The Forest Feeds No Idle Goblins

Chapter 263: Chapter 236: How Could I Be a Divine Chosen One?

Shire carefully recalled the history he knew. Although Agatha always called him a poor student, he had paid at least some attention in class. In all the fragmented records spanning 5,000 years, the words "Divine War" never seemed to appear explicitly.

"I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a Divine War," Shire said, rubbing his chin in confusion. "And according to you, it happens once every 500 years?"

Sofia didn’t speak, just stared at the goblin before her and nodded heavily.

"If it’s every 500 years," Shire’s eyes widened, "don’t tell me the most recent Divine War was the founding war of the Fran Kingdom."

The Fran Kingdom has a 500-year history. It was established 500 years ago when the Founding King, Franz I, led his followers to overthrow the previous corrupt Kingdom, thereby establishing the current Fran Kingdom. The name "Fran" was taken from the beginning of his own name.

Shire recalled the Ancient Battlefield he had passed on his way from Torch City to the Royal Capital for his studies, and the Magic Pit that remained to this day. ’Could the founding war of the Fran Kingdom have been a Divine War?’

Sofia said softly, "Which Divine Being does the Plantagenet Royal Family worship?"

"The God of Light and Justice," Shire replied instinctively, but he immediately understood. "No wonder. In the Royal City, the Light God’s Golden Radiance Cathedral is taller than those of the other three Churches, and is closer to the Royal Palace."

Recalling his time in the Royal Capital, the God Church of Light and Justice certainly seemed to have a stronger presence.

"That is a sign of a Divine War," Sofia said calmly. "This is common knowledge among the upper echelons of the Four Great Churches. It’s only the lower-ranking members, the followers, and the nobles who are kept in the dark."

"Once a Divine War begins, the Churches don’t get involved directly. Instead, they provide immense support to the Divine Chosen One they back. Some Church members even join the Divine Chosen One’s forces as ’free agents’ to help them achieve victory. In return, the Church gains more believers and a wider territory under its indirect control."

"So, the Four Great Churches don’t get involved directly," Shire frowned. "I think there have been cases like that in history."

"During the fourth Divine War, the Churches did indeed organize the Divine Punishment Army," Sofia said after a moment of thought, sharing what she knew. "But that was a special case. Someone opened a Plane Gate and released Demons from the Eternal Darkness Plane, so the Four Great Churches had no choice but to intervene personally to fight the Demon Army."

"I know about that incident," Shire scratched his cheek. According to the memories of his body’s original owner, he really was a poor student. "I believe some Duke of Darkness performed a ritual or something."

Sofia looked at the goblin before her with some surprise. "You even know about that? It seems you really could be a Divine Chosen One."

"Look, listen to me," Shire said, squirming. ’The more I try to explain, the more this Druid Maiden is convinced I’m some extraordinary goblin. But if I don’t, I’ll never get more information out of her.’ He continued, "Let’s put aside this whole Divine Chosen One business for now. What I want to know is, when does this Divine War you’re talking about start?"

Sofia fell silent. She lowered her head slightly. A few seconds later, Shire heard her answer. "It has already begun."

"Begun?" Shire raised an eyebrow. "I haven’t heard any news of war on the continent."

’If you were to count actual fighting, there might be some minor skirmishes next year. But for a full-blown war to develop, it would probably take until the middle or end of the year.’

"A Divine War never starts with battles," Sofia reminded him. "It might begin with a single murder, a single deal, or even a lady spurning a gentleman at a ball."

"That sounds a little terrifying," Shire said, clicking his tongue.

"The will of a Divine Being is often that inscrutable. But when the great wheel of a Divine War begins to turn, the Four Great Churches will react quickly and search for a Chosen One."

"Then, to get back to the point," Shire raised his head and straightened his posture. "I don’t think I’m your Divine Chosen One. According to you, Divine Wars are fought outside the forest. I’ve never heard of any war making its way into the forest."

"But then how do you explain knowing all this?" Sofia immediately countered.

"Uh," Shire was speechless, but he quickly came up with an answer. "I heard it from the forest. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of the Forest Whisper, but sometimes, living beings in the forest can hear whispers like the wind. Those whispers tell them things. I’ve just heard a lot of whispers on the wind."

He spread his hands, his expression one of helplessness. "I’m just a goblin. I have no intention of getting involved in you humans’ conflicts. What does it have to do with us if the world outside the forest is a total mess?"

’There was something else he couldn’t explain to Sofia. The Merlot Clan used to worship the God of Night and Destiny. Even if he were a Divine Chosen One, he would have to be the God of Destiny’s Divine Chosen One first.’

’Besides, even if he planned to lead his subordinates into battle in the future, it would only be to reclaim Torch City. He had never even considered meddling in the Fran Kingdom’s internal struggles, establishing his own nation, or conquering the world and winning a Divine War.’

"Forest Whisper?" Sofia frowned. To be honest, she had heard people mention this before, but it was usually dismissed as the Enchantment of an Evil God or a Demon. The Church had never believed in its authenticity.

"Do you think it’s possible," Sofia slowly looked up at the goblin, "that what you heard wasn’t the Forest Whisper, but the teachings of the Life God? Or perhaps the Life God’s power radiated into the forest and influenced you."

Shire pursed his lips. ’This ’Round-Faced Fat Chicken’ was really digging her heels in. She was so subjectively convinced he was a Divine Chosen One that no matter what he said, she could twist it to fit her narrative. He was indirectly reminding her he was just a goblin, yet she always had a comeback, like some master theologian was arguing on his behalf.’

"Forget it. I suggest you think it over again," Shire waved his hand, deciding to end the conversation. "Maybe after you’ve rested and returned to your Church, you’ll hear that they’ve endorsed some human as the Divine Chosen One."

"Get some rest. I’ll go get a little goblin to keep you company," he said, waving as he turned to leave.

"Travel safely," Sofia said at once, her voice now filled with respect.

Shire’s steps faltered. He glanced back at the Druid Maiden. In all their previous interactions, she had carried herself with a hint of arrogance, but her current demeanor was a complete reversal.

He really wanted to say, "I liked you better when you were wild and unruly."

But Shire just waved his hand. "Get some rest."

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