Lucy and Ted exchanged glances, listening intently.
"We could join the world as heroes, or we could become villains on the surface, but I think there's a better way," Linsley continued. "I've discovered something about my powers—an ability tied to faith. If people worship me, I can absorb their faith and use it to grow even stronger. It's something beyond the power of Diviners. It's divine."
Ted raised an eyebrow. "You're saying you want to create... a religion?"
Linsley nodded. "Yes. But not just any religion. A movement. We'll gather those who have been cast aside—the Wasteborn, the Inferiors. They're the ones who suffer the most, and they have the most to gain from change."
"We'll give them hope, and in return, their faith will make us stronger. I plan to establish what I'm calling the Sinclair Order."
Lucy's crimson eyes sparkled with understanding. "By creating this order, we can control our own destiny. We don't have to rely on the broken system."
"Exactly," Linsley said. "We'll build something new. We'll operate in the shadows for now, growing our influence, and when the time is right, we'll emerge. Stronger. Ready to reshape this world."
Ted nodded, his eyes filled with newfound purpose. "I'm with you."
Linsley smiled, pleased with his resolve. "Good. We start preparing now. I already have sufficient strength to act as the God of the Sinclair Order. And as the God of the Sinclair Order, I'll bring salvation to those who are worthy and devoted."
Although Linsley's ability to draw power from faith wasn't directly connected to his Real Fantasy Gift, neither Lucy nor Ted questioned him further.
In their ten years together, they had learned that when Linsley spoke with such confidence, he wasn't joking.
Ted nodded slowly, beginning to grasp the magnitude of the task. "So, this island... it'll be completely undetectable?"
Linsley nodded. "Exactly. It will be a place where we can build the Sinclair Order's foundations, where our followers and believers can thrive, safe from the prying eyes of the world. We've stayed hidden here in this forest for ten years because we were few in number. I used my powers to make sure no one could find us, but that will change once we start attracting more people."
Lucy tilted her head, thoughtful. "If we establish a base here, wouldn't the Gale Overlord eventually notice?"
"That's the problem," Linsley said, his tone contemplative but calm. "We're too close to the edge of the Gale Continent. This territory belongs to the Gale Overlord, and if we expand here, he'll inevitably sense something wrong, especially if people start flocking to us. We can't risk raising suspicion on his territory."
Ted frowned. "Then it's not just about creating the island—it's about making sure no one can find it."
"Exactly," Linsley confirmed. "I'll create the island far out in the ocean, beyond the reach of any overlords, and I'll use my Real Fantasy to ensure its secrecy. It will be isolated but self-sustaining, a place where our Order can grow and flourish without interference."
Lucy looked impressed. "And what about bringing people there? How do we convince them to follow us if they can't even find the place?"
Linsley nodded at Lucy's question, a confident smile spreading across his face. "The island will be the heart of the Sinclair Order, but that doesn't mean we'll gather all of our followers there immediately. I have no intention of kidnapping people or forcing them to stay. The island will be reserved for those worthy of coming."
Ted tilted his head, intrigued. "Then how do we bring them there?"
Linsley clasped his hands behind his back as he explained. "We'll recruit followers naturally—through faith. Those who truly seek salvation, those who desire freedom from the oppression of society, will dream about me."
"In their dreams, I'll appear to them as the God of the Sinclair Order. I'll ask them questions, review their intentions, and if they're worthy, they'll be granted the power to teleport to our island. It will be a sanctuary, but only for those who prove themselves devoted."