Lex ventured deeper into the valley, he was certainly not elated by this trial or whatever. He would have peacefully avoided it, had it not been for the Staff that would be granted unto him. He didn't have much time now. Even if he managed to end the war, there were still countless other things he needed to do.
But weirdly, his sister was the top of his list. Lex had only just assumed this post of a deity a few hours ago, he was still a human, through and through.
It would do you a very great service if you don't think of him as a benevolent and selfless God. Lex would always put humanity first, among all things.
So what happens if he actually sails through this? If he defeats the giant forces of Tharros and Abaddon, and brings balance to the Omni-verse, but he has nothing to return to. No family. No nothing.
Nah, he had to make sure his sister was safe. With that thought in mind, Lex began his journey into the heart of the valley. Lex still felt the shadow lingering around, monitoring and watching his every move. Lex kept on moving forward, his mission here in general was just to gain the Staff's approval. He has to activate the Staff, and when he did, he would be able to go back to the Celestial realm.
Well, Lex was in the Celestial realm now, but this valley was something else. It was a myth in the land of Supernaturals. As Lex approached a small energy field, he saw another Staff. It was the same One. He started to make his way towards it, but the energy field around was making it much too difficult.
Lex had barely started the Divine Ascension Cultivation, he made more progress by practicing it hours on end, however, he was simply just close to unlocking the first part (minimal control over elements).
And this first part was very easy to unlock, the main issues came after you have unlocked the Mortal Refinement, then the main issues began. The real cultivation process would start.
Right now, he had no powers, except enhanced physical abilities. The first part of the cultivation was the easiest. That's why he was already so close to unlocking it.
Lex forced his way towards the Staff. If he was able to move it, just a little bit, then the whole energy field here would be shattered. Lex was feeling like his body was going to tear away, there was immense strain on him, his skin was starting to crack under the pressure, but Lex was finally close, he was powering towards his Staff.
He raised his hands, amidst that sort of pressure, he stretched, it was remaining just one last step, one last move of his body.
One more step and he would be able to touch it, just a bit, but Lex knew that he was too weak right now, he felt like he was about to die, even before he made the touch to the staff.
But Lex knew that he was going to pass away right now if he couldn't make the contact. He felt like he was at the heart of a dying star, the pressure bearing down on him and trying to squash him, maybe he won't be able to make that last touch afterall.
He weakened considerably, due to the fact that he was trying to use sheer power. The pressure was suddenly unbearable and he was thrown away. The pressure, setting in on itself, almost throwing him away.
Lex's head slammed into a tree over 2 miles away, stopping his motion. Lex seemed to have passed out for a moment, the chilly air hitting his face, he opened his eyes, but his head was aching, and his vision was hazy, he felt a warm liquid pouring down his face, he reached a hand to wipe it off.
Putting his hand back, Lex looked at it, "I guess I truly am not a God yet." and really, he wasn't, not even close. The Divine race bled like a silvery liquid known to the humans as ichor. But he, a mere mortal, still bled blood. He hadn't even transcended yet.
His eyes closed. Lex struggled to get up, as he felt his body start trembling, his knees buckled, he couldn't carry himself so he fell to the floor, wincing and groaning in pain.
"See... I knew you wouldn't make it..."
Lex groaned without even bothering to look at the owner of the voice. "Now's definitely not the time..." Lex thought to himself, trying to steady his breath.
He definitely couldn't be bothered to do conversation with these damned voices now.
Lex looked up at the owner of the voice, and he was simply stunned. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, this was definitely un...real.
Right there, in front of him, stood none other than...
... Himself.