Genshin Impact: Towards Godhood

The tribes chase after fertile pastures.

However, fertile resources are limited. Sometimes two tribes might discover the same oasis, and the only way to resolve the conflict is through battle.

Slaughter sows the seeds of hatred, which then breeds more slaughter.

This cycle repeats endlessly, never ceasing.

The problem cannot be solved by destroying one side because all tribes in the desert compete for resources.

You can destroy one enemy, but if you don't address the larger environment, conflict and slaughter will inevitably return, unending.

For hundreds of years, the desert's environment has remained unchanged.

There are solutions to this problem, and Rama's personal path involves using force to achieve unification.

This is conquest, not governance. Tribes that are forcibly conquered will not abandon their mutual hatred or contribute much loyalty to the kingdom.

But this is the opportunity to change the chaotic tribal rule.

They won't be loyal, but the newly formed kingdom doesn't need their loyalty—the king only needs them to be willing to fight.

Next comes a snowball effect.

As long as the king can bring enough benefits, they will forget they were once conquered, viewing the kingdom as their honor and badge.

Continuous victories and the benefits they bring will make them loyal followers of the king.

"People indeed abhor war, but they despise wars that bring no benefits yet demand sacrifices from them."

"If a war can bring victory and continuously provide fertile land and resources to the tribe's people, no one will despise war."

"When we cannot quickly resolve internal conflicts, we should use war to transform internal conflicts into external ones."

Objectively speaking, hatred is a significant problem.

Rama lacks the ability to make people endure hatred, nor can he persuade everyone to work together just by talking.

Problems should be solved, but there are many ways to solve them.

"It's like how I can't persuade some elders who oppose me, but I can make them unable to oppose me."

Babel understands the core technique of problem-solving.

If you can't solve the problem, solve the person who raised the problem.

"External wars can eliminate those who are completely unwilling to compromise. When they die, the issue of hatred will be greatly alleviated."

"Then comes the phase of victory. Sumeru's territory is vast; as long as we can win, there will be enough benefits to appease everyone's hearts."

"When the hardliners disappear, the neutrals and less stubborn opposition will gladly accept these benefits and become our allies."

Rama spoke calmly, "There's only one problem: we have to win."

Objectively, Babel did not want to support Rama.

His ambitions are too grand.

This elder of the Tanit tribe merely wants to discover the "Eternal Oasis," use the Flower God's divine authority to gain greater benefits, and seek the power of the "Seal of the Jinn" that turns the desert into an oasis, according to legend.

But Rama wants to become the Scarlet King.

Not just the King of the Red Sands.

When the Scarlet King was alive, kings who served under divine authority could also be called the Kings of the Red Sands—they were the kings of the desert.

But mortals would not compete with gods for the same title, so they refused the title of the King of the Red Sands, placing themselves in a very proper position.

But Rama's positioning is not as proper.

He wants to become the king of the Red Sands and then ascend to become the god here.

"If I refuse to cooperate with you..." Babel asked, "you wouldn't kill me at this moment, would you?"

"No, Mother. You raised me and gave me the opportunity to survive."

Even though I know it's because you lacked a suitable tool.

But a lifesaving grace is a lifesaving grace; it doesn't change because of the giver's motives.

Rama shook his head. "I would leave the desert, seeking my future elsewhere, just as Cyno chose the rainforest and Candace chose Aaru Village."

"I wouldn't choose a place that offers me no hope."

"I am willing to become a hero because the desert does not yield. No matter how perilous and difficult the future may be, if the desert itself is unwilling to resist, then I think everyone's future being bleak and gloomy is only natural."

"Fighting against the injustice of fate is something everyone who suffers injustice should do. I understand your helplessness in surviving in darkness, knowing you can't do it and not forcing you to be heroes."

"But if you not only fear the darkness but also start defending it and attacking others who want to shine."

"Then perhaps it is not a coincidence but an inevitability that fate has placed you in such a situation."

Babel sneered, "You are also in this fate, Rama. Have you forgotten that you are a desert dweller?"

Rama pointed to his own cheek, "I have no intention of arguing, but Mother, could you repeat that sentence while looking at this face?"

His smile was gentle, "The sentence, 'you are a desert dweller.'"

"You know your identity?" Babel sighed.

Rama shook his head, "I know nothing. I just have another path to choose."

"Becoming a hero is my own choice. I hope to bear the shameful fate of this desert for five hundred years and lead them to a free and bright future."

"But this is my own thought. I know no one expects me to be a hero."

But the path to becoming a hero does not need anyone's expectations.

I did not choose this path for the respect of others. Even if no one expects a hero, I chose it simply because I wanted to.

You certainly have the freedom not to accept it.

Likewise, I have the freedom to do so.

"How arrogant you are." Babel shook her head.

Words are powerless; no matter what you say, disbelief remains disbelief.

Rama did not argue.

War at least requires a basic foundation, at the very least a belief to initiate it.

Changing the future of the desert people is Rama's belief, but if the desert people themselves are unwilling to stand up, he cannot forcefully drag their fate along.

Better to let them kneel.

Babel inquired, "Do you know my plan?"

"The 'Eternal Oasis,' Mother," Rama did not hesitate, "but that does not change the bigger picture."

"The desert's predicament is not just a problem of resource scarcity. A fertile land will only attract more hunters to roam and covet it."

"You know... is that what you think?" Babel hesitated.

Rama's expression remained unchanged as he gave his final answer, "The desert gods do not love mankind, Mother."

The "Eternal Oasis" is the Flower God's legacy.

Rama does not know what Babel truly wants, but he is certain the Flower God will give her nothing.

The Flower God does not love mankind, and the Scarlet King does not care about His people.

(Chapter ends)