Kingdom Building: Civilization Starts with Divinity-Chapter 58: Calculated Risk

Shortly before the battle between Nera and Gravana had begun.

Alchemy and Rio sat at the makeshift conference table.

"How did you like the [Chrysalis Nexus], Mr. Rio?" Alchemy asked, sipping Celestian juice.

"What else do you want me to say, young goddess? I’ve already given the highest praise I possibly could. To think that even such a functionally simple tool could be used to learn the finer details of what materials are made of... This could revolutionize how infrastructure and tools are made!"

Hearing Rio being excited made Alchemy nod, a slight chuckle following suit. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

"I’m glad, but it’s a shame. I have plenty of knowledge to give to the world, but my children lack the ability to make it a reality."

Curiously, Rio slightly opened one of his eyes to look at Alchemy.

"What do you mean? Surely you’re not saying your own kin are too unintelligent to make do with what you have?"

"No, nothing of the sort. The Verminae are a hivemind of sorts. Any information one of us has, all of us have. The issues are twofold. Need for development and capability of making the objects in question. If it wasn’t obvious, the architecture we use is... Not particularly efficient or pleasing to look at."

Not that it needed to be either of those things with the help of the system, but naturally, Rio didn’t need to know the full extent of the system for now.

"Oho? If it’s not needed, then why is it an issue?" Rio continued to inquire.

"Because they deserve better. Humans don’t need vanity but strive to look as pretty or handsome as possible. They seek contentment. Really, what sapient creature doesn’t? Take Nera, for example. She seeks the truth of all things. Whether that’s the secrets of Divinity, Magic, or even the power of Demons, she’s incapable of magic, so what could possibly be the use for the others aside from personal fulfillment?"

Rio was a little surprised when Demonic Energy was mentioned. It wasn’t surprising that Alchemy knew of it since it was the antithesis of Divine Power, but hearing that Nera wanted to learn about it was certainly not what he was expecting.

He even stopped his pursuits of learning about Demonic Energy due to a lack of research methods. Frankly, he thought such a thing was impossible, but after what he saw today, the Verminae having methods to obtain Demonic Energy samples isn’t out of the question.

"I, too, have worldly desires despite being a Goddess. I want to wear fancy clothing from time to time, I want my people to be happy, and I want to express myself in various ways. But with just Nera and me, that is difficult."

Rio’s smile shrunk to a shadow of its former self as his other eye opened, forcing an invisible pressure to engulf Alchemy, freezing her in place.

’This is Killing Intent? I can’t breathe. It’s so much stronger than Nera’s!’ Alchemy panicked inwardly.

Naturally, she didn’t let any of her panic show.

"So, in short, you’re asking for the help of the Knowledge Seekers? You know, preying on the natural curiosity of my people is not a very pleasant thing to do. First, you so blatantly lie to Gravana about his young, and now you’re trying to use my people."

Alchemy’s smile didn’t falter.

"I... Still don’t know what you two mean by me killing his kids. It’s starting to get rather insulting. Even I have limits to how much I’m willing to tolerate." Alchemy stated, sitting firm and not letting her smile falter.

"Little Goddess. You are far too young to be playing these games. If not for the fact that Gravana was a muscle-headed idiot who only wanted to pursue the ultimate arts, you and all of your people would be dead. You need to know your place."

Alchemy’s demeanor didn’t change. Instead, she slowly and calmly took a drink of her juice. Moving under the killing intent was difficult, but she pushed through anyway.

"A calculated risk all the way through. With risk, progress will never be made. And without progress, stagnation will occur. There is nothing worse than stagnation."

These were the first wholly true words that had left Alchemy’s mouth. The calculated part was, on a technicality, true as well.

She calculated the risk, but god, Alchemy is terrible at math.

"Furthermore, it’s in quite lousy faith to jump to conclusions pointlessly. And I know a lot about the faith of others."

Alchemy’s eyes seemed to pierce straight through Rio’s. Of course, it was all a facade; if Rio wanted to get rid of Alchemy,, she couldn’t do anything to stop him.

"Ho? What do you mean?" Rio questioned, lightening the pressure on Alchemy.

"You were wrong the moment you said I was preying on your curiosity. Your people would indeed be of great help to the Verminae; I was going to make a formal request between leaders. We could have negotiated an investment deal if payment isn’t possible now." Alchemy sighed.

"Frankly speaking, this deal solely benefits you, even if I didn’t want to pay you. I provide you with the tools you need to do whatever you want. To make the world your oyster, you only need to assist in my personal endeavors occasionally. Alas, your distaste for me has been made clear. I hope this won’t harm our future friendship."

Alchemy stood up. It was easy enough to move with the lighter pressure. Still uncomfortable but manageable.

"I would see you out, but I should go make sure my teacher isn’t bullying Nera too much." She finished speaking and began to walk away.

"Apologies."

Rio’s eyes widened in shock from Alchemy’s disinterest. Not only was she able to withstand his killing intent, something a newborn Goddess shouldn’t be able to do, regardless of their power.

Killing intent and resistance to it was measured by willpower, not strength.

"W-wait a moment! Aren’t you being a little hasty? I-I’m sure we can talk this deal over!"