"One more thing," Max said, trying to think of any advantage he could get.
If I'm going into a 'Magic and Sword' world, I need a guide. I need stats. "In the stories... people like me usually have help. A guide. Can I get a System? You know, the screens, the stats, the levels?"
The God of Light looked puzzled. "A... 'system'? You speak of those mechanical shells the younger gods use to play with mortals like they are pieces on a board? Those game-like screens?"
"Yes! Exactly that! It helps me track progress. It gives me a goal."
The God sighed, a sound like wind through ancient ruins.
"I do not have a 'broken' power system to give you. I am a God of Light, not a programmer of souls. My power is raw, not calculated.
However... I can forge a lesser version for you. A bridge between your mortal mind and the divine legacy. It will not give you infinite power, but it will show you the path."
The God reached out and tapped Max's soul with a finger
The sensation was like a needle piercing his brain.
"There. It is done," the God said. His voice suddenly turned deadly serious, the temperature of the void dropping to absolute zero.
"Listen to me, mortal. My friend was a being of honor. He fought for the balance of the realms. If you used my friend's legacy for evil plans—if you become a tyrant or a monster—I will personally descend and kill you. I will wipe your existence from every timeline, even if I have to destroy the world of Lumar to ensure you are gone."
Max felt a primal terror grip him. This isn't a game. He's not a quest-giver. He's a cosmic executioner giving me a chance.
"I... I understand. I'm not a bad person. I just want to live."
"Then live well," the God of Light said, his image beginning to fade into a blinding white sun.
"I am sending you to the countryside, far from the prying eyes of those who watch the thrones. The legacy and the system will unlock when your new body reaches five years of age. Until then, grow your roots deep."
"Wait! What do I do if—"
"Go to a temple if you wish to speak," the God's voice echoed from everywhere. "Sleep now, Max. Your New life begins soon."
Max felt his consciousness being pulled into a dark, warm tunnel. The light vanished. The void vanished. His internal monologue began to fade, replaced by a strange, heavy tiredness. Lumar... God of War... five years...
As Max's soul disappeared toward the world of Lumar, the God of Light remained in the emptiness. He turned his gaze toward the deep, swirling chaos of the void, where shadows darker than the night itself pulsed with a malevolent heartbeat.
"My dear friend," he whispered, his beautiful face contorting into a mask of pure, unadulterated hatred. The "God of Light" suddenly looked very much like a God of Vengeance.
"I have given your legacy to that boy. It depends on him now. Lumar is a cruel world, but I will watch over him."
He clenched his fist, and the light around him turned into jagged shards of silver that sliced through the fabric of the void.
"I will help him in any way I can. Not just for your legacy... but to make sure I am ready. When he reaches the peak, we will find those bastards. The ones who called themselves your 'allies' before they plunged their daggers into your back."
The God of Light turned away, his white hair flowing like a shroud, as he prepared for a war that had been brewing for an eternity.
"Rest well, Max," he murmured to the empty air. "You'll need it. Because when you wake up at five years old, you won't just be a child. You'll be the beginning of the end for the heavens."
______________
Moving to the new world did not feel like a jump. It felt like falling into deep water.
The loud, scary noise of the wind slowly changed into a soft, steady thumping sound. It sounded like a drum beating underwater. Max did not have a body yet.
He was just a tiny light floating in a warm, dark space.
Then, the dark space began to push in on him from all sides.
In the real world, the sun was going down over a village called stonehaven. Inside a house, it smelled like vegetable soup and flowers.
A woman named Ruby Silvaris stood by a heavy wooden table. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her belly. She cried out. It felt like something very strong was pulling on her.
"Seres!" she cried out. The pain was very bad. "Seres, it is time! The baby is coming!"
In the next room, Seres was sitting on the floor with his young daughter, Lina. He was teaching her how to woodcarve. When he heard his wife scream, he dropped his knife. It made a loud noise on the floor.
Seres moved very fast. He caught Ruby just before she fell to the floor.
"I have you, Ruby," he said softly. He was trying to stay calm, but his heart was beating very fast. Ruby was sweating and looked scared but strong.
"Lina!" Seres yelled to his daughter. "Get the clean cloths! Get the warm water! Stay with your mother. I am going to get the doctor!"
Lina was crying because she saw her mother in pain, but she nodded. "Go, Dad! I will help her. Hurry!"
Seres ran out the door as fast as he could. He ran down the dirt path. He could smell the trees and the rain, but he only thought about getting help.
The next hour was very loud and scary. Seres sat on a bench outside the bedroom.
He put his head in his hands because he was worried. Lina sat next to him very still.
Every time she heard a sad sound from the room, she jumped a little bit.