I, The Dragon Overlord - Chapter 353

Chapter 353 – Ascension Ceremony

“Dong—-”

The melodious sound of the bell echoed far and wide in powerful undulations.

The sound came from a huge hourglass atop the lofty and magnificent Dragon God Church.

Crystal-like fine sand trickled down the waist of the hourglass. And with the passage of every hour, a bell would ring.

Then, the huge hourglass would flip over and continue flowing for the next hour. The fine crystal-like sand was the sand of time that symbolized constant, inexorable precision.

There was no specific time system in the world of San Soliel, and even the dates of the calendar were spoken by word of mouth without any accuracy.

After Louie masters the divine authority of time, he gave the world a specific time estimation method in his name.

As an earthling, Louie habitually used twenty-four hours to measure time, and the huge hourglass filled with the sand of time became the symbol of standard measurement, much like the international prototype kilogram on Earth. The ancient clocktower moving every minute and every second was the flow of time in this world.

Gradually, this measurement spread to the whole continent, from the southern seas to the land of the Silver Moon Kingdom, from the San Soliel Mountain Range to the highlands of the north. All races had begun using this latest and incredibly accurate measurement to estimate time.

All the people would regularly send people to Dragon City to observe the enormous clock tower and hourglass to correct the time of their kingdoms.

It was important for any civilization to have time accurately measured to the second. Whether it was daily work or war and military, the accurate grasp of time would significantly improve efficiency.

This was the responsibility that the God of Time needed to fulfill, just as the God of Magic required to construct the magic network and give mages a leg up.

In the past, without the God of Time, the world lacked the standard time preparation, but now the God of Time had given people accurate timekeeping, which would have been considered great merit.

But for the gods of San Soliel, there was no such thing as merit. It would, however, make the divine authority of time in Louie’s body more solid and sturdy, allowing him to comprehend more deeply and giving him more believers.

————

Dragon City suddenly became noisy. Along with the sound of bells, people came out of their homes. It was noon, the time of prayer for the Dragon God Church.

Except, today was different. Other than those who could not leave their positions, the entire population, 417,000-strong, regardless of poverty and wealth, regardless of old age and sickness, regardless of gender and age, all gathered together.

At this moment, everyone was truly equal. They were now simply a group – the believers of the Dragon God.

This was true equality in all beings. In prayers, in the face of the gods, all beings were unique. Even if they were just an ant, as long as they had a sense of self and believed in their god, they would be cared for in a sense.

Gods never cared about racial differences nor care about people’s color or status or professional differences. In the gods’ eyes, there were only believers and nonbelievers. Those who had devout faith brought joy to gods, but those who didn’t bring displeasure.

Simple and pure, this was faith.

“What’s going on today? The merchants are not selling anything, the mages are not going to class to study, the number of patrol guards has become so small, and even the prostitutes of Tulip Street aren’t taking any customers.”

Some outsiders saw the strange scene in Dragon City today and let out astonished cries.

In fact, if Dragon City were to stand still in time, the total number of people in the city would probably be more than a million, which was why Louie said that the population had reached saturation. With the number of people in Dragon City comparable to the capital of the Subila Empire, it could be called one of the most prosperous cities on the main continent. It must be understood that during medieval times, a city of 200,000 was already called a big city, let alone this city of a million.

Now, the Subila Empire was suffering from internal and external problems. They would certainly experience some turmoil. Even the national capital was not expected to be spared. Dragon City would then become the most famous city on the whole main continent.

“Keep your voice down. Today is the most important day of the year. The Dragon God is about to ascend to become a god. You have to be obedient today. The guards might be only a few today, but causing a disturbance is dangerous. If there is any disorder in the ceremony, you would probably be targeted by the god and his followers would hunt you down. You would probably not be able to live in peace.”

“Becoming a god? Could it be that the gods really exist?”

Haven’t you seen so many churches appear recently? Those churches are all churches of ancient gods. I do now know where they hid in the past, but I heard that the Subila Empire is now being divided by these Churches, especially with how huge it is, occupying the majority of the west of the continent. Even the Theocracy is being divided into two because of the differences in faith.”

Some people whispered in frightened tones.

Those who heard this felt their heart and soul tremble. For these people with a short life, the Theocracy and the Subila Empire were absolute hegemons with a thousand-year heritage. Moreover, these two countries were not weak and could even be called flourishing, but under the silent pressure of the gods, the countries had been divided as how the gods wanted them.

There were neither civil wars nor rebellions. . Simply constant religious schisms and doctrinal conflicts.

“Hissss… I thought the gods were all fake, and that those gods worshiped by churches were all just powerful demigods. I never expected that they actually existed.”

“It’s said that tens of thousands of years ago, the gods existed in all their glory, but they suddenly disappeared without anyone knowing where they went. Shouldn’t we also try to believe in a god now? It seems that everyone is going to have their own faith.”

“How about believing in the Dragon God? It happens to be close by and maybe we’ll be lucky enough to contribute a little and become citizens of Dragon City as well.”

“That’s a good suggestion, then let’s join in and pray.”

“……”

At the square of Dragon City and even in open spaces, there was only silence. Soldiers wearing fine armor raised their banners as if statues standing on both sides of the road. A beautiful pattern was etched onto their armors. It was a dragon that seemed to have five heads and nine heads at the same time. This was the sacred emblem of the Church of the Dragon God.

The soldiers wearing steel helmets were expressionless. The spears and swords in their hands were raised high and reflected the palpitating light of the sun. It was awe-inspiring that brought a burst of killing intent to the whole entertainment-oriented city. This was done to deter anyone from having an ounce of disrespect.

On top of the square, the priests placed a sacred altar and a sacred emblem. They lit up a sandalwood incense that the great Dragon God had given them. The clergymen were required to light one every time there was a prayer session. People’s spirits were heightened by that sacred and elegant aroma, causing them to concentrate and pray better. People felt as if this fragrance made their souls seem to go to heaven and see the divine kingdom of god. People believed that even in death, there was no need to fear as they could continue enjoying the benefits of the kingdom of god.

In the church’s sanctuary, Pope Clooney gathered the church’s senior bishops and priests. Unlike the square outside, the sanctuary was empty and silent. The palace was supported by dozens of thick stone pillars topped by a glazed dome and beautifully carved with arcane magic runes and fine images. At the center of the sanctuary was a statue more than ten meters long. It looked powerful and majestic as if it was Louie’s real body.

Clooney kneeled in the forefront, behind him was a vast array of priests. Each clergyman kneeled on the ground and recited the teachings of their god. The noon sunlight sprinkled from the stained glass and incense draped the hall, creating magnificent scenery.

“Dong—-”

Another bell rang out, representing the arrival of noon. Now, the sun was perfectly at the top of their heads.

“I am a light into the world, that whosoever believes in me should not abide in darkness.”

“……”

“Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.”

“……”

“Therefore all things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them.”

“……”

“The well-informed speak little, the half-informed brag, and the ignorant speak up”

“……”

“My punishment – I afflict with it whom I will, but My mercy encompasses all things.”

“…….”

“When your last day comes – surely your reward is with their Lord, and there shall no fear come upon them nor shall they grieve!”

A magnificent and supreme voice appeared in the minds of all believers. It was the divine word from God’s own mouth. It echoed in the temple and throughout dragon city. It echoed in the souls and hearts of every believer, solidifying their faith in Him and moving them to tears.

“Whoever believes in you will have eternal life!”

“……”

“My Lord Louie Galakrond, You are the God who is present and everlasting!”

“……”

“You are the Lord of Dragons, the only true God of Dragons.”

“…..”

“You are the weaver of dreams, the guardian of the earth, the champion of magic, the giver of life, and the master of time……”

“…….”

“You are the master of Dragon City, our protector……”

“……”

“We are all Your sheep grazing on the earth. Glory to You, victory to You, may Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven!”

The voices of the believers were loud and pious. They came together and resounded over the San Soliel Mountain Range. The devotees cried out in pain and madness. People cheered and jumped around. Under the eyes of many believers, the throne of God was raised high in the sky,

Whether the gods wanted to or not, the power of time was now in Louie’s grasp. The people had recognized the meaning of the time that he had given.

Thus, on the day the Dragon God was enthroned, it became his birthday, as well as the beginning of a new era.

This was how it was written in history books of later times, that the day when Louie Galakrond, the Dragon God, was enthroned was both —

The first day of the year, and the first day of the new era of the gods!