Chapter 13 – Daren
Daren's study was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from a cluster of floating mana orbs that hovered near the ceiling. The air was thick with the scent of ancient parchment, burnt incense, and the faint tang of raw mana. Aric entered, eager yet cautious, knowing that every lesson from his father carried weight beyond comprehension.
"Sit," Daren said, gesturing to a low wooden table cluttered with scrolls, books, and crystalline fragments. "Today, we speak of divine power—the next stage beyond mortals, the level that most cannot even imagine."
Aric's eyes scanned the room. The texts were old, older than any living memory. They detailed beings that had walked the world centuries before, mortals who had ascended to godhood, wielded unimaginable magic, and shaped nations with their will alone. Some texts were carefully hidden, their ink written in languages long lost to common knowledge.
"Divine power is… dangerous," Daren began, voice low but firm. "Those who reach these heights are no longer constrained by mortal weakness. They see the world differently. They feel its pulse, its fear, its awe. But more importantly, they can manipulate it."
Aric leaned forward, absorbing every word. "Are you saying… divine beings can control people?"
"In a sense," Daren replied, his gaze piercing. "Control, influence, even creation—these are all tools in the hands of a divine. But power is never absolute. Every god, every transcendent, faces limits: the system, other divines, the natural flow of mana. Overreach, arrogance, or impatience often leads to their downfall."
He picked up a scroll and unrolled it. Ancient symbols shimmered faintly, describing the hierarchy of levels: Mortals, Transcendents, and Divines. Each level represented not just strength, but understanding, presence, and authority over the world's energies. Aric studied the diagrams carefully.
"The System," Daren continued, tapping the scroll, "is a reflection of the world's will. It records, measures, and guides growth. But it also restricts. No mortal, no matter how talented, can naturally surpass divine levels without extraordinary intervention—or breaking taboos."
Aric frowned. "So… that means most of them are trapped within limits?"
"Exactly," Daren said, voice tinged with gravity. "Even a genius cannot reach what the world forbids. Those who defy the rules—the Taboo breakers—are anomalies. Dangerous anomalies. Most of history's disasters began with such beings. One misstep can collapse empires, alter the flow of mana, even invite the attention of forces far beyond mortal comprehension."
He set the scroll down and looked at his son. "Aric, I have given you knowledge others do not possess. You've glimpsed the System, and soon you will encounter forces that will test your limits. Understand this: divine power is not just strength. It is perception, it is influence, and above all, it is responsibility. Misuse it, and the consequences are catastrophic."
Aric's mind raced. He thought of the stories of gods and dragons, the legends his father had recounted, and the faintly terrifying glimpses he had seen in his research. "So… if I ever face someone divine… I can't just fight them like a normal battle?"
"No," Daren replied firmly. "You cannot. You must observe, understand, anticipate. Every move is amplified. Every action has repercussions beyond what you can see. That is why many mortals—even those with immense potential—never survive their first encounter with true divinity."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "But knowledge is power, Aric. You have already begun learning how to read patterns, assess threats, and exploit weaknesses. Keep your mind sharp, your perception keen. And remember: strength alone is never enough. Strategy, willpower, and cunning determine survival."
Aric's chest swelled with determination. "I understand, Father. I won't fail. I'll learn to wield it… and to survive it."
Daren's stern expression softened slightly. "Good. Then tomorrow, we will begin your practical lessons. Today, you absorb theory. Tomorrow, you learn how to apply it against real opposition. And remember… some of the beings you will face do not care for life, morality, or mercy. Knowledge without vigilance is nothing."
Aric nodded, heart pounding. He looked around the room once more, taking in the weight of the ancient texts and the solemnity of his father's words. Divine power was not a dream—it was a reality, and a perilous one. Yet, for the first time, he felt ready.
If the world demanded confrontation, if the System challenged him, he would meet it head-on. Mortals, divines, gods—they would all see the resolve in his eyes. Aric would not falter. He would not fail.
The future was uncertain, dangerous, and terrifying. But he was prepared to face it.
And nothing would stop him from becoming stronger.