent shivers down her spine.
She had spent centuries climbing toward divinity, clawing her way toward power and managed to achieve divinity by being a stage-1 god.
But she knows her limits would have been stage-3 at most with her SSS grade talent.
And yet, in mere moments, Ethan had erased that limit and rewritten her fate.
Feelings started to rise.
When you encounter something you cannot understand-you cannot fathom- you either feel fear, reverence or the mix of both.
Like in this case.
Awe. Fear. Devotion. That what Esmeray were feeling.
As a past goddess she knows much more, have more knowledge of the tower and many other things. She is a woman who has been imprisoned for millions years. Her mind and will were strong.
But in this situation…
The emotions overwhelmed her, and before she even realized it—she had fallen to her knees.
Her forehead touched the ground.
She can't help it. What she just witnessed since the beginning with Ethan has blown her mind.
And this act of transforming her talent into a supreme one…had been the last straw.
"…Master…"
Her voice trembled.
"…Please allow me to worship you. Not as a master… but as my god."
The air stilled.
Even Anita flinched, sensing the weight of her words.
Ethan's eyes opened wide. A chill run through his spine. Worship me ? The Hell ?
"…What?"
Esmeray lifted her gaze.
Maybe to him what he just did is not worth mentioning, but to her, this was not simple gratitude. This was faith.
Reverence.
He had done what no god had ever done. He had created a god—Not yet. But if she doesn't die, she will surely become one. And a powerful one at that.
At this thought—
Her body cannot help but tremble. "To me, Master… only you are worthy of worship."
The System chimed.
[Esmeray's feelings have surpassed 500%.]
[This is no longer the level of love, nor obsession. This is the level of faith.]
[A blind faith in you.]
Ethan exhaled slowly.
He hadn't expected this.
Even knowing how aberrant and obscene the things he just did are—even knowing how much he had changed her—this… was something else.
Being worshipped by a past goddess was not part of his plan.
He studied her, silent.
A little bit uncomfortable by the fact she is lowering herself on the ground, he is not used to see this side of her.
"You can do as you want, worship or whatever but.."
"…I prefer the flirty you," he muttered.
Esmeray blinked.
Then, she laughed softly brushing off the tense atmosphere.
"Then I shall worship you and still stay the way you want me to…my Lord."
The tower chimed.
DING!
{Achievement Unlocked!}
{New Title Acquired: The Mortal Worshipped by Gods.}
{Your soul has strengthened.}
{Your presence has intensified.}
⸻
Ethan leaned back, exhaling.
This was getting out of hand.
But deep down—he smirked.
He wasn't complaining.
And as if it's not over the system chimed in this time.
[You have gained the Talent: Death's Friend ( Supreme+ grade), as a x10,000 return.]
Hehehehe….
Ethan laughed evilly.
—End of Chapter 38—