Chapter 3: Sacrifice

Chapter 3: Sacrifice

With utmost care, Lu Yao delicately guided the mouse to the designated [Sacrifice] slot, his gaze fixed upon the crimson creature before him. It coiled like a fragile newborn, its form resembling a mysterious and delicate newborn.

Before him lay a Garlic Tribe Babya sacrificial offering to God, prompted the system.

An involuntary twitch flickered across Lu Yao's brow. The act of sacrificing living beings had its roots in the primal inclination of humanity to appease their deities. Yet, in the realm of "The Celestial Experience," Lu Yao found himself both intrigued and unsettled by the prospect of sacrificing a digital life form.

The temple interface, the sole means of interaction between Lu Yao and the pixelated garlic tribe, offered no insights into the repercussions or intentions of the villainous entity he was supposed to embody.

Pondering the [Sacrifice] icon before him, Lu Yao yearned for a way to dismiss it and explore alternative avenues. To his surprise, the interface responded promptly, presenting him with a new line of text:

Do you wish to accept the [Garlic Tribe Baby] offered by the devout believers?

--Yes or No

Resolute in his decision, Lu Yao opted for the negative response without hesitation. The addition of a baby to his family, without any valid reason or explanation, would undoubtedly draw unwanted attention from the authorities. He shuddered at the thought of facing inquiries or even legal repercussions from such a peculiar circumstance.

Moreover, the practicality of tending to a sudden influx of babies with the subsequent expenses of formula and diapers weighed heavily on Lu Yao's mind, leaving him exasperated.

After all, he was a god, not a mere babysitter for the garlic tribe!

As Lu Yao rejected the sacrificial offering, exclamation marks materialized above the heads of all the members of the Garlic tribe, their pixelated forms filled with disbelief and disappointment.

"The gods are dissatisfied! They have no desire for infants!"

"I warned you not to offer a baby! We should have presented an adult capable of tending to fields and gathering fruits for God!"

"No, no, we need prey, finest of prey. The gods will undoubtedly favor wild boars!"

"Perhaps fish is the epitome of perfection! Slippery and harmless, they shall surely delight our Lord!"

"Find new sacrifices, new sacrifices!"

...

Observing the animated conversation among the diminutive pixelated individuals, Lu Yao found himself dumbfounded by their earnestness and determination.

However, as the garlic tribe dispersed into the surrounding forests, rivers, and lofty mountains in search of alternative sacrifices, Lu Yao couldn't help but contemplate the potential culinary delights that awaited him. The prospect of indulging in wild game or succulent seafood for supper tonight stirred his taste buds, despite his modest cooking skills.

As the [Sylvan Staff of Rejuvenation] nestled securely in his hand, a wave of revitalization surged through Lu Yao's entire being, dissipating any lingering muscle soreness and fatigue. It was as if he had regressed to the days of his youth, where a night of gaming could breathe new life into his very being, rendering sleep unnecessary.

The realization struck him profoundly. The magical artifacts from the pixelated world held tangible power in the real world! Lu Yao contemplated his own circumstances, lamenting the inevitable decline of his youthful resilience. Even a mere hour or two of late-night gaming would leave him yawning and drowsy the following day, impervious to the effects of coffee or energy drinks.

Yet, with the [Sylvan Staff of Rejuvenation] in his possession, he could relive the peak of boundless energy, unburdened by the shackles of exhaustion. He couldn't help but wave the staff in exuberance, reveling in the prospect of reclaiming his energetic vigor.

However, a more profound realization overshadowed his excitement. The true marvel lay in the fact that [Sacrifices] could indeed transcend the barriers between the pixelated realm and reality. If the temple could continuously transmit such wondrous artifacts, then this game possessed an inexhaustible treasure trove of possibilities.

Lu Yao's spirits soared as he envisioned a future liberated from the drudgery of mundane life, ascending to the pinnacle of existence as an ideal gamer, unencumbered by the burdens of survival. The temple's ability to breach the dimensional wall marked a gateway to endless opportunities.

Yet, as his focus returned to the game, he observed the pixelated villains streaming back to the tribe, their countenances adorned with smiling expressions. Joyful exclamations filled the air, brimming with fervor and gratitude.

"God's delight in our offerings! This is magnificent!"

"So, it turns out our Lord favors such sacrifices. We shall procure even more remarkable offerings!"

"I remain steadfast in my belief that wild boars reign supreme. The gods shall surely favor their grandeur over a mere branch!"

"Nonsense! Fish is the epitome of perfection!"

"Wild boars!"

"Fish!"

Among the animated discussions, Lu Yao discerned that the proponents of wild boars and fish were both individuals who hailed from the Forest Tribe, who were primarily tasked with gathering and hunting. Their inclination toward offering prey as gifts appeared logical within their tribal context.

Surveying the bustling villains, Lu Yao searched for the one who had presented the [Sylvan Staff of Rejuvenation] as a sacrifice. However, all the pixelated figures bore an uncanny resemblance, lacking distinguishing features or names above their heads, making it arduous to discern their identities.

Finally, within the temple stood a bare-chested pixelated character, sporting the signature question mark above his head. Evidently, he remained the sole thinker among the tribea beacon of enlightenment amidst a sea of uniformity.

A new message materialized on the screen, capturing Lu Yao's attention:

There is a believer who has sprouted wisdom. Shall we anoint him as a prophet?

Accept or Decline

Lu Yao's cursor hovered over the options, contemplating the significance of this potential transformation. The decision held weight, not only within the pixelated realm but also in shaping the future trajectory of the game and his own journey within it.