091. White Candle Star Ministry of Education Posts on Zhihu Overnight: How to Evaluate Leoz?
White Candle Star, Minister of Education's Office.
"…That's the situation."
Artkez, a professor on the academy committee and its chief representative, set down the report, nervously addressing the Minister in front of him:
"So much has happened in just a few days."
The Minister of Education of White Candle Star—Barcomon Ballevi Baster—sat with his hands clasped casually in front of him, his gaze profound.
After a moment of contemplation, he asked:
"Is this information accurate?"
"Since it's from Narrative 11's 「United Group」, it's unlikely to be false. Narrative-level civilizations wouldn't spread rumors about a Gamma-tier mortal."
"So," Barcomon straightened slightly, fixing his gaze on Artkez, "the genius student we recently admitted used his pre-term break to fight the life commune's academic titan, Mr. Liuer, then went to Vanlenkov Autonomous State, bombed a building, destroyed a warship, and forced Velazi to retreat from Vanlenkov?"
"Uh, broadly speaking, yes, but there are details—Velazi wasn't driven out by Leoz alone but by Vanlenkov's people and its new government."
"Regardless, he's created this reality. In the universe, rumors always morph into legends and myths."
Barcomon sighed:
"This kid is quite the headache. At first, I thought he was just a test subject sent by a narrative-level civilization to probe us. Now, it seems Leoz not only has divinity but also considerable combat power. A Gamma-tier mortal surviving Velazi's assault and single-handedly defeating Delta-tier opponents… Divinity or not, if Leoz hadn't died so thoroughly, I'd suspect he's the reincarnation of the real Leozi."
"There's no reincarnation in the Star Abyss," Artkez reminded him.
"I don't care if there is or not. At least this kid has no ties to narrative-level civilizations, though he does seem closely connected to gods. The exam results might have been a fluke, but combat doesn't lie."
Barcomon's remarks left Artkez exasperated. Unlike the Minister, he was the one who had to deal directly with Leoz.
Raising his hand, he organized his thoughts and cautiously asked:
"…What does the Supreme Council think? Do they have any particular opinion on Leoz?"
"Particular opinion? What kind of opinion could they have? Let me tell you, don't glorify those people at the top. The Supreme Council is just a bunch of old men waving the banner of democracy while bickering endlessly. Everyone knows the mage families have already decided things behind the scenes; the debates are just theater to make you think mages are all equals."
Barcomon dismissed the Supreme Council with disdain:
"They're busy dealing with the front lines and left us to make our own decisions. Idiotic seat-fillers… Fine, think about how to handle Leoz."
"Since they've given us room to maneuver, does that mean the Supreme Council doesn't see Leoz as a concern?"
"That's a reasonable interpretation," Barcomon mused. "Leoz seems friendly enough to us for now, but does he hold strategic value?"
Artkez shook his head:
"One person can't change the tide of war, but Leoz's actions do prove he has no ties to narrative-level civilizations."
"You think he's backed by a third party?"
"Not just that—I suspect Leoz has no backing at all. He's not a third-party force; he's an individual force."
Barcomon pondered for a moment:
"This matter needs to be handled carefully. Public opinion is easy to control since our citizens are disconnected from interstellar affairs, but Leoz's background warrants scrutiny."
"On that note…"
Artkez seized the opportunity and produced a pre-prepared document:
"After your introduction to divinity, I immediately applied for third-level access to the Alfred Grand Library. I conducted investigations into gods and divinity, compiling interviews and records of our past encounters with divine entities. Based on Leoz's profile, I propose three possibilities."
"First, Leoz inherited divinity from a fallen god somewhere. This is plausible since the Star Abyss hosts hundreds of wild native gods scattered across the cosmos. Most of them lack Sigma-tier strength (∑, the eighteenth Greek letter), have no stable followers, and often resort to illegal preaching, making them prone to corruption. However, given Leoz's behavior, this seems unlikely."
"Second, Leoz inherently possesses divine traits, requiring a godly lineage within three generations. One hallmark of Star Abyss gods is porcelain-like skin, which Leoz lacks. We've also traced his lineage—he's merely a descendant of construction workers, with no spellcasters in two generations. This scenario is highly improbable."
"The third possibility is straightforward," Artkez continued. "He is a god. Born a god, divinely ordained."
"Inborn divinity is exceedingly rare in today's environment because, after the Star Abyss's educational reforms, civilizations largely embrace the ascension system of 'god-bearers,' favoring learned over innate divinity."
"The reason is simple. Such gods are typically self-centered, rejecting the narrative-level civilizations' 'pathway narrative,' and are often shunned and suppressed—except by the '「Temple of Annihilation」.'"
Artkez showcased his scholarly prowess, presenting his meticulous logic and extensive research. Each page featured striking highlights and precise annotations, making it clear and concise for the reader. Barcomon was visibly impressed.
Artkez didn't explicitly state his conclusion, but Barcomon understood his implication regarding Leoz.
Natural gods? They're obsolete.
In an era where everyone pursues self-realization and self-ascension, narrative-level civilizations celebrate these ideals to unify disparate races and regions ideologically and materially. Naturally born gods don't fit this paradigm and are inherently incompatible with these civilizations.
Barcomon wasn't offended that he was being "educated" by Artkez. On the contrary, it affirmed his choice of successor as a capable and diligent learner.
"If Leoz poses no significant issues, that's a relief."
Barcomon nodded:
"Natural gods are neutral and harmless figures. Even if he ascends, that's 400-500 years away. Until then, stick to our principle of cultivation without sponsorship, but allow him some freedom and room to grow."
"What do you mean?"
"Let him learn what he wants. Whether he forms groups, registers workshops, starts businesses, or even enlists in the military, it's permissible. Offer modest subsidies to show the Crystal Tower's goodwill."
Barcomon added:
"The educational level on White Candle Star is high. Our students are excellent mages, immune to the subjective idealism gods espouse. Even if Leoz gains a following, his personality and intelligence ensure he won't establish a splinter kingdom."
"As for his antics with Liuer, Vanlenkov, and Velazi, let's not bring those up. It's awkward for everyone. Oh, and finalize his residency. If he wants to explore other civilizations, we can let him go or trip him up as needed."
"But one thing: Leoz must never enter politics. The Crystal Tower is a noble materialist civilization, and we will never recognize gods as legitimate political entities. This is crucial to avoid unsettling our citizens. Understand?"
Barcomon's directives signaled to Artkez the heightened tension within the Crystal Tower civilization. While god-related research used to be openly conducted, the unfavorable war with the Night Butterfly Federation had hardened attitudes toward idealist factions.
Artkez discussed Leoz's curriculum with Barcomon, who dismissed specifics with, "You handle it. I don't know teaching. No need to promote the Crystal Tower's image excessively, but do highlight the Night Butterfly Federation's failures."
This remark strengthened Artkez's belief that much could be inferred from subtle cues.
High fertility often correlates with high mortality, suggesting a population forced to rely on numbers to counter disasters, wars, and poverty. In peacetime, urbanization, better hygiene, and lower mortality lead to fewer births and a preference for quality over quantity.
Barcomon's comments hinted at concern over the enemy's image, suggesting the Night Butterfly Federation had scored significant victories or made breakthroughs.
After discussing Leoz's arrangements, Artkez casually brought up:
"Minister, regarding your request to locate Virlia, it's confirmed—she has been revived. The ruins and tomb were excavated five years ago. It's only a matter of time before we pinpoint her location. When should we summon the Golden Dragon Volunteer Hero to White Candle Star?"
"Ugh, don't bring that up."
Barcomon replied offhandedly:
"The Night Butterfly Federation's new weapons have left the Galaxy Eye Frontline silent. We have no idea what's happening there. So, your matter isn't urgent. For now, the Supreme Council has issued a new conscription order requiring White Candle Star to provide 3,000 elite Zeta-tier spellcasters—loyal, materialist, and highly patriotic. Help select candidates."
Artkez nodded but felt a cold sweat break out behind him.
—The last time the Crystal Tower conscripted university students was 400 years ago.
Back then, they faced an invasion by [Society] and nearly faced extinction.
Despite Barcomon's casual tone, the reality was grim. The civilization might have lost four or five critical battles.
Barcomon didn't spell it out but clearly understood:
In just seven days, the Galaxy Eye campaign had suffered a major setback. Both sides incurred heavy casualties, with the famous Golden Dragon Monk sidelined by inadequate logistical support.
At present, the Galaxy Eye battlefield had become the Star Abyss's largest meat grinder.