Imprisoned for a Trillion Years, I Was Worshipped by All Gods!

In every Trial of Gods, only a select few are chosen by Bear Prime to enter the god realm.

No one truly knows what lies within that god realm, as those who have entered never return.

For most, tangible rewards from Bear Prime hold greater value than the elusive god realm itself.

These rewards are genuine and substantial benefits, proven by past trials.

However, for the more traditional faction in Winterrealm, the chance to enter the god realm remains the ultimate prize.

"Are you certain that Bear Prime's consciousness will descend at Westwind Pass in half a month?" Daniel asked Ronan for confirmation.

"I'm certain, sir. I've spent many years in Winterrealm and even witnessed a few past Trials of Gods in person," Ronan replied, then added with an awkward smile, "It's just a shame I'm too old now; otherwise, I'd try to participate myself."

Ronan's attempt at humor fell flat, so he coughed and continued, "Each time, I felt Bear Prime's powerful presence—just a trace of his aura was overwhelming! Powerful, fierce… At one point, I thought I saw a giant bear covering the sky."

These descriptions, though subjective, matched Daniel's expectations.

He worried he might come up empty-handed, but Ronan's experiences confirmed his understanding of Bear Prime's presence.

Perhaps Bear Prime's consciousness held the answers he sought.

"By the way, does Dragonscale Bank have any books on fatecasters and bloodline warriors?"

Ronan was momentarily puzzled.

Why would a powerful figure like this be interested in such things? Fatecasters and bloodline warriors were unique classes within Winterrealm, unlike the mages of the Free Federation.

Daniel was curious and wanted to study them.

He had previously seen people with beast-like features, who he assumed were bloodline warriors.

As he was already at Dragonscale Bank, he figured he might find some basic resources here.

With a foundational understanding, Daniel could deconstruct the class's structure, enhance it with his own knowledge, and integrate it into his "Genesis."

Mages should seek out knowledge across systems, absorbing and assimilating it.

Most mages could not achieve this level of integration, but Daniel was no ordinary mage.

Ronan sensed trouble. It seemed his earlier offer—of gifting anything Daniel wanted from Dragonscale Bank—was about to be tested.

But could an immensely powerful figure like Daniel genuinely need these materials?

Still, Ronan dared not refuse.

"Please wait a moment, sir," he said, returning shortly with a storage crystal.

"These are the items you requested," Ronan handed the crystal over, and Daniel quickly inspected it.

Everything seemed fine, but there were more resources than expected.

Ronan had clearly gone above and beyond, likely at great personal expense.

Daniel, not unreasonable, asked, "How much does all this cost?"

"Uh…" Ronan was taken aback. He hadn't expected Daniel to pay.

Most powerful figures would simply take what they wanted.

After calculating, he cautiously replied, "Five trillion inferior mana stones—is that acceptable?"

This price was discounted generously to ensure Daniel wouldn't feel deceived, yet high enough to avoid seeming too lenient.

Watching Daniel's reaction, Ronan prepared to lower the price if necessary. However, Daniel merely asked for an empty storage crystal and, before Ronan's astonished eyes, filled it with the full five trillion inferior mana stones.

Ronan was utterly shocked. A transaction of this scale was rare, and Daniel's nonchalance suggested he might carry an entire mana stone mine with him.

After a moment of stunned silence, Ronan took the storage crystal, tucking it carefully into his coat.

"How does one participate in the Trial of Gods? Where does one sign up?" Daniel asked, now having obtained the materials he wanted. He figured he'd give Nina something interesting to do, a legitimate reason to stir things up rather than wandering aimlessly.

Ronan's expression turned awkward. "The selection spots were filled a month ago…"

"I see. Could one of those spots be purchased?" Daniel asked, undeterred.

Seeing Daniel's immense wealth, Ronan no longer had any objections. "How many spots do you need, sir?"

Dragonscale Bank, being well-established in Winterrealm, had reserved spots available for internal use.

"Just one—for my student," Daniel replied. He considered Sif, but her abilities were lacking for this trial, as her talents lay more in culinary arts.

Nina, however, seemed to fit the requirements perfectly.

"If it's for your student, sir, that's easy to arrange. Simply have your student report here at Dragonscale Bank. We have ten spots this year, and adding your student won't be an issue."

"But won't this affect those already selected?" Daniel inquired.

"No problem at all," Ronan assured him. "Truthfully, Dragonscale Bank lacks strong candidates this year. Since strength takes precedence, I'm happy to make space for your student—perhaps they can even bring honor to Dragonscale Bank."

"A win-win situation, how could I refuse?" Ronan said with a smile, genuinely pleased at the arrangement. A student of Daniel's would likely have both talent and power.

This was a stroke of good fortune for Dragonscale Bank.

With Ronan's cooperation assured, Daniel left without another word, leaving Ronan alone in his office.

"Sir? Are you still here?" Ronan called out into the empty room.

Receiving no answer, he finally exhaled in relief, sinking into his chair with sweat soaking his back.

The chair's cool leather sent a chill through him, prompting him to stand.

"Someone, bring me a change of clothes," he ordered.

Ronan sighed in relief. Being in the presence of such a powerful figure, unsure of his temperament, had been nerve-wracking.

He had thought that Westwind Pass would be peaceful. Luckily, this encounter had ended well.

"What?" Nina's mouth dropped open as she stared at Daniel in shock.

"Headmaster, did you say…you want me to compete in some contest?"

"It's called the Trial of Gods," Daniel explained briefly, even outlining the rewards.

As expected, Nina's eyes sparkled with interest when she heard about Bear Prime's blessings and the opportunity to enter the god realm.

The god realm! Just hearing the name made it sound fun!

"Headmaster, how strong are the people here? What if I run into someone really powerful and can't beat them?" Nina wondered.

"If you can't win? Then just surrender—it's just a contest," Daniel replied.