I had no idea what you guys were talking about until I re-read those subs again.

For one, the Freida doesn't seem like she was just brainwashed by the First King. Sure, they all gave off blank stares etc every now and again, but possession wasn't even suggested.

On the other hand, Rod calls them Gods. His fixation and admiration for a "God" makes more sense if the First King actually manifests through, as opposed to just guiding new successors with a photographic textbook.