Ferrus followed the nameless man out of the TARDIS phone booth.
Hot sand blew against his face.
The sandstorm felt like countless tiny needles, striking his face with searing heat and causing a faint stinging sensation.
It was as if the world itself was rejecting outsiders.
Ferrus narrowed his eyes, covered his face with his hand, and looked around through his fingers.
As far as the eye could see, an endless yellow desert stretched out.
It was not a bright golden yellow, but a sickly, almost lifeless earthy yellow.
The undulating dunes were like a frozen sea. Every ripple recorded the trail of the wind, yet no trace of life could be seen.
The sky was the same dull yellow, as if covered by a layer of sand that never faded.
The sun floated overhead like a fireball, radiating high heat and dazzling light.
The air was extremely dry. Every breath felt like sandpaper scraping against his lungs.
This was Lorgar's homeworld — Colchis.
A world filled with fanatical faith and chaotic doctrines.
After changing clothes, Datch opened the minimap.
"This way. Lorgar is in a city in the desert."
Datch led Ferrus into the desert.
For them, crossing this land of death was not difficult.
The wild animals along the way — the desert venomous snakes lurking in the shadows of dunes and the carrion-eating hyenas that appeared at night — did not dare to provoke them.
Even the sand worms that the bravest hunters of Colchis avoided fled in panic the moment they caught their scent.
They continued traveling, crossing dunes and dry riverbeds.
In inconspicuous valleys, they saw several burned-out campsites.
Charred wooden stakes still stood in the ground. Collapsed tents were half-buried in sand. Broken pottery jars were scattered everywhere.
Dark brown stains remained on the ground — blood that had soaked into the sand and had not yet been completely erased by wind and sand.
Ferrus stopped and looked at a charred wooden idol that had been burned beyond recognition.
Severed heads of the dead were scattered everywhere. Pain was carved into every face.
This was clearly a religious war. The perpetrators were trying to defend their faith through this cruelty.
"How pathetic," Ferrus muttered to himself.
He then stepped over the mutilated corpses, quickly caught up with the nameless man, and began walking alongside him.
As the sun sank westward and shadows grew longer, they arrived at a city devastated by war.
There were large gaps in the city walls. The city gate was reduced to a burned frame, its twisted iron bars looking like broken bones.
Half of the towers on the walls had collapsed. The remaining half was covered in countless bullet holes and scorch marks.
Corpses that had not yet been cleaned up were piled high against the walls. The air was filled with the stench of blood and burnt flesh.
Yet this city had people. Many people.
They had gathered in the largest square in the city. A dark mass stretched from the center of the square to the surrounding streets.
In the center of the square, a temporary high platform had been erected.
The platform was made of rubble and collapsed pillars. It was crude but sturdy.
On top of it stood a tall giant preaching to Lorgar — the destination of Datch and Ferrus's journey.
Like the other Primarchs, Lorgar had been swallowed by the turbulent Warp and sent to Colchis.
Here he was first adopted by the nomadic The Declined tribe.
When Kor Phaeron went into the desert to preach, he unexpectedly discovered Lorgar's existence.
By believing that the other party was a messenger sent to the earth by a powerful being, other churches might begin fighting over his followers.
So he wiped out the entire nomadic tribe and indoctrinated them into becoming devout believers.
Lorgar was originally a believer of the Covenant Church, but in a dream he witnessed a giant clad in golden armor descending upon Colchis and bringing salvation to the world.
So Lorgar immediately declared to the world that the one true god and savior would soon arrive.
The Covenant Church regarded this as heresy and tried to eradicate it, sparking the Covenant War.
However, Lorgar had already gathered many followers with his extraordinary charisma and possessed enough strength to fight the Covenant Church.
As soon as the civil war broke out, Lorgar used his innate extraordinary persuasiveness to convert tens of thousands of Covenant believers to the faith of the golden-armored savior.
And now they were in the era when Lorgar was promoting the faith of the golden-armored savior and plotting to change the entire world.
He led a large army to conquer the old faiths and preached the new faith in every city.
Kor Phaeron, who was both Lorgar's leader and adoptive father, remained at the base camp.
Lorgar's voice could be clearly heard by everyone in the square even without a loudspeaker.
"May God bless this grand gathering."
"As free people, as one community united under one truth, we reject the doctrines of mutual competition and cast aside the shackles of old superstitions."
Lorgar spread both arms as if embracing everyone in the square.
"We have embarked on a journey of enlightenment, revival, and prosperity. I am filled with gratitude beyond words that you have walked this path with me."
The Primarch's gaze swept across the entire crowd. Everyone felt as if they were being looked at by him.
This was Lorgar's innate talent — making everyone who stood before him feel specially cared for, understood, and accepted.
"From this day forward, we will no longer sacrifice ourselves for the empty desires of men or cold promises, nor will we shed blood in vain for different doctrines."
"Today we are all believers in the one and only existence, faithful followers who will welcome the Supreme Star to the earth and guide us toward a glorious future."
He slowly lowered his hands and placed them on his chest. His posture was humble and devout.
"We will stand shoulder to shoulder, sharing burdens and labor equally, and together create a future that benefits not only some, but all people."
"..."
When the speech ended, the audience reacted strongly, beginning to shout the names of the "One Truth" and "Lorgar."
The sound grew louder and louder, even shaking the dilapidated walls.
Lorgar stood on the high platform, a smile on his lips, pleased that the lost people had found faith.
At that moment, sudden loud applause rang out.
Everyone turned toward the direction of the sound.
The crowd naturally parted left and right, creating a narrow path.
At the end of the path stood two figures.
The one clapping was completely wrapped in a long, rough gray robe, with the hood pulled deep so that almost nothing but the eyes was visible.
Behind that person stood a sturdy giant whose mere presence radiated an enormous sense of pressure.
Lorgar turned his gaze toward the two and slightly furrowed his brows.
"Comrades, do you have any objections or different opinions?"
Datch raised his face and met Lorgar's gaze.
"Just curiosity."
"What is a god, and why do people believe in gods?"
After those words, the square fell silent.
Some people furrowed their brows and muttered curses under their breath.
In their world, gods were beings that needed no definition, and faith was a truth that needed no questioning.
This question itself was a form of blasphemy.
"God is all-powerful. He created the sun, the moon, the stars, and everything in the universe. We live under God's protection. By pleasing God with devout faith, we can obtain the meaning of life, blessings, and peace after death."
Lorgar calmly explained.
Datch shrugged and spoke in a blasphemous tone.
"Perhaps no one created you. Race and civilization are simply part of the natural evolution of the universe."
A collective sigh escaped the crowd.
Natural evolution, no creator — what heresy is this person spouting?
"Even assuming you are created beings, is faith really necessary to receive blessings?" Datch's voice was calm, without any excitement. "Maybe they don't care about that at all. Maybe they just find it fun and enjoy doing things that way."
This time, even Lorgar's smile looked a little awkward.
It was blasphemy.
If the other party held a different doctrine, Lorgar might have understood. But the other party was… an atheist.
When reason doesn't work, physical means are the only option left.
Before the Primarch could retort,
a tall believer wearing bloodstained leather armor instinctively stepped forward.
"You are just a human! How could you possibly understand the thoughts of a great being?!" His voice was rough and full of anger, echoing throughout the square.
"Lorgar holds the words of truth and can interpret the will of the great power! If he says it exists, then it exists! If he says we should believe, then we should believe!"
Agreement with this opinion began to spread among the believers. The voices grew louder and angrier.
Some people began to advance. Some had already drawn weapons. Others were preparing stakes to burn people alive.
The hostility of these people was almost tangible, enough to overwhelm these two blasphemers.
When it came to fanning hatred, the nameless one never disappointed.
Datch took a Poke Ball and a Weather Cube from his game inventory and summoned the Life Angel Orange, Pugh and the elemental Weather Spirit.
Their appearance startled the hostile, fanatical crowd. Everyone stopped what they were doing.
"Go and make green grass and flowers bloom in this wasteland," Datch said to Pugh and the Weather Spirit.
Orange flew into the sky with Pugh on its shoulder, and the Weather Fairy followed right behind.
Clouds gathered at a visibly rapid speed, growing thicker and hanging lower until they finally covered the sun that looked like a fireball.
The next moment, raindrops mixed with green light poured down, seeping into the sand.
A miracle unfolded before everyone's eyes.
From the sand, green grass as vivid as jewels sprouted.
The grass grew visibly, and the rain-soaked leaves stretched as if a newly awakened baby was reaching out.
Dew dripped from the tips of the grass, sparkling under the hazy sky.
Next came colorful flowers, gently swaying in the rain. Water droplets rolling on the petals refracted rainbow light.
The green spread at an astonishing speed. In just a few minutes it covered the ruined city.
The square fell deathly silent.
The believers who had been trembling with anger just moments ago were now completely dumbfounded.
Clang…
A weapon slipped from someone's hand and fell to the ground with a dull sound.
Some people's legs began to tremble. They knelt on the ground and begged the gods for forgiveness.
Lorgar stood on the high platform, eyes wide open, unable to believe the scene before him.
The Primarch's mind went completely blank. The carefully crafted doctrines he had built, the truths that had been proven time and again, and the unshakable faith — all of it began to shake in this moment.
Datch looked around at the terrified NPCs and chuckled alone. "Already dumbfounded, huh?!"
This is the power of the Player.
"Am I breathing life into this city for the praise and admiration of others?"
Datch paused, waiting until everyone's gaze gathered on him before continuing.
"No. I just wanted to refute you idiots."
Ferrus stood behind him, his lips twitching. He couldn't help but rub his forehead.
He had foreseen that things would turn out this way.
The nameless man's actions, as always, matched the fixed ideas he held in his heart.
Lorgar and many of his supporters also had their lips twitching violently.
For a moment, they had no idea how to retort.
This powerful existence who could make the desert bloom and turn a wasteland green with just a light flick of the wrist was doing all of this solely to deny their foolishness.
Have all the powerful beings these days become such petty people?
Datch took out the Infinity Gauntlet and used the power of the Time Stone to reverse the time of the surrounding buildings.
Once again, a miraculous scene unfolded before everyone's eyes.
Collapsed towers rose from the ruins. Rubble returned to its original positions. Cracks repaired themselves naturally.
Pottery shards were pieced back together. Collapsed walls were rebuilt.
Under the effect of time reversal, the city recovered at a speed visible to the naked eye.
When Datch stopped moving, a complete city appeared before them.
There were no gaps, no bullet holes, no scorch marks. The city walls towered high, the towers were intact, and the city gates were firmly closed.
The streets that had been stained with blood just minutes ago were now clean and tidy.
The trenches that had been piled high with corpses just minutes ago were now covered in flowers.
Only the scattered corpses remained as the sole evidence that the battle that had taken place just moments ago had truly existed.
In the square, believers knelt one after another. Their faces were filled with piety and enthusiasm.
If this is not a god, then what is a god?
"God…"
Someone muttered in a voice full of enthusiasm and excitement.
"The true god…"
"The true god."
From the center of the square to the surrounding streets, the believers were all excited by the miracle and shouted that God had descended upon them.
No one knew whether the mentions of God in the Covenants and doctrines were true or false.
But this mysterious figure truly possessed the supreme power spoken of in myths.
Lorgar was so excited that his steps were a little unsteady as he came down from the platform.
The Primarch walked toward Datch, knelt devoutly, and prostrated himself on the ground.
Lorgar's forehead was covered in wet soil. Both hands were stretched out. His whole body was trembling.
His posture was extremely humble, extremely lowly.
Ferrus's lips twisted. It seemed this perfect city would no longer worship the Emperor, but the nameless one.
Look at Lorgar — he almost got turned into a fetus.
Datch bent down to help Lorgar, who was kneeling on the ground.
"Lorgar, I can see that you are a devout believer."
Hearing this, Lorgar felt a mixture of anxiety and joy. "I thank Your Majesty for your wisdom."
"Please allow me to serve you. Let me offer you my faith and my soul."
Datch looked at the Primarch and laughed. "Why do you believe in me?"
His voice was calm but carried unmistakable weight.
"Is it because of my strength, my beliefs, or some other reason?"
Lorgar was surprised. Instantly many answers raced through his mind.
He had learned all of this from his education since childhood.
Gods are gods, and that is why we believe in them. Humans are born to believe in gods.
But these things would surely appear empty and ridiculous to the person in front of him.
Lorgar hesitated, not knowing what to do.
He only opened his mouth when the believers who had been watching him began whispering among themselves.
"Because of your kindness and wisdom, you will surely lead us to immortal great deeds."
Datch said, "If it is because of my kindness and wisdom, then instead of worshipping me, you should learn how to acquire that kindness and wisdom yourself."
"If you believe in me because of my power, is your faith pure?"
Lorgar tried to retort but no words came out.
What the other party said was true. His faith had never been pure.
He believed in gods because he needed gods.
He worshipped power because he himself thirsted for power.
People follow the strong because they themselves are not strong enough.
Lorgar realized that his faith was no different from anyone else's.
It was conditional, intentional, and from the beginning involved some kind of exchange.
"I don't need such hypocritical beliefs." Datch's voice was firm and unwavering.
"There is no need for pathetic people to praise me or sing hymns. That is nothing but empty pretense."
Lorgar froze and asked in a humble tone.
"Then what is true faith to you?"
"Practice the same principles as me." Datch's voice was soft, but to Lorgar it rang like a bell.
"I hope that all people in the world can be freed from despair and suffering and live happy lives. And I hope that they will help each other and stop hurting one another."
Datch's gaze briefly swept over the believers still kneeling on the ground.
"Praise and sacrifice are the cheapest means of faith. But the best interpretation of faith is to promote the ideals we practice."
He raised his hand and pointed at the blooming flowers, the lush lawn, and the rebuilt buildings.
"I made all of this not to praise myself, but simply because I think it is beautiful."
"Do I need your praise in order to help you?"
"It is because your very existence is a source of joy and beauty. As your lives become better and better, I… also feel joy and a sense of accomplishment."
"So, Lorgar, true faith is walking together with God, not kneeling at the feet of others."
"What meaning do your fanaticism and slaughter have for God?"
A look of confusion appeared on Lorgar's face.
The words Kor Phaeron had taught him echoed in his mind.
Before the all-powerful God, we are all slaves burdened with original sin.
Only by interpreting faith and defending it with our lives and souls can a person wash away original sin and return to the kingdom of the gods.
But this powerful existence of unparalleled strength said that faith was unnecessary — what was needed was companions.
God rejoices in the existence of all things even if all things do not praise God or sing songs of praise.
Seeing Lorgar's hesitation, Datch stretched out his hand and asked.
"Lorgar, will you become my companion?"
Lorgar stared at Datch's hand with an expression of disbelief.
"You're inviting me?"
Datch smiled. "No one should stand before me. Tell me, Lorgar — are you willing?"
Once Lorgar's matter is settled, I'll go look for Kor Phaeron.
Mince that bastard into fine paste. Make sure not a single bone remains.