Spirit World… Dark Sea…
The dark sea became quiet, the ominous silence a stark contrast to the chaos it had witnessed earlier.
Above the horizon, the afterglow of the Tantric Sage’s divine departure painted the skies. The wounded 1000-hoods mother serpent was following the tantric sage.
All was calm, yet the air was thick with tension as the gods and Kent stood before each other.
The War God, with his imposing aura and glowing battle armor, broke the silence. “What is your decision, Kent?” His tone was sharp, his words carrying the weight of millennia. All eyes turned to the young man who stood before them, unshaken and unwavering.
Kent, however, remained silent, his gaze neither deferential nor submissive. It was a stark contrast to the days when he would look at these deities with awe and reverence.
Now, he stood as an equal—or perhaps, even above them in some ways. His silence unnerved the gods.
The Storm God stepped forward, his voice calmer but laden with persuasion. “Kent, think carefully. The position of a demi-god is not just an honor—it is a gateway to immeasurable power. By choosing to stand with us, your journey to Satya Loka will become far easier. You will gain strength, followers, and authority.”
Still, Kent said nothing.
The Space God, who always disliked Kent, couldn’t contain his anger. His voice boomed across the skies. “Little boy, do not mistake our patience for weakness. You are being offered an opportunity that others would die for! If you dare to deny us, know that you will have me to answer to. And my wrath knows no bounds.”
The War God shot a warning glance at the Space God. He knew that threats would only push Kent further away. The Storm God, too, looked uneasy at the harsh words. But Kent? He remained utterly indifferent, as if the Space God’s words were no more than a passing breeze.
Inside Kent’s mind, a storm brewed. ‘If I accept godhood now, Kaban’s offer will be void. I will be forever bound to these lower realms, shackled to their petty games of power and dominance. I cannot let that happen. My path must remain my own. My goal is clear—to reach Satya Loka, the apex world.’ These thoughts ran through his mind like a raging river.
After what felt like an eternity, Kent finally spoke. His voice was calm but carried a weight that silenced the gods. “Prepare a grand gathering. I want every god, every beast spirit, and every celestial being present. And I want those who were there when you cast out the Goddess of Lust.”
The War God’s stern face broke into a wide grin, his eyes gleaming with triumph. “So, you have chosen wisely, Kent! Excellent. We will prepare the grandest of assemblies in your honor.”
Even the Storm God and Space God looked relieved. They interpreted Kent’s words as an acceptance of their offer. The War God turned to the others and whispered, “He’s coming around. This is a victory for all of us.”
But Kent’s expression remained unreadable. He didn’t correct their assumption. Instead, he turned away and began walking toward his floating musical palace, leaving the gods to their smug satisfaction.
The eternal music hall hovered in the air, its intricate designs glowing softly under the twilight. As Kent stepped aboard, a wave of relief washed over his companions. Jean, Gunji Zing, Fatty Ben, and Mohini had been waiting anxiously for his return.
The baby dragon, Sparky, let out a happy screech and leaped into Kent’s arms.
“Finally!” Fatty exclaimed, his voice brimming with both excitement and worry. “What happened out there in the skies? You look like you’ve fought a war!”
Kent gave him a faint smile and set the baby dragon down. “Not a war, Fatty,” he replied. “But a lot of words were knowledge.” His tone was vague, but his companions knew better than to press him for details.
Jean stepped forward, her face etched with concern. “Kent, Is it true? The gods offering you a position. Did you—”
“They are not doing any good to me,” Kent interrupted. His voice was cold, and his expression betrayed his growing mistrust of the gods. “For now, I need to prepare myselves. This isn’t over.”
As he spoke, the eternal music hall began to move softly, its mechanisms adjusting as if it could sense Kent’s mood. Everyone settled in for the night, knowing that great drama lay ahead.
–
After an Hour…
Far across the Spirit World, Away from the Dark Sea, the atmosphere was anything but calm. Phillip Quinn, the new Demon Emperor, stood atop a jagged rock, his crimson eyes glowing with fury. Before him knelt dozens of demon commanders, their heads bowed in submission.
“Explain this to me again!” Phillip roared, his voice echoing across the churning waves. “You mean to tell me that the poison of the abyssal mountain was stopped by Kent? And now that same Kent is on the brink of becoming a god?”
The commanders trembled under his wrath. One of them stammered, “Y-yes, Your Majesty. The reports are clear. This human—Kent—has not only stopped the Twilight Poison but has also gained the favor of the gods.”
Phillip clenched his fists, his sharp nails digging into his palms. “First, the abyssal essence bluffs me. Now, this Kent dares to rise above his station? Unforgivable.”
He turned to his generals. “Summon every demon in the realm. I don’t care if they’re hiding in caves or roaming the wilderness—bring them here! We will churn the Dark Sea again, and this time, nothing will stop me!”
“But, Your Majesty,” one general dared to speak, “the gods might intervene if we disturb the abyssal mountain again.”
Phillip’s laughter was cold and bitter. “Let them come. I will show those arrogant gods what true power looks like. The age of demons will rise once more, and I will lead us to glory.”
—
Meanwhile, news of the upcoming gathering of gods and celestial beings spread like wildfire. Across realms and worlds, whispers of Kent’s rise to godhood reached every corner.
While some saw him as a beacon of hope, others viewed him as a threat. But one thing was certain—everyone wanted to see how this unprecedented event would unfold.
The gods, too, began their preparations. Lavish decorations adorned the celestial halls, and powerful beings from all corners of existence made their way to the gathering.