The terrifying pressure that had descended upon the Sanctuary faded completely as the Divine Will severed the intrusive might of the Ancient God of War. The heavy atmosphere lightened, but the damage had been done.
Clark's eyes narrowed as he looked around his domain.
His followers were kneeling or lying on the ground, gasping for air. Even Seraphiel, with all her strength, was breathing heavily, her wings trembling faintly as she tried to steady herself. Lilith supported herself with her staff, her silver hair slightly disheveled. The Crusaders and villagers looked pale and disoriented, many clutching their chests as though struggling to withstand the lingering aftershock.
The sheer difference in power between them and an Ancient God had left them vulnerable. If not for the Divine Will's intervention, they would have likely perished under that oppressive force.
Clark didn't hesitate.
He lifted his right hand.
"Restoration."
A golden brilliance erupted from his palm, brighter than ever before. The warm divine energy surged like a wave, spreading across the entire domain, instantly soothing the trembling hearts and wounded souls of his people.
The light seeped into every body—mending strained muscles, stabilizing weakened minds, and reinforcing their connection to faith.
[Restoration Activated - Domain-wide Application]
[Proficiency +8%]
Clark saw color returning to his people's faces. Seraphiel stood straighter, her breathing calmed. Lilith gave a slight nod of gratitude. The Crusaders regained their composure, their gazes filled once again with determination.
But Clark wasn't done.
The pressure may have been gone, but the psychological strain remained. He cast Restoration again.
[Restoration Activated]
[Proficiency +8%] (16% Total)
The golden radiance flowed smoother this time. It was becoming easier, more natural.
Third cast—
[Restoration Activated]
[Proficiency +8%] (24% Total)
Fourth—
[Restoration Activated]
[Proficiency +8%] (32% Total)
Fifth—
[Restoration Activated]
[Proficiency +8%] (40% Total)
With each wave of divine light, the domain itself seemed to glow faintly. Even the plants, the soil, and the buildings seemed more vibrant as divine energy settled across the Sanctuary.
Sixth— 48%
Seventh— 56%
Eighth— 64%
Ninth— 72%
Tenth— 80%
Finally, on the eleventh activation, a soft chime echoed in his mind.
[Skill Proficiency: 100% — Restoration has advanced to Level 3!]
[Restoration Lv.3 Effect:
Significantly increased healing potency- Capable of treating mortal wounds and minor soul injuries
Accelerated regeneration of severed limbs and damaged organs
Further amplification to recovery speed and vitality
Consumption: 3000 Divine Essence
- 220 divinity Consumed (Available 99,780)
Clark narrowed his eyes slightly, feeling the changes surging through his divine power. The golden light flowing from his palm was purer, denser, and warmer — like liquid sunlight pouring gently over his domain.
The Crusaders who had deep muscle tears moments ago now stood fully recovered. Wounds that would have crippled even high-ranking warriors closed as though they never existed. The villagers, who had fainted from the oppressive force, now stood straight, vibrant and full of vitality. Even faint soul scars caused by the God of War's phantom pressure were mended, their minds fully restored.
A stillness swept through the Sanctuary as everyone instinctively sensed the divine transformation. Their gazes turned upward toward Clark, awe written plainly across every face.
Then, in perfect unison, their voices rose like a hymn:
"Glory to the Verdant God! "
Their voices echoed like a holy chorus beneath the rising sun, filled with faith and unshakable loyalty.
Clark stood silently for a moment, letting their devotion wash over him. He simply gave a small nod, acknowledging their praise without words.
He slowly lowered his hand, watching as the divine glow dissipated. His followers, restored and invigorated, were still kneeling reverently.
Turning toward Seraphiel, who remained composed but exhausted, he spoke calmly.
"You've all done well. Gather the Crusaders and villagers. Let everyone rest, eat, and recover fully."
Seraphiel placed a hand over her chest and bowed.
"As you command, my Lord."
Without lingering, Clark turned and strode back toward the palace, his long cloak fluttering gently behind him.
As he entered the towering halls of the Verdant God's Palace, the faint, unread system messages flashed insistently at the corner of his vision.
Time to see what I've missed…
He mentally summoned the system panel. A flood of notifications unfolded before him.
[System Notice ①: Universal Will Intervention Complete]
Your novice barrier has been strengthened due to Ancient God suppression interference.
Barrier durability increased: +100%.
Suppression Resistance permanently increased: +10%.
[System Notice ②: Divine Talent Evolution Triggered!]
Due to exposure to overwhelming external divine pressure, your dormant talent — Dominion (D-Rank) — has undergone forced evolution.
[Talent: Dominion (C-Rank)]
Increases Authority Presence by 40%, causing your commands to exert an even stronger influence over followers and subordinates.
Grants full immunity to suppression effects from enemies of D-Rank or below.
Grants partial immunity to higher-ranked suppression talents:
20% chance to resist B-Rank suppression.
10% chance to resist A-Rank suppression.
5% chance to resist S-Rank suppression.
2% chance to resist SS-Rank suppression.
Clark's eyes narrowed.
A forced evolution…?
His mind raced as he fully absorbed the implications. Dominion had always amplified his control and authority—but now, it was beginning to approach the realm of true sovereign dominion. The increase in authority presence alone would make his influence absolute across his territory. Even without speaking, his mere gaze would exert weight and command.
But more importantly—
Suppression immunity…
This was priceless.
Many gods, even those far stronger than him, fell victim to divine suppression—unable to resist the heavy pressure of higher-ranked entities. But now, Clark possessed the foundation to withstand even some higher-level Gods' dominance.
That encounter with the Ancient God of War wasn't without merit after all, he mused, exhaling deeply.
His fingers tapped gently against the throne's armrest as his thoughts deepened.
The evolution of his Dominion talent was a gift, but it also highlighted a dangerous truth — he was still extremely vulnerable to powers far beyond his current rank. If not for the Universal Will's intervention, the Ancient God of War could have crushed his entire domain without lifting a finger.
"I cannot always depend on divine mercy," he whispered to himself.
"I need countermeasures. Insurance."
And that meant one thing — resources.
Standing up, he summoned his system interface. The trade area flickered into view, shimmering with thousands of listings as the Divine Market hummed with activity. Rare items, divine tools, weapons, and fragments of ancient legacies were all displayed for those who could afford them.
With 99,780 divinity... I can afford almost anything within reach of my current rank.
Even as his eyes scanned through the items, he couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.
I wonder how many gods even among Rank 3... no, even Rank 5 can amass such wealth within just two days?
Most gods were still scrambling for food, summoning low-rank followers, or wasting their precious divine crystals on worthless mortal-level skills. The Divine Market was filled with desperation — desperate offers, desperate trades, and desperate bargains.
But for Clark, this was opportunity.
"Let's see what insurance is available..."
He began filtering through the categories: Defensive Relics, Protective Artifacts, Divine Armors, Formation Blueprints, Blessing Seals...
The list went on and on. His eyes gleamed faintly, sharp and calculating.
The time had come to begin fortifying not just his domain — but himself.