"And the final verdict is ..." Catiano said and waved his staff. Then, he anticlimactically sighed.

"Voting may not be the best way to do this. I believe everyone here voted for himself or herself," Catiano said. "I do not blame for anyone doing so. I voted for myself as well."

"I know you are attempting to find a neutral democratic way of reaching a decision, but if I may, Catiano, I would love to propose an alternative," Serina said.

"And that would be?"

"I would like to offer my service as the Goddess of Truth. Let each of us voice a reason on why he or she deserves to be the first deity to approach the new god. I would then discern whether they are truly speaking the truth on how they feel. You can be the final arbiter."

"And how do we know that you won't lie?" Edayth asked with suspicion.

"Have any of you ever heard me speak an untruth?" Serina asked.

"That still doesn't mean you can't lie," Edayth replied.

"The Creator gave us all great powers but also great restraints. I will be blunt with these examples so forgive me if you feel slighted. Alula possesses beauty, charm and creativity but she lacks discipline and modesty. Thuro possesses courage and strength but he lacks patience and wisdom.

Edayth, you possess wit, charm and a carefree spirit but you are unable to remain honest with even your own followers. For me, I possess the ability to see all truths but I am unable to tell a lie."

"I suppose I have to agree with that," Yuano said.

Edayth nodded in consent.

"That is a better idea than what I conceived and though I am known as the God of Wisdom, I am clearly unwise with my original plan," Catiano said.

"You do not have to be perfect, only real," Serina said.

"Wise words for was it not the Creator who said that none among us are perfect and that we all need to work together for the common good of our world?" Catiano replied.

Serina nodded and said, "In the Book of Truth, it states that God's true intention would be revealed at the end of time but before then we gods have the responsibility to ensure mortals not only survive but prosper with the help of our guidance. The quote goes as such: 'With faith and courage to carry out the Creator's will, the pantheon of gods are appointed to be divine guides for the mortals. The faith which spreads from each god is a light which coalesced together will carry all mortals and gods to a brighter future until the great Truth is revealed."

"I have always found it interesting that the Book of Truth bears resemblance to the older Holy Book. There are inevitable discrepancies. From your quote, you are referring to the same passage as ..." Catiano said.

"This talk is very boring," Thuro's booming voice interrupted.

"Our little brother is right. We do not need to bore everyone else. Let's continue another time. I have almost forgotten how much I enjoy our little chats," Serina smiled. "Shall we start?"

"Let us not have any more commentaries until the end. Thuro, since you spoke, would you mind if you start first with your reason on why you should be the first delegate to the new god? For the sake of time, just say one sentence," Catiano said and gestured at Thuro to begin.

"Simple. I want to challenge her in a test of strength. Any god or goddess worthy of staying on Urth cannot be a puny weakling," Thuro said.

"He is telling the truth," Serina said.

"Next, we have Karren," Catiano said.

"I want to ensure with my own eyes that she does not plan to harm the land or the people.""

"Truth," Serina said.

"Next, we have Sludomo."

"I am curious on the dreams she has and whether those are aligned with ours."

"Edayth?"

"There is much in this world that remains to be uncovered and taken. I want to enlist her on a few plans in mind."

"Truth."

"How do you know it's a woman?" Catiano asked curiously.

"Intuition," Edayth replied. "You have just broken your own rule of no commentaries by the way."

"You're right. Let's continue. Yuano?"

"If she comes from another world, there must be wonderful cities and artifacts where she comes from. I wonder if we can learn to make those items here as well. If she has the knowledge and we can learn, everyone on Urth can benefit."

"Truth."

"Alula?"

"I am curious about her as well and I would like to be first one to greet her to welcome her to this new world."

"Lie," Serina said. "Can you tell us the real reason sister?"

"I was kidding. You know I want to see for myself that her powers do not intrude on my domain. If she is a goddess of the arts or love, conflict is inevitable."

"Truth."

"Mara?"

"I am really not sure why I chose myself."

"Half-truth," Serina said. "Do you know the real reason?"

"I do not," Mara said.

"That is fine. Sometimes, a half-truth does not mean you intentionally lied but just that you do not yet fully understand your own motives," Serina replied.

"Now I have to answer the question myself," Catiano said and then continued. "I want to understand who she really is and whether she would be willing to believe and follow the Book of Truth. Lastly, you, Serina."

"I want to learn the truth of who she really is and what her true intentions are," Serina said.

Catiano nodded.

"That sounds very reasonable, Serina. In fact, all of you gave very reasonable answers," Catiano said. "The time now comes to me to make the difficult decision on who the first observer should be."

"Are we merely to observe?" Thuro spoke. "If I find the opponent worthy, I would challenge him or her to battle."

"I cannot stop you from directly engaging but I would highly advise against it. We need to work together which means not dashing in with complete disregard of consequences," Catiano said.

"Catiano, do we have a decision?" Edayth asked impatiently.

"Yes, I believe that I have reached one."