What to do, what to do... This world is going to ruin, and since it was the first world we created together, it seemed as if all the other gods couldn't care less about what happened to it. Sure, Atherion, Serenya, Solarius, Areson, and Nyxion are granting some mortals their powers, but that won't be enough to stop fate itself. Even we gods struggle with that. I'm truly in a dire situation.
Behind him approached another god—Astraea, one of the three Sisters of Fate. She was a captivating and mysterious deity whose eyes shimmered with constellations, holding the secrets of all that was, is, and will be. She also happened to be one of Ludius' best friends.
"Yo, Ludius, what's up?" she greeted with a grin full of mischief, noticing the stress etched on the God of Games' face.
"Nothing, just trying to change the fate of one of the first worlds we gods created." Then, suddenly, realization struck him. Standing before him was a Goddess of Fate. He smiled and opened his mouth as if to speak but was immediately cut off.
"Hell no! You're crazy if you think I'm going to mess with fate just to save a mortal world. You know just as well as I do that interfering with fate can have catastrophic consequences." She crossed her arms, finding it hard to believe that Ludius even considered such a thing. Everyone knew what had happened the last time fate was altered—gods and countless mortals perished because of it.
"Come on, it won't be a big change, just one small adjustment that could alter how this world's story ends." Ludius smiled, his expression filled with hope. He knew Astraea's reluctance was justified, but still, he persisted. No one loved humans as much as the God of Games.
"No, Ludius. I won't do it." She turned away, preparing to leave. But before she could, Ludius' voice became dark and menacing, the air around him growing cold, as if the very heavens were bending to his will.
"You owe me. I saved his life. If it weren't for me, his soul would have dis—"
"I can't believe you'd use that against me!" she snapped, her voice laced with both anger and sadness. She sighed, defeated. "Fine, I'll do it. I'll change fate. But be warned—not even I know the consequences of altering fate. Only my older sister knows, and we both know she won't help." Out of the three Sisters, the eldest was the most reserved. She cared neither for humans nor gods, only for her sisters.
"I'm truly sorry, Astraea, but I made a promise. I'll save this world no matter the cost, even if it means my life." She could see the sincerity in his eyes. Despite her fury, she had never seen Ludius so serious before. He always treated life as a game, never caring about anything beyond his own amusement.
"What do you need me to do, Ludius?" She locked eyes with him as a grin spread across his face.
"It's simple, really. I'll pull a mortal soul from another realm. He'll be allowed to choose his traits, physique, and race. All you have to do is alter fate to ensure his vessel is created and his soul binds with this world's destiny. Simple, right?" Astraea burst into laughter, shaking the celestial pantheon.
"Simple? Are you out of your damn mind? Even if we manage to pull his soul into this world, what if he asks for godlike powers?"
"Obviously, there will be limitations. I may be a fool, but I'm no idiot. He won't be able to choose a physique or power at our level. He'll have to follow the rules of this world. He'll grow strong naturally, as long as he continues building soul cores. He will be the key to preventing this world's destruction... hopefully." Ludius grinned as if he had devised a plan straight from the Goddess of Knowledge herself.
Astraea sighed, exhausted. "You know what? Screw it. It's not my world that'll be destroyed if this fails. Who's the soul you've chosen?"
"Well... to be honest, I'm not sure yet." He laughed, only to be met with an immediate burst of murderous intent. Astraea struck him, sending him flying into his expensive computer, shattering his hard drives that held his most treasured... research.
"What was that for, Astraea?" Ludius whined, turning to see the devastation. His face fell. "Do you know how many centuries and countless worlds I had to explore to gather this vital—uh, research?"
She raised her hand to strike him again.
"Alright, alright! I was kidding. Here's the file on the man I chose." A hologram appeared before them, displaying the details of a human from a world called Earth:
Race: Human
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Status: Civilian
Rank: Non-Existent
Kills: One
Titles: Logical Thinker, Changer, Realistic Planner, Unfazed, Genius
Traits: Wisdom, Curiosity, Chaotic Neutral
Power: None
Karma: Zero
Summary: Cyris White lived a mundane life, neither achieving greatness nor striving for it. He desired only comfort, overcoming hardships with ease. Though he held no notable power, he mysteriously possessed five titles—a feat even gods found impressive. Among them was "Changer," a title only the three Sisters of Fate shared. His death was mundane—hit by a truck.
"That's all? Ludius, this guy isn't special. He's from a weak planet. Sure, they've advanced technologically, but compared to your world, he'll struggle immensely."
Ludius chuckled. "Exactly. He may not seem like a hero, but we don't need a hero, Astraea. We need someone who will fight to survive, no matter what. That's the kind of man he is."
Astraea's eye twitched as she glared at her grinning friend. Restraining herself was difficult, but then she realized—they were alone. She proceeded to beat Ludius into a bruised mess before walking away, feeling much better.
"Once you have the information on Cyris' choices, let me know so I can weave his soul into this world's fate," she said, relieved.
Barely able to move, Ludius weakly waved goodbye. "Yeah, sure... Bye-bye..."
Summoning a soul was easy for the God of Games. After all, what greater game existed than the game of life?
A second later, a plain-looking man lay in the center of the pantheon. Their eyes met. Unlike Ludius' vibrant, playful gaze, the man's eyes held deep pools of wisdom and sharp perception, glimmering with curiosity.
Ludius prepared to deliver a grand speech, but before he could, a cold, stern voice interrupted him.
"What do you want me to do?"
The god stared at the man for a moment before bursting into laughter, shaking the pantheon once more.
"Cyris, do you perhaps want to take a gamble and change the fate of this world?" The god grinned, eager for his response.
Cyris' eyes gleamed. "As long as I get to live a long and comfortable life, I don't care what I have to do."
Ludius smiled. "Great to hear. Now, follow me. We have a vessel to create."