Chapter 233

After the gods disappeared… humans on the earth… Hmm, maybe it’s about time we tweaked the word “human,” don’t you think?

What is a human? What is a person? What differences exist between them, elves, dwarves, and beastmen?

Can we not lump them all together as “humans”? Are only those without long ears, short stature, or animalistic features truly considered human?

Hmm. Let’s set that aside for now. The most ideal solution… treating all intelligent beings as humans while giving existing humans a different name.

Like how we have elves and dwarves, beastmen too need a clear term. Hmm…

Human, Homo sapiens… strictly speaking, they’re different entities, so let’s skip that. Mankind… a word encompassing all humanity, including elves and dwarves.

In the end, only “human” remains. We’ll gradually spread the word “human” later.

Anyway, various factors contributed to the increase in the human population.

Diverse faiths. Numerous gods. Disputes arising from these religious differences led to wars, both large and small, called crusades.

The first reason was the disappearance or decline of most gods who lost their deity status.

The second reason was the increase in food production, specifically rice cultivation.

The rice gifted to the ratkin Maybel was a grain that produced much more food per area compared to barley or wheat and thrived in subtropical climates unlike traditional staples.

Since wheat and barley didn’t grow well in areas with high rainfall or warm climates, those regions mainly cultivated potatoes or other vegetables until rice offered a new option.

Moreover, the abundant rice could feed many and leave surplus, which naturally became a trade commodity.

Merchants recognizing the usefulness of rice spread its cultivation by purchasing seedlings and selling them elsewhere, making rice farming predominant in hot, humid subtropical regions unsuitable for wheat and barley.

Thus began the cultivation of diverse foods suited to various environments: wheat, barley, rice, potatoes, and corn grown by lizardmen.

The increase in food production meant feeding more people, reducing starvation and naturally leading to population growth.

This growing population directly increased overall productivity.

Clearing unexplored lands, hunting monsters threatening safety, more merchants transporting goods, priests of the Temple of Life—now called the Church of Life—worshiping me…

With the larger population, humans could accomplish more tasks.

And among those tasks included… war.

Of course, it made sense. Even with increasing surplus food and overall production, plunder through war remained an effective choice.

Increasing populations allowed for larger armies to attack other city-states… it was almost an inevitable process.

Thus, many kings prayed to Mars, one of the surviving gods of war, initiating numerous conflicts.

“Do humans know nothing but war?”

Asherat’s muttering. I understand her feelings, but what can be done?

Conflict is an inseparable element of human nature.

Conflict between individuals, groups, and nations.

As long as beings possess will and act accordingly, conflict is unavoidable.

Still, hasn’t this accelerated development somewhat?

“That may be true, but it’s frustrating to see the growing population reduced by war.”

That point… well, it can’t be helped, can it?

At least nowadays, massacres and slaughter aren’t common during wars. In this era where national and ethnic concepts are still vague, commoners aren’t tied to specific countries. People cross borders to survive, and prisoners often change sides.

Since each commoner directly contributes to national power, after winning wars with minimal casualties, absorbing as many prisoners as possible became the quickest path to a strong nation.

Those who don’t switch sides become slaves—it’s simply the way of this era. Still, it’s better than death!

And my teachings to cherish life have spread significantly. Under the influence of my Church of Life, any army committing mass slaughter would face consequences.

Occasionally, some kings massacred prisoners out of frustration, but rebellions quickly ousted them from power.

Perhaps modern humans believe kings who harm prisoners lack proper qualifications.

“Still, things are stabilizing gradually, right?”

“Yes, but among the many active kings…”

Among the warring nations, one stood out.

A young king claiming descent from Arcadia, serving both the Goddess of Life and the God of War.

Starting from a small city-state, this valiant young ruler won countless battles, expanding his territory.

Rather than wielding spears or swords, this popular young king commanded battles with an invincible flag, growing his nation.

“The tiger-like brave young king Lucius stands out among many.”

Though his exact lineage is unknown, he likely descends from the royal family of Arcadia. Surprisingly, he possessed the flag and military strategy book once given to King Makai.

Starting with hundreds of troops, he now controls many city-states, earning comparisons to the reborn Founder King Makairodous.

While unifying all lands seems unlikely due to mountain ranges, seas, and swamps blocking military movement, he aims to reclaim the old territories of Arcadia, which would establish a considerable empire.

We should pray this young king ends all wars.

“With just that flag and military manual, it’s entirely possible.”

Instead of amateurish troop management, he uses proper strategies and flags enabling real-time communication with generals. Honestly, losing would be impossible.

One day, when he secures sufficient territory and holds a coronation ceremony at the Sirius temple using the rightful Arkadian coffin… Well, I’ll bestow blessings via an angel since I can’t attend directly.

It’ll help.

“Humans aside, how’s the underworld?”

“The underworld? They’re just busy as always.”

Even if wars avoid killing prisoners, war is war. As long as soldiers aim spears and arrows at each other, casualties are inevitable.

Thus, the underworld’s workload increases during wars.

Notably, the judgment criteria have slightly relaxed, allowing occasional souls to reach paradise.

The three judges of the underworld found their previous standards too strict and adjusted them. Now, those who haven’t harmed others and performed adequate good deeds can enter paradise.

Thanks to this, one or two souls per year now reach paradise.

Other notable points? Talos took a vacation?

Talos, who participated actively in the divine war, requested time off as a reward.

He wanted to explore the vast surface world, tired of eternally monitoring souls underground.

Initially thought to be a soulless statue, discovering Talos’ true self-awareness made me feel guilty keeping him confined, so I occasionally grant vacations.

Traveling as a giant, Talos now creates stories as he wanders the world, though that’s a minor tale.

Otherwise… the gods at the Divine Hall currently live quietly, and my children behave well.

Thanks to fewer gods causing trouble, the world has become much quieter.

Let’s enjoy watching humans for a while.