I awoke on my feet, standing in a grassy field. But the grass here was unlike anything I had known on Earth—it was a deep crimson, barren and devoid of flowers.
Scattered across the field were five wooden houses, plain and unremarkable, each single-storeyed and plain in appearance.
I glanced down at myself and saw that I still wore the white and gold robes, garments that exuded an elegance I felt unworthy of.
But then, I noticed something peculiar. My body felt... different. Stronger. Incredibly strong.
I tested myself cautiously—sprinting, jumping, balancing, focusing my vision, even gauging my pain tolerance. Every aspect of me was impossibly enhanced, at least twice as effective as I remembered from my former life.
Did Osidon speak the truth? Am I truly a god?
The enormity of the concept should have overwhelmed me, but strangely, it didn't.
Perhaps this was the nature of godhood—a clarity of understanding that extended beyond human comprehension.
Then, a voice spoke, deep and resonant, echoing directly in my mind. Osidon.
"Greetings, Vale, God of the Broken.
You now stand in the realm of Vale. Or in other words, your new world. Here is some information you should know.
Population: 5
Realm Prosperity: 100
Power Level: 1
Unique Worldly Attribute: The Shattering.
"In time, these things will make sense to you, but I cannot linger to answer your questions, as I am a very busy God. For now, familiarise yourself with your people. I will return soon."
The voice faded, leaving me bewildered. The words meant little to me, though I could make educated guesses about population and realm prosperity. My power level was more cryptic, and the phrase Unique Worldly Attribute confused me entirely.
The Shattering... I thought. Perhaps it is tied to my title, God of the Broken.
My thoughts were interrupted as figures began emerging from the houses scattered across the crimson field.
Five people stepped into view, all dressed in plain, simple robes. Three were men, and two were women. They looked around in confusion, their expressions reflecting the uncertainty I felt within myself.
For a moment, I didn't know what to do. I had no idea who these people were—or if they even knew who I was.
But Osidon's words echoed in my mind. I was their god now, destined to rule this realm and, eventually, to face the other gods I had seen in that cloudlike domain. Their faces and forms flashed vividly in my memory—beings brimming with strength, radiating an aura of power I couldn't yet comprehend.
If I was to have any hope of surviving those inevitable confrontations, I needed to take the initiative.
"Gather around, people, and let us become acquainted," I called out.
The words startled me. It was the first time I had heard my own voice since leaving Earth. It was clear, confident, and carried effortlessly across the field. Years of reading had made me articulate, but this voice... it felt as though it belonged to someone far greater than I had ever been.
The five strangers hesitated only briefly before moving toward me.
I sat cross-legged on the crimson grass, the sun's warm light casting an ethereal glow over the realm. For the first time, I felt myself appreciating the details of this new land—the vibrant hues, the crisp air that filled my lungs, invigorating me with every breath.
For a fleeting moment, I allowed myself to feel something unexpected. Contentment.
The five individuals joined me, sitting in a small circle. Even seated, I noticed that I sat a head taller than the others, my brilliant robes a stark contrast to their humble attire. The disparity between us was undeniable.
And in that moment, the reality of my situation settled over me like a weight.
I truly am a god.
Silence enveloped us. There were no sounds in the field—no rustling wind, no calls of distant animals. Just an unbroken stillness.
I realised then that they were waiting for me to speak first, recognising, somehow, that I was above them.
I am not, though, I thought bitterly. Before this, I was just a normal human. Younger than most of you, even.
It was time to speak, and when I did, the five men and women watched me with an intense anticipation.
"Hello, men and woman." I said, making sure to look between all of them, so that they felt equally addressed. "I myself am just as confused as you, of that you can be assured. But from the events that have taken place so far, amongst all of the peculiarities, there is one thing that I have managed to gather with certainty."
I made myself believe the words that I spoke.
"I am your new God."