"About the power of faith—you need to be careful."
Patchouli returned to the point. "Faith can strengthen you; that said, overreliance is as dangerous. If faith falters, you could lose strength—or even vanish."
She recalled two shrine goddesses from Gensokyo, whose faith had waned so much they nearly ceased to exist, surviving only by retreating into Gensokyo. That was luck. Most gods had simply disappeared.
"However, I can't even control faith yet." Zeroy spread her hands helplessly.
Faith was pouring into her from all directions, yet she couldn't guide it. It was like staring at a tree, wishing it to sway—pointless. The faith was hers, although she didn't know how to use it.
"Hmm…" Patchouli considered. "Check the system shop for unclaimed idols. Buy a small one." She herself couldn't use the shop here, but Zeroy could. And sure enough—
[Unclaimed Idol (Small)]
‣ White: 100 Points
‣ Blue: 500 Points
‣ Purple: 2000 Points
‣ Gold: 10000 Points
Higher quality idols could hold more faith. Zeroy bought three purple ones. She took one out, infused it with her Mana and life force. The soda-bottle-sized idol, once a featureless human shape, transformed into an unpainted figure of her in military garb. Before she could complain, faith surged into it, and the idol changed again—
Now she was robed in white, soft hood drawn, hands clasped in prayer. Wings enfolded her: one of blades and flame, the other of soft feathers.
"Hey, that looks much better." With the idol, she could now control and wield faith.
"When you learn to control it yourself, then you can decide how to use it," Patchouli said.
"Alright." Zeroy nodded, then placed the other two idols on the table. "These are for you two to keep," she told the Holy Child and Kisara Tendo. The idols had to stay in this world to draw faith.
"The three cities ahead—each of you will manage one. I'll lend you power, and later you can draw more through the idols. Use it to help govern humanity's last cities." That was why she had called them here—to plan this world's future governance.
This was the first world she saved. From now on, it was under her protection. She would check back often. The children's virus problem was unresolved, albeit she couldn't stay forever. The task fell to them.
"Me… manage a city?" Kisara Tendo was stunned. She had been a bodyguard until now. To be asked to govern a metropolis of millions—?
"It's fine. You'll work with the Holy Child. With my strength backing you, you won't need to worry about growth or crises. Just ensure food, shelter, stability."
"…I-I understand. I haven't done such work before, still, I'll do my best." Kisara drew a deep breath, eyes blazing with resolve.
Not for the people… but for Zeroy. She had lived for vengeance. Now that Zeroy had granted it, her life was Zeroy's. All her tasks, she would see through.
As for Satomi Rentarō—she wished him luck in his next life.
"But that leaves us with only two rulers. We need one more…" Zeroy mused. One had seemed enough, but three would be better. The load lighter, the distance between the cities covered. "Do you have anyone to recommend? Someone you trust." To avoid scheming between leaders. As for all three conspiring against her? Not a concern. With her and Patchouli's power, deception was impossible.
The Holy Child and Kisara exchanged looks. The Holy Child had no one. Kikunojo Tendo had isolated her; the only people she met were his. Only Kisara and Rentarō were exceptions. Understanding this, Kisara searched her memory and found one.
"I know someone. Her name is Miori Shiba."
The daughter of Shiba Heavy Industries' president—the world's largest weapons company.
The fact that she survived the purge was surprising.
Regardless, she would surely have experience in management. And Kisara had another reason: Miori had tried to recruit Rentarō. Better to test her openly than risk her scheming in secret. If she bore ill intent, better to deal with her directly now. If not, she could serve Zeroy well.
...
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