After creating the ancestors of humans, Jack wasn't done. He wanted his world, Planetos, to have the kind of mystique and wonder that had enchanted him in his previous life. The world needed more than just humans and animals—it needed magic, mythical creatures, and ancient powers.
Drawing inspiration from Game of Thrones, he decided to create several different kinds of magical creatures, starting with the giants—immense, humanoid beings towering over the landscape, their strength unrivaled, their culture primal. They would live in the far northern parts of Planetos, guarding their ancient territories and surviving in the frozen wastes.
Then came the Children of the Forest, small, mystical beings deeply connected to the natural world. They would inhabit the vast forests of Planetos, blending into their surroundings, their knowledge of the land and magic far surpassing that of the other races. Jack envisioned them as guardians of nature, with powerful abilities to manipulate trees and communicate with animals.
But what was Planetos without its signature predators? Jack formed the direwolves—massive, intelligent wolves that roamed the northern forests. Larger and more cunning than their smaller cousins, these beasts would be revered by some and feared by many.
However, Jack's real excitement began when he turned his focus to the dragons. He imagined three distinct types, each tied to different elements of the world.
First, there were the Fire Dragons, creatures of flame and destruction, inspired by the dragons of old Valyria. Jack sealed these dragons into eggs, scattering them across the Valyrian Peninsula, ensuring that when the time was right, the Valyrians could find and raise these magnificent creatures. These dragons would be tied to the people of Valyria, their fate intertwined.
Next came the Ice Dragons, colossal creatures of the frozen north. Unlike their fire counterparts, these dragons breathed a freezing mist, capable of turning entire landscapes into ice. Jack limited their reproduction, ensuring that only a few Ice Dragons could exist at a time, balancing their immense power with a natural cap to prevent chaos.
Finally, there were the Sea Dragons, deep-sea dwellers that roamed the darkest depths of Planetos' oceans. These dragons were serpentine and terrifying, capable of moving effortlessly through the water. They were ancient beings, tied to the untamed, mysterious seas, rarely seen by anyone but powerful seafaring civilizations. Jack allowed them to live freely in the deep, but their connection to the oceans would ensure that they only emerged when the seas called for them.
The creatures of Planetos were coming together, but Jack wasn't reckless. He wanted the world to unfold as he imagined, so he carefully placed restrictions on some of his creations. The Fire Dragons remained sealed in their eggs, hidden away until the time came for the Valyrians to find them. The Ice Dragons were few and far between, with their numbers controlled to prevent widespread destruction, and the Sea Dragons would only surface under the rarest of circumstances.
Satisfied with the balance of power he had crafted, Jack admired his work. Planetos was a world filled with history, magic, and myth, waiting to unfold over time. It was a realm rich with potential.
As he finished this monumental task, Jack felt a strange surge of power ripple through his core. ARI's voice chimed in, breaking the silence.
You have unlocked a new ability: Progenitor.
Jack blinked. "Progenitor? What's that?"
Progenitor is a rare and powerful gift. Any ability, knowledge, or power created by beings within your dimension will automatically be known to you if you choose. Not only can you replicate these abilities, but you can also grant them to others or take them away at will, as long as the being in question is from your dimension or has formed a contract with you.
Jack's eyes widened. The implications of this were immense. He had known that creation was his gift, but this? This took it to another level.
"So, let me get this straight," Jack said slowly. "Any power or ability that's created within Genesis… I'll instantly know how it works? And I can use it?"
Correct, ARI confirmed. Additionally, you can choose to give these abilities to anyone you deem worthy, or strip them away. You can also create abilities of your own, though keep in mind that creating powerful abilities, even with your cosmic powers, is incredibly difficult.
Jack nodded, his mind racing. "That makes sense. Creating abilities isn't the same as creating a planet or a creature. It's about understanding the very essence of power. That's why even with my abilities, it's still a challenge."
Exactly, ARI continued. Abilities and powers come from a deeper understanding of the universe's laws. While you can create basic abilities now, truly powerful ones will require immense growth and refinement of your cosmic concepts.
Jack let out a deep breath, feeling the weight of this new information. He had already suspected that creating abilities on the level of gods or cosmic entities was far more complex than just using his raw power. But the Progenitor ability was a game-changer. It meant that as Planetos developed, as its inhabitants grew and created their own abilities and powers, he would learn from them, absorb their knowledge, and expand his arsenal.
This ability made him more than just a creator. It made him the ultimate overseer of his realm, a god whose knowledge and power could grow in tandem with the beings he had brought into existence.
A grin spread across Jack's face. "I can work with this."
He was elated. He had always known that creating abilities, even with the power of cosmic creation, was a high-level task. But with Progenitor, he could bypass some of those barriers, learning from the world and its creatures rather than doing all the heavy lifting himself.
Taking a deep breath, Jack decided to continue refining Planetos. He had built the world's foundation, shaped its creatures, and seeded the beginnings of life. But now, with Progenitor in his grasp, he could guide the growth of the world in ways he hadn't even thought possible before.
Looking out over the empty Canvases where his ideas would take shape, Jack whispered to himself, "This is only the beginning.