Chapter 154

“Why are you doing this?”

The First Beast collapsed onto the dusty floor of the temple.

“I can offer you a better environment if you come with me. Why do you wish to stay here?”

In response to my question, the First Beast remained silent.

It was only natural, as this creature lacked the ability to use language. However, it had previously managed to convey its will in a vague manner. Perhaps its diminished faith was the cause for even that ability to falter now.

At the very least, I could sense that it wished to accomplish something here…

With a small sigh, I gently patted the First Beast.

As I stroked its head, I infused it with a bit of faith. It wasn’t much of a loss to me since it was practically negligible power. Without hesitation, I shared it.

Of course, transferring faith is highly inefficient—out of every 10 units given, the recipient could only properly absorb about 2.

If one truly valued their faith, they wouldn’t waste it like this.

“Groooaar…”

Still, it seemed my emergency measures had some effect. The First Beast appeared to regain a little strength.

Its lack of energy to even wag its tail had been worrying, so I’m relieved it’s recovering somewhat.

“So, what did you intend to do here?”

“Ruff! Ruff!”

Like a puppy, the First Beast barked in an attempt to communicate. But its meaning didn’t fully get across. Only faint impressions could be grasped.

“Hmm… You want to leave something behind? Yourself?”

“Ruff!”

It wants to leave itself behind. In other words, it wishes to be remembered by others. It doesn’t want to be forgotten.

But looking at the current situation… Only a portion of the beastmen still believe in this creature. At this rate, it’ll be quickly forgotten.

What should be done then? Should I persuade the humans of Arcadia to believe in it? Or spread rumors to gather more faith? Maybe manipulate things through the king?

Hmm. Once upon a time, wars were fought over this creature when it was a major deity. Now it’s become such a neglected god. How pitiful.

While I was lost in thought, Nyx’s voice quietly sounded from behind me.

“Uh, is that dog also a god?”

“Hmm. Despite appearances, it’s quite an ancient deity. The First Beast, once revered by the beastmen. Though now, after having its followers stolen by other gods, it’s fallen into such a sorry state.”

Upon hearing my words, the First Beast dropped its tail in apparent emotional pain. But isn’t it true? A beast god that cannot properly deliver divine oracles and blessings versus other gods who can… Which would gain more followers is obvious.

“Hmm… So ‘First Beast’ is its name?”

“That’s not its name. Just a title referring to it.”

Thinking about it… This creature never actually had a name. We always called it “First Beast,” which was sufficient.

“Then… Can we not give it a name now?”

“Now?”

“Yes. Like how you gave me a name… I think it would be good to name this dog too.”

“This dog”… Even though it’s a deity worshipped by an entire race. Though it has declined greatly now.

Still, giving it a name wouldn’t be bad… Ah, that’s right. If we give it a name and have that name remain, wouldn’t that fulfill its wish to leave something behind?

“What do you think?”

“Grrr?”

But the First Beast showed no signs of understanding.

Or rather… Even though it’s a god, how could it be this simple-minded? Surely when we traveled together before, it wasn’t this lacking in thought…

Ah, that’s right. It’s a beast god.

The perception that beasts cannot possess high intelligence must have spread among the beastmen and other races. They likely viewed the beast god the same way, causing this creature to regress into such a simple-minded state.

Hmph. Changing according to the perceptions of one’s believers… Being a god is truly troublesome.

Though I am a god too! But my main body remains unchanged while I only experience slight mental influences.

Anyway…

“If you accept my proposal… I shall give you a new name and ensure it remains in human history. As long as human history endures, so will your existence. What do you think?”

“Ruff!”

The First Beast barked loudly without much thought. It probably just sees this as me helping it.

Well, it is help after all.

“Then let’s start by naming you.”

Hmm… What should the name be? Let’s see. Beast. Dog. Wolf. Fenrir? Too ominous. Cerberus? That belongs in the underworld. Hati and Skoll are also too ominous. Garmr is similar to Cerberus. Vargr? Ambiguous.

Not wolf-related… Ah, wait. There’s another wolf.

Sirius. The Dog Star. The alpha star of Canis Major and part of the Winter Triangle.

Sirius. Not bad. I think it’s a suitable name for a city too. Since Betelgeuse and Procyon, the other parts of the Winter Triangle, are already names of major cities.

I shall name you Sirius, and perhaps rename this city… Hmm, what is the capital of Arcadia called again?

Since we’ve always just called it Arcadia, I haven’t remembered the capital’s specific name. Hmm.

Though there’s no real need to remember it anyway.

Anyway, I’ll just lightly influence the sleeping king’s dreams. I’d prefer to minimize using divine oracles.

By taking the First Beast as the gatekeeper of the gods’ realm, and naming it Sirius… Thus, the city it has guarded until now shall also be renamed Sirius.

That explanation should suffice.

Honestly, this creature has helped Arcadia countless times throughout its history. Naming the capital after it seems fitting!

As the god of the beastmen, it united many tribes, became a cause for war with neighboring countries who coveted it, defeated monsters, and contributed greatly to the prosperity of the nation. It’s fair to say it’s the number one reason Arcadia exists today.

“I shall bestow upon you the name Sirius. It carries the meaning of ‘Wolf of the Night Sky.'”

“Ruff!”

The First Beast, now named Sirius, wagged its tail enthusiastically in great joy.

I should have named it sooner if it would react like this.

Watching Sirius wag its tail so happily makes me feel indignant on its behalf. How could humans, who benefited so much from it, now neglect it just because there are other gods?

Fine then. Now that this decision has been made, I shall grant Sirius various titles to empower it. I’ll show humans just how remarkable Sirius truly was!

Thus, the First Beast, racial god of the beastmen, set off towards the entrance of the Divine Hall with me.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – –

“The deity formerly known as the First Beast received the name Sirius and became the guardian of the Divine Hall as its faith began to wane.”

“Good. That’s enough. I assume you all understand the significance of the name Sirius without further explanation from me.”

The teacher swiftly wrote on the blackboard with chalk.

“The Millennium Capital, a city filled with divine glory. It was the center of the human world until the calamity struck, and despite enduring the calamity, the Demon King, and numerous wars, it continues to thrive. It’s where our Magic Academy stands today.”

The teacher underlined the titles written on the board regarding Sirius.

“Due to its deep history, it’s said that artifacts appear whenever you dig a little in Sirius territory. Many adventurers come seeking these treasures.”

“I heard there’s a massive ruin deep beneath our academy!”

“Hmm. That ruin protects our academy. Though much of it has been damaged, it creates a barrier that repels evil intent. It’s speculated to be the old temple of the Guardian Deity Sirius from when it was the ancestral god of the beastmen.”

As the teacher spoke, a faint milky barrier could be seen outside the window.

As long as this barrier remains, external enemies won’t be able to enter the academy.

“The presumed owner of that temple, the Guardian Deity of the Divine Hall, the beast god Sirius… Still fulfills its role at the entrance of the Divine Hall to this day.”

“I heard it doesn’t allow anyone through unless permitted. Not even the Demon King could pass.”

The teacher nodded slightly and continued writing on the board.

“In terms of guarding the gateway… It’s considered on par with the giant Talos of the Underworld.”

The teacher wrote the name: The Black Rock Giant, Guardian of the Underworld, Talos.