Genshin Impact: Towards Godhood

"Such a truth is rather cruel for a girl," Nahida remarked with a compassionate expression.

Her projection reached out to embrace the unconscious Faruzan, and the vibrant green energy soothed the terrified girl's face.

"From a fate perspective, it's a trivial joke," Rama said calmly. "But for Faruzan herself, it's an unbearable upheaval."

"It's just a failed experiment. As a scholar, who hasn't experienced a few?" 

It might take her many more years to not only say it but to truly come to terms with it.

Sympathy and pity are present.

But this path was chosen by Faruzan herself. She was a pioneer in decoding mechanisms, passionate about such work, and ultimately fell because of her own interests.

There's nothing more to say.

Many people sacrifice everything for what they want to do, and Faruzan is not the one with the most tragic end among them.

"Although that's the reasoning, fate has indeed been too harsh on her," Nahida said with a pained expression.

She couldn't accept it as easily as Rama.

"If you put it that way, I also need a hug." Rama thought for a moment and then reached out to hug Nahida's projection.

This projection was made with elemental power, with a little bit of technology.

Rama could create a walking body for Nahida, but the little god of grass refused.

"Why is that?" Nahida tilted her head curiously.

"If you feel sad for others' fates, I would also be unhappy with the fate arranged for you," Rama said casually.

This didn't seem like an honest answer, more like a joke.

"Fate's arrangement for me? I am the heir of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata. Compared to human beings, as the Lesser Lord Kusanali, I naturally enjoy the favor of fate, right?"

Nahida couldn't understand.

She didn't think humans had the need or qualification to pity her.

As the chosen heir of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, she was naturally the god of Sumeru, inherently connected to Irminsul, the chosen Dendro God.

Who has the right to pity her experiences?

Because she was imprisoned by the Six Sages from birth?

But she was a deity from birth and was destined to grow into a ruler like Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.

Which human being could possess all this from birth?

"Fate might have indeed mocked me, but compared to its gifts, I have been favored rather than teased."

Nahida shook her head. "However, I will still thank you for your untimely pity."

"You said it's untimely, so there's no need to thank me." Rama waved his hand.

It was only natural.

Even Nahida herself didn't have many emotions about being imprisoned until the Grand Sage's conspiracy was revealed.

Her greatest anger was at the Akademiya for harvesting the emotions of the people of Sumeru City through the cycle of dreams to create a god.

Nahida's fury wasn't because she was imprisoned by humans but because the Six Sages harmed humans for a certain goal.

In other words, for Nahida herself, the suffering of the people was greater than the difficulties she endured.

"A saint with a spirit of self-sacrifice."

Rama murmured softly.

"What did you say?" Nahida tilted her head.

"I said, in human values, your behavioral logic has significant issues," Rama looked at her casually. "I can't understand this behavioral logic."

"Do you think I'm strange?" Nahida nodded.

"No, I think you're precious," Rama denied. "I'm not a wise man, so I see humans in the simplest way."

In terms of understanding the human heart, Rama was not very smart, so he never tested or guessed people's hearts.

Compared to so-called loyalty, Rama preferred complete submission, which he considered the greatest trust in communication.

"That's why you judge things simply by benefit," Nahida understood. "This indeed solves problems more directly, though it has its flaws."

"Humans are complex beings. Benefits can drive them, but there's more than just benefits driving them."

There are always greater things shining in history, beyond mere benefit alliances.

"But it's the simplest," Rama didn't deny.

"If it's you, thinking this way is fine." Nahida observed Rama. "You are getting stronger, and you haven't stopped."

Nahida didn't particularly like Rama's logic.

His pursuit of power far exceeded his desire for truth and justice. Utilitarianism, authoritarianism... these combined made Rama seem like a rational madman.

But he did win.

By now, the desert was beginning to fall under his rule.

With Nahida's understanding of the Akademiya, she didn't believe the Thirty-Nine and the Akademiya could suppress Rama.

When someone fails, no amount of reasoning matters.

When he wins, even unreasonable things become reasonable.

An interesting maneuver.

I say you broke the law, you say you didn't. So, give me some time, I'll amend the law, and then you'll be breaking it.

You break the law, and I'll deal with you fairly and justly according to the law.

"Utilitarianism is a simple concept, but people always like some pure and beautiful things." Rama shrugged.

"You could say I'm easy to deceive, I can tell."

Nahida wasn't angry; her voice remained gentle.

"Villains also like pure and beautiful things," Rama thought. "I judge most things by benefit, but I don't always like to scheme for benefit."

That's the value of becoming stronger.

The highest form of freedom is being able to do whatever you want, while the next level of freedom is not having to do what you don't want to do.

Rama's dream is the former, and he is currently working towards the latter.

"Having a pure and beautiful god is not a bad thing."

He extended his hand, "Nahida, lead this nation."

"I'm not very interested or experienced in governance, but since there is already the foundation of a kingdom and people loyal to me, this nation has the reason to exist."

"Turn the unlovely Sumeru into the vision you desire, and you will surpass Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and become the true Dendro God."

Some people's births carry too many expectations, not as a burden or pressure, at least they don't think so.

Nahida always looked up to Greater Lord Rukkhadevata. She admired but never tried to surpass her.

Objectively, Rama himself didn't have high hopes for Nahida.

But that's not a big deal. A temporary resource manager, even if Nahida messes it up, it's not an unbearable loss.

So let the saint receive the honor and crown she deserves.

This is the reward they deserve for their benevolence in an unkind world.

(End of Chapter)