After a lengthy conversation, Alexander gradually came to terms with the astounding changes that had occurred. His once little brother was now a man, a candidate for Demon Sovereign, and the founder of Pantheon City on Mars. The Earth, their home, was lost, and Mars now bore the name Gaia.
The colonial cities, a project in which their dad was involved had not only survived but thrived. Plans for expansion to sixteen cities in the next decade spoke of a hopeful future. The colonial cities, freed from the Human Alliance, had united to form a single nation, Altair, in contrast to Pantheon, which remained open to all races. The city founded by the young Thomas, Pantheon, stood as a free city, managed by a diverse assembly of beasts and daemons.
The news about their mom's well-being and the resilience of humanity brought a mix of relief and awe. The colonial cities, part of their dad's project, had not only survived but were thriving, with plans for expansion. The dichotomy between Altair and Pantheon City, one embracing a single nation for all races and the other a free city outside human control, added layers to the complex narrative of the post-Earth era.
Despite the tragedy, humanity endured, choosing diverse paths for its survival. Alexander felt a sense of responsibility and curiosity about the dynamics shaping these new worlds.
Then, with the gravity of a son seeking to heal his father, Alexander approached the issue of Henry's mysterious condition.
The conversation shifted to Henry, and Alexander recounted the events leading to their father's mysterious ailment. Thomas, not able to find any demon with concrete knowledge on the matter, requested time for investigation.
As Alexander retired to his quarters with Alyssa, Thomas retreated to his bed, preparing for a synchronization with deities renowned for their healing prowess.
As Thomas entered the synchronic trance, he selected deities associated with healing, medicine, life, and alchemy. Apollo and his son Asclepius, known for their mastery over healing arts, were on the list. Eir, the Valkyrie goddess with a compassionate touch, chosen as well. The ancient Chinese physician Hua Tuo, Bonher, the deity of rejuvenation, and a couple more
His vision blurred as the system connected his mind to a realm of memories and experiences, where Thomas experienced life through the eyes of the deities.
Apollo, the radiant god of healing and music, unveiled memories of mending wounds with soothing melodies. Asclepius, his son, bestowed knowledge of herbs and potions, emphasizing the delicate balance between life and death. Eir, the compassionate Valkyrie,, her memories filled with the cries of wounded warriors.
Hua Tuo, the ancient Chinese physician, unfolded scrolls of herbal remedies and acupuncture techniques, ancient mystical pills and more. Bonher, the deity associated with fertility and life essence, contributed insights into revitalizing the body's energies.
Among the deities stood Isis, the Egyptian goddess, revered as the ideal mother and wife, patroness of nature and magic. From her, Thomas learned how to borrow the essence from the world itself to aid him.
As Thomas absorbed the collective memories equivalent to centuries of life experiences, his mind was peaceful as within the center of the sea of consciousness, the large multi-colored soul took in all the memories.
Thomas, his eyes gleaming with newfound knowledge, opened the status interface.
Name: Thomas Ries (Elementary Deity Level III)
True Names: Titanos
Race: Primordial Titan
Physique: Eternal Eclipse Body
Energy: Divine Sin Force 100%
Racial Traits:
Titanic Progenitor
Demon Bloodline (Child of the Moon, Ruler of the Shadows, Sunlight Dweller, Herald of the Sun)
King of Beasts (Beast)
Title: The Will of Gaia, The Blacksmith Titan, Formation Adept, Elemental Blacksmith
Affinities: All
Law: Earth, Fire, Eclipse
Attributes:
Body: A, Spirit: B, Divinity: C, Sin: D
System Access Level: B (0%) System Credits: 38.500.000 Faith Points: 452
Index Skills:
Passive Skills:
Resistance Against Eagles (Passive), Perfect Precision (Passive), Titan Blacksmith (Passive), Advanced Craftsmanship (Passive), Proficiency with Spears I (Passive), Proficiency with Knives II (Passive), Shroud of Fertility (Passive), Minor Spatial Manipulation (Passive), Eternal Eclipse Transformation (Passive), Divine Sense (Passive), Eye of the Divine Doctor (Passive)
[Active Skills:
Hyper-clock (Active), Primordial Titan Avatar (Active), Warlord (Active), Speed (Active), Shroud of Immortality (Active), Earthquake Stomp (Active), Total Eclipse Domain (Active), Life's Will (Active)
Among the skills was the passive ability, "Eye of the Divine Doctor." This extraordinary skill functioned like a divine diagnostic tool, highlighting diseases, injuries, discomfort, and any anomalies within a person's body. It not only identified special physiques but also provided intricate instructions on how to deal with each condition. Thomas marveled at the potential of this skill, foreseeing its significance in their journey.
Another skill, "Life's Will" caught Thomas's attention. This active ability allowed the transfer of life force, either from himself or collected from nature, to others. The synergy with Prometheus' Elemental Blacksmithing intrigued Thomas. With this combination, he could not only extract life force but also materialize and weaponize it. The potential for healing and empowerment lay at their fingertips.
As Thomas explored the nuances of the Eye of the Divine Doctor, a thin golden circle manifested in both of his pupils. By focusing, he discovered an unexpected capability, his eyes zoomed in on a tiny demon ant. Despite its diminutive size, the ant possessed exceptional health and a unique physique. Thomas, utilizing the skill, identified the creature as having the capacity to assimilate characteristics of anything it consumed. With swift decisiveness, he carefully stored the little ant in a secure place, foreseeing its potential value in the future.
Having changed into fresh clothes, Thomas descended the stairs, a sense of purpose propelling him toward his father's room. As his gaze met Henry Ries, the room underwent a metamorphosis, red spots punctuated the air, followed by a radiant golden light. The Eye of the Divine Doctor activated, unfurling a rich tapestry of information. Rather than injuries, his father's body appeared remarkably healthy, coupled with unexpectedly high energy reserves. Yet, the revelation that eclipsed all others was the skeleton, aglow with three distinct colors symbolizing the elemental forces of ice, fire, and lightning.
Thomas stood in contemplative silence, absorbing the intricate details of his father's condition, realizing a matter of profound concern. Despite the abundance of energy and vitality, a nagging emptiness pervaded Henry's body, as if...
"There's no soul!" Thomas's eyes conveyed the stark truth, he was staring at an empty vessel, his father's soul conspicuously absent. Swiftly turning to Alexander, he inquired with a note of urgency, "Brother, how long has Dad been like this?"
Alexander's demeanor shifted, tension radiating from him as he replied with growing concern, "A couple of years ago, not long after we arrived here."
Nodding, Thomas concealed his true feelings, shaking his head, and resolved to delve deeper into his father's condition. Concentrating, his consciousness delved into the recesses of his father's body, navigating toward the sea of consciousness. Arriving at what seemed like a void, white plains devoid of a soul.
Instead, an unexpected sight awaited him, a colossal silver eyeball loomed overhead.
"Youngling," a voice resonated, ancient and stern, a tone Thomas recognized as the transcendent being behind the dimensional rifts, "Didst thou reckon thy defiance would pass without consequence? Yea, thy father's soul resides with me, as ordained, kindling the dormant might within his essence. Should thee desire no malady upon him, I bid thee desist and await the imminent doom of thy universe. I'd not decline to harvest thy soul at its zenith. For I, one among the twelve lords inheriting the will of chaos, am the sovereign of all souls."
"Now, vanish!"
Now waiting for Thomas to respond to the words, the eye pushed Thomas' consciousness away from his dad's sea of consciousness and back to the real world as he fainted.