Chapter 79: God
In a breathtaking display of cosmic radiance, the blinding light that had once shrouded Ethan gradually waned, unveiling his awe-inspiring current form. His figure was now adorned in an ethereal armor, reminiscent of the angel Michael, that shimmered with otherworldly luminescence. Standing tall, his hair cascaded like a majestic golden spike, extending gracefully down to his very feet. A resplendent yellow-golden aura enveloped him, exuding a sense of divinity and power that surpassed all imagination.
As Lúcifer beheld this celestial spectacle, he couldn't help but be entranced by the captivating sight of Ethan's eyes. One eye glistened with a mesmerizing Golden misture, mirroring the vast expanse of the cosmos itself, while the other gleamed with a profound blue nebula, embodying the very essence of the universe. Together, these eyes bore the weight of eternity and the boundless depths of creation, painting a portrait of transcendent beauty.
In the midst of this cosmic confrontation, a touch of sadness graced Ethan's expression as he cast his gaze upon Lúcifer. The once menacing countenance of the fallen angel now exuded a beguiling allure, as if inviting Ethan into a realm of profound understanding. Amidst the cosmic grandeur, Ethan's attention shifted to Xerathos, who stood steadfast with the colossal Canon in hand. A nod of gratitude conveyed Ethan's appreciation for Xerathos's unwavering support and dedication in mastering the omni-energy.
Guided by an unspoken purpose, Ethan's hands moved with a graceful swiftness, and with a mere thought, he teleported Xerathos to safety, effectively removing him from the impending clash with Lúcifer. The ethereal being vanished, leaving Ethan and Lúcifer to confront the truth of their intertwined existence.
Lúcifer's tone softened, and a newfound understanding seemed to settle within him. He spoke with a hint of wonder, "You are swifter now, and your energy speaks volumes. You hold the knowledge of your entire existence—the creator of beings, galaxies, and realities. But tell me, why did you decide to test us, to place us through such trials?"
Ethan's countenance remained imbued with profound calmness as he met Lúcifer's gaze. "Imagine being an all-powerful being, existing through eternity. In the vastness of solitude, I created beings so small and trivial, akin to cells compared to my boundless expanse. With an eternity alone to exist, I sought to challenge them, to provide them with ever-increasing tests, to witness their growth and potential."
With these words, Ethan revealed the depths of his purpose—the intricate design of existence and the tapestry of interconnected destinies that bound them all.
In the wake of Ethan's profound revelation, the cosmic energies seemed to ripple with an unspoken tension. Lúcifer's emotions surged through him like a tempestuous storm, blending anger and frustration into a volatile mix. His fists clenched with an intensity that could shatter worlds, and he roared with a ferocity that echoed through the cosmic void. The torrential outpouring of bloodlust and pure hatred painted a vivid picture of the fallen angel's inner turmoil. His voice reverberated with power as he bellowed, "So everything—the pain, the suffering—was merely a test? You deliberately crafted despair beyond the comprehension of even the most celestial beings. You don't deserve the position you hold!"
Yet, despite the tempest that raged around him, Ethan's eyes remained unwavering, calm and steady amidst the chaos of emotions. With a touch of sorrow, he responded to Lúcifer's seething rage, "You misunderstand, my son. I am not perfect; I have never been. I exist since the beginning of it all. There was no one to teach me the right way or the wrong way. When I assumed a human body and relinquished my memories, I, too, was once like you—questioning why a seemingly perfect being would create a world filled with such despair. But the truth is far simpler and profound—you are all a part of me. The despair in your minds exists because I, too, once grappled with it. This existence cannot exist without pain and suffering. That's the reality of this cosmos, my son."
Yet, Lúcifer's rage refused to be quelled, and he lunged at Ethan with unparalleled speed and power, conjuring an attack that bore the ominous name of "True Solipsism." The void around them transformed into a consuming abyss of pitch-black darkness, while Lúcifer's very being radiated the whitest of white, a testament to his astonishing power.
However, before the devastating attack could reach its intended target, Ethan's expression remained remarkably calm as he casually snapped his fingers. To the astonishment of all who bore witness, Lúcifer's form began to gradually fade away into oblivion. As the oppressive darkness receded, Ethan reappeared directly in front of Lúcifer, locking eyes with his son. With a heavy heart, he tenderly held Lúcifer's fading face within his hands, knowing that it was a moment of farewell.
In a voice barely above a whisper, Ethan uttered, "I'm sorry, my son, for everything." Tears cascaded down his face, and he could feel the weight of an eternity pressing down upon him. With a gut-wrenching scream that tore through the very fabric of existence, Ethan's anguished cry reverberated through the divine realms, shaking the foundations of reality itself. In that single, harrowing moment, every speck of existence that had been undone—the countless universes, planets, galaxies, multiverses, omniverses, timelines, and dimensions—was miraculously restored to its former glory.
As the echoes of his anguished cry gradually subsided, the void was replaced by a serene calmness. Ethan remained kneeling, his hands trembling with the profound weight of his actions. The cosmic energy that had once fueled his form now felt like a burden, as he grappled with the immense responsibility he bore as both creator and destroyer of worlds.