Chapter 21: THE RISE TO DIVINE
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Some time Later, in the Spiritual World
After bidding farewell to the two ancient gods, Soulis stepped forward, the barriers of time and space bending effortlessly around him. The gods' rare appearance was a testament to the significance of the moment—the birth of the Son of God and the changes wrought upon the world.
Soulis returned to the core of his spiritual world, a divine creation forged over seven days. This realm consisted of seven layers, each symbolizing a unique facet of existence. Above, seven moons hung in the sky, their silvery light intertwining to illuminate the realm.
The moons were intended to bear distinct hues, reflecting their symbolic roles, but in the spiritual world's infancy, they remained uniformly silver. Their collective light served as a testament to the unfinished nature of this divine creation.
At the center of the spiritual world stood a nameless mountain, an anchor connecting all seven layers. Once a fragment of Soulis's divine body, it now served as the foundation of his creation, its presence a silent guardian over the seven layers of existence.
Soulis conjured a chair from the ether and sat at the mountain's base, his gaze contemplative. The outermost two layers brimmed with vibrant life—rolling fields, celestial rivers, and radiant beings of pure energy. The inner five layers, however, lay dormant, their chaotic essence awaiting the day they could sustain ordered life.
With a single thought, he spoke. "Lyanna."
From the shadows emerged a figure, her presence radiant yet serene. Lyanna moved with an elegance that seemed to transcend the physical. Her silver hair cascaded like moonlight, and her amber eyes glowed with quiet resolve. Her wings, shimmering with a faint glow, marked her as a being of celestial grace.
"My lord," Lyanna said, kneeling with effortless poise.
"Rise, Lyanna," Soulis commanded gently.
She rose, her movements fluid, her gaze meeting his with a mix of reverence and determination.
"I have a task for you," he began, his voice carrying the weight of divine authority.
"Your will is my purpose," Lyanna replied without hesitation.
Soulis extended his hand, summoning a multifaceted crystal that shimmered with divine light. "The projection outside the spiritual world is under the influence of the Hades Moon. Through its light, Chaos converges into this realm, but the process is far too slow. I need someone to bear the authority of the Hades Moon and hasten this convergence."
Lyanna's eyes gleamed with resolve. "If you deem me worthy, I will bear this burden."
Soulis smiled faintly. "You are more than worthy, Lyanna. From this moment forward, you are the Goddess of the Dark Moon."
He pressed the crystal into her hands. A surge of power coursed through her, her wings darkening at their tips to a deep obsidian hue. Her aura shifted, a harmonious blend of light and shadow, reflecting her new role.
"You now hold dominion over the shadows and the authority to harness Chaos. Seek out the remaining origins of Chaos tied to the moon. When the time is right, I will guide you further."
Lyanna knelt again, her voice unwavering. "Your will shall be done, my lord."
Soulis turned his gaze elsewhere. "Esterion."
A second figure emerged, his movements filled with youthful energy. Esterion was tall and robust, his golden hair catching the moonlight. His piercing blue eyes sparkled with curiosity, his demeanor contrasting Lyanna's calm elegance.
"I am here, my lord," Esterion said, kneeling gracefully.
Soulis regarded him with a rare softness. "You will assist Lyanna in her duties. While she traverses the shadows, you shall anchor the outer layers of this world. Together, you will maintain balance."
Esterion inclined his head, his expression resolute. "As you command, my lord."
Soulis extended another crystal, this one shimmering faintly with starlight. "The stars are a symbol of order in the chaos below. Bear the title of Star Spreader and breathe life into the heavens."
Esterion accepted the crystal, its light infusing his being. His power grew, though less dramatically than Lyanna's.
"The stars will grow stronger as they absorb the essence of Chaos. Tend to them diligently, Esterion, and they will become your strength."
Esterion bowed deeply. "I will ensure the stars fulfill their purpose."
Soulis nodded. "Go now, and light the sky."
As the two departed, their contrasting energies—Lyanna's serene grace and Esterion's vibrant resolve—formed a harmonious balance. Together, they would shape the spiritual world's evolution.
Soulis remained seated, his gaze shifting toward the vast expanse of chaos beyond his domain. The war between Uranus and the Titans raged on, divine blood staining the earth below.
He conjured a mirror from the fabric of time and space, its surface reflecting the chaotic conflict. His expression turned contemplative as he summoned a canvas woven from moonlight and paints infused with the God King's blood.
"Chaos's first painting," Soulis murmured, "shall be called The Death of the God King."
With deliberate strokes, he immortalized the scene, each detail capturing the tumultuous end of an era. The painting marked both a conclusion and a beginning—a testament to the cycles of order and chaos that governed all existence.
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