Worshiping the Gods [Selfcest]

[Historical fantasy, with an open ending, a touch of ensemble cast. Don't worry, it won't be angsty.]

Can one find a way to live when all hope is lost? With nowhere left to retreat, the young man climbed the steps and knelt before the gods.

"Don't look up," an old man on the mountainside told him.

The mountain temple was quiet and deserted. There were no flowers or fruit, no brazier or incense on the altar. After bowing, he raised his head and saw the nameless god he had prayed to. He stared, stunned, for a long time.

A person identical to him stepped out from behind the statue and crouched before him with a faint smile.

"Pray to me. I won't save all living beings, but I will save you."

The sea of suffering has no shore, yet the god would save only one person.

Du Hai x Zhou

P.S.:

I don't know much about ancient official ranks or punishments, so most of this is made up in a fictional setting. Just... guess the characters' jobs from their names. If that bothers you, don't read.

As I've said before, I like writing romance, not plot.

I think it's all basically crap, just sweet-flavored. (Wait, what are you saying? Stop talking.)

Theme: People must save themselves.