The four of them reemerged in the mortal realm, standing within Jace's throne room. Sunlight filtered through the high windows, but the energy in the room far outshone it. Jace's entire being hummed with the new power coursing through him. He flexed his hands, marveling at the sensation, feeling as though the world itself bent to his will.
Pluto's voice cut through the quiet awe. "You are no longer fully human," he said, his tone calm but carrying weight. "You are now a Demi-God — the first in existence. Your power is called Soul Energy. Every living thing possesses it, but the All Father sealed it from humans long ago, in an attempt to reduce conflict."
He paused, letting the words sink in. "the other races — Demonoids, Drakziels — on Earth still wield Soul Energy because their creators, the All Father's brothers, permitted it. But their method is different from ours, and ultimately, weaker than what you now hold."
Jace's eyes gleamed, excitement radiating off him. He looked over the throne room, over the lands he now had the potential to dominate. And yet… he frowned. "So that's why they seemed so strong," he said quietly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "But if this is the best the All Father can do… he's overrated."
Pluto chuckled softly, the sound deep and amused. "Careful, my son. That remark could cost you a few headaches from gods long gone."
Turning, Pluto addressed Kolpa. "Train him. In the Alternate Time-Space I prepared. Let him explore the extent of his power."
Kolpa's eyes widened in curiosity, a spark of excitement replacing his usual reluctance. "Very well," he said. "I am… curious to see what you can do, Jace."
They departed, leaving Pluto and Demiurge behind. Demiurge bowed slightly and asked respectfully, "Master, with Jace now empowered… have your plans changed?"
Pluto's gaze darkened, though his voice remained calm. "My plans have never changed. I will find where the All Father sealed the Dragon Gods long ago. Jace's role is simple: control the Earth, distract the six gods, and keep them occupied while I act freely."
An hour passed in the mortal realm, but in the Alternate Time-Space, decades had flown. When Jace and Kolpa returned, they appeared older, taller, and stronger — each of them shaped by years of concentrated training in the accelerated time. Pluto extended a hand, and the energy around them returned their bodies to their normal frames.
Pluto's eyes scanned Jace. "And how did the training go?"
Kolpa's voice was firm, impressed. "He has mastered his abilities fully. Every strike, every surge of energy — precise, controlled. He is ready."
Pluto's lips curved in satisfaction. "Excellent. Then it is time to handle the coup problem. After that, you will raise your army and declare war upon this world… especially the three great powers."
Jace's chest rose with excitement. For the first time, the weight of destiny — of vengeance, power, and ambition — rested fully on his shoulders. And he was ready.
(At Ego Elysium)
A hall at Ego Elysium — one of the heavenly realms — shimmered in muted gold, its vast pillars echoing with murmurs of unease. The six had gathered once more to deliberate the state of the mortal realm.
Whispers rippled through the air as word spread — Pluto had returned. Yet this time, he walked not as a god among them, but through the shell of a mortal — a human pawn whose soul now bore his presence. None could discern his true plans, but all agreed on one thing: wherever Pluto moved, chaos followed.
As tension thickened, the air shifted — a sudden brilliance split the silence. From the rift of divine light stepped Spadion, the right hand of the All Father himself. His arrival sent waves of awe through the assembly; every god rose instinctively in reverence.
All except Nea Zoi, who lay slouched on the celestial table, half-asleep — and thus missed the spectacle entirely.
Bios was the first to find his voice. He rose from his seat, bowing slightly.
"Father… what brings you to Ego Elysium?" he asked, his tone lined with both reverence and surprise.
A calm radiance surrounded Spadion as he stepped further into the hall, his presence alone commanding silence.
"Be at ease, my son," he said, his voice carrying the weight of both thunder and grace. "I came not to chastise, but to commend. You were alert — wary — as you should be. Even gods must not slumber when shadows begin to stir."
At that, Nous leaned forward, her eyes sharp, reflecting the light of countless stars.
"We have no choice but to remain vigilant," she replied. "Just as he warned on the abandoned planet within your own dominion — he has returned. This time, he is using a mortal, creating another sin this time, a Demi-God"
The six gods in the grand hall exchanged glances, the air around them tightening with quiet dread. Beyond the golden arches, the divine wind itself seemed to hold its breath.
Spadion turned toward Nous, his expression softening.
"I understand how you feel," he said, his voice echoing like calm thunder across the marble chamber. "You all stood firm when the void itself clawed at creation. You protected the world the All Father entrusted to you — with your own lives. To watch it now sink once more into chaos… no, it would never be easy."
The gods lowered their gazes, the weight of his words settling like dusk.
"But," Spadion continued, his tone shifting, "I have come bearing news — directly from the All Father himself."
Before he could say more, a long, exaggerated yawn broke through the tension.
It was Nea Zoi, slouched comfortably in his seat, one arm draped over the backrest. His half-lidded eyes flicked toward Spadion.
"Let me guess," he muttered lazily, "more work, right? It always is…"
A ripple of stifled laughter passed through the gods, and even Spadion let out a rich, amused chuckle.
"Ha! I'm glad to see you've not changed, Nea Zoi. Still as jolly — and as hopelessly lazy — as ever."
"Wait, was that supposed to be a compliment?… well it doesn't matter" he slummed back down.
The tension in the hall eased, just for a moment, before the silence returned — thick, expectant, waiting for Spadion to reveal the All Father's decree.
Spadion's laughter faded, and his gaze grew solemn once more.
"Now listen well, young ones," he said, his voice filling the vast hall until even the light itself seemed to bow before it. "In light of the growing distress within Universe Alpha — upon the first Earth — the Council of Elder Gods, with the full blessing of the All Father, has reached a resolution."
The air trembled as divine energy rippled across the marble floor.
"We have decided," Spadion declared, "to amend the Ultimate Rule — Sub-Number #2124. Henceforth, effective immediately, we have approved the use of Soul Energy Manipulation for the next generation of mankind in Universe Alpha, Earth #1."
The moment the words left his lips, a wave of shock and disbelief swept through the six gods. The great hall erupted in murmurs; even the divine flames that floated above their thrones flickered wildly, as though stirred by the weight of the decree.
Meta stepped forward first, her eyes wide with confusion.
"Forgive me, Your holiness Spadion" she said, her tone steady yet reverent, "but did I hear you correctly? The All Father has truly sanctioned that power… for mortals?"
Spadion gave a single, grave nod.
Then Zoe, unable to contain herself, clasped her hands together — her tone bright, hopeful, almost trembling.
"Then… they finally have a fighting chance," she said, light flashing in her eyes. "At last, the humans can stand for themselves."
A faint smile tugged at Spadion's lips — though whether it was pride or concern, none could tell.
But then, a deep voice broke through the hall.
"No… no, no, no!"
The words echoed like thunder. Desmos rose from his throne, his eyes burning with fury.
"I do not accept this! And neither should any of you!"
The hall fell silent. Even the divine lights dimmed slightly, sensing the storm in his spirit.
Meta, startled, turned toward him. "What do you mean, Desmos?" she asked softly.
Even Nea Zoi lifted his head, interest flickering behind his lazy gaze.
Desmos slammed his fist against the marble table, the sound booming through Ego Elysium.
"Are you kidding me?" he shouted. "We've worked for eons to make our world what it is! Peaceful, balanced, free from endless war and greed. Among all the realms under the All Father's dominion, our Earth stands as the most harmonious. And now—now you would undo all of that?"
His tone softened, but the sorrow behind it only grew heavier.
"If we allow this, our children—our creation—will be thrown into chaos. Soul Energy will not save them. It will consume them."
Nous stepped forward, her expression calm but resolute.
"Desmos… I understand your fear. But we have no choice. Pluto's return has already shifted the balance. If we do nothing, mankind will fall before they even understand the threat."
Desmos shook his head slowly, eyes darkening.
"No, Nous. You don't understand. They will fall either way. Power blinds, power corrupts, and power—" he paused, his voice breaking just slightly— "power destroys love. Give them this gift, and you strip away what makes them human… their hearts."
The room fell silent once more. The six gods stood frozen, torn between fear and duty, while Spadion watched quietly — the faint sorrow in his eyes betraying that even he could not deny Desmos' words.
The silence lingered, heavy as stone, until Nous finally spoke, her voice calm but resolute.
"I understand you, Desmos," she said, her eyes locking with his. "You are right. All your fears… they are valid. But this," she gestured toward the decree, "is the only chance we have. Pluto is ruthless. With what they have now, mortals stand no chance at all. His ambitions stretch far beyond our world, as he himself admitted when we took the Dragon God he created from him."
She took a deep breath, letting the weight of her words sink in.
"We must do this — not to grant them reckless power, but to slow him down… to give humanity a fighting chance, however small, until we can deal with Pluto directly."
The hall remained tense, the divine air thick with anticipation, until Spadion stepped forward. His voice cut through the heaviness, firm yet tempered with a rare warmth.
"Desmos… think of it this way," he said. "This is not blind power. Mortals will have a choice. You will anoint a savior — a mortal with a righteous heart — to carry your blessings, to wield great power responsibly, and protect their world, with your guidance."
He spread his hands, as if painting the plan before them.
"All other humans will be entitled to just one ability from the four core elements. Rarely will one human master more than a single element, or dare to touch the powers of the Chaos classes — the abilities of the gods themselves. That way, even if a corrupt human rises, there will always be someone to stop them."
A quiet understanding settled over the hall. The logic was unyielding, but the moral weight remained — a fragile balance between hope and fear, between salvation and destruction.
After a long pause, Desmos finally exhaled, his shoulders heavy with reluctance.
"I… suppose you are right, Nous," he admitted, his voice low but steady. "This is a force humans cannot yet comprehend. Left as they are, they would crumble under it. Perhaps… perhaps this is the only way."
For a moment, silence filled the hall once again, as if the gods themselves were weighing the consequences.
Then, Nea Zoi stirred, lifting his head fully from his resting position. His lazy gaze held an unusual sharpness.
"Wait," he said, drawing all eyes. "You're all missing the obvious."
The gods leaned forward, surprised — most still nursing the tension of their disagreement.
"This decree takes effect with the next generation of humans," Nea Zoi continued, his voice calm and certain. "But the Pluto problem… that's now. We cannot wait for a child to grow into a hero before starting the mission. By then, Pluto would have already destroyed the world."
The hall went quiet. Shock rippled through the assembly — not at the logic, but at the fact that Nea Zoi had been paying such close attention while sleeping through the debate.
Snapping out of their surprise, Desmos spoke again, eyes narrowing as he formulated a plan.
"I have an idea," he said, his tone firm, determined. "We should reincarnate someone — a mortal with full memories of how to use their abilities. And I insist… I will be the one to choose who is reincarnated."
The weight of his words lingered in the hall, heavy with promise and responsibility. Even Nea Zoi, usually indifferent, gave a faint nod of approval, sensing that this was a decisive step in the battle against Pluto.
Bios leaned forward, curiosity and caution in his eyes.
"Desmos… who exactly do you have in mind?" he asked.
Desmos' expression hardened, his voice steady and filled with reverence.
"The first son of the late Emperor of the Dynasty of Menssai — Richard Von Menssai," he said. His gaze flickered briefly, betraying a deep personal connection. "And the elder brother of Pluto's pawn, Jace… Jericho Von Menssai."
The gods blinked in unison, shock and hesitation rippling through the hall.
Desmos raised a hand, cutting through their unspoken doubts.
"Trust me," he urged. "I knew Richard well. Among all mortals on Earth, the love in his heart surprised me the most. He was selfless… noble… my favorite human. I personally blessed him with Jericho as a gift for the purity of his heart. I know Jericho too, and he is truly his father's son. There is no one more worthy. No one else could carry this responsibility as he can."
Whispers flitted among the gods. Surprise, not in doubt of Desmos' judgment, but at his choice. Why pick the brother of Pluto's pawn — the very human whose sibling now served as a vessel for chaos?
Before any other god could speak, Nea Zoi shifted in his seat, lifting his half-lidded gaze with his usual nonchalant drawl.
"Wait a second," he said, voice lazy but sharp. "Are you sure this is wise, Desmos? Sending down a family member… of Pluto's pawn?"
The hall fell silent once more, the weight of Nea Zoi's question cutting deeper than any objection before it. All six gods felt the tension: the brilliance of Desmos' plan now colliding with the inherent risk of bloodlines.
Desmos straightened, his gaze unwavering despite Nea Zoi's pointed question.
"I understand your concern," he said, voice calm but firm. "Yes, Jericho is Jace's brother. But that is precisely why he is the right choice. Blood alone does not dictate a soul's path. Richard's love and selflessness shaped Jericho from the moment he was born. His heart is pure, and he possesses the courage and wisdom that even his brother lacks."
Nea Zoi tilted his head, studying Desmos with a faint smirk.
"Hm… bold words," he said, voice still casual. "But bold words won't stop a god from turning your chosen human into ash if things go sideways."
"I assure you Nea Zoi, he will be fine… i trust we will make sure of that, as his guardians" Desmos responded with the utmost confidence.
A quiet gravity fell over the hall. The other gods exchanged glances, weighing the risk against the necessity. Even Nea Zoi leaned back slightly, as if conceding the logic behind Desmos' certainty, though his usual amusement lingered in his half-smile.
Spadion finally spoke, his tone carrying the authority of the All Father himself.
"Very well. If this is the path chosen, then Desmos shall select the one to reincarnate. But know this — the responsibility rests not just with him, but with all of you. Humanity's fate begins anew today... and also you have been granted permission from the All Father to speak to just one mortal of your choosing, as a way to minimally interfere — but you are not allowed to go into greater details. And it must strictly be in the lost tongue… this is an opportunity to see if your cardinals and priests takes the faithful seriously enough to learn the lost tongue"
The six gods nodded in solemn agreement. A new chapter for Earth #1 had begun — one born from strategy, hope, and the dangerous intertwining of blood, power, and destiny.
Nea Zoi leaned back in his seat, a lazy smirk curling across his face.
"I can't believe I wasted two percent of my energy arguing," he muttered, his tone dripping with mock indignation, "only to end up losing."
Meta sighed, a small, amused shake of her head.
"What did you expect," she replied, her voice dry but gentle, "with that low of an effort?"
A ripple of quiet laughter passed through the hall, even Desmos allowing a small, weary smile. For a brief moment, the tension that had gripped Ego Elysium eased, replaced by the familiar camaraderie of gods — stubborn, sarcastic, and undeniably powerful.
With the hero problem settled, Spadion's voice filled the hall once more, carrying a new weight.
"I bring more news," he said, his gaze sweeping across the assembly.
Zoe spoke up immediately, her tone respectful but edged with tension.
"What news, your holiness Spadion?"
Spadion's next words sent a ripple of shock through the hall.
"The All Father and I… we require the presence of Nea Zoi."
Surprise flared in every god, though Nea Zoi himself was the slowest to react — already halfway into sleep again.
Meta screamed, half panicked, half furious.
"Nea Zoi! What have you done to be summoned like that?!"
Nea Zoi blinked blearily, sitting up just enough to plead.
"I did nothing! You all know me — where would I even find the willpower to do anything? I hate stressing myself."
Meta's expression softened as realization dawned on her.
"…You're right," she muttered, shaking her head. "You are the most lazy god I know."
Nea Zoi, ever sly, raised a brow.
"So… do I get an apology?"
Meta fixed him with a strong stare.
"I already admitted I was wrong. Don't push your luck."
Nea Zoi muttered under his breath, almost inaudible:
"What an evil goddess…"
The other gods chuckled quietly.
"Talk about being saved by being languorous," Bios said to Nous.
"I guess being lazy has finally worked in his favor… oh, Nea Zoi, never change."
A rich, booming laughter echoed across the hall — it was Spadion.
"Ahahah… don't worry, young Meta. Nea Zoi might be the god of death, but he is as innocent as they come. Trust me, even the All Father wanted him to really act like the god of death, but in the end… he gave up. Ahahah."
Nea Zoi sighed, brushing imaginary dust off his robes.
"Can you at least wait until I'm out of the room before laughing?" he asked. Then, with genuine curiosity, he tilted his head. "Fine… but why exactly does the All Father need me?"
The hall grew deathly silent, the air thick with anticipation as Spadion's voice cut through the quiet.
"What I am about to share," he said, his tone grave, "must not leave this council. Not a word. Not even the Elder Gods within the All Father's court are aware of this intel. I share it only with you — with the All Father's permission — because you were directly involved in the events that prevented its catastrophe."
The six gods exchanged solemn glances. Without hesitation, they gave their oaths — a promise etched into the very essence of Ego Elysium itself — that this knowledge would remain confined to their council.
Spadion took a breath, letting the gravity of the moment settle.
"Teleftaia Mera has birthed the Dragon God," he began, his voice low but steady. "She nearly died in the process. Pluto employed a forbidden method, and the energy he infused was so corrupt that the All Father himself had to Intervened — personally purifying it."
He let that sink in, watching the subtle reactions ripple across the hall.
"And yet… despite the danger, the All Father praised each of you for what you did. Had Pluto succeeded in unleashing this Dragon God, the destruction would have dwarfed even the Supreme War. Its power was volatile… unimaginable."
A hush fell over the assembly. Even Nea Zoi, usually indifferent, straightened slightly in disbelief.
Spadion continued, his voice growing almost reverent.
"The All Father contained it. He purged the corrupted energy Pluto had used and replaced it with his own essence. The Dragon God… is now the divine child of the All Father, carrying his very energy and essence within it."
A wave of shock coursed through the hall. The six gods struggled to breathe, to comprehend the enormity of what they had just heard. Some clasped their hands over their mouths, others stared at the floor in stunned silence.
For the first time since they had entered Ego Elysium, the weight of the universe itself pressed down upon them.
The All Father was certain that Pluto's ambitions would not end with the creation of the Dragon God. He foresaw that Pluto has already started seeking another path to claim at least one for his own. And so, in preparation for that day, the All Father made his decision — to adopt the Dragon God as his own child.
A divine being who would serve as the bridge between gods and Calamities alike, one who might end the endless war between them once and for all.
For a long while, silence ruled the hall. The weight of his words hung heavy until Nous was the first to speak, her voice soft but unwavering.
"So… the Dragon God is now the All Father's actual descendant," she whispered. "Unbelievable. But… I suppose he has already seen the outcome. He is the All Father, after all."
Meta folded her arms, frowning slightly. "Then why," she asked, still worried about him, even if she doesn't show it…. "do you need Nea Zoi?"
Spadion's gaze fell upon the half-drowsy god, whose eyes widened just enough to show faint awareness.
"The Dragon God," Spadion began, "possesses your divine ability — the art of shadow. The All Father wishes for the ruler of Shadows himself to mentor the Dragon God in due time."
A stunned hush swept through the gods. Their expressions turned to disbelief, as if trying to imagine Nea Zoi — the god who would rather sleep through eternity — teaching anything, let alone divine mastery.
Spadion smirked faintly. "You need not worry about disappointing the All Father, Nea Zoi. No one in Existence knows you better than he does. You were chosen because you're the best suited for this task. You'll do just fine."
Meta sighed softly, her eyes softening despite her effort to appear unmoved. A rare, fleeting smile crossed her lips. "Don't embarrass yourself too much, alright? Just… do your best."
Her face warmed slightly as she looked away. She'd never admit it — not yet — but there was something in her heart that cared for the slothful god far more than she allowed herself to feel.
Nea Zoi gave a lazy grin. "Heh… so I get the All Father's child and Meta's encouragement in one day? Maybe I should stay awake more often."
The room collectively exhaled in unison — half with laughter, half with exasperation.
Spadion chuckled. "Ah, Nea Zoi… never change."
Then, turning serious once more, he continued, "I shall return to the Higher Heavens now. The All Father sends his blessing to you all. May fortune guide your hero — and Nea Zoi," he added with a knowing smile, "I'll be seeing you soon."
The six gods rose and bowed deeply as Spadion's form dissolved into radiant mist, vanishing back into the divine expanse above.
When the silence returned, they exchanged quiet nods — solemn yet hopeful. It was time to begin the preparations…
to reincarnate their chosen savior.