**Kuro**
"Hey, Kuro! Kuro, wake up, man!"
"!!!" When I opened my eyes, I saw pitch blackness. Gaius' voice floated in the place I was in, yet, I couldn't see anyone else aside from me.
"Kuro!"
"I'm here!" I called out to him. "I don't know what's this place, but it is dark."
A few moments of silence. Then, I saw a small light in front of me that slowly grew big to encompass the entirety of my sight. Yet, I was still out of clues as to where was this place; there were no landmarks, nothing that could be used to 'mark' my bearings.
"There you are!" I felt someone touched me on my shoulder from behind. Turning around, it was Gaius, in his Roman clothing and smiling.
"Where is this place? I know this isn't my mind."
"Well, you're correct," the former god smirked. "For this is what people back in our world called 'Limbo.'"
"Limbo?" I felt my heart nearly stopped beating when I heard him. "Did…Did I die again?"
"No," he chuckled. "But, Someone wants to meet you."
"Oh…"
"Come!" the former god gestured for me to follow him, which I did. For all I could remember, I was sleeping in my room at the Holy Palatial Gardens, exhausted after a day's work of attending to the people's needs.
"Yeah, you're one big fussy demi-god," Gaius teased. "I don't know, but you worry about everything and everyone. Makes me wonder where are you getting the energy and motivation to do all the things you did, and you're planning. Even when I was god, I rarely did stuff like you…though I would enforce the heavens' will occasionally. After all, we lesser gods are tasked to guide the mortals, not to concern ourselves in their futures, which they decided themselves."
"Well, I just want to avoid complications later on," was my answer. I believed that even when we're not being goaded into pushing ourselves for the benefit of the mortals, it won't harm them if we looked into their possible futures, and plan their progress ahead that goes with the heavens' mandate and to the mortals' good as well. I mean, just like in my world, there were a lot of seemingly 'good' ideas and concepts being adapted, yet, those same thoughts cause decadence in the long run.
"Yes, I understand where you are coming from," the former god nodded. "That's why, He wants to meet you."
"Who's this 'he'?"
"Well…" Gaius stopped at some point and opened a door amidst the completely white background. And behind was a set of chairs, a table, piping hot coffee, and a few snacks made by the Person who invited me Himself…
"Oh! Welcome back, Kuro!" was the High King of the God's greeting once He saw me appear at the entrance.
----------
Upon His invite, Gaius and I picked our chairs before the High King. As the former god of Chersea reached for the pot of coffee, ostensibly to serve us, he was stopped by the High King, and the heavens' ruler Himself poured our drinks for us. He also gave a small plate of cookies to complement the coffee, before sitting down and getting a few snacks Himself. I kept thinking to myself, it's no wonder Gaius wore his Roman toga; we're meeting the most important person in this entire universe.
"Well, like Gaius Julius Caesar, I admire your thinking, Kuro," the High King of the Gods began. "There are a lot of deities who would just put the interests of the heavens whenever they are dealing with the mortals, yet, here you are, balancing the decrees of the gods with the benefits of the mortals. And to think, you are still a demi-god."
"Th-Thank you, L-Lord." I got to admit; it was a bit embarrassing when I receive praises from the High King of the Gods.
"So, any case, let's get to the point of you appearing here," the High King paused for a bit, throwing a quick stare at Gaius, before continuing. "I know both of you are aware of the story of the King Solomon, yes?"
"Yes, Your Heavenly Majesty," the former god replied. "That Jewish king whose intelligence is said to rival none. I did hear the story about him before."
"Yes," the Heavenly Ruler smiled. "Well, this is similar to that incident in his early days as king. I'd like to ask Greg—no, Kuro—what is it that he desires as the future god of Chersea?"
"M-Me?" I could feel my eyes popped from their sockets. The High King of the Gods must've been referring to that biblical story of King Solomon where he was asked what was his desires, and he answered that he wanted wisdom to govern his people. His answer pleased God and He gave him everything he didn't wish for, anyway…aside from the unrivaled intelligence that up to this day in my world, made his name synonymous to 'wisdom.'
"Yes, that's right," the High King confirmed. "What is it that you want, Kuro? Wisdom? Wealth? Or power? I can give all of those to you."
I was speechless by that offer. Honestly, there was this desire in me that wants to say, 'Lord, I want wisdom' so I could govern the Cherseans well. But then again, this was something that wasn't urgent…and a double-edged sword. I mean, even when Solomon gained unrivaled wisdom to govern his kingdom, at his death and his son Rehoboam's succession, the Israelite state got split into the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Clearly, even with his wisdom, his policies didn't extend to the welfare of his people, which led to them overthrowing his dynasty's rule in the northern regions of the land.
And as someone who has invested a lot of his time in Chersea, Cherwind, Cherwoods, and Cherhom, it is the last thing in my mind. I don't wish for the races we worked so hard to unite and harmonize split up in the future and wage war against their fellows.
Nevertheless, I still had something in my mind…
"Lord…I want power."
"!!!" I could tell that Gaius was looking at me in disbelief. He surely didn't expect that would be my answer.
"I want power, but not something that I can abuse. Give me the strength to protect the mortals and the worlds You created, Your Heavenly Majesty, but not too much that I would think of rebelling against Your authority," I continued. "A power to protect, not to destroy. Only then I can think I'll be worthy of ascending Gaius before me."
At that moment, even the High King of the Gods stopped drinking His coffee, and just looked at me. Then, after a few moments, He smiled and said, "The power to protect your loved ones, huh? An interesting proposal, though I won't say I didn't encounter this before. I mean, the Black God—the other 'you'—had made a similar request. And, you also made a good point about Solomon's wisdom harming his kingdom in the end…though I'd say it's about his hubris when he was at the pinnacle of his reign. Still, his 'famed' wisdom led him to that."
Hearing those compliments made my heart flutter. Nevertheless, I don't want to wallow in those; my request had something to do with my future plans. And I shouldn't waver nor lose focus. The future of Chersea and the Other Realms relied on the success of these.
"Still, I will give you the things you never asked," the High King revealed. "To protect your loved ones also require wisdom, and in some cases, wealth and power. And these, you shall have." The Heavenly Ruler pulled something out from His hands and gave it to me. It was a sword, made in Chersean style and encased in a red and gold sheath. In one peek, it could be mistaken for an ordinary Chersean weapon, yet its blade was as dark as the night sky.
"The Black God's sword," the High King began, "is a weapon he requested made to protect his loved ones. As such, it can only cut through the evils that is brought by the creatures from the Void, including the Seductress. You shall inherit his will, and I shall bless you with victory."
"Thank you, Your Heavenly Majesty," I couldn't help but bow before Him. Gaius also followed my lead.
"Rise, Kuro the Black God," the Heavenly Ruler said. "The entire heavenly hosts want to see you!"
Much to my surprise, the white background slowly faded, revealing the hundreds—no, thousands—of gods and goddesses that had gathered around us. Along with them were the armies of angels with flaming swords and shields, banners fluttering in the air. I couldn't keep my emotions any longer as I was overwhelmed by the sight; it was too awesome to behold.
----------
When I was young, my idea of heaven was heavily-influenced by what I saw on the television. A white, cloudy place, filled with harp-bearing angels flying gently across its skies, and neoclassical architecture of the buildings in plaster white dominate the landscape. If I were to be honest, that kind of scene would bore me to death. However, what was before me was different…
"…"
Now that I thought about it, the people I saw as 'angels' were something that just came into my mind. I mean, I didn't know that they would be like that; fierce-looking, their hands with flaming swords, and shields. They do have wings, though it rarely moved even as they floated above the heavenly hosts. Majestic beings that would give both feelings of awe and terror, far from the images I saw from the religious paintings of old, and the modern depiction of them from the movies. It was as if there was a 'hidden file' inside my brain that was suddenly brought up and told me, 'these are angels, Kuro.'
Beneath them, and seated on what looked to me as an amphitheater, were the gods and goddesses, each donned a different set of dresses that gave off a sense of regality and holiness. And what was even more terrifying was that they were clapping their hands, welcoming me—a semi-mortal—into their circle.
"I present to you, Kuro," the High King of the Gods said to me, pointing towards the deities, "your future comrades. They are the gods and goddesses that eagerly wait for your ascension."
"Eagerly wait for my ascension?" I asked, for I was surprised by His words. It was as if I was meant for something else, other than being the 'god of Chersea.'
"Oh…" the High King looked at Gaius. "Hasn't your predecessor said it to you?"
"You got to pardon me, Your Heavenly Majesty," the former god defended himself. "Kuro is just way too busy attending to each and every problem that appears in Chersea and the Other Realms, that I have no time to call him for a talk."
"Well, that's fair," the Heavenly Ruler laughed, before telling me, "In any case, six years ago in your timeline, the 'Black God' was born. This is because you wished to 'live again,' in the body of the former god, Gaius. From there, timelines diverged, all with the same 'route' that you will become the Black God, Bane of the Void. You see, even when we are powerful, the gods and goddesses of the heavens still dread the creatures from the Void, for they are formidable foes, having devoured some of our kind in the past."
"And destroyed their worlds," Gaius added. "The Black God—you, are the only one who is brave enough to take on the threat of those monsters. You see, I knew about them, but I let them control me because of my selfish desires and hubris."
"That's why you are like the 'savior of the gods,' Kuro," the High King winked at me. "And what's more, you are the better version of yourself, having refused to be consumed by your bitterness in your past life. Hence, if anyone is qualified to deal with that Void menace, it will be you."
"But Your Heavenly Majesty, aren't You more powerful than me?" I asked.
"We all have our roles, Kuro," the Heavenly Ruler countered. "And it is your destiny to become the Bane of the Void. As I am most powerful, I am also a God of Order. I will never take from you your fate; after all, I never doubted My judgment even for a second."
I could only bow in silence for His words. And really, I was thinking of what I should do next, for I had no any idea of what to expect from me. It was a good thing that the High King of the Gods took over from that point on, announcing before the heavenly crowd…
"Honorable gods and goddesses of the heavens! May I—in My capacity as the High King of the Gods—present to you the Bane of the Void, the Black God, Kuro of Arles, which we also know for his old name as Gregorio 'Greg' Santos! From this point on, he will be known as such, and will also be given the dignity of a deity!"
There was applause, and cheers, as the gods and goddesses chanted my name. The angels added to the jubilation by blowing their trumpets, and then, there was silence.
"…"
I thought everything was over. Yet, I was still in this place.
I heard the High King's voice, "Rise up, Kuro the Black God."
At once, I did what I was told. The Heavenly Ruler then placed His hand on my head and said, "I shall bless you with the power to destroy your enemies; those who wish to harm your loved ones. Also, I shall bless you with wisdom, so you can govern your people with justice. And I shall bless you with wealth and honor as well, that mortals will look up to you and praise the heavens for your wonderful works. Those whom you shall bless will prosper, and those whom you will curse will be trampled under your feet. I, the High King of the Gods, have spoken!"
I had no idea of what happened next, but for some reason, a warm, gentle sensation wrapped my body. Is this a sign of my godhood?
"Your Heavenly Majesty, please allow us to bestow our blessings as well!"
"!!!"
Gaius and I exchanged bewildered looks as we saw a group of gods and goddesses who came forward to the podium as well. They were led by a familiar-looking god and a goddess who wore strange stuff on her body. I haven't heard much of their conversation, but the High King soon agreed to step aside and let those deities come to me.
"Hello Kuro!" the strange goddess smiled and reached out to me for a handshake. "I'm sure you don't know me, but I do know you…mainly from the stories of your best friend from Cherwind."
"H-Huh?" I tried searching my memories for the person she was referring to, but she went ahead and revealed the mystery to me.
"I know you can still remember your adventures with my lover, which goes by the name 'Sir Loin of Steak' in your world. He's sending his regards, by the way."
"Oh…" I was genuinely happy when I heard that person again. I couldn't help but ask, "How's that guy?"
"Well, same old stupid fellow!" the goddess laughed. "You need not to worry about him; it takes more than hundreds of monsters to kill that guy. Oh, and you can call me the Traveling Goddess. I shall bestow upon you this…" She handed me a bolt-heater revolver.
"This is the gun from the Demon Republic!" I blurted out. "How did you—"
"I sell all kinds of wares," she winked at me. "Don't sweat the details, but I did bless that gun for you. Go forth! Protect your world and your loved ones! Destroy those Void basta—"
"Ahem," it was the High King. "Milady, mind your language."
"Ah, yes…my apologies, Your Heavenly Majesty," the goddess hid her embarrassment with an awkward laugh. "Any case, you know the drill Kuro. Destroy those Void monsters!"
"Thank you!"
"Ah, it's not yet over," the Traveling Goddess then pulled another god from the crowd. "I'm sure you know him."
"Err…"
"He's the God of your world," she smirked. "If I am the Traveling Goddess, he's the Son of God."
----------
Okay, honestly, I didn't expect I would meet the God of my world, who was the subject of many books, paintings, theater plays, TV shows and movies for over two millennia. And really, while he gave off a familiar appearance, it was still a completely different experience that the person who was one of the biggest influences in your life stood before you…and even congratulating you.
"I never would've thought that a man from Earth will become god in your time," he said, greeting me with a smile. "Still, I commend your steadfastness, Kuro! You deserve the honors you have right now."
"T-Thank you, Lord," was all I could say. My tongue was getting tied-up, and my introvert self was kicking in once again.
"Don't be so nervous," he laughed. "I was also a human once, hence, I know your struggle. Nevertheless, I won't take long, since there's a long list of other gods and goddesses waiting to give their blessings to you. Come here, Kuro!"
Even with my heart elated, I controlled myself from being overwhelmed with my emotions. I mean, I think these honors I was receiving was too much for what I did, yet, these deities still gave their blessings and respects for me.
"As almost everything has been given to you by my Father, then I shall bestow you the heart and the means to help the people entrusted in your care…"
"Thank you, milord."
"Also, I will allow you to visit your world whenever you like it," he winked at me. "I mean, I can see through your heart, and I know you're missing your loved ones back there. Feel free to drop by anytime."
Well, it was certainly something I never expected. Though, now that I was acclaimed as a god, the permission for me to come and visit Earth once again was a pleasant surprise. After all, I did promise to Alexa I would bring home her ashes.
And I'd like to visit my family there…even if it's just a peek.
----------
In any case, there were a lot of other blessings I received from the rest of the gods and goddesses who wanted to bless me. Even Gaius was speechless at the sheer number of the blessings; he told me that it was a good sign that the other gods and goddesses looked up to me, even though I was a 'newcomer' among their ranks.
"And from that, you can gauge how fearful the other gods and goddesses on the threat from those of the Void," he pointed out. "You're the first one to devote his time and power to those menaces; even I—if I'm still a god—would do the same. I'm truly happy for you, friend."
"Thanks for your words, Gaius," I replied to him, and followed it up with a tap on his shoulder. "I mean, I wouldn't be here if not for your help."
"Don't doubt yourself. You deserve it."
A few seconds of silence. I was still in an unexplained state of bliss, even as we were the only ones left on the heavenly podium after my acclamation ceremony. While the heavenly hosts had already went to their businesses, I and the former god of Chersea remained—on the permission of the High King of the God, with me watching the mists and clouds pass by where I lay. And Gaius sat beside me; I was thankful he never left my side. Even after all that had happened between us, I still consider him as my teacher, and friend.
"But, Kuro…"
"Yes?"
"I'm just surprised at you."
"Hmm?"
"Even with all the honors the heavens gave you, why did you still prefer to remain human?"
"Ah, about my request earlier? Yes, I really wanted to remain human, even with all the god-powers and blessings within me."
"Why?"
"Well, two things. First, I'd like to show the gods and goddesses that those creatures from the Void isn't worthy of their fear, no matter how some of them got defeated in the past. I mean, look, imagine if a human like me still managed to defeat the Seductress; won't that be a 'wake-up call' to the deities that they can also defeat the others from the Void?"
"A risky venture, but I like it," Gaius smirked. "And what's the second point?"
"The second point is, I want to experience a mortal life with my loved ones. I still would like to grow old, and die with them."
"Hmm…well, I guess it's you, Kuro," the former god chuckled. "To each his own."
"Thanks…"
"So, you're moving on to the second phase of your plan?"
I sat up and nodded. "I finally have the means to do it, so I'll go ahead. It will be criminal not to."
"Alright," Gaius took a deep breath and stood up. "My sword and skills shall be yours. As a former god, this will be my blessing to you!"
----------
When I returned to my physical consciousness, I was immediately greeted by the saints, minus Seirna. They sat or floated near my bed, and they all stared at me as if I did something unbelievable.
"Yes, it was unbelievable," Maddie never hid her annoyance. "Kuro, you have your chance to become a god. Why did you refuse?"
"Ah! You guys are there?"
"Not really," it was Ruro who answered. "But, it is your acclamation ceremony, Master, so we saints are invited to witness it, even in our dreams."
"But let's not focus on that, Sir G!" Natasha entered the talk. "What made you refuse to ascend to godhood?"
"Can't you read my thoughts?"
They shook their heads, which was a pleasant surprise for me. I mean, while I did not mind them peeking at my thoughts, it was still a different feeling when you knew your ideas was kept in the private confines of your brain.
"At this time, you're technically a being that is above us," the Lady Helgath, who resized herself to fit in the room, revealed. "A demi-god, not a saint. By rights, you can read our thoughts, but we can never see yours unless you allow us to."
"Oh, there's that privilege, huh?"
"Well, it's not that I have nothing to hide from you, Kuro," it was the Lady Hinwe. "Unless, your holy self would like to peek unto my ero-fantasies!"
"Shut up!" I countered her. "So, you guys really witnessed everything? From start to finish?"
They all nodded in unison. Maddie added, "And I also watched the part where the High King of the Gods asked you to choose between Wisdom, Wealth and Power."
"I like how you choose in that," Natasha said. "I really thought you would follow Solomon and get wisdom."
"Nah," I shook my head. "I'm not Solomon, nor do I plan to rule over mortals for my entire life. And I'd like to ensure your future, this world's future, hence my request. And the blessings I received matched the plans I have in mind."
"Plans, you say?" the Beastman Saint asked.
"Yes," I took a deep breath and showed them what was inside my mind. From their expressions alone, I could tell they were shocked, and I already expected refusals, especially from Maddie. Still, I continued; this would be my final shot to do this, after all. "I wanted to take back Cherflammen from the Seductress. That is not her world, nor will I let her inherit it. This is where we'll draw the line on her threat."