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Setting: Ancient Mesopotamia, c. 3000 B.C.
Having journeyed through Spain and left his hidden sanctuary beneath the earth, Javier Sánchez ventured further, traversing lands that would one day be ancient empires. He moved silently, observing humanity's first steps into structured civilization. Javier had already woven himself into the memory of the Eternals and subtly influenced his celestial allies, yet there remained a drive within him—a need to leave more tangible traces of his influence upon the world.
But Javier's approach was delicate, unseen, like threads woven into an intricate tapestry. He chose not to dominate humanity directly. Instead, he would leave symbols, signs, and legacies for future generations to interpret.
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Javier's Journey in Mesopotamia
As he roamed Mesopotamia, Javier moved cautiously, studying the people and establishing relationships with leaders, scholars, and mystics. Unlike the direct influence the Eternals might have had in guiding humanity, Javier positioned himself as a hidden teacher, a "spirit" who whispered ideas into the minds of wise leaders and astronomers in their dreams.
During one moonlit night, Javier gazed upon the first ziggurats being built—a towering sign of humanity's ambition and their reverence for the divine. He observed quietly as people labored, shaping the future one stone at a time.
"These humans," Javier murmured to himself, "are mere clay now, yet the fire of civilization will mold them into something capable of wielding true power."
He sensed the presence of Ajak, the leader of the Eternals, as she watched the humans build from a nearby plateau. She didn't know of his true nature, believing him to be another Eternal, but she sensed something different in him. This difference intrigued her, and she approached him cautiously.
"You often watch them from afar, Javier," Ajak said, her tone thoughtful. "Is it fear of attachment or a deeper understanding that keeps you away?"
Javier smiled faintly, his gaze unwavering from the people below. "Humans are delicate. Too much guidance, and they may lose the chance to grow independently. We are to protect them, yes, but guiding them too closely would strip them of their potential."
Ajak nodded slowly, unsure of his meaning yet captivated by the calm wisdom in his voice. "Perhaps. But do you believe they can ever reach our level?"
Javier turned his eyes toward her, a glint of mystery within. "Not yet, but give them time. Humanity is the only creature with the capacity to defy fate. That alone makes them unique among all the creations we've seen."
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Whispers of the Raven
One evening, a wandering tribe came across a large, black feather etched with golden lines near a spring where they had planned to rest. The tribe's spiritual leader, an elder woman, took the feather and immediately felt an overwhelming surge of knowledge and visions. It was as though the feather unlocked hidden knowledge buried within her mind. She understood deeper mysteries of the cosmos and the latent potential of her people.
This was Javier's doing, his quiet way of spreading enlightenment without drawing attention to himself. The elder would pass this knowledge to the people of her tribe, and in time, they would go on to build one of the most influential early kingdoms. Javier's influence expanded subtly, as people worshiped the symbols he left, believing them to be gifts from a benevolent spirit.
In their dreams, these wise leaders would see visions of a tall, mysterious figure draped in shadow. They called him the "Whisperer," attributing new philosophies, sciences, and concepts to his teachings. Legends arose around this figure, who was thought to appear in the darkest nights, leaving symbols or artifacts that granted wisdom.
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A Test of Power and Limits
Javier also used his influence on the Eternals, experimenting with his powers by altering small memories or perceptions within his allies. Sprite, curious and inquisitive, often became the subject of his experiments. By slightly adjusting her memories, Javier observed how she would view certain humans differently, growing more or less attached as he subtly guided her perceptions.
As he manipulated these memories, he felt a harsh toll on his own mind, a splitting pain as though his own essence was being worn down. He had to steady himself against ancient pillars, his vision blurring as he forced himself to continue, stretching his limits to strengthen his command.
In one instance, he watched as Ikaris spoke proudly of the Eternals' mission. Javier subtly implanted a memory, making Ikaris remember a moment that never occurred—a conversation in which Javier advised patience with humans, subtly shaping Ikaris's perception toward leniency with mankind.
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Final Moments in Mesopotamia
Before leaving Mesopotamia, Javier made his final preparations for the land that would become Spain, placing his symbols and quietly molding civilizations that would arise long after his departure. He knew that one day, he would return to witness what had become of his silent influence on humanity.
As he turned to leave, he looked one last time at the civilizations he had nudged forward.
"These seeds will take centuries to grow," he murmured, a faint smile forming. "But they will remember me, even if they don't know my name."
In that moment, he felt the watchful gaze of Gilgamesh, who had been observing him from a distance. Javier greeted him with a nod, knowing he had carefully crafted his image within the Eternals' minds.
"Leaving so soon?" Gilgamesh asked, his tone friendly but probing.
Javier chuckled softly. "A mere wanderer I am. I'll return when they're ready."
Gilgamesh didn't reply but watched as Javier faded into the shadows, his mind filled with the mystique Javier had skillfully cultivated.
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End of Chapter 9
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