All of the later generation understood that the unveiling of the "parallel universes theory" was almost like an ace of spades.
It startled the two gods, who immediately became serious.
Zeus no longer had his former carefree demeanor, and his eyes fixed on Asshu.
Though he did not deliberately reveal it, the majesty and aura of the King of the Gods slowly spread through the guest hall.
Asshu tensed up involuntarily. The Cosmo of his awakened sixth sense flared frantically in resistance.
You must know that Zeus, in Saint Seiya, is the true "King of All Gods."
Not only of the Greek pantheon, but also above many others. He is the most powerful King of the Gods, recognized by all pantheons!
"Wise Asshu, please continue."
As if sensing Asshu's unease, Zeus reined in his divine power just in time, smiled, and asked gently:
"What does the higher level of the gods have to do with other worlds?"
As an ordinary person, even if a transmigrator, his combat power could not compare to the gods.
But in terms of power-scaling… in his previous life, at the very least, he had debated online about power levels in various anime and comics.
Asshu quickly sorted through his vague memories of that past life and began to speak:
"Since I was young, I've liked to read books, and I often read journals or biographies that described heroes."
"Based on those descriptions, I gradually formed a comparison of the heroes' strength in my mind."
"For example, some heroes can destroy a house with a single punch… Let's call that house-buster level. Then, some heroes can destroy a mansion with one move, so let's call that mansion-buster level."
"And then, some heroes can destroy a street in one blow…"
Asshu first laid out the power-scaling levels he had once seen online in his previous life.
He mentioned house-buster, street-buster, city-buster, island-buster, and nation-buster levels.
As for galaxy-level and beyond, those were too inconsistent with the local knowledge, so he had to omit them. At last, he said:
"As for the gods, they must be the strongest in this world. For now, I'll call them the single-universe level!"
As he said this, Asshu paused in thought.
According to Saint Seiya lore, the gods… At least Zeus as he is now, together with his two brothers and his daughter Athena, might indeed be single-universe level.
Though Zeus had never appeared in person, his strength was unknown.
But Poseidon's Cosmo in the original work, even in his human form and without fully awakening his true Divine Power, could "easily cover a force as vast as a real universe."
And Hades, King of the Underworld, created the entire Underworld and the Elysian Fields.
Moreover, Athena effortlessly created the eighty-eight protective constellations… Yes, the eighty-eight constellations of this world were created by Athena with a mere thought!
Those were entire galaxies in the universe. Some were even larger than the Milky Way, forming immense galactic clusters!
And with just the combined strength of three Gold Saints, the "Athena Exclamation," its area of effect could rival the intensity of a Big Bang!
In short.
A Cosmo of true universal intensity, the ability to create and destroy the world with a single thought, and the power to add more than ten galaxies to the universe by imagination alone.
What else could that be but single-universe level?
And the strength of Zeus, who could firmly suppress Poseidon and Hades, and claim fertile ground, was easy to imagine.
Asshu could not help but speculate again:
This Zeus fellow was probably at the peak of single-universe level, and now seeking to break through to multiversal level!
He didn't know if the fantastical theories from his previous life were suitable.
If they caused Zeus to suffer a mental collapse… he would certainly share the same fate.
Asshu could not help feeling a little anxious.
But if he backed down now, the serious King of the Gods would resent him.
Perhaps, regardless of his identity, Zeus might directly search his soul!
"It's just a personal opinion, and I don't really know if it's correct."
Looking into Zeus's shining eyes, Asshu spoke cautiously:
"I hope it may be of use to the honored guest."
"Since the gods already stand at the peak of this universe, to advance to a higher level, they can only seek development in other universes."
He ordered the servants to fetch some sticks of wood outside.
Then, before Zeus, he picked one up and gently snapped it.
"Look, a single stick of wood can be broken easily. But… if you tie dozens of sticks together, even a strong man cannot break them."
"And if countless sticks are tied together, even a strong man would struggle to snap them."
"If countless sticks were not just tied, but truly fused into one, and had life of their own…"
Asshu let the sticks fall from his hand and looked at Zeus calmly.
"A great tree, by human hands alone and without tools, is impossible to break."
"So the next step beyond single-universe level is naturally multiversal level!"
Immediately, he began to vaguely describe the multiversal progression theory he had once debated online in his former life.
The theory was not complicated.
It was about fusing timelines, so that countless versions of oneself across parallel worlds merged, and their power became one.
Achieving the effect of "one is all, and all is one."
As for how to achieve it in practice, with Asshu's current knowledge, it was absolutely unimaginable.
He could only offer a general direction.
After listening, Zeus fell silent. His eyes revealed a strange expression for a moment, then a trace of restlessness.
At last, he slowly calmed.
It seemed he had resolved some problems that had troubled him for a long time, and a joyful look appeared on his face:
"Wise Asshu, your wisdom has given me great inspiration, and today I have been warmly received. Following the principle of justice, I must give you a reward… So, what reward do you desire?"
"Riches and honor, or wealth and power, land, money, beautiful women—anything."
Hearing the King of the Gods say this, Asshu was deeply moved.
But also a little regretful.
What he truly wanted, of course, was "power."
However, since power was not among the options, it probably showed Zeus's intent: he might not be willing to give power to mortals.
How should he phrase his request to gain the most benefit, without losing composure?
Such an opportunity, he would probably only have once.
A spark lit in his mind, and Asshu calmly shook his head:
"Honored guest, neither riches, nor power, nor beautiful women are what I seek. As a sage, what I pursue is wisdom and truth."
Hearing this, Athena's gaze softened even more.
Asshu smiled and continued:
"…I hope to travel the world and record all knowledge…"
"But across the vast oceans, ancient mountains, and mysterious lands, there will surely be many dangers and accidents mortals cannot withstand… Even with the Cosmo power I now possess."
"I do not fear death, but I fear being unable to continue pursuing truth."
"So if the guest truly wishes to aid me, please grant me some means of self-defense."
Asshu wisely mentioned only a general direction, leaving the choice to Zeus.
This way, at least he could win the god's favor.
Besides, at this moment, he did not know the identities of the two.
Therefore, he could not request divine artifacts or techniques.
And he was not certain what kind of artifacts or divine techniques they could even grant.
"If that is your request."
Zeus nodded calmly, and suddenly raised his hand.
A brilliant golden light point slowly expanded at his fingertip.
Sacred radiance filled the entire hall.
Around the golden glow, tiny purple sparks of lightning flickered continuously.
A terrifying aura faintly emanated from within.
Zeus flicked his hand lightly.
The golden light point, wrapped in sparks, flew into Asshu's body.
After doing so, the King of the Greek Gods did not say directly what it was, only said indifferently:
"It will grant you sufficient protection… In addition."
His tone paused, and Zeus's expression grew solemn. He raised his hand and pointed forward.
Like a proclamation, his majestic voice instantly expanded, echoing throughout the world:
"Outstanding wisdom must be rewarded. Sage of Athens, mortal Asshu, I grant you the right never to kneel before the gods."
At the same time, Athena also raised her hand.
A golden light point similar, but even more condensed than Zeus's, appeared on her slender finger and flew into Asshu's body.
"Sage of Athens, since you wish to travel the world and overcome all obstacles in pursuit of truth, I grant you the blessing of eternal victory."
A melodious, pleasant voice flowed from the goddess's lips. It was like a heavenly offering, carrying a mysterious sense.
After doing all this, the two gods gently set aside the wine cups before them and stood up.
"Young sage, your way of thinking is completely unlike others'. It has been a long time since I met such an interesting mortal as you. This meeting and conversation have truly delighted me."
"But the sun has already set, and we too must return home… So, farewell."
After saying this, Zeus strode unceremoniously toward the guest hall's exit.
Athena also rose. On her beautiful face was a clever smile.
Her radiant eyes shone with gentle reverence.
She gave Asshu a courteous bow and followed Zeus at an unhurried pace.
Asshu stood dumbfounded in place, pretending to chase after them, as if to detain the guests.
But he saw that they had already passed through the doorway.
In an instant, they simply vanished from sight.
He raised his head and looked up.
In the sunset glow, he could faintly see two streaks of light flashing, almost dyeing the golden horizon in brilliant colors.