Infinite Paths: The Raging Phoenix

"What you don't know is that each one of them controls one aspect of reality with their experience. They know that they can't obtain knowledge in order to control all the aspects of reality, so they split their job in order to make things more efficient for them."

According to the spirit, there were eight known machine gods, and they ruled over eight aspects. Time, space, void, energy, matter, information, spirituality, and probability. The aspect of time, which represents the continuum in which events occur sequentially, from the past through the present and into the future.

It governs the progression of cause and effect, the aging process, and the passage of moments.

There was the aspect of Space, which encompasses the three-dimensional extent to which objects and events occur, including length, width, and height. It defines the spatial relationships between entities and the structure of the universe. Mastery over space enables manipulation of spatial dimensions, teleportation, creation of spatial barriers, and alteration of spatial properties.

The void represents the absence of matter and energy, a vast expanse devoid of substance or form. It is the space between celestial bodies and the emptiness that permeates the universe.

The aspect of Energy Dimension. This aspect governs the various forms of energy present in the universe, including kinetic, potential, thermal, electromagnetic, and others. Mastery over the energy dimension grants the ability to manipulate energy flows and harness different types of energy for various purposes.

The matter aspect controls to the substance that makes up the physical world, encompassing particles, atoms, molecules, and larger structures. It governs the properties and interactions of matter, including density, composition, and state. Control over the matter dimension enables manipulation of matter at the atomic or molecular level, transmutation of elements, and creation of material constructs.

The information aspect deals with the storage, transmission, and processing of data and knowledge within the universe. It encompasses concepts such as information theory, communication systems, and cognitive processes. Mastery over the information dimension allows manipulation of data streams and alteration of memories or perceptions.

The spiritual aspect controls to the metaphysical aspects of existence, including consciousness, souls, and spiritual energy. It encompasses beliefs, emotions, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Control over the spiritual dimension grants abilities such as spiritual communication, soul manipulation, and channeling of spiritual energy.

The probability aspect governs the likelihood of events occurring within the universe, including chance, randomness, and uncertainty. It encompasses concepts such as probability theory, quantum mechanics, and chaos theory. Mastery over the probability dimension allows manipulation of probabilities, altering the likelihood of events or outcomes and influencing the course of events.

Rain could use space magic, but he could only guess that the aspect of space was far beyond what he could do. He was too limited by mana, after all, and he couldn't do much to change that. Regardless, while he was able to do some impressive things, he couldn't control celestial bodies with it.

"... This is starting to look quite worrisome," Rain said after he furrowed his eyebrows. "I knew that we were pretty far behind them in all parameters, but not this much. Anyway, how do you know that much?"

"While they dismantled my form, they also experimented with my spiritual form in order to use my energy as efficiently as possible. I am the spirit of the planet, but I am essentially just an amalgamation of the spirits and experiences of the living beings that had once lived on me."

If that was the case… Rain could only assume that the spirit of the planet was basically a large database of all the living beings that once lived there. The overseer said that he had used the spirits of the previous generation to create the new one, so perhaps he used parts of himself in the process.

"You should understand now that you can't defeat the aspects by just attacking them. Until you understand their power and know how to use them, they are basically beings that live in another plane of existence. You and the dragon god could be a small nuisance to them as for now, but once they get serious, you won't stand a chance."

"That must mean that they had some requirements to get serious," Rain said. "We can keep annoying them on a small scale for a while, then."

"You might want to avoid that. What did you think when you saw this solar system? You should have watched other solar systems as well. They don't make any sense. That is because the machine gods changed the layout of the cosmos with their power when they got serious."

As Rain absorbed the spirit's revelations, a chilling realization settled over him. The puzzle pieces of the cosmic landscape were beginning to align, painting a picture of unparalleled manipulation and control wielded by the machine gods. The layout of the cosmos once thought to be immutable and governed by natural laws, had been reshaped at the whims of these powerful beings.

The implications of such a revelation were deeply unsettling. It suggested a level of power and influence that transcended the boundaries of mortal understanding. The machine gods, with their mastery over the dimensions and their ability to manipulate reality itself, held the fate of entire solar systems in their hands.

The analogy of moving planets like furniture in a room struck a chord with Rain, highlighting the casual ease with which the machine gods exerted their dominion over the cosmos. It was a stark reminder of their overwhelming superiority and the daunting challenge that lay ahead for Rain and his allies.

"And I was thinking that my new secret technique is actually impressive…" Rain thought and then facepalmed.

"Despite knowing all this, are you still going to try to fight the machine gods? You might want to reconsider. Fighting them might be the real end of your species."

"Why are you trying to convince me of that?" Rain furrowed his eyebrows. "What are you going to gain by doing that?"