The next day, I spent my time getting to know my new settlers.
Many people stood out to me, and I told myself that I needed to focus on them, rather than Zerlos, who had been lost.
Rather than mourning his death, I turned that energy towards my resolve, as I was now decided on what I wished to achieve in this world.
As if on cue, Osidon arrived again, telling us that we would be given another few minutes to speak to whomever we wished through our mirrors, in preparation for changes that would be made in the future.
I wondered what those changes would be, remembering that the Absolute had mentioned some sort of world visits.
Naturally, Lucifen and I connected through the mirrors, both honoring our agreements and vows made to each other.
"Hello, Vale," the god said as I looked at him through where my reflection should have been. "How did Battle 002 go for you?"
The fact that I had never even considered that Lucifen might have lost his life in the battle spoke volumes about how highly I regarded him, which was a surprise, as I had only officially met him once.
"The battle itself was fine; we were victorious. The aftermath, however, was terrible. Some of our choices led to a life lost, a precious one."
Lucifen nodded his head in understanding.
"Yes, I've been there myself. My world thrives, but that does not mean that it is without its troubles. We too have lost lives."
For some reason, that surprised me. Then I wondered how many other lives had probably been lost in worlds distant from mine.
The thought angered me.
"I have thought about your proposition, about joining you in your journey to join the wars of the Absolutes..."
I let the words hang for a moment, thinking over my decision for the last time.
"If Osidon is your enemy, then you are a friend of mine. These games are cruel and unjust, and I wish to fight against their creator."
A smile etched onto Lucifen's face, one of appreciation.
"That is truly excellent to hear, Vale. Having someone like you by my side is what I've wanted, someone honorable and respectable. Together, I believe we can achieve this goal."
I couldn't help but think about deception, about the lie Lucifen had told me when we first met.
Adon, the god who never existed. No, I should not let this cloud my judgment.
Lucifen had his reasons... Still, it doesn't hurt to stay cautious.
"What's our next step from here?" I asked him.
"Well, things will continue as they have been, for now. Continue to gather strength. I believe things are about to change soon; Osidon has hinted at it. In the meantime, the closer you can get to the second tier of godhood, the better."
I used that opportunity to ask a question I had been meaning to ask.
"Have you reached the second tier yet?"
Lucifen hesitated for a moment.
With how early he had reached physical mastery, it only made sense for him to be at the second tier by now.
"Yes, I have, though it is nothing like the first tier. There is much to learn, so much to learn. In time, you will be told about it, and once you are, you will understand the complexity that I speak of."
"Can you not just explain it to me now?" I asked, wanting a head start on the others, but the god just shook his head.
"You cannot rush godhood, Vale. Plus, we are running out of time; I would not be able to explain the concepts in full."
I felt disappointed and ashamed for asking, but I couldn't help myself.
"I do wish for you to visit my world soon though, whenever the opportunity presents itself. I'm sure you are managing your world adequately, but there is some advice that I would like to give you. It will help with your realm prosperity, which will in turn, make you stronger amongst the gods."
"I would appreciate tha-" I started to reply, but the image was cut off, signaling that our time had run out.
I sat by my desk, staring at my reflection.
My hair had grown longer, now flowing past my shoulders.
I will need to tie this up soon. It will get in my way during combat.
---
Realm Population: 46
Realm Prosperity: 1500
Power Level: 23
Unique Worldly Attribute: The Shattering
---
Later that day, I visited Dante in his chambers.
With all the events surrounding Zerlos' death, I needed to ensure that he wasn't feeling guilty about the situation.
I couldn't afford to lose another member, lest the guilt break him apart.
However, upon visiting him, it was obvious that he wasn't affected by the death.
"Things are starting to get busy around here, Father Vale. It's good to have such high numbers," he said, as he ate a loaf of bread at his table.
I stood and watched him; he was a well-built man, and his character was praiseworthy.
"You carry a heavy weight now, Dante. I hope that is fine with you. To take over the tasks that Zerlos used to handle is a large ask. Are you prepared for it?"
It was some sort of unspoken agreement made amongst the settlers. Dante, being the greatest fighter amongst them, and most well-versed in weaponry, would work alongside Laomi to handle the armory and other duties in that field.
The man nodded resolutely.
"Of course, Great Vale. I have already begun my new duties. Zavid is heartbroken at the death, but I have been training him, hoping to grant him comfort. The boy is strong; he has great potential."
I watched as Dante spoke with passion.
He is a good man, made for this role.
I made to exit the house, but turned before saying one last thing.
"Please, Dante, call me Vale. The honorifics are not needed between you and me. We have battled together now; we are brothers in arms."
I did not care whether or not it was a mistake to establish such a friendship with a human.
I longed for friendship, and Dante was a good friend to have.