《Limitless Genesis》 PROLOGUE My past life was ordinary, a string of disappointments and dreams that never quite took off. I felt invisible, just another person in a huge, uncaring world. Death was a welcome escape from feeling so average. Or so I thought. I woke up in sunlight, in a place where I was suddenly good at things, where my old dreams felt possible, and where I even found love. I was Prince Ken of Tempest, heir to a kingdom with rolling hills and sparkling rivers, a beautiful, amazing place. My dad, King Locas, was wise and kind; my mom, Queen Eva, was warm and strong. It was a total change from my old, boring life. I became close to Silva, my maid, who was incredibly powerful, created by the gods. She wasn''t just a servant; she was my best friend, always there for me. My days were full of adventure, success, and a feeling of belonging. I trained hard, mastering the four elements¡ªearth, water, fire, and wind¡ªand learning both light and dark magic. This balance made me special. I wasn''t all good or all bad; I was somewhere in between. I was a prince, a fighter, a magician, and a friend. I felt at peace. Then everything changed. The Combined Worlds happened. The sky filled with amazing, scary lights; the world felt different. People had been talking about it for months, but no one really believed it. Then, suddenly, the sky opened, and other worlds poured into ours. It was beautiful and terrifying at the same time, showing the awesome power of the gods, a power far greater than mine. The excitement quickly turned into chaos. Tempest, my kingdom, was attacked. Three huge empires and tons of smaller kingdoms attacked at once. It wasn''t just about land; it was something much worse. Demons had taken over people''s minds, turning them into puppets in a terrible war. The demons were stronger because the world was all messed up. The empires and kingdoms fought each other¡ªa terrible, violent mess. Tempest was safe for a while, protected by the old gods, but a powerful demon, Za, wanted Tempest too. My parents led our army, but we were outnumbered. The battle was a nightmare. I fought alongside my father and mother, but the enemy was relentless. I saw my father, King Locas, cut down, his hands severed, his body pierced by at least twenty-five swords. Enemy mages unleashed devastating spells, burning and maiming him. Even then, his spirit remained unbroken. Bastov, the commander of the Golden Empire, seized my father by the hair, lifting him into the air. "This is the end, Your Majesty," He sneered. My father''s body was horrifically mangled, like melted plastic. My vision blurred. A mage knight from the Lion Empire struck me, sending me crashing to the ground. As I fell, I saw Bastov behead my father, freezing the head with ice magic before crushing it with his foot. I screamed, "No! No! No! Father!!" My heart felt like it was about to burst; raw power flooded my body. A pillar of light and a pillar of darkness struck me simultaneously. My wounds healed instantly, and suddenly my body floated into the air. The world around me swirled with light and darkness.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. The agony was unbearable. "FATHER!! ARGGHHHH!!" I roared. And in that moment, everything outside Tempest¡ªthe armies, the empires, the demons, even the distant Demon God Za¡ªvanished from reality. Even the author''s pen cracked. Silva, my mother, and the others from Tempest were safe, shielded by the gods who protected our kingdom. The unimaginable surge of power resonated across the universe. Gods from countless worlds, some so vast that our universe seemed like a pebble, gathered around me. But they were held back, suppressed by the sheer force of my aura, so powerful it cracked the author''s pen further. The silence after was crushing. The world was broken, and it was all my fault. I was okay, but inside, I felt hollowed out, like an empty shell. It wasn''t just tired; it was a deep, soul-deep emptiness. My hands still glowed faintly. The power was fading, but the destruction was real. The weight of what I''d done was heavier than any mountain. I''d destroyed worlds, not because I wanted to, but because of my unbearable grief and rage. The gods were there, watching. Their silence was more terrifying than any scream. They''d seen it all¡ªmy fury, my sorrow, and the terrifying power it unleashed. They weren''t towering gods anymore. They were ordinary-sized people, looking small and defeated, like they''d been crushed by something immense. And there were countless numbers of them, more than you could ever imagine, all bowing down. It was insane. I was their king now, the King of the Gods, a title that felt like ash in my mouth. I slowly came down to the ground. The earth was still hot. I found Silva; she was alive. That was a small mercy. My mom and the survivors from Tempest were safe, too. But the price¡­ I''d destroyed countless worlds to save them. That weight would never leave me. The former gods¡ªnow just people¡ªwere still there. They showed me my power, and the terrible things I''d done. I was strong, terrifyingly strong, but it was a cursed strength. A constant reminder of the destruction. I had to fix things, to make amends, but the emptiness remained. I''d become the King of the Gods, but I hadn''t saved my father. That was the ultimate failure. The throne felt like dust and ashes. I became the King of the Gods, but all I felt was the crushing weight of my loss, the unbearable regret that even with unimaginable power, I couldn''t bring back the one person I loved most. The silence of the former gods was a judgment, a heavy crown, and a lifetime of sorrow. The gods, they looked like regular people for a little bit because of my power. They were scared and amazed by what I could do. I was strong, really strong, but it felt awful. I''d caused so much damage. I had to fix things, but I still felt empty inside. I was the King of the Gods, but I hadn''t saved my dad. That was the worst part. Being king felt like nothing. All I felt was how much I''d lost him, how I couldn''t bring him back even though I was super powerful. The gods didn''t say anything, but it felt like they were judging me. It was a heavy thing to carry, being king, knowing I''d failed. I just said it out loud, "I... I couldn''t even save him! " It was the truth, and it hurt more than anything. But... I was¡­limitless. [DING!] [CONGRATULATIONS FOR COMPLETING THE REQUIREMENTS! -MAKE THE GODS KNEEL BEFORE THE CREATOR.] [DING!] [TITLE ACQUIRED: GOD OF GODS] [DING! YOUR REWARD IS "LIMITLESS GENESIS!" : A Supreme Divine Eye that has the ability to copy and create anything. DO YOU ACCEPT THE REWARD?] [YES OR NO] "Huh?!" CHAPTER 1: GENESIS In the very beginning, before time as we know it even existed, there was only the Void. It was an unyielding abyss, a place so utterly empty, so completely devoid of anything that the idea of "nothingness" itself feels inadequate to describe it. It wasn''t just the absence of stars or planets, it was the absence of even the concept of space or time. It was a place beyond imagination, a realm where even the thought of a beginning or an end seemed absurd. This emptiness, this absolute lack of anything, stretched endlessly in all directions, a silent, unchanging expanse. There was no light, no sound, no movement, and only the profound stillness of non-existence. The very idea of existence was absent. The Void was not merely a place, it was a state of being, a condition beyond comprehension. Then, a tiny spark ignited within the abyss. Not a flame, not a burst of energy, but something far more fundamental, a single point of pure, a radiant light. This light didn''t come from anywhere, it simply was. It was a self-existent force, the very essence of being, a tiny beacon blazing in the overwhelming darkness of the Void. This initial spark, this minuscule point of light, held within it the potential for everything that would ever be. It was a singularity, a point of creation from which all else would spring. This was the Divine. Just a spark of light, but moment by moment, this light itself developed an ego, the second being that had been born within the "Emptiness". This ego, this nascent consciousness, was the first stirring of self-awareness in the vast emptiness of the Void. It was a spark of individuality within the infinite. The Divine, in its unimaginable vastness, looked upon the Void and saw potential. It didn''t just see it, it felt it, a deep, resonant understanding of the infinite possibilities hidden within that seemingly empty expanse. It saw the potential for creation, for life, for the intricate dance of order emerging from chaos. It saw the possibility of a universe teeming with wonder, a symphony of existence played out on the grandest of scales. This potential was not merely a possibility; it was a certainty, a destiny inherent in the very nature of the Divine. And so, the Divine began to create. With a mere raising of its hand, the Divine created millions of universes. It wasn''t a process of building or assembling, it was more like sculpting, shaping the very fabric of reality itself. Stars ignited into existence, their light painting the darkness with fiery brilliance. Planets coalesced, swirling into elegant orbits around their suns. Galaxies formed, vast swirling islands of light stretching across unimaginable distances. The act of creation was effortless, instantaneous, a spontaneous outpouring of the Divine''s boundless energy. Each stars, each planets, each galaxies, and each universes was a testament to the Divine''s power and creativity.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. This wasn''t a hurried, careless creation; it was a labor of love, a masterpiece crafted with meticulous care. The Divine imbued its creation with life, a vibrant tapestry of diverse forms, from the simplest microorganisms to complex, intelligent beings. It created oceans and mountains, forests and deserts, a breathtaking variety of landscapes teeming with life in all its glorious forms. The universe was not merely a collection of celestial bodies, it was a living, breathing entity, pulsating with energy and teeming with life. Every detail, every aspect of the universe, was carefully considered and perfectly executed. The Divine, gazing upon its creation, felt a deep sense of pride and satisfaction. It saw its own essence reflected in the light of the stars, the warmth of the sun, the vibrant pulse of life across its countless worlds. It had created a universe that whispered of endless possibilities, a testament to the boundless creativity of its being. It was as if billions of universes were in its hands, each one a unique and precious expression of the Divine''s creative power. The universe was a mirror reflecting the Divine''s own magnificence. But¡­ The Divine was never alone. Hidden within the very fabric of its creation, concealed within the deepest recesses of space, lurked the Dark Abyss. It wasn''t simply darkness, it was the opposite of creation, a force of pure entropy, a relentless tide of chaos and destruction. It was the shadow cast by the Divine''s light, a dark mirror reflecting the beauty of the universe only to twist it into something monstrous. This darkness was not merely an absence of light, it was an active, malevolent force, a counterpoint to the Divine''s creative energy. The Dark Abyss, a lover of darkness and the infinite nothingness, was the first being to have an ego. It was a being of pure darkness, a force that thrived on disorder and annihilation. It existed beyond comprehension, a swirling vortex of negative energy that defied the very laws that governed the Divine''s creation. Its power was immense, a destructive force that threatened to unravel everything the Divine had so carefully crafted. The Dark Abyss represented the primordial chaos, the ultimate negation of the Divine''s creative impulse. At first, the Divine was unaware of the Dark Abyss''s presence. Lost in the joy of creation, it hadn''t perceived this lurking threat. It was a blind spot, a momentary lapse in its otherwise perfect perception, a vulnerability that would have dire consequences. This oversight, this brief moment of inattention, would have profound and lasting repercussions. But as the Divine''s creation flourished, as its influence spread across the cosmos, the Dark Abyss stirred. It felt the Divine''s creation as a challenge, a violation of the primordial balance. It resented the light, the order, the very essence of life that the Divine had brought into being. It saw the universe as an affront, a disruption of the natural state of nothingness. The Dark Abyss saw the Divine''s creation as an act of aggression, a transgression against the fundamental order of the Void. And so, a silent conflict began, a cosmic struggle between creation and destruction, light and darkness. The Divine, in its infinite wisdom, struggled to understand this dark force. It had created a universe of hope and beauty, and it found it difficult to comprehend something so fundamentally opposed to its own nature. This conflict was not merely a battle between opposing forces; it was a clash of fundamental principles, a struggle between existence and non-existence. The Dark Abyss, however, was a force that could not be ignored. It was a threat to everything the Divine held dear, a menace that threatened to plunge the universe back into the desolate emptiness from which it had emerged. It was a war for the very soul of existence, a battle that would determine the fate of the cosmos. The Divine, realizing the gravity of the situation, knew it had to act. The first war had begun. The fate of the universe hung precariously in the balance. The conflict between creation and destruction had begun. _________________________________________ FIRST BEINGS DIVINE - Sex: Genderless - Age: Timeless - Powers: Creation, infinite, time, space, all light elements, life, reality wrapping. -Short Story: From nothingness, a yellow light ignited, expanding into the universe. The Divine, a genderless being of pure energy, created billions of stars, planets, universes and life. Creator of gods and mystical beings. DARK ABYSS - Sex: Genderless - Age: Timeless - Powers: Decay, darkness, infinite, space, time, Creation, all dark elements, death, reality wrapping. -Short Story: The Dark Abyss always was. A realm of unending darkness, it predated creation. From its depths emerged the being called Dark Abyss, embodying decay and the inevitable end. It exists as a counterpoint to the Divine Light, a force of consuming oblivion. Creator of gods and mystical beings. CHAPTER 2: BATTLE OF CREATORS AND GODS The universe pulsed with life, a breathtaking piece of art work from starlight and swirling nebula. The Divine, a force of pure creation and radiant light, watched over its masterpiece. But even in this vibrant cosmos, a chilling counterpoint existed the Dark Abyss. It wasn''t simply a darkness, but a being of immense power, a mirror image of the Divine, yet utterly opposite. While the Divine was the source of all creation and light, the Dark Abyss was the embodiment of darkness, the holder of darkness and death, a being as vast and ancient as the Divine itself. This being, equal in power but diametrically opposed in nature, threatened to consume the universe, to extinguish the light and leave only an endless, chilling void. The balance of existence hung precariously, poised between the radiant light of creation and the suffocating darkness of annihilation. The Divine called forth its children. Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, radiating with power and authority; Ra, the sun god, his light a beacon of hope; Odin, the all-father, his wisdom and knowledge unmatched; and Amaterasu, the sun goddess, her radiance a symbol of life and creation. Each god held a piece of the universe''s heart, a vital part of its being. The Dark Abyss, in response, birthed its own, Nyx, the primordial goddess of night, her eternal darkness swallowing the light; Apophis, the serpent god of chaos and destruction, whose coils threatened to consume the world; Hel, the goddess of the underworld, her icy grip a testament to the Abyss''s cold embrace; and Ancalagon the Black, a monstrous dragon whose shadow blotted out the sun, embodying the Abyss''s overwhelming power. Each of these beings was a reflection of the Divine''s creations, but twisted, corrupted, and fueled by the Dark Abyss''s emptiness. The battle raged for eons. The clash between light and darkness shook the very fabric of reality. Stars were born and died in the wake of their conflict, galaxies were reshaped, and the universe itself trembled under the weight of their struggle. The Gods, despite their immense power, were weary. The Dark Abyss, a relentless force of chaos and death, seemed unstoppable. It was a being that embodied the very essence of destruction, its power fueled by the despair and emptiness it created. The Divine, witnessing the struggle, knew that brute force alone would not suffice. The Dark Abyss was not merely an enemy to be defeated, but a force of nature, a fundamental aspect of existence that could not simply be destroyed. It needed to be contained, its power held at bay, its destructive influence minimized. The Divine, with the help of the Gods, devised a plan. It was a risky strategy, one that required the combined might of all creation. They would not destroy the Dark Abyss, but they would imprison it, creating a place where its power could be contained, where its influence could not reach the rest of the universe.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. The combined might of the Divine and the Gods ¨C Zeus, Ra, Odin, Amaterasu, and all the other deities was unleashed. Their combined power created a prison of unimaginable strength, a sphere of pure light that could withstand even the Dark Abyss''s destructive force. It was a prison not of malice, but of necessity, a place where the Dark Abyss could exist without threatening the very existence of the universe. The Dark Abyss, though powerful, was eventually subdued and imprisoned within this sphere of light. It was a victory hard-won, a testament to the power of unity and understanding. The universe was safe, for now. But the Gods knew that the darkness would always exist, a reminder of the delicate balance between light and shadow, creation and destruction. The struggle had forged not only new worlds, but also a profound wisdom about the nature of existence itself. The universe thrived, a testament to the power of compassion, understanding, and the delicate, beautiful balance between light and darkness. And though the immediate threat was gone, the universe held its breath, knowing that the story, and the balance, was far from over. _________________________________________ CHILDREN OF LIGHT AND DARK ZEUS - Sex: Male - Age: Timeless - Powers: Thunder, lightning, law, justice, sky. - Short Story: Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, emerged from the Divine''s will, embodying authority and power. He governs the skies and wields thunderbolts, maintaining order among gods and mortals. His presence is a testament to the Divine''s commitment to justice and balance. RA - Sex: Male - Age: Timeless - Powers: Sun, creation, light, life. - Short Story: Ra, the sun god of ancient Egypt, was born from the light of the Divine. His radiance brings warmth and life to the world, guiding the cycle of day and night. He symbolizes hope and renewal, reminding all of the Divine''s brilliance. ODIN - Sex: Male - Age: Timeless - Powers: Wisdom, knowledge, war, poetry, death. - Short Story: Odin, the all-father of Norse mythology, was created through the Divine''s quest for knowledge. With unmatched wisdom, he seeks to understand the mysteries of the universe, guiding humanity and gods alike through his profound insights. AMATERASU - Sex: Female - Age: Timeless - Powers: Sun, life, fertility, creation. - Short Story: Amaterasu, the sun goddess of Japan, sprang from the Divine''s essence, embodying the beauty of life and creation. Her light nurtures the world, symbolizing hope and vitality, and her presence is revered in the hearts of her followers. NYX - Sex: Female - Age: Timeless - Powers: Night, darkness, mystery. - Short Story: Nyx, the primordial goddess of night, was birthed from the Dark Abyss. Her eternal darkness envelops the world, representing the mysteries that lie in the shadows and the serene beauty of the night sky. APOPHIS - Sex: Male - Age: Timeless - Powers: Chaos, destruction, darkness. - Short Story: Apophis, the Egyptian serpent god of chaos, emerged from the depths of the Dark Abyss. His coils threaten to ensnare the sun, embodying the perpetual struggle between order and chaos that defines existence. HEL - Sex: Female - Age: Timeless - Powers: Death, the underworld, decay. - Short Story: Hel, the Norse goddess of the underworld, was born from the trickster god Loki. She rules over the realm of the dead, her icy grip a reminder of mortality and the inevitable return to the earth. ANCALAGON THE BLACK - Sex: Male - Age: Timeless - Powers: Destruction, shadow, fire. - Short Story: Ancalagon the Black, a monstrous dragon from Tolkien''s legendarium, was birthed from the darkest depths of the abyss and one of the first Dragons. His shadow blotted out the sun, and his fiery breath brought destruction to all who opposed him, embodying the overwhelming power of darkness. CHAPTER 3: IM STILL A VIRGIN! Hello, I''m Ken, and I''m graduating high school soon. Don''t get too excited, though. My life''s been a masterpiece of mediocrity, a symphony of sameness. If you''re looking for a gripping tale of adventure, you''ve come to the wrong place. Consider yourself warned: Prepare for a story so boring, it could cure insomnia. OR IS IT? (Present Time) (Mindanao University) "Good morning class." Teacher Reyes said to us with no energy like she''s going to talk about boring stuff again. "Good morning ma''am!" The classroom lights buzzed overhead, a persistent, irritating hum that vibrated through my skull, making my head feel fuzzy and heavy. I was staring blankly at the board, where Mrs. Reyes, usually a whirlwind of enthusiasm, was lecturing on different gods and goddesses from around the world. Her voice, usually vibrant and animated, held a flatness today, a weary resignation that mirrored my own feelings. Even she, the biggest mythology fan in school, seemed to be tiring of the same old tales. "Another day, another lecture on the same old myths." "Another day closer to graduation, another day closer to..." What?" "More of the same?" The thought sent a wave of despair washing over me. My life felt like a broken record, stuck on repeat. Wake up, eat, go to school, eat, sleep. Repeat. Wake up, eat, go to school, go back home, eat, sleep. Repeat. It was a monotonous cycle, a never-ending loop that offered no escape, no variation, no excitement. And to top it all off, I''m still a virgin. "I really need a girlfriend..." I let out a quiet sigh, the sound swallowed by the low drone of the fluorescent lights. My gaze drifted to the window, a small rectangle of vibrant color in the otherwise drab classroom. The sun was shining, a relentless, almost oppressive heat shimmering off the schoolyard below. I could almost smell the ripe mangoes hanging heavy on nearby trees, hear the drowsy buzz of crickets hidden in the undergrowth. It was the same old scene, the same old sounds, the same old everything. A familiar, comforting sameness that also felt like a suffocating cage. "Since Grandma died I''ve changed so much..." "I''m used being all on my own..." "..." "But... " The life of mine was like the hall of bad luck, every time that I feel like something good is about to happen it''s always going to be the opposite. "*sigh." " Talk about bad luck... Next week is the last exam of 2nd semester." My thoughts then cut off by teacher Reyes, she''s a good teacher a kind person. "So, like we all know," Mrs. Reyes said, her voice a little too loud, a little too forced in its attempt to maintain its usual energetic tone, "Gods, monsters, and magical creatures are a big part of stories all over the world." Beside me, my classmate whispered to her friend, "I wish she''d just get to the part about the centaurs." "They''re way cooler than Zeus." Her friend giggled. "Yeah, but Zeus is, like, totally ripped he is so hot you know~" "Have you seen those statues?" "Gosh I wish to have a boyfriend like him, he he he..." I rolled my eyes. Their conversation was just as predictable as the lecture. I glanced at my own notes, filled with the same tired, repetitive information. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. My life felt like this classroom ¨C predictable, dull, and utterly lacking in excitement. And the crushing weight of my virginity only added to my sense of despair. "I really needed a girlfriend!" "Someone to break the monotony, to add some spice to my bland existence!" "Someone to share this mind-numbing repetition with, at least!" My mind wandered, adrift in a sea of boredom. I felt trapped in a repetitive loop, a monotonous cycle of school, home, sleep, repeat. Each day bled into the next, indistinguishable, a record stuck on repeat, playing the same tired tune over and over. I craved something different, something to break the monotony, to inject a little magic, a little excitement into my otherwise predictable existence. Something, anything, to distract me from the ever-present awareness of my single status. Even the thought of a girlfriend felt like a fantasy, something as unreal as the gods and goddesses Mrs. Reyes was droning on about. "In Greek stories," Mrs. Reyes continued, her voice gaining a little more life, a flicker of the usual fire rekindled, "We have Zeus, the king of the gods," "Poseidon, the ruler of the sea," "And Hades, the god of the underworld." "Boring as hell. " "We''ve heard that a million times." muttered by my classmate from the back of the room. "Hey, those are classic stories," "They''re important you know?" retorted another classmate. The back-and-forth continued, a familiar rhythm of classroom banter that did little to alleviate my boredom. I longed for something more profound, something that resonated with the deep-seated dissatisfaction I felt with my own life. Something to shake me out of this endless cycle of sameness. I glanced back at the board, a wave of disappointment washing over me. These stories were interesting, certainly, but they felt distant, removed, like ancient fairy tales my grandmother used to tell me, stories that held little relevance to my own life. I yearned for something closer to home, stories that resonated with my own experiences, stories that felt real. Stories that felt less like a lecture and more like a lifeline. "And of course," Mrs. Reyes said, her voice taking on a more enthusiastic tone, "We have our own awesome gods and goddesses right here in the Philippines." "Like, what are they called again?" My classmate asked, leaning over to her friend. "I always forget their names." "Bathala, Kaptan, and Pamulak Manobo..." her friend mumbled, consulting her notes. "And don''t forget the diwata!" "Oh yeah, the diwata!" "They''re supposed to be really pretty, right?" I sat up straighter, a flicker of interest sparking within me. I had heard whispers of these gods from my grandmother, fragments of stories shared around crackling campfires, tales passed down through generations. But I had never really given them much thought, never seriously considered their possibility, their reality. "Maybe, just maybe, there was something more to these stories than just old tales." "Maybe they held the key to escaping my own personal hell of repetition." Mrs. Reyes explained, her voice carefully enunciating each word, "In different parts of the Philippines," "We have different groups of gods. In Luzon, there''s Bathala, responsible for the universe and all living beings." "In Visayas, there''s Kaptan, a god who lives in the sky, associated with thunder, lightning, and storms." "And in Mindanao, there''s Pamulak Manobo, said to be one of the gods responsible for the first humans." My mind buzzed with questions. "Could these gods, these powerful, mythical beings, really have an impact on my life?" "Could they be the key to unlocking something more, to escaping the suffocating grip of my boring routine?" "To making my life feel a little more magical, a little less ordinary?" "Could they help me get a girlfriend?" Mrs. Reyes continued, her voice gaining momentum. "But it''s not just the Philippines!" "Think about Egyptian mythology!" "We have Ra, the sun god, Osiris, god of the underworld, Isis, the powerful goddess..." "And then there are the creatures of myth and legend ¨C dragons, griffins, unicorns, phoenixes..." "These beings appear in stories across cultures, across continents. What does that tell us?" "..." A hush fell over the classroom, the usual chatter silenced by Mrs. Reyes''s impassioned tone. Even the girl infront and her friend were captivated, their earlier whispers forgotten. "Think about it," Mrs. Reyes repeated, her voice softer now, more thoughtful. "Are these gods, these creatures, simply products of our imaginations, or is there something more to them?" " Something... "Real?" She paused, letting the question hang in the air, a challenge to each student''s beliefs and perceptions. I looked around the room, at the faces of my classmates, trying to gauge their reactions. Some looked thoughtful, others skeptical, but most seemed simply bored, their minds already drifting elsewhere. Just like mine had been, before the thought of escaping my mundane existence struck me. "Ring! Ring! Ring! Ring! Ring!" The bell rang, a jarring clang that shattered the silence, signaling the end of class. Some of my classmates meetings up with their friends unlike me... "Besh! Let''s go to the new opened cafe!" "Sure, let''s call the others!" I stood up, pushing my chair back with a scraping sound, and walked out into the hallway. "Lucky them." The sun felt warm on my back, but a strange unease settled in my stomach. The stories of the gods, the stories I had heard as a child, felt more real, more tangible than ever before. Then, something grabbed my shoulder; its grip was strong. "Hey Ken! Wanna go with us?" I was so shocked I couldn''t answer him immediately. I never thought of being invited by these guys. They were all good-looking, unlike me, a shitty face and a loser. "H...Huh?" "Are you talking to me?" They laughed at me, and I thought they were just messing with me, but I guess not. "Who else?" "It''s almost graduation, and me and the boys thought we should invite you man." "We''re going to the mall, are you with us man?" They said words I''d never heard in this school. I''d love to accept, but I felt like I didn''t belong in their group. "Sorry, guys, but I''m too busy at home right now¡­" He smacked my back, but not hard. They smiled at me and said, "Hmmm¡­" "It''s no problem, man; we understand. Living alone is hard." "Also, we''re sorry for the loss of your grandmother¡­" "Yeah¡­" I felt their kindness in their words, although I really wanted to go with them. "Thanks for understanding." As they walked away, waving their hands, they said, "If you want to join us, just tell us man!" They were all talented and good-looking, but I, I was the opposite. "Sigh" "Time to go home¡­" I walked home, the familiar route suddenly feeling different, charged with a new energy, a new sense of possibility. Bathala, Kaptan, Pamulak Manobo ¨C their names echoed in my mind, their stories swirling around me like a rising tide. I couldn''t shake the feeling that something was changing, that something big was about to happen. I didn''t know what it was, but I felt it deep within my bones, a certainty that resonated with every step I took. "Maybe, just maybe, a change was coming, a break in the monotony, a chance to finally escape this repetitive cycle and find..." "A girlfriend?" The world around me felt brighter, the colors more vibrant, the sounds more intense. The ordinary hum of the city seemed to amplify, each sound carrying a weight, a significance it hadn''t possessed before. I felt a surge of energy, a wave of exhilaration that washed over me, a sense of possibility that was both thrilling and terrifying. I wasn''t just Ken, the ordinary kid trapped in a boring routine, I was Ken, the kid who was about to discover the truth about the gods, and maybe, just maybe, the truth about myself. The light intensified, growing brighter and brighter, until it was almost unbearable. The sounds around me became a deafening roar, a chaotic symphony of noise that made my head spin. I shielded my eyes with my hand, trying to make sense of the overwhelming chaos, the sudden, inexplicable shift in reality. And then I saw it. "Oh... no... " I thought, my heart pounding in my chest, a cold dread gripping my soul, "I''m... I''m going to die." A giant metal bird, a monstrous machine of steel and fire, plummeting towards me from the sky. It was a plane, a f*cking plane, and it was crashing. The sheer size of it, the unstoppable momentum, filled me with a paralyzing terror. "F*ck, what the hell! " I shouted, my voice a thin, reedy sound lost in the roar of the approaching disaster. "I''m going to die..." "No, I''m still a virgin! F*ck, I don''t want to die!" The words tumbled out, a desperate, incoherent plea against the inevitable. A desperate plea for a chance to escape this endless cycle, this suffocating sameness, this agonizing virginity. The world around me faded to black, the screams and the roar of the engines fading into a distant hum, a low, ominous drone that swallowed me whole. The last thing I saw was the glint of metal, the flash of fire, and then¡­ Nothing. .... _________________________________________ PHILIPPINE MAIN GODS LUZON BATHALA: - Sex: Male - Age: Timeless - Powers: Creation, life, death, fertility, and the elements. - Short Story: Bathala made the world and everything in it. He gave life to the first people and taught them how to grow food. He''s the boss of everything. VISAYAS KAPTAN: - Sex: Male - Age: Timeless - Powers: Control over the sky, thunder, lightning, and storms. - Short Story: Kaptan lives in the sky and makes thunder and lightning. He''s really powerful and can make big storms. MINDANAO PAMULAK MANOBO: - Sex: Male - Age: Timeless - Powers: Creation, life, and the ability to shape the world. - Short Story: Pamulak Manobo made the first people out of clay. He showed them how to live in the forest and be friends with nature. He''s a wise teacher. CHAPTER 4: REINCARNATION "Where am I...?" "Oh yeah, I died. That''s really annoying..." "Gods really don''t like me, do they?" "And here I am, thinking something good is about to happen..." I feel like my body was in the water, sinking into an endless sea. It was so dark... Even if I want to move my hand, my leg, my whole body, and even opening my eyes, I just can''t... It''s like my soul were disconnected from my body... I''ve felt a feeling I''ve never felt in my entire life... The feeling of... Being free... The quietness that I''ve felt... It is a beautiful sensation... "I must have watched too much anime..." "Ha ha ha hah..." "Pathetic..." As I sink deeper into the bottomless water, I didn''t know what to do, and even if I want to move, I just can''t. Time by time... I finally accepted my fate of being dead. I don''t want to accept it, but it is what it is. And I think that no one will be waiting for me when I''m alive, anyway. At least the repeated cycle of my life finally ended. Suddenly, the unexpected happened; I was able to open my eyes. As I open my eyes, a brilliant light shines that blurred my sight. "..." "What''s that light...?" "Uwaaaaa!... Uwaaaaa!... Uwaaaaa!" "What just happened...?" I wondered. "I thought I was dead for sure. Am I in the hospital?" "Oh, that''s a relief..." "Uwaaaaa!... Uwaaaaa!... Uwaaaaa!" "Why is it so noisy?" And I open my two eyes and... Someone said, "Your baby is a boy, my Queen! He''s healthy!" "Better than any kid I''ve ever seen." "Congratulations, my Queen!" And the others, dressed up as maids, congratulate the Queen, "Congratulations, Queen Ava!" As my vision became clearer, I noticed something strange. I saw a pretty lady, her clothes, and the surroundings... Were different... I realized, "This is not a f*cking hospital!" I shouted in my mind. I looked at the pretty lady again and noticed a light blue glow surrounding her body. "Wh... What is that?" "What... What are you?!" I shouted so loud that all of the maids and the woman holding me looked at me. Instead of being shocked, they look so happy. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. And the reason was that all that comes from my mouth was, "Uwaaaaa!... Uwaaaaa!... Uwaaaaa!" "Uwaaaaa!... Uwaaaaa!... Uwaaaaa!" "Uwaaaaa!... Uwaaaaa!... Uwaaaaa!" I can''t speak normally at all! Suddenly, I feel that my body is somehow not mine. I can only tell that it''s now mine because it feels so small. "Did I reincarnate!?" "No No No..." "I must be just overthinking it..." "Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha..." "If I''m reincarnated, I should have the body of a newborn child. And now that I think about it, I didn''t even hear some true story about reincarnation..." As I think like crazy, I suddenly choose to see my two hands to know the truth. And... Then I saw it, two pairs of baby hands. They were so small and smooth... I paused, thinking that I really did reincarnate. "..." "Status Open!" I said it with a proudful tone in my mind, with my hand up in the air... Then... Suddenly... Nothing happened. "What the hell?!" "Where''s my system?" "Where''s my cheat?" I feel so embarrassed about it, but I''m safe because no one can hear me. I look to the woman holding me; she was so beautiful, like an angel. She was so happy, happier than anyone I''d ever seen. The sensation I felt seeing someone that happy and grateful... It... It was amazing. "I don''t know why," I said it in my mind with a joyful tone, "But I feel..." "Excited and happy..." "Oh, my darling," she said it with a joyful tone and smiling, then added, "Welcome to our world. I''ll make you the happiest person ever." I could really feel her happiness, her joy. The happiness of a mother seeing her child. "My, my, my baby is so adorable~" she said it with a joyful tone and with a smile. I didn''t fully understand what was happening, but there was something that made me want to keep that happiness with her. Then the Queen turned her head to the right beside her and said with a joyful tone and added with a frightening lowered voice tone to the maid beside her, "Where. Is. Lucas!" The maid beside her was frightened and scared, then the maid replied, "My... My Queen, King Lucas is going to be late a little..." The maid was sweating. "Come back fast, King Lucas!" The Queen seems to notice something off, like the maid is hiding something, and asks with the same tone, "Now, tell me about where that bastard is, or you will have the same punishment that I will give to him?" Though the Queen is kind, she''s so scary when angered, and because of that, the maid gave up and spilled all about King Lucas¡ªthat he was hunting a wyvern egg for me, their son. The maid told the Queen that she tried to stop the King because the Queen might punish him because of it, but the maid said that what the King replied is that, "Ha Ha Ha, No need to worry! She will understand that what I am going to do is for our child! So you must not tell her!" After hearing the story that the maid said to the Queen, the Queen''s expression completely changed and said, "I see... I must kill that bastard!" All the maids in the room added, "My Queen, please don''t!" Then the door opened with a loud sound. "My dear! I''m here!" A person in dark red flowing robes ran towards us, followed by other men. He said, "My dear! I''m sorry for being la¡ª Ohhhh, there you are! Let''s see, let''s see~" He opened the cloth that surrounded my body and exclaimed, "A boy! A boy! A bo¡ª aaahh~" He was slapped with a wind magic intact to it by the Queen. I noticed that that was a strong slap that after the Queen hit the King the room inside were like hit by a hurricane. I couldn''t believe what I see and thought, "That''s magic... right?" "Don''t shout! What if the baby starts to cry!? And by the way, why are you late coming here, huh!? Answer me or else!" The Queen demanded with a frightening tone. "Well... we thought it was just one Wyvern that protects their cave, but there were tw¡ª" the King answered, his tone like a puppy begging for forgiveness. "Is that really more important than your son''s birth, huh!?" the Queen interrupted the King''s answer with a frightening tone. At that moment, the King became like a puppy being disciplined. But even after the commotion, I still couldn''t believe what I saw and thought, "This world has magic!" "I''m going to master all the magic here!" "Dattebayo!" Once the Queen settled down, they named me Ken. Like, what the hell, man? Even here in my second life, my name is still Ken? As time went on, I learned more about this world and what it was like. I also figured out the reason why my father, Lucas, the King, went to the Cave of the Wyvern to steal a Wyvern egg for me. I''m supposed to be happy because of my father''s gift for me¡ªit''s a wyvern, you know¡ªbut I don''t really know how a King should steal. Like, come on! A King should be righteous, not like a goblin in Clash of Clans. (Three Years Later) I read some books in the royal family''s library¡ªthe library was so massive that even five person can''t read all the books in 1 year. I read some interesting books and learned about something called mana in this world. "Mana is really a thing!" To think that the animes, mangas, and manhua that talk about reincarnation and mana came true, I really couldn''t believe it! "But because of that, I had a head start." I said it with a proud tone and added, "It wasn''t cheating; let''s just say it''s my talent." Time by time, after going to the royal library and studying, I learned to control my mana, how to manipulate it, and also I learned how to do basic magic¡ªlike make a flame, create water, create a small hurricane, manipulate earth. "Hmm, I don''t know why I can read this language," I thought about it and just only noticed after some time and I added, "But this book really helps me learn about things in this worl-" "Prince Ken, as I thought you''re here again!" Don''t go away like that! I''ll be at fault if you get hurt." Silva said with a worry tone. "I''m sorry, Ms. Silva..." I said. This is Silva, the most beautiful woman I''ve ever seen it''s like she''s come from manhua. She''s my personal maid, and although she''s still 7 years old, she''s been trained every day about magic, fighting, and formalities just for me. "The story of this world seems exciting to read... Ah, there it is, "History Of The World"?" "Interesting." I read the book called "History Of The World" for two hours and found some interesting information. From what I read in the book, this world is truly another realm. It has mana, which is like a battery for magic. This world has many other races too, like humans, elves, dwarves, and other creatures that Earth doesn''t have. There are two big continents, Aether, the land where every race has its main territories, and Hellioz, the land where corrupted creatures live. The book also explained that there are two gods who rule this world, and this world only has one big supercontinent, but because of their greed for power, both gods fought and split the supercontinent that is now Aether and Hellioz. Their blood created humans, the other races, and various creatures. Because of their blood, we were granted the ability to control mana and use magic. But also because of that, creatures that hunger for power were born too, they too can manipulate mana and use magic, just like humans and other creatures. "It''s really different from Earth..." I thought with a curiosity tone. "A blood of gods that can grant the ability to manipulate mana and magic itself, huh." ________________________________________ KINGDOM OF [TEMPEST KINGDOM] KING LUCAS: - Sex: Male - Age: 38 - Powers: Fire magic - Short Story: The current King, known for his bravery. Once called the Pyro Emperor and killed a S+ tier Wyrm. QUEEN AVA: - Sex: Female - Age: 35 - Powers: Wind magic, Water magic -Species: Human - Short Story: The Queen, a powerful and loving mother. Was once the most powerful Adventurer in Tempest Kingdom and achieve the title Dragon slayer. SILVA: - Sex: Female - Age: 7 years old - Powers: Wind magic -Species: Human - Short Story: A loyal and skilled assasin of Prince Ken, Silva is always vigilant and dedicated to ensuring his safety. She''s highly skilled in combat and fiercely loyal to the royal family. Trained to be Ken''s protector. WYVERN A+ - Sex: Male - Age: 110-150 - Powers: Fire breath, flight, enhanced strength and senses. -Species: Crimson Inferno Wyvern - Short Story: A powerful and territorial Crimson Inferno Wyvern guarding its territory in a hidden cave. Its fiery breath can melt stone, and its sharp talons and powerful wings make it a formidable opponent. It fiercely protects its eggs. WYVERN A - Sex: Female - Age: 90-130 - Powers: Fire breath, flight, enhanced strength and senses. -Species: Crimson Inferno Wyvern - Short Story: A powerful and territorial Crimson Inferno Wyvern guarding its territory in a hidden cave. Its fiery breath can melt stone, and its sharp talons and powerful wings make it a formidable opponent. It fiercely protects its eggs. CHAPTER 5: BAPTISM (Five Years Later) (Castle, Kingdom Of Tempest) "Time really flies. I''m eight years old now, yeah." Looking into the mirror, I saw a handsome boy staring back. I leaned closer, touching the cool glass, confirming it was me. "Well, well, well. Would you look at that?" "I''m so handsome~" "Prepare yourselves, ladies, your prince charming is here!" I grinned, pushing my messy black hair back dramatically with one hand, striking a confident pose. My reflection smirked back, matching my playful mood. As I admired myself, a knock at the door snapped me back to reality. "Prince Ken," Silva''s calm, familiar voice called from the other side of the door. "Ahh! Yes?" I answered, turning my head quickly toward the door. "The Queen and King are waiting for you outside. Please follow me," Silva announced. I glanced one last time at the mirror. "Another time, my beautiful reflection," I whispered dramatically before stepping away. The door opened, and there stood Silva, her silver hair cascading like moonlight over her shoulders, her eyes calm but sharp, always observant. She bowed slightly before gesturing for me to follow. As we walked through the polished halls, the marble floor reflected our steps like a watery mirror. The tall windows allowed golden sunlight to bathe the corridor, the light catching on the delicate carvings of dragons and ancient battles etched into the stone walls. The grandeur of the castle never ceased to amaze me, even if I lived here. A strange feeling tickled the back of my mind, like a whisper I couldn''t quite hear. Something felt¡­ different. "Silva, are you coming with me?" I asked, casting her a hopeful glance. "I''m sorry, my prince. I cannot answer that; it depends on the Queen and King," She replied with her usual composed smile. "But you''re my personal maid, aren''t you?" I replied with pressure. "(Chuckle) Don''t be silly. " Silva said softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. When we reached the royal carriage, my mother beamed as I approached. "Oh my, my handsome baby has become even more handsome!" she exclaimed, eyes filled with motherly pride. "Stop it, Mother..." I muttered, heat rising to my cheeks. Father chuckled softly from his seat, watching the exchange with quiet amusement. "Silva, come in. You are Ken''s personal maid! Always be by his side, okay? Now come in," My mother urged, waving Silva into the carriage. "Thank you, Your Highness," Silva replied, stepping gracefully inside and settling into the seat beside me. I leaned over, a sly smile on my lips. "Told you. " I whispered. She chuckled again, a soft sound like bells chiming in the distance. Father cleared his throat. His deep, steady voice filled the space. "Son, are you ready?" "Yes, Father," I said, sitting up straight, feeling the weight of the moment settle on my shoulders. We were on our way to the church for my baptism. In this world, a baptism wasn''t just a ritual¡ªit was a revelation. The priest would analyze the magic I could wield and the capacity of my Mana Pool. If the gods favored me, I would receive their blessings and perhaps even gifts of power.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "If I remember correctly, there are only two gods in this world," I muttered. "Mudra, the goddess of life and nature, and Soota, the goddess of destruction and time. " But... Why are there so many gods on Earth?" The royal carriage glided smoothly along the cobbled streets, the rhythmic clatter of wheels creating a soothing backdrop to my swirling thoughts. I gazed out at the passing landscape. The towering spires of the city blurred as we moved further from the heart of the kingdom, toward the sacred grounds of the church. Silva sat quietly beside me, her hands folded neatly in her lap. I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye. There was something calming about her presence. "You seem deep in thought," She observed, breaking the silence. I shrugged, a grin tugging at my lips. "Just wondering what kind of magic I''ll have." When we arrived, the church stood like a mountain of carved marble, its white stone glistening in the midday sun. The towering spires stretched high into the heavens, their sharp peaks seeming to pierce the sky. Stained-glass windows depicted ancient battles, dragons breathing fire, and divine beings with eyes that seemed to follow you wherever you moved. As we stepped inside, the vast hall greeted us with an air of solemnity and reverence. The cool, crisp air was heavy with the scent of incense, and my body felt lighter, almost weightless. A priest approached, his flowing robes adorned with intricate symbols. His eyes, sharp and knowing, met mine with a look of quiet reverence. He bowed deeply. "Welcome, Your Majesties, Prince Ken." His voice was as calm as still water. I nodded politely as he led us to a circular platform, its surface etched with glowing runes that pulsed like a heartbeat. "Kneel here, young prince," The priest instructed. "Now, close your eyes and open your mana pool." I knelt, feeling the chill of the stone seep through my clothes. The priest began to chant, his words ancient and powerful, resonating in my bones. The air around me shifted, thick with magic. The first god invoked was Mudra, goddess of life and nature. Her name rolled through the room like a gentle breeze, and I felt warmth bloom in my chest. Then came Soota, goddess of destruction and time. Her presence was sharp, like a blade slicing through the air. Magic swirled around me, the four elements¡ªfire, water, wind, and earth¡ªdancing in a circle of power. Gasps filled the hall. "What the...!?" "Seriously??" "Oh my!" I grinned, my heart racing with excitement. I had always known I could manipulate all four elements, but seeing it confirmed felt like a victory. Suddenly, both my hands began to glow. In my right, a brilliant yellow light formed, warm and radiant. In my left, a dark, blood-red light pulsed ominously. The priest''s eyes widened. "Blessed by both gods¡­ Impossible!" Father stiffened, his eyes sharp with surprise. Mother clutched her chest. "My son¡­" Time itself seemed to stop. The world faded to black and white, and two figures appeared before me. Their forms shimmered with divine energy, their eyes blazing with ancient power. "You¡­" Their voices were like thunder, shaking the very air. Every time they say a word my body feels like it''s going to burst. Blood spilling from my mouth. "We have been waiting for a worthy human." "But... You..." They said. My heart pounded. Their gaze was unbearable, like staring into the heart of a star. "You..." "You seem familiar, human. " They said again. The gods'' presence filled the room with a force that bent reality itself, and I, a mere child, knelt before them¡ªtrembling with fear. The air felt heavier, as if a giant hand pressed down on me. Every breath burned in my chest, and the figures before me, the gods, radiated power so immense that my body trembled under it. To my left stood Mudra, her presence calm but commanding. Her eyes were deep pools of wisdom, her voice gentle but filled with strength. "You, a child of fate, stand in my light," She said softly, her words flowing like a melody into my mind. "I sense life, growth, and harmony within you." Her brow furrowed, her gaze narrowing as she peered deeper into me. "But there is more¡­ a strange force, one we did not give." To my right, Soota''s dark form shifted. Her silhouette moved like shadows under twilight, and her piercing gaze seemed to reach into my soul. Her voice was smooth but cold, like thunder softened by silk. "I see time wrapped around you," She murmured, her eyes narrowing further. "But something else¡­ dark power already stirs within. It does not belong to us." Her lips twisted into a curious smile. "It bends to no divine will." They both looked at me with deep curiosity, as if I were a puzzle they couldn''t solve. "Have you already touched the divine, child?" Mudra''s question carried a note of concern, her calm demeanor cracking. "I¡­ I don''t know!" "I¡­ I don''t know." "I haven''t¡­" "I didn''t¡ª" My voice wavered, confusion swirling in my mind. Soota''s grin faded. "This balance within you¡­ it predates our blessings." "You are more than just fate''s tool." " You hold the weight of something older." Their words crashed over me, filling my mind with questions. "T... Tool?" "Why... me?... " Mudra''s hand brushed my forehead, her touch warm but uncertain. "Because the world bends when it must." "And you were chosen." "A rare soul of boundless potential." Soota let out a dry laugh, her voice quieter now. "Or you are just another piece in the game of gods. " My fists clenched as I stared at them, determination hardening inside me. "I don''t... Want to be a piece in anyone''s game..." "If... This power within me... Is that powerful..." "... I''ll use it for myself." "For... For my family!" Mudra''s eyes softened, though her worry lingered. "We grant you our gifts, but beware human... " Soota leaned forward, her voice sharp as a blade. "Power comes with a price." "And eyes are watching from the dark." Suddenly, the pressure in the room grew unbearable. My head felt as though it might split open. My vision blurred, my strength draining¡ª I coughed violently, my knees hitting the cold floor. Blood sprayed from my mouth, pooling around me. "Ken!" Silva''s scream rang out as my body gave way. Darkness swallowed me whole. The last thing I heard before the world went completely black was the panicked cries of my mother and the heavy footsteps of my father rushing toward me. Everything faded... Leaving me in silence... _________________________________________ MUDRA - Sex: Female - Age: timeless - Powers: divine power, nature, time, life - Species: Divine Dragon - Short Story: One of the two main gods in this world, known for her kindness and benevolent nature. She is depicted as a gentle, nurturing figure, radiating warmth and compassion. SOOTA - Sex: Female - Age: timeless - Powers: dark power, time, destruction, decay - Species: God - Short Story: One of the two main gods, known for her wisdom and balanced approach. She is often portrayed as a figure of strength, capable of time manipulation and destruction. PRIEST - Sex: Male - Age: Unknown - Powers: divine magic, Healing magic - Species: Human - Short Story: A devout and experienced priest, skilled in ancient rituals and communication with the divine. He possesses a calm, almost serene demeanor, but his eyes hold a depth of knowledge and understanding that belies his years.