ARC III: 10 years after the downfall of the Old God.
Chapter 25: Another day of the Holy Prophet at Xelios University.
10 years had passed, since the Old God was destroyed King Apollo XIII and
Nova were thrown up by the Old God, "the Caterpillar/Mochong," he had nearly one
but with the combined power of a fused: Talus and Zaiyal: "Zaiylus," and of course the
Holy Prophet: Hermes, the Old God was destroyed and peace was restored to the world.
But whether a new threat arrived or not, the Holy Prophet's job was to overthrow the
corruption and tyranny of the universe. In that time everyone was off doing their own
thing, Talus went to train with Sun Wukong and Erlang Shen with Daniel-02, but that
was for Five Years, within the last Five Years however, they had returned, Talus was
known as 'Uncle-Talus,' and he was in charge of Zaiyal and Qayyim's two children,
Zaiyal VI a little firebrand now 10 years old with black hair like his father but shaped
like a flame of fire, and Taymiyyah a young girl who resembled her mother like the boy
resembled her father, they were not considered twins just siblings, after all Zaiyal Jr. was
10 years old and Taymiyyah was 8 years old. There was a third child: it was a younger
version of the older Qayyim, it was really Qayyim from the past and she looked just like
a younger 10 year old version of her 30 year old future self, Nova, Qayyim, Zaiyal and
the others referred to her Q for short. There was another child, the daughter of Alan and
the Prophet Hermes, the young elf girl was named: Cicero. Finally there was the
red-skinned demon, Tashkent, he was a teenager now attending Xelios University
himself just like the Prophet. Zaiyal and Qayyim as well as Alan and Hermes let their 3
children spend time with Talus, Talus at this point had gone by the name, "Uncle Talus,"
by both married couples and lived on Nova's Compound where the children would spend
time with him. One day Ungar dropped by the compound, looking the same as he always
did, dark grey armor, non-existent face covered by a helmet with red slits where his eyes
could be seen, metal horns on the helmet and a large black cape waving in the wind as his
hulking frame, as he stood over 7 feet tall, towered about Talus who was just 5'9 himself.
Ungar landed in front of Talus and the children, the children screamed: "UNCLE
UNGAR!!" Taymiyyah and Cicera tried to play with Ungar while Zaiyal Jr. who was a
firebrand and loved battle, he wanted to be the world's greatest martial artist, said:
"Ungar, can you teach me some new techniques, I want to make my avatar stronger!!"
Ungar said: "In a minute, I need to talk to Uncle Talus."
Talus shouted for: "Barabbas [the dark Elf] and Demi you dumb braud, come help take care of the kids, Nova can't
he's in the basement working on shit." Demi was blushing but she managed to call Talus
a jerk before she followed his instructions. Ungar and Talus walked into a quiet room.
"What is it wizard, I have enough time dealing with these rugrats." Ungar replied: "We're
going to see the Prophet, we're going to surprise her for her birthday, she only has one 5
more years, of university after all, it won't be all of us, but we'll be there, all her little
friends, Qayyim and Zaiyal, Narcis Matreya, Red Ace, Green Wisp and a few others
including Mozi. Don't worry about a present, I got one for both of us." Talus scoffed:
"We've had peace for 10 years and with the exception of a few of us like me, Hermes,
you, Narcis, Qayyim, Zaiyal, and a few others. Everyone else has gotten so weak in
these last 10 years of peace, peace doesn't mean we sit on our hands. Zaiyal and Qayim's
little rugrat "Jr.," has learned that much, he has great potential and if he trains even
during a time of peace he'll grow strong. The rest of these clowns make me sick.
Including most of Hermes' little friends, relying on their technology. It honestly makes
me wretch!" Ungar sighed: "Calm down, are you going or not?" Talus scoffed: "Fine."
The two of them took off in the air heading towards Xelios University, meanwhile
in a local barber shop Red Ace and Green Wisp were getting their bald heads shaven a
local hero Hawkman showed up to say high he was bald now as well but he decided to
burn the follicles off his head, Green Wisp was going to do that the following week but
today he was having his bald head shaved by a barber shaving it with a straight razor. Red
Ace was getting the small hairs on his body eaten by a bizarre worm that looked like a
giant man-sized leech called a "Fiber Worm," they ate all the small fibers, the creature
was sucking on Red Ace's head. "Walahi man. I honestly don't understand how you can
just sit there and let that thing suck on your head." Red Ace laughed: "I know you're
getting your hair lasered off next week, but do it once before its too late, don't knock it
until you try it." Green Wisp said: "Eh no thanks, I'm good." Hawkman replied: Come on
guys, are you almost done. In just a moment the barber and the worm were finished and
the trio flew off from the barber shop to Xelios University to see Hermes and Alan.
Meanwhile at a Buddhist monastery outside City Z a congregation of Theravada and
Mahayana Buddhist monks were meeting in a congregation to hear the Martreya Buddha,
Narcis the Light Elf speak about the Eight Noble Truths and the noble Buddha path. He
informed them to go see Hermes. One of the monks asked, "is this 'Prophet,' a Buddha,
you know here better than anybody, Holy Martreya.' Narcis responded: "I have no doubt,
she is a Buddha (Awakened One)." Narcis took off while all of the monks at the Pagoda
waved goodbye. He was met in the air by several people: Tatu the Golden Cicada,
Daniel-02, Sarai, Sun Wukong the Handsome Monkey King, some of Wukong's
friends, Muhammad Ahmad the Muslim Jinn, Samson the Jewish Bear, Peter the
Nestorian Christian Rabbit, his Buddhist brothers Pigsy and Sandy, his master the
Buddhist Patriarch Tripitaka and the the Goddess of Mercy Guanyin. Narcis smiled:
"So you're all here." In a moment, Ungar and Talus appeared. Followed shortly by the
married-couple: Zaiyal and Qayyim, and finally by Red Ace, Green Wisp and
Hawkman. Qayyim asked: "Where's my father (Nova)." Talus scoffed: "He's back at the
Compound in his lab, don't worry: Demi and Barabbas are taking care of your kids." A
sudden voice said: "Room for one more." It was Joseph: the Wandering Jew, he joined
the group. Sun Wukong responded: "It's been sometime since Old Monkey has seen you
Joseph, good to see you in one piece brother." Joseph responded: "With Christ all things
are possible." Everyone began to chat as they continued to fly through the air closer and
closer to Xelios University.
Meanwhile at the University, Hermes who was a famous Prophet and religious
ascetic had a meeting with followers of her new religion there were no less than 2,000
listening to her, many of them men, women had shaved heads a sign of devotion in this
new religion, and many were aliens from numerous different planets who had come to see
their Holy Prophet on Helios. "The unseen values all life," she said. "But we must
convert the Atheists and the Disbelievers for God considers them all ingrates, God rejects
Polytheism and rejects the worship of other Gods and the worship of Idols, but we must
remember to love them and treat them with respect even if they disobey or reject God's
narrow path. But we must never accept or tolerate tyranny and soon an era of peace will
reign upon the earth." It was truly fascinating that this girl who was preaching to her
followers a new religion was just moments away from going to the mall and the food
court with her friends and her fellow-teenage and fellow-elf husband. Elves aged much
slower and she still had five more years of being a 'teenager.'
As Hermes finished her sermon, the gathered crowd erupted into applause. Many
of her followers bowed in reverence, while others stood in deep contemplation, absorbing
her words. She smiled warmly, her emerald eyes glowing with divine wisdom, before
stepping down from the ornate stone dais. Alan, her ever-loyal husband, waited for her
with his arms crossed, a knowing smirk on his lips. "You're really getting good at this,
Prophet," he teased. Hermes rolled her eyes playfully. "I told you, I don't need the title
when we're just hanging out." Alan chuckled and took her hand. "Alright, let's go get
something to eat."
The mall, known as Xelios Plaza, was a vast, futuristic complex that embodied the
height of interstellar civilization. It was an architectural marvel, blending sleek metallic
surfaces with vibrant neon holographics and lush patches of floating greenery. The open-air structure allowed natural sunlight to bathe the sprawling food courts, high-end
boutiques, and entertainment hubs, while an advanced energy shield activated during
inclement weather to keep visitors comfortable. At the heart of the mall stood Panda
Dynasty, a renowned neo-Chinese restaurant famous for its fusion dishes that catered to
both human and alien palates. Around it, various dining establishments offered delicacies
from across the universe, including flame-grilled meats from Helios, deep-fried insect
skewers from Zeta Prime, and nutrient-rich elixirs from the celestial monasteries of
Naraka-5. The shopping districts were divided into specialized sectors. The Arcane
Emporium sold enchanted relics, ancient tomes, and energy-infused weaponry, drawing
in warriors, mystics, and scholars alike. The Fashion Nexus boasted apparel for all
species, ranging from flowing celestial robes to mechanized exosuits tailored for combat
or high society. The Augmentarium provided cutting-edge cybernetic enhancements and
AI companions, catering to the technologically inclined elite.
Above, sky bridges and
floating platforms connected different levels of the mall, while transparent elevators and
gravity lifts transported shoppers with seamless efficiency. The central plaza featured a
massive, holographic advertisement ring that displayed real-time updates, interstellar
news, and even digital sermons from the Prophet Hermes, whose teachings had reached
millions across the cosmos. Xelios Plaza wasn't just a marketplace—it was a social and
cultural hub, where travelers, intellectuals, and warriors gathered, debated, and
occasionally dueled in designated combat arenas. The echoes of merchants haggling,
entertainers performing, and star pilgrims praying at the small shrine to the Unseen One
filled the air, creating a living tapestry of commerce, faith, and adventure. Hermes
noticed the statue: "I detest these public idols, especially of the Creator."
Hermes and her boyfriend arrived there to meet here friends, Herme's friends like
Mira, Agora and the others told her while they met here at a little restaurant called Panda
Dynasty a neo-Chinese restaurant at the mall in the food court how they got messages all
over their phones and tablet devices of palm leaves, digital archives and scraps of power
showing different accounts of the Holy Prophet. Mira shouted: "Check this one out: the
Holy Prophet said to my brother Agorphis on his authority to me: the Holy Prophet wiped
her behind with three leaves, and she always did so in a counterclockwise motion. The
Holy Prophet's diet was purely vegetarian." Hermes began to blush, "that's not true, I eat
meat, and they don't know how I wipe my freaking butt!!" Princess Beatrice of Al-Jihad
said: "Check out this report: I heard the Prophet said: a man who disobeys his wife is
doomed to hellfire." Hermes slammed her fists on the table, "this is unbelievable. I never
said any of this!!" Alan tried to calm Hermes down. A voice was heard above the mall as
the mall had a convertible design, the building was exposed to the sky and a protective
shield only appeared if it began to rain. Everyone landed including Ungar, Zaiyal, etc.
"You look well, I haven't seen you in a while, I only see your little daughter
because my father is their babysitter," said Qayyim. Talus exploded into anger for a brief
moment: "How dare you give your father all the credit, I'm the one who deals with those
insane rugrats!" Qayyim apologized: "My bad Talus, I know you're the one who actually
takes care of those darn kids, you don't get enough credit." Talus folded his arms and
pouted: "Well fine then." Zaiyal stepped forward: "Did you guys hear about the big
Martial-Arts Tournament in City F," apparently it's open to all comers, I'm gonna let
Jr. enter it." Hermes got excited, "I did it in like a week, right when Spring Break starts.
I'm so pumped, I can't wait to sign up for the tournament." Talus shrugged: "Who cares
about that, I have better things to do then..." Talus stopped mid-sentence and looked at
Alan... "Man you've gotten weak boy." Alan blushed, "that's a rude thing to say Talus."
Talus smirked: "On second thought, if the boy joins I think I will too, maybe it will teach
you to continue training even in times of peace." Alan turned red with anger, Hermes
held on to him, "I'm joining, why don't you join too." Alan brushed his finger under his
nose as he closed his eyes, "Fine I'll sign up too." Sarai jokes, "Happy wife, happy life."
Talus cackled: "More like happy me, I can't wait to wipe the floor with you boy." Two
other figures approached them : Scott Greer and the famous Sikh superhero: the Iron
Sikh. The Iron Sikh was as his name suggested a Sikh, a practitioner of the Sikh religion
founded by Guru Nanak (1469-1539 C.E.), in the Punjab region of India in the 16th
century C.E., he wore a conservative yellow Sikh Turban with a Khalsa sword, and a
thick dark beard and mustache. The Iron Sikh asked: "You guys hear about the
tournament?" Ungar replied: "Funny we're just talking about that." Zaiyal asked Ungar
and Narcis: "Are you two entering the tournament, one of you two could easily win the
whole thing and the 10,000,000 credits prize." Narcis said: "Normally I would say it's
below the station of a Buddha, but honestly in my heart of hearts I'm a martial monk."
Ungar shrugged: "Why not, maybe I could show you a few new techniques I've
perfected." A voice was heard from above: "Count me in, can't wait to fight all of you at
the tournament." Talus and Zaiyal began to look around, "DANIEL! Is that you!!"
Daniel's voice replied: "Yeah it's me!! You know how King Yama took me out of the
Demon Realm and put me in the Other World 10 years ago well guess what King Yama's
being a whole lot nicer than that I got great news!! King Yama gave me permission to
come back to the living world for one day, and that's not all, it took me a while to find
them all but five individuals are coming with me:" Athena (Daniel's light-elf ex-wife),
Aquarius (Zaiyal's water-elf ex-wife), Atil (Sarai's fellow Izadoran Wolf-Alien race
Ex-Wife), Oliver (the half-demon son of Nyalthrotep, with his silken short white
hair and red eyes), and Luna (Tatu's adopted daughter and water-elf warrior). They
all shouted in unison. Tears began to fall down the faces of Tatu, Zaiyal, and Sarai.
Tatu was the first to respond: "Luna, is that really you, I looked for you for almost 2,000 years,
how did Daniel find you." Luna: "Daniel got help from King Yama to find me father, it
was a thank you for his invaluable service in helping you guys defeat the Old God." Tatu
wiped the tears from his face. Zaiyal said to Aquarius: "It's been some time but I want
you to meet my new wife and our family, there's no question that you'll be their
God-Mother!!" Aquarius said: "Daniel, tell me all about your new wife, Qayyim. Can I
speak to her?" Qayyim stepped forward: "It's great to meet you, I'm Qayyim." Aquarius
responded: "Thank you for taking care of my husband, and I hope you're kids kept him
grounded, he's always been headstrong, trying to prove that he's a true member of his
race." Qayyim nudged Zaiyal and winked: "Yeah we went to his home planet 10 years
ago on our adventure to defeat the Old God, he actually showed off his power to his
descendants in any event, the kids go over to Planet Solaria to see their extended
family."
Aquarius cried with joy: "You take care of her, Zaiyal." Zaiyal nodded: "I will."
Atil said to Sarai: "It's been time since we last met, but I never remarried, you'll always
be my wife Atil." Atil chuckled: "I know and soon we'll all see you." Oliver for his part,
said: "You'll be happy to know Tatu that Aquarius and I are still married in other world.
So it's overdue that I should see my father-in-law again. I heard that you became the
Golden Cicada Tatu. I'm quite impressed." Tatu nodded: "Thanks, it wasn't easy." After
all this King Yama's booming voice was heard: "Will you hurry it up! You're hurting my
back!" Daniel, who like the others were putting their hands on King Yama's back to
speak to everyone in the living world said: "Oh sorry, my bad King Yama. In any event,
we'll all see you in one week's time. Zaiyal, Ungar, Narcis, it's only been 10 years this
time but its about time we caught up." Daniel continued: "Oh and Talus I've grown
stronger this time around, I've unlocked countless states of power for my avatar, I've
unlocked no less than 8 new forms and to give you a glimpse of my power in the last
couple years I've managed to split the Crystal Sea in Other with a kick." This intrigued
Talus: "You're kidding, the Crystal Sea is like liquid iron. This better not be some trick
elf have you really accomplished this?!" Daniel said: "Yep, and not only that but I was
lying when I unlocked 8 new forms I just unlocked a 9th one a year ago its called:
Neon-Zen State: and it's sure to blow you away, I've gone toe to toe with the gods like
Buddha's mother Maya and needless to say none of them stood a chance." Sweat begant
to drip from Talus's face: "You're kidding..." Talus chuckled and then began to loudly
laugh: "Alright elf, I trained in the Spirit Wolf with Sun Wukong the Monkey King so
I've gained new abilities myself, I'm definitely entering the tournament then, show me
this new level of power you're raving about." Daniel said: "Well that's it, I gotta go, see
you all at the tournament, goodbye friends!"
Everyone was ecstatic when they heard this. They were all jubilant. Everyone
celebrated Hermes' birthday but Daniel's announcement was definitely a game-changer.
Now everyone needed to start training, it was time to get stronger. Back at the compound
Barabbas and Demi both got a telepathic message from Uvia. "Your majesty, Barrabas,
are you both there?" They both said they were there. Uvia announced: "I heard that
Daniel was entering the tournament. If you didn't remember, Daniel was released from
the Demon Realm and allowed into the Other World by King Yama 10 years ago for his
services fighting the Old God. Normally I could care less but there's some force in the
Other World who wants to use Daniel and the other contestants in the World Martial Arts
Tournament next week in the living world." Barabbas seemed concerned: "Are you
serious?! What forces?!" Uvia stammered: "I gotta be careful, it's this warlock named
Enoch. He has Abraxtos under his complete control and he's already outmaneuvered:
Dreadmarch and Oghuz. Under his influence Enoch convinced Abraxatos to send them
both into Tartarus (Hell). ... But it gets worse. I honestly don't know how I haven't been
affected yet. It seems that Abraxtos is under his complete control, he's the supreme
demon King and Archon but he's become Enoch's mindless slave... I don't know what
this bastard is planning, but I think he wants to do something at the tournament. You have
to go there, even if it's a hunch I'd rather be wrong than be unprepared." Barabbaas said:
"We're going anyway, we'll keep our eyes open." Uvia sighed: "Good, its well
appreciated." Uvia stopped communicating at this point: "Maybe I'm wrong, but I have a
terrible feeling based off these rumors. Please God, I hope I'm wrong."
Deep in the heart of the Other World, where the cosmic forces of life and death
intermingled, the warlock Enoch stood before a vast, spiraling vortex of dark energy. His
golden eyes glowed beneath his hood, a sinister smirk playing on his lips as he extended
his hand toward the swirling abyss. "Abraxtos," he whispered, his voice laced with
ancient power. From the darkness, a massive figure emerged. The Supreme Demon King
Abraxtos, once a feared ruler of the Demon Realm, now stood shackled by unseen
forces. His six burning eyes flickered with an unnatural glow, his crimson wings
restrained by dark tendrils of necromantic magic. Once, Abraxtos had been the
embodiment of chaos—now, he was a mindless puppet. Enoch stepped forward, placing a
hand on the demon's massive chest. "The tournament will be the perfect stage. Soon, the
strongest warriors of the universe will gather in one place, unaware that their strength
will be their undoing." He chuckled, the sound echoing through the void. Abraxtos,
despite his restraints, let out a deep, guttural growl. Something inside him—perhaps the
remnants of his former self—struggled against Enoch's control. But it was futile. The
warlock tightened his grip, his aura pulsing with malevolent energy.
Back at Xelios University, the warriors continued preparing for the tournament.
The atmosphere was electric—fighters from across the cosmos were arriving, eager to
test their strength in the grand competition. Inside Nova's Compound, Barabbas and
Demi sat in a dimly lit chamber, still reeling from Uvia's warning. Barabbas clenched his
fists. "If Enoch really has Abraxtos under his control, this isn't just about the tournament
anymore. This could be the start of something far worse." Demi crossed her arms, a rare
look of concern on her face. "What do we do? If we tell the others, they'll go in expecting
a fight. That could make them reckless." Barabbas exhaled slowly. "We'll keep this quiet
for now, but we need to be ready. If Enoch is planning something at the tournament, we'll
stop him before it begins." Demi smirked. "Good. I was getting bored anyway."
Everyone began to train Mozi and Guan-Fu the Slug Alien was the one Ungar
and Zaiyal tasked with training Zaiyal VI, Cicero, Taymiyyah and Q. Mozi, a 7 foot tall
purple alien dressed like a marital aliens with antenna and pointy ears stood there with
the four children in front of him. Mozi said in his deep, imposing voice: "Now here's the
deal: we have 7 days to get you kids ready for the Martial-Arts Tournament. Before I
teach you in any particular style let's see what you can dish out hear and now." Mozi got
in the crouching tiger position. Zaiyal Jr. was the first to take a crack at Mozi but Mozi
put up a beautiful defense, Ungar and Guan-Fu watched from the sidelines. Zaiyal tried to
grab one of Mozi's antennae but Mozi simply shot out an electric ray from his intannae
Jr. who quickly dodged it and parried it with an attack. Mozi kept back flipping until he
established a safe distance, then he shot his arm out; he had the ability to extend his arms
and stretch them at a rapid speed. With this ability Mozi tried to grab Zaiyal but Zaiyal
simply dodged it and the little firebrand leaped to attack. Mozi noticed Q (little Qayyim)
behind him. But little did she realize another clone of Mozi was behind her, Mozi had
used the multi-form technique. There were no less than 6 Mozis on the prowles targeting
the four kids, the battle continued for a few more rounds and then the four kids got tired.
Zaiyal Jr.: "Mozi, you have to teach me that technique, that is a game changer." Mozi
responded: "It's nothing more than a paltry party trick, if one doesn't know how to use
it." Mozi got in the crouching tiger position again, "Now again!" The kids got in their
martial-fighting positions as well.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, everyone else continued their training, Narcis trained by
using Buddhist chants and establishing strength and composure within his Chakras.
Through meditation and lectures in Sanghas with the monks, as well as long days of
intense fasting, Narcis grew stronger and stronger establishing an even more potent
Buddha-nature. Talus trained with Sun Wukong just like he had for the first 5 of the last
10 years. Sun Wukong used the Monkey clone attack against Talus but Talus was ready for it.
Ungar trained by simply meditating and levitating something that was part of
Narcis's training as well but this was all of Narcis's training. Zaiyal trained in the
simulation room, running simulations where he fought different opponents like Talus,
Daniel, Ungar, Narcis, Sarai, Tatu and even himself. Sarai trained with Qayyim, Hermes
and Alan. Everyone was training hard, only time would tell if the training would pay off.
This would be how they all trained for the next 7 days but everything described was just
the first day of training.
As the sun set over Xelios Plaza, a colossal holographic screen lit up the sky,
displaying an announcement:
"THE GRAND INTERGALACTIC MARTIAL ARTS TOURNAMENT BEGINS
IN 7 DAYS! WHO WILL CLAIM GLORY?" The warriors of the universe stood
ready. Some sought power, others sought redemption. But none of them knew that a far
greater battle loomed just beyond the horizon. And in the depths of the Other World,
Enoch watched.