A Guide to Becoming a God Starting from a Monastery

"Soon!" Thomas said. "Very soon, actually. Probably just a day or two. I have a feeling it'll be there."

"Impossible." Gandalf still didn't believe it.

Thomas's progress in the Steel Soul Art was terrifying, almost unbelievable. It was as if he was born for it. But Gandalf didn't believe that Thomas could fully master the Steel Soul Art in just a day or two.

If the Steel Soul Secret Art was a test with a full score of 100, then Thomas could only score 70 or 80 points at most.

And as we all know, the front of the test paper contains easy-to-answer questions such as multiple-choice questions, true-or-false questions, and fill-in-the-blank questions, while the back contains long questions such as short-answer questions and essays.

The last question only accounts for 10 or 20 points, but the time and effort spent on it are greater than all the previous ones combined!

But Thomas's confident announcement still made him hesitate.

After all, Thomas had given him so many surprises.

"I want to know how to get promoted to Protector of the Nation," Thomas said.

"I've said before that there's no stable path to becoming a Protector," Gandalf said. "Between the Elite and the Protectorate, there's a qualification issue. Everyone faces different challenges, as you must address your shortcomings. Your body, mind, soul, bloodline... all flaws must be addressed. According to a Chinese saying, this is called perfection. Only after perfection is one qualified to attempt the ascension to the Exiled Immortal. However, until you reach the pinnacle of the Elite, you can't be sure where you're lacking... Oh, bloodline is an exception. Even if you're not at the pinnacle of the Elite, you can still determine whether you have Distinguished Blood."

"Do I have noble blood? If not, how can I make up for it?"

"I'm not sure." Gandalf sighed. "I need a little of your blood as a test. If you don't have the blood of the Noble... then you may need to prepare a ritual. Through a special method, you can make up for the bloodline defects in a short period of time. But it will only be effective for a short time." He said. "As a cost, you need a portion of the Noble Blood. It doesn't need to be a lot, just a little will do."

"Can the blood of the great be preserved for a long time?" Thomas asked. "I saved a small amount of the little prince's blood from last time and temporarily froze it in ice."

"It's useless," Gandalf said. "You know, blood spoils after a while. No matter how well you preserve it... it won't work unless you use magic. There are magic spells to preserve it. Use one every ten days or half a month, and it can be preserved for a long time."

But there is nothing we can do.

Thomas knew that blood storage technology didn't exist in those days. If anything, he did what he did: freeze the blood.

Now it seems that this trick is useless.

However, according to Gandalf, the glorious blood is only the least difficult of the many conditions.

Because at least this matter is easy to understand, and people with noble blood are easy to find. As for defects in the soul and spirit, it is more difficult.

"In short, Aragorn, what you need to do is first fully master the Art of Steel Soul. Only after you have mastered it, you will be qualified to consider the next step!"

Thomas understood.

No wonder I’ve heard more than one person mention the term “half-step to protect the country” before, but never the term “half-step elite”.

The so-called half-step national defenders should be those elite warriors who are making up for their own shortcomings.

They have made up for some of their physical, mental and spiritual deficiencies, so they must be stronger than ordinary elite peaks.

However, there is still no way to completely make up for the shortcomings, so there is no question of protecting the country.

However, there is no such thing as "qualification" to be promoted to elite. To put it simply, upgrading to elite is to stimulate the potential of bloodline.

Anyone can stimulate the potential of their bloodline, but the core warriors have fully developed their physical potential, so it is easier to stimulate the potential of their bloodline. They also have a better chance of surviving life and death.

If you really give a completely untrained person that non-lethal potion... theoretically he can also unleash extraordinary powers.

However, without sufficient training, even if extraordinary powers are stimulated, they cannot be converted into combat power well, and it is impossible to kill an ordinary soldier in a few seconds.

Therefore, such people are not considered elite even if they have extraordinary powers.

They have walked out of the space gate and returned to the cabin.

Thomas was still very satisfied with this item, which had become a counterweight on the hilt of the sword.

If he gets into a desperate situation, he will have a way to retreat in times of crisis.

So he decided to prepare some storable food and water and put them in it as soon as he got back.

You don't need a lot, just enough to last one person ten days or half a month. Oh, and of course you'll need medicine for healing too.

"Master Gandalf," Thomas sheathed his sword. "I have some news that might interest you."

"what?"

"Marlowe might actually be preparing for his resurrection," Thomas said. "Someone told me that if we can eliminate Marlowe's followers, especially the devout ones, we can make him starve of faith."

"Yes," Gandalf hesitated, then answered. "Gods do require faith, but I'm not sure why. But I will say that thirst won't kill a god outright; it will only drive him into a state of madness. And an irrational god is easier to deal with."

"If Marlowet really revives and can walk on the earth again..." Thomas asked. "What will happen?"

"I can't be sure," Gandalf said. "But I don't think any of the Christians will survive. The same goes for the Crescent Cult. If luck is bad, and Marlowet doesn't retain much of his sanity... I imagine this land will revert to its most ancient state. Humanity will vanish, and the ancient spirits will once again rule the land."

"Master, if I'm not mistaken, you seem to think that Marlowet's desire to be revived is not a rational choice?"

"Indeed. Marlowet's desire to walk the earth again is pure madness. Times have changed," Gandalf said. "We do not know why times have changed, why the Age of Gods is gone forever. But we do know that in this age, no god but a madman would choose to do so."

"So how do you fight a god that walks the earth?"

"Confrontation? Ha! Remember I told you that what Europeans call the Protector of the Nation is called a 'Demigod' in other places."

"Only those who protect the country are qualified to fight against the gods?"

Gandalf said nothing more, but his manner was its own answer.

It really is... we can't just leave it alone!

Thomas knew his own situation: he was a Christian on the surface, but in reality he was an unbeliever. So regardless of his identity, Marlowet probably wouldn't let him go.

"Um, you told me before that 'Knight of Blasphemy' Boris could be promoted to Protector of the Nation at any time?"

"He is a gifted man, with nearly perfect qualities in every way." Gandalf sighed as he spoke of this. "It's a shame he still has a congenital flaw. They say the gods are fair, and nothing could be more fair than this."

As expected...it is extremely difficult to be promoted to Protector of the Nation!

If Marlowet truly revives, then everything will be over! At least, there's no force around Thomas that can stand against him.

"And most importantly, gods cannot be killed!" said Gandalf.

Section 143 Upgrade 1

"Unkillable?" Thomas was shocked.

"Of course, why do you think a god is called a god?" Gandalf said. "Even if he were to appear before you and be killed right where you are, and you happen to have a weapon powerful enough to harm him... it would be useless! Because his essence, or at least part of it, has long been embedded in the fundamental forces or laws of the world beneath the surface of the universe."

“So, the god who descended into the material world… is only a part of Him, not all of Him?” Thomas understood now.

"Master, you said that among the gods, some are actively, while others are passively, embedded in the fundamental forces or laws of the world beneath the surface of the universe? Some even can't maintain their own rationality?"

"Indeed," Gandalf replied.

"Could we speculate that this passivity actually refers to the fact that the gods' bodies were killed in the material world, which is why they are passively embedded in the fundamental forces or laws of the world beneath the surface of the universe?"

"That's what they say," Gandalf replied vaguely. "It's hard to get clear answers about matters concerning the gods."

When Thomas returned from Gandalf, he did not go back directly to the camp.

Instead, he went to a pasture outside Kiev.

This is the place where the largest beef and mutton dealer in the vicinity of Kiev is located, as learned through multiple channels.

The land of Rus was rich in resources, and both agriculture and animal husbandry were remarkable in this era. Furthermore, there were endless grasslands nearby, making it easy to trade with nomads.

Therefore, meat has always been an important part of the Russian diet.

A city like Kiev, with a population of several hundred thousand, had a substantial livestock supply, with thousands of animals consumed daily. This was especially true in Kiev itself, where the various dignitaries and their families were major meat consumers.

In such a market, there will naturally be some butchers with considerable strength.

For example, the one Thomas is about to visit now.

The ranch is very large and can easily accommodate thousands or tens of thousands of cattle and sheep.

In addition to pastures for cattle and sheep, and farmhouses for hired workers to live in, there are also several slaughterhouses.

After being slaughtered, the cattle and sheep will be sent to various meat stalls in the city and sold in the market as soon as possible.

The so-called "butcher" is of course just a customary name. In fact, this merchant does not slaughter livestock himself, or even if he is proficient in this, he no longer needs to do it himself.

He employs more than a hundred shepherds and butchers!

He crossed the lawn and entered the villa where the owner of the manor lived. The owner, named Tvori Mirich, was already waiting for him in the reception room.

Incidentally, he is a Christian—at least he calls himself so.

Before Thomas was a middle-aged man of medium height, bald, dressed in a brightly colored robe and adorned with eight rings on each of his ten fingers. His drawing room was luxurious, yet it couldn't conceal the vulgar display of wealth of a nouveau riche. The door curtains and window drapes were made of pink gauze and white Indian linen. The style of the chairs suggested they were from Italy, while the cushions and rugs were clearly from Persia or even further east. A rural landscape painted on the wall; while the artist was unknown, it was clearly a fine piece. The only problem was that it didn't quite match the room's furnishings.

The two of them greeted and saluted like normal people.

As a knight commander, Thomas might be rich or not, but he was definitely from the upper class. This man, despite owning a large business and earning tens of thousands of florins every year, was not as socially advanced as Thomas.

Businessmen are not very respected these days.

So, through the introduction of the Jews, Thomas easily made an appointment to meet the other party.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Thomas quickly turned the subject to the main topic.

"Mr. Twomirich, to be frank, I'm here on a secret mission," Thomas said. "So I'd like to have a conversation between you and me."

"Sir Knight, you can rest assured that the safety of this room is absolutely fine." This proposal made Tvorimilich a little flattered.

"Well, I've been ordered to find a special animal," Thomas said after a moment's hesitation. "So I need your help."

"Special livestock?" Tvore Mirich was puzzled.

"We've picked up some pagan rumors about a god, or something, reborn as an animal. It's a myth, but some believe we've caught the wrong person." Thomas sighed. "There's no concrete clue, just a vague guide. That's why I came here. People say everywhere, Mr. Twomirich, you have the most livestock here. And they say you're very dedicated to the church."

"Of course. I'm happy to help...but what are the specific characteristics of that livestock? I'll send someone to find it immediately!"

"I don't know!" Thomas sighed again.

"Then... how do I find them?" Tvorimilitch was a little confused. "Sir Knight, if nothing else, I have two hundred animals ready for slaughter today!"

"I have a special way to find it, but I have to kill it myself." Thomas sighed. "I wish I had a better way, but I don't."

Although he said so, he used a dejected and sighing tone to clearly express his attitude that he didn't want to do it at all.

After all, this matter is just nonsense. It is normal for him to slack off in the face of nonsense.

"So what do you mean?" Tvori Mirich didn't understand.

“How much is a cow now?”

"To be honest, the cattle I purchased are all top-quality goods, and one costs an average of ten florins!" Tvorimilich said immediately.

"Here are five hundred florins!" Thomas pulled out a large purse from his pocket. "I'll take care of the two hundred cattle you have waiting to be slaughtered. I think this will help me get by for now."

"Oh!" Tvorimilich's eyes sparkled.

This is free money delivered to your door!

"Of course, this matter must be kept confidential," Thomas continued.

"Sir Knight, I'd like to ask you about the beef you 'processed'..."

"It's absolutely non-toxic and has no problems. You can sell it like normal meat. I can prove it if you want," Thomas said. "I'm paying for this, not for anything else, but to keep it secret!"

He lowered his voice. "This is a pagan ritual. As a Christian knight, if I were to become involved with these pagan practices, it would tarnish my reputation. So I hope you can keep this a secret. You're known everywhere as an honest and trustworthy businessman!"

Tvorimic thought about it and felt that it would be a shame not to do this kind of business with no capital.

So a little while later, Thomas was standing on the slaughterhouse side.

Tevoli Mirich was a man who knew how to make arrangements. He prepared the cattle, but thoughtfully did not arrange any manpower.

Thomas needed someone to slowly process the cattle.

But that's okay.

Unfortunately, this trick can only be used once or twice at most. If you use it more than that, it will probably attract attention.

If the situation wasn't tense, Thomas would rather stay in the church and slowly absorb the divine power.

It is safe, labor-saving, and you can do other things at the same time, such as reading.

Pity.

Thomas sighed as he pulled out his sacrificial knife from a specially made long wooden box.

Section 144 Upgrade 2

It was already late when I returned from the butcher's.

Nothing worth mentioning happened today, so Thomas hurriedly washed up and returned to the center of the room.

He closed his eyes, concentrated, and looked inward, then checked once again the amount of divine power in the damaged godhead.