Light shone in my eyes, hurting them, forcing me to keep them shut for some time until they adapted.
My body felt light, clean. Of course, I thought, I'm no longer in the ocean. Before me stood several chairs, twelve, to be exact, but only three were occupied. In one chair lay a slender woman in a leisurely position. Her blonde hair shone like the sun, and her skin was as pale as a snowflake, seeming to merge with the silken cloth that covered her body. Her ears were pointed, and she carried herself as if utterly sure of her own beauty.
"Obviously , I have not seen any humans like that in my history lessons. Some came close, but none with those characteristics."
She clicked her tongue, as if offended by something.
I turned my attention to the man on her left. It was the exact same man from the statue. He wore a suit of black chain armor with a black helmet and held his scepter. His eyes were red as blood, and long black hair fell from beneath his helmet. He was imposing and seemed to evaluate me from top to bottom. And on his left was that creepy guy.
He had the face of a human, but the side of his head was covered in red scales. He had two horns, the eyes of a lizard, the tongue of a snake, hands like sharp claws, and a tail that rested on the arm of his chair. He wore a creepy smile, eager for something.
I stood up, confused about how I had ended up there, how long I had been out, and who are these people, what these alien species are.
But before I could utter a word, the man in armor stood up, stomping his scepter on the floor to call for attention. A cold breeze of alert ran down my spine. The place suddenly felt dark and drowsy, to the point it gave me goosebumps.
He closed the distance and began to talk. - Adam. The last man of Earth. The last son of an abandoned world. Heed my call. I am Hades, the Ruler of the Underworld, the Keeper of Tartarus, and one of the Human Gods. At my right is Aelthir, the Goddess of Memory, Renewal, and the Secret Life. She is a representative of the Fairy Gods. At my left is Seryndor, the God of Oaths, Fire, and Retribution. He is the representative of the Monster Gods. We are gods, and we are an undeniable truth. You know this naturally, in the deep of your being.
I listened with caution, finally standing firm after the wave of power, my body chilled as it recognized the truth in his words. While most of my mind denied this exquisite truth, my body recognized it. I closed my fists, gathered my resolve, and said, - Though my mind doubts it, I feel it. Though reason denies it, the truth imposes it. If you are so-called gods, why do you talk with a mere insect of your power?
Seryndor, the man with lizard characteristics, smiled and spoke. - I like him. Daring, truthful. Though he lacks an education that was never given to him, he has guts. Kid, we are gods, but we are not invincible. Even we must abide by the laws of the universe and play by the rules. The chess of gods is different from the chess of humans. We don't fight ourselves; we choose champions, bestow powers upon those who are faithful to us.
Aelthir, who until this moment had been quiet, continued. - The world you came to, Atlas, is a world of godless people. They discarded us. They only believe in magic and in their own power. Once, there was a time when we received their devotion. But a Great War took place, and they expelled all religions of the gods, burying us in the past. They created a religion upon magic itself. We… want retribution. The reconquest of Atlas. But we cannot bestow power upon the people who once purged us.
Hades took a step forward, interrupting her. - So we choose to bestow power upon you. To do our will.
I was surprised by it all, but it was a chance. Their divinity seemed an implicit truth in their discourse, yet I was careful with their words, a bunch of traps were set within them.
First of all, there are rules, which means a major power governs them. Second, the people of Atlas decided to dispose of them, so obviously I have to choose my side carefully. Third and last, they have power to give, so maybe they have a way to substitute my broken watch or even help my world.
I looked Hades in the eye. - I can accept this task of yours, but I have conditions.
Aelthir clicked her tongue. - Greedy human. You should be content with what we can give you.
I immediately retorted, - From what you said, you should be grateful that I came to this world. So you can restore the shame of losing a war to mortals.
Seryndor laughed hard. - HAHAHAHA! I TOLD YOU HE HAS GUTS! HAHAHAHA! YOU ARE RIGHT, BOY, WE NEED YOU! - He stood up and stomped his tail on the ground, making the whole place tremble. He looked at me with a serious gaze. - But don't waste our time. State what you want, and let's end this.
I lifted three fingers. - Just three things. First, once I am done with the job, I will have no further obligations to any of you and can live my life the way I want. Second, I want a way to restore my home world. Third and last, I want a way to travel back and forth there whenever I want.
Hades raised a hand. - Fair enough. None of these are too difficult to grant. We will make a pact that once you reconquer Atlas, we will release you from your duty as champion.
Seryndor got up next. - I shall grant you a skill: Portal Maker. I will grant you a portal to your world so that you can visit your home.
Finally, Aelthir stood up. - I shall grant you a Subclass: the Totem Maker. The more you train the class, the more you can make totems that purify the places in your world. It is a divine subclass and will help you on your journey.
Hades came close to me and put a hand on my shoulder. - Atlas is a world full of powerful people. Even with your extraordinary body, it will not be enough. Magic and aura are powers that distort the laws of nature. You shall learn their ways to defeat them. I shall give you my blessing now. First, I will form your magic core.
Seryndor interrupted Hades. - Wait! His body can gather a lot of energy and is resilient. Maybe he doesn't need a core. I can manage to change him to receive a Dragon's Heart! - He smiled, approached, and touched my chest, infusing me with a torrent of energy.
I stumbled back, coughing blood onto the floor. An unbearable burning sensation seized my body. I fell to the floor, my body convulsing uncontrollably.
Hades put his hands on his face. - Now he is dying! What have you done, you fucking lizard?!
Aelthir interjected, - Stop bickering and save him, you two! I can't heal him, or he will keep dying eternally!
Hades shook his head, finally drawing a dagger. He put his knee on my chest to immobilize me, then placed his palm over my mouth. A red circle enveloped us both and shone brightly. Gradually, my body stopped convulsing. Hades stood up. - I would first have bestowed you the blessing of the Rich Earth, but this lizard gave me no choice. I bestow upon you, Adam, the Blessing of Undeath. What is not alive may never die.
As Adam body desappear being transported back Hades turned to his companions and said - I fear that we gave him too much power.