Back inside the tower of power, Kenta was currently reading the old and ancient-looking book he had received from Lize before she left.
The book seems to be enchanted with some mysterious power, as Kenta could easily understand the contents well, even though it was written in an ancient and forgotten language that was completely unknown to him.
The information was well-detailed, explaining about each of the gods and goddesses, explaining their vastly different abilities and appearances. There was also information about each of their spells and divine artefacts.
As he read, Kenta couldn't help but furrow his brow slightly. After reading for roughly three hours without rest, Kenta finally closed the book as he sighed.
"As I thought, the current me is definitely no match for those beings... Just to be safe, I should maintain a far distance from them for the time being." Kenta said with a serious expression, with his current strength, if he were to encounter a god, he would be completely powerless against them.
[Indeed, dealing with the gods is much more difficult than dealing with ordinary humans. You should try increasing your comprehension of the law of death, the law of lightning, and the law of fire.] Agni suddenly suggested.
"Hmm... raise my comprehension, you say? What do you mean?" Kenta folded his hands as he asked with a puzzled expression.
[For a god or goddess to use a universal law, they need to have some level of understanding about said law. It is only when they have a deep level of understanding that it becomes possible to use the laws of the universe to their full potential.] Agni explained.
[Once they have some level of understanding about the law, the divinity of said law is formed as a symbol of that understanding.] Agni continued.
"Eh, so they can only use elements they understand, then why isn't that the same for mages? All mages can use different types of elements without the need of having to go through such an arduous process."
[Of course, there is a vastly differences between the two; mages can use magic through the use of the magical energy in the surroundings. It was said that the goddess of magic once granted her blessings here, which is why this world is filled with an abundance of magical energy.]
[However, the gods who comprehend universal laws and the laws of nature can use these laws in a more versatile manner. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say the gods who comprehend laws literally become the embodiment of said laws.] Agni added.
Kenta gently placed his hand beneath his chin as he sank into deep thought. Agni remained quiet after that, waiting for him to sort out his thoughts. He had received a lot of new information.
'Mages harness magic through magical energy found in the surroundings. The magical energy was then used as a medium for the mage to control different kinds of spells. While gods became the energy needed to use universal laws?' Kenta pondered it deeply but sighed dejectedly in the end. He really didn't understand the complexity of the matter.
"... Agni, if I remember correctly, Hendrix used the law of death, right?"
[Yes...] Agni replied, unsure why Kenta was suddenly asking about the god of death. "Does that mean he also comprehends the law of death?" He inquired curiously.
[.... Most likely, as far as I know, that man was the only known God to have comprehended such a powerful law.] Agni replied.
"I see... If I really am his reincarnation, then I guess I won't have to worry about comprehending such a law, right?" Kenta asked, his voice sounded really hopeful.
[.... Unfortunately, you don't have his memories, so technically, you don't have an understanding of the law of death; it's impossible to use a law you don't understand. So far, you have been using a portion of the death law through your connection to Soul Eater. However, that ability doesn't actually belong to you; you are using someone else's power. Even now that you have the aura of death running through your body through the tattoos on your skin, you can't use it until you have some level of understanding of the universal law of death.] Agni explained.
Hearing that, Kenta frowned sadly.
Agni was right about Kenta's current capabilities using the soul eater sword, even though he could use it freely without any restrictions. He had a feeling there was more to the soul eater sword than what it had shown so far.
He could still clearly remember the first time the soul eater appeared before him. He felt extremely familiar with the sword; just holding it gave him a feeling of confidence he had never felt in a long time.
'So, I really am the god of death reincarnation, uh. Should I be happy about this?' Kenta's expression became complicated. He had learnt Hendrix had a lot of enemies in the past; Hendrix's enemies would have to be Kenta's enemies as well.
'Sigh, there is nothing I can do about that for the time being. I should just try to get as strong as possible.' Kenta's expression became serious as he thought that. "Wait! Agni, is it possible to comprehend multiple laws?!" Kenta asked excitedly.
[Yes, it is indeed possible. However, something like that rarely ever happens... For those gods who somehow manage to comprehend multiple concepts, especially if they are universal laws, those gods are called true gods.] Agni answered calmly.
"Seriously! So, it really is possible!" For a moment, Kenta's bright blue eyes sparkled as though they were competing with the thousands of stars in the night sky.
He was really excited, 'Doesn't this mean I can get even stronger in the future? Maybe I can comprehend the law of life, how strong would I be with the universal law of life and death?' He thought to himself.
[.... However, let me warn you that not all gods can handle the pressure of multiple universal laws. Once a god or a goddess learns a law, the law is carved into the depths of their soul. If the soul is not strong enough to withstand said law, the soul would crumble and be dispersed, never to be reborn ever again.] Agni explained, its tone was unusually stern.
Upon hearing Agni's warning, Kenta's face darkened as he swallowed his saliva nervously.
Having the soul destroyed would mean permanent death. He knew instinctively that there would be no second chances if such a thing were to happen.
'Well, as they say, everything has its price. I guess I shouldn't be greedy.' The corners of Kenta's mouth trembled slightly.
[.... You already have three divine laws, the law of fire, lightning and death. Before you think of any other law, you should first try to get a deep understanding of those three.] Agni's voice sounded.
"... Right! Maybe I should first try comprehending the law of death? But... what exactly is death?" Kenta placed his finger on his chin as he thought about the meaning behind the word deeply.
[.....] Unfortunately, Agni didn't seem to have an answer for that question either, as it chose to remain silent. For a moment, the room fell into a state of absolute silence. Kenta's expression hardened as he thought about the law of death.
Just what was death?
The concept of death was something extremely difficult to comprehend, not just because it was a universal law, but also because one needed to have a deep level of understanding of the law of life.
Life and death!
They are a force of nature!
The natural order of balance!
Whenever life exists, death will also exist on the other side!
The two were like different sides of the same coin. For new life to exist, death was necessary.
Death was inevitable; it was as absolute as oxygen. Just like how destruction is necessary for creation!
For a moment, Kenta's eyes became hollow and unfocused, and for a moment, he seemed as though he had lost his soul as he collapsed onto his back.
[Good, looks like his comprehension has already started. Sigh, unfortunately, I won't be able to help you... All I can do is wish you luck.] Agni murmured amidst the silent room.
...
Meanwhile, on a snowy mountain on the northern side of the continent, a vast mountain range which stood tall for roughly several thousand meters spread across the forest for roughly several kilometres.
On top of the peak through a chasm whose depths were unknown, strong winds blew from a southerly direction, causing the aura of death to spread far and wide.
Meanwhile, two figures were currently gazing down into its depths.
Their bodies were covered with a powerful aura that easily shielded them from the influence of the aura of death.
"There is no mistake, this is where Hendrix's castle once stood." A soft and beautiful woman's voice resounded.
The woman was an otherworldly beauty. She had smooth, snow-white skin, long waist-length silky white hair that cascaded down to her waist. Her long hair fluttered softly in the strong, cold wind. Her eyes were bright blue like the vast blue sky.
A silver silk dress which clung tightly around her curvy body.
The woman was naturally the goddess of light, Theia. Meanwhile, standing at her side was a woman with heavenly beauty.
The woman had long braided straight, red hair that came down flawlessly to her waist. Her eyes were a deep shade of crimson. She donned a red gown that reached her feet.
"... This makes no sense... Why would the aura of death be here? I see no reason for him to seal his aura deep beneath the earth." Sunna voiced her doubts with a troubled expression on her beautiful face.
"Perhaps there is something hidden down there? It was Victoria who destroyed the castle, if I remember correctly; she was probably too lazy to check for any hidden traps he may have left behind. " Theia said with a small sigh.
The more she thinks about it, the more troubled she feels, 'Argh! Why is that man always causing me so much trouble!' She was really frustrated now.
Sunna's crimson eyes sharply narrowed as she stared down between the crevices, trying to peer through the dense aura of death that contaminated the snowy mountain.
However, at that moment, space began to twist as both Theia and Sunna's expressions changed abruptly as they both turned their heads simultaneously. Standing roughly twenty meters away was a woman with long red hair, which fluttered in the cold wind.
The woman had a sickly pale complexion akin to that of vampires.
Her soft, slender body was covered with a black silk dress that was tempting yet alluring at the same time. From behind the veil that partially hid her face, two deep, blood red eyes gaze back at them.
"Oh, dear, it seems my timing was a bit off this time... Oh well, it's not my fault I came here too early after sensing the aura of death." The red-haired woman spoke with a troubled sigh under her veil.