------
------
Gods are feared because they are unknown. Even the Trinity God, who once sent His son Jesus into the world for a test run, understood the need for avatars. How could Baldr not know this?
A god cannot be understood or touched. To do so would erode the awe humans feel, and the fate of Jesus serves as a clear warning.
Baldr, as a deity, must remain lofty and absolute, wielding unquestionable power and authority. But an apostle's avatar can be more flexible.
An apostle can interact with humans, experience their desires, touch women, enjoy food. A great god cannot.
Ivanka spoke cautiously. "Sir, may I ask… which exalted deity do you serve?"
Baldr did not answer directly. A point of light formed at his fingertip, dancing freely as he toyed with it.
Ivanka's expression tightened. Light… this kind of power could only be associated with one being: the supreme, singular God—the Creator of all.
Baldr glanced at her, and in that instant, it felt as if he could see through everything. Ivanka felt her soul laid bare.
Then he shook his head. "The one I serve is not whom you imagine."
"Then… who is it?"
Baldr said nothing. Some truths cannot be revealed; only those discovered through one's own efforts are truly believable.
"I need you to investigate two people."
Ivanka, as the daughter of a powerful conglomerate, immediately noticed he was redirecting the conversation. She was not foolish enough to challenge him, so she asked carefully, "Do you have any information?"
Baldr lifted his hand and traced a line through the air. Instantly, images and lights materialized.
"I have received a vision. A calamity is approaching this world."
As he spoke, the lights solidified into images: two young people, fighting in ways no ordinary person could imagine. They manipulated objects, wielded invisible force, even flew. The entire area seemed transformed into their battleground, and the city beneath them became merely a backdrop for their godlike powers.
It was unmistakably the final battle of Supernatural, but the ending differed from the known story. The victor was not Matt.
When one fell, the other stood atop the sky, lightning flashing behind them. The storm illuminated their cruel, terrifying face, as though they were a demon capable of destroying the world.
Ivanka's initial calm gave way to solemnity, then to shock beyond words.
"These two…"
"Do not ask me their identities. I do not know. The divine revelation only provided this. The rest is yours to uncover."
Ivanka nodded gravely. "Understood, sir. With the resources of the Trump family, we could…"
"You have only one day," Baldr interrupted sharply.
Ivanka frowned. No names, no city, not even confirmation of whether they were in a metropolis or a small town. Even with their faces, finding them in such a short time would be extremely difficult.
Yet after a moment's thought, she nodded decisively. "Sir, I will obtain all information within a day."
Baldr nodded, pleased. "Good. Devout followers receive guidance from the gods; sometimes, even divine gifts are possible."
Ivanka's eyes brightened. Could she—could she become supernatural? To wield great power, to gain long life… then wealth, kingdoms, all would be meaningless in comparison.
As she prepared to leave, she paused and turned back. "Sir… once we find them, what should we do? Should we—"
A flicker of deadly intent passed through her eyes. As an heiress, she was no stranger to decisive action.
Baldr shook his head. "Supernatural power is not to be handled lightly."
Ivanka understood immediately. Those two monsters fighting in the city might not even be the protagonists. There could be more… perhaps not even human. Mere mortals, even those with supernatural abilities, are not worthy of divine concern.
She drew a breath, then quickly composed herself. The greater the risk, the greater the reward—she knew that as the daughter of a conglomerate.
Baldr watched her leave with a playful smile.
The easiest way to earn belief is through miracles, but miracles alone are inefficient. This world is overflowing with religions—today one god performs a miracle, tomorrow another may respond. Faith spreads slowly.
Baldr had a different plan. A god's punishment is far more awe-inspiring and penetrating than mere miracles.
A villain, occasionally granted supernatural powers, who fully embraces darkness—that is the perfect pawn. Once this pawn demonstrates power beyond human limits, the god descends. Divine punishment purges the world, showing absolute might.
No mere miracle could compare. Even if religious conflicts persist, a god of overwhelming power silences all doubts. Minor faiths and small religions would vanish instantly.
As for major religions? Baldr could send the villain-pawn to challenge them, and if necessary, create his own pawns. It would be a game of divine influence, and he would ensure his supremacy.
"....."