Book 2/ 40 - Life and Death

[Author's Note: Image of Horkirk]

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Ring - 1st
Realm - SOL

They didn't have the Worm to cart them over to their new destination so the journey was longer than the previous. Horkirk matched in front his mood a mix between good and bad. He spoke sometimes but not as much as before. It was clear to the Titans that he was really affected by Ishthra's health issues.

Thorin, Blaze and Stryder weren't the only ones testing out their domains this time as Hellion joined them. Mera watched with both interest and an envious eye. Still she calculated that the chances of her domain not being part of the next two had to be pretty low so she was excited as well.

Stryder's and Hellion's training were the most beautiful to watch. Stryder actively tried to understand her domain down to its base. There was something about her Life and Nature synergized with each other. Life gave her the portfolio or authority over rebirth. Basically as long as something once existed or lived on the land or area she wanted to apply rebirth to the. It would come to be.

It was resurrection without mincing words. Plants grew, insects came back to be and animals were reborn. Stryder noticed something though as she tested rebirth. Each time she used it her essence didn't just reform and reshape the entity. It did more.

She felt more essence than she knew was needed vanishing from the realm and returning before the rebirth was complete. She didn't understand it.

Growth and Healing were two other portfolios/authorities she has under Life. One gave her a sort of free reign and also power over the infinitesimal roots or trees of am entity or life's growth. A life sapping plant evolution, heat tapping evolution, blood drinker evolution. A scale backed beasts a six legged one, a four eyed monster. She had all the options and more.

Stryder shook her head. I don't just have all the options I can create them too. It was an exciting and yet scary power. She focused on her Pantheon and realized that she could do the same to them. As long as the allowed it. She could create rules for evolution, requirements for mutations. The information wasn't in her head as much as it has a sort of server or computer ready to give her a list of help her generate anything she wanted.

Healing gave her power over anything that dared challenge vitality. Diseases, injuries, wounds, erroneous mutations.

"Hellion. Cut yourself". The Titan just as busy as her paused with a confused expression.

"Eh".

"I need to test something. Cut your arm". She was already providing him with eh short blad3 he gave her earlier. His eyes locked on it.

"I guess it has dissipated. And I'm guessing this has to do with your domain?". She nodded and he sighed. Pulling out the blade from the sheath Hellion was impressed by how it still felt and seemed thick z like a true object or sword. He twirled the blade , thumb on the hilt and blade pointed down. He stabbed fast and savagely.

If not for pain sensors Hellion knew he wouldn't have the courage to do this. Pain bloomed as the hand was cut , void skin splitting open and the blade slicing all through to the other side.

A hiss if initial pain escaped his lips and then it was just pressure. Stryder looked shocked at the excessive wound. "Too much. Too much". Scolding she grabbed the blade and pulled it out. Without t4 sheath she sent it into storage. Her attention locked on the wound and she realized something. First it was already actively mending. But slower than what she knew she could do. Second, his domain was acting like a coating around the wound preventing her attempts..

"Can you make your domain retreat. Its halting my healing". Hellion eyed her for a bit then shut his eyes. It was good training too. Controlling and holding onto one's domain. Stryder watched his cracks dim subtly but noticeably before pouring her essence into the wound.

It was like an animation ws playing. One she could pay half an attention to. The body past the void skin was like alake of magma or lava with the center burrowed out. Her essence grabbed the lava already inching across to meet the other side and pulled faster.

Without a healing authority could they still heal themselves by flooding the area with essence. "Forgive me Hellion. Can I get you to flood the place with your essence and will it to heal. I want to see if we can heal wounds by just willing it since that's basically what I'm doing?".

He shook his head quickly. "Try Mera. I already have a healing authority in my light domain".

"Ah. Yes". Turning she realized they'd all stopped and we're watching them. Said Titaness was already stepping up.

"I feel like I got asked cause I'm lacking a domain". Hellion nodded to Mera

"Yes. Best to see if you without a domain can do it". The Titaness glared before setting a palm over the wound and pushing out essence into it. The essence went there , then when she willed the essence to heal the wound. It did nothing.


"Patch him up". Nothing.

"Mend. Stitch. Heal". Her essence returned as she took back her arm.

"Suffice to say our essence works using what we can already do or should be able to do". Blaze mentioned.

Stryder looked sad but shrugged. Her essence flooded the wound again and the entire thing mended. "Let's go".

Walking she pointed out all shed noticed. They all had a regenerative factor or it as kue5 Hellion's Domain working since he had a sort of healing portfolio. Essence only followed what you could already do or could do. Since they had nothing for with water they couldn't make their essence create water.

As the group pondered this Stryder turned back to her domain. Fertility was the last under Life and for its name it was powerful. She could give life to anything and anyone. Infact the portfolio made her aware of certain thingsz animals, people that needed their cycles to continue.

Without even realizing it she was moving her hand, fingers sparking with flame that drifted off and vanished.

"What was that?". Mera asked.

"I think. I think I might be able to save Ishthra if the Fire Domain doesn't work".

Horkirk came to a halt. Everyone did so as well. All eyes were on her but only Horkirk stepped closer. It was strange to see a golem's face look, pleading. Before he could speak she waved it off.

"It can only work if she dies. For now it's a last resort. And I don't know if it'll help with the fire she lacks though".

"What can it do exactly".

Stryder coughed then staring into space read our her portfolio. "Stryder ... that's me, hehehe....hmmh...governs the capacity to produce and sustain life, whether in crops, animals, or populations. This portfolio ensures abundant harvests, thriving offspring, and the continuation of life cycles"

No one spoke for a moment.

" I can see where it would mean you can bring back life*. Blaze spoke first. Thorin nodded.

"There's a problem though". Everyone sighed.

"Go on". Hellion had never stopped toying with light in his hands.

"I have two Portfolios for this life thing. Rebirth and Fertility. Healing would have been the best if not for the .."

"...lack of fire she had. You explained that". Mera urged her on.

"Yes. Well Rebirth lets me bring back anything that once existed. I don't know if it has a limit. Should the thing that died be extinct or long dead or not have a body or something like that. Would it come back fully remade, would it apply to Ishthra who needs the bond ...."

"...to Blaze's Domain".

"If Rebirth doesn't work to bring back everything she is then Fertility might since it's a continuation of the cycle but...".

".. rebirth is more of the resurrection skill here than Fertility".

The problem was clear immediately. Rebirth wouldn't work if not Stryder would have done it earlier. Which left Fertility. But fertility wasn't resurrection. It created new life not brought back the old. If the domain thing failed, then their last choice would be to make a new Ishthra. A problem that wasn't really a problem for most of them except Horkirk.

" I think we have something to discuss now". Hellion began turning away from Stryder and facing all of them.

" A question of morality". Blaze added. Hellion nodded but the others were still not clear in what they were about to talk on.

" If the Lord refuses to hand over the domain. What do we do?".

Silence.

" This Lord has two options. One of which is bad". Mera sighed. "First. This Lord agrees. All is good". Her gaze crossed over everyone. "Which is too easy to consider. Men with power are too greedy to let up on it. Which leads to the second, where the problem comes in. Refusal". No one spoke waiting for her to land.

"This gives us Three options. The first option is from his acceptance and handing over the domain. We're all happy. Ishthra is saved. The other two forms from Refusal. Do we kill him and save Ishthra or do we respect his wishes and let Ishthra die".

" I rhi5wr should first give out reasons for our choices and then we put it to a vote". Thorin suggested. He looked tired. Hellion furrowed his brow at him.

"I'll go first". Stryder raised a hand slowly smiling tightly. " It's a choice between a Lord who rules over a band of dwellers that I believe we'll rule soon. Are we choosing stay in good faith with the people or do the right thing?. What the right thing?. Killing one and soaring the other". She shrugged. " I believe we should set killing as the last resort. Right now we should decide who we choose. The Guardian or the Lord and when we have our decision we set it aside as a last choice. Trying everything in our power to convince the Lord should be our priority. I don't think just removing him from his seat would be good".

"Our advocate for life has spoken. I agree too. But like she says. We need to choose. Guardian or Lord".

" I fell like choosing between both gives us a sense of bias against one". Thorin argued. Mera frowned.

"Yes. Cause one gave us a domain. Me to be exact. And the other stole a domain that shouldn't have been his or hers". Hellion stared from one to the other. " I might bias. But think of it this way. The Lord took something not theirs. Deceived a guardian which she is suffering from now. Puts on in a moral dilemma of life versus death. I e to live or one to die".

" All things to be avoided if they curved their greed". Horkirk snarled.

"Look. Being all nice won't cut it. We can save both. Stryder is right. We don't even have to kill the Lord. Just tell him the truth. His actions endanger an important life". Hellion had finally stopped playing with his domain his attention fully on his argument.

"And if the Lord stills remaine adamant". Horkirk asked. It's fiery eyes going from one to the other.

"I believe this decision should be taken by the one who's domain bothers on life". Blaze pointed out.

Stryder frowned. Hellion turned to her. "He means that you should be the one to decide. Life is kinda your thing now".

"Infact I believe all decisions that pertain to life , either irs taking when not needed or it's bringing should be in your hands Stryder". Thorin had an encouraging smile.

Stryder didn't like this one but. That was a fist hit of power in her hands. She rubbed her forehead. She was just a college kid slash pro gamer who managed to get an Alpha ticket. This decision felt to much.

But, my domain is one of life. A good choice is not necessarily one we like but one that affects all as positively as possible. "The end doesn't always justify the means". She looked to Horkirk. His fiery gaze was unmoving. "I doubt it wise to make a decision when the accused is not amongst us".

Everyone blinked. Hellion and Mera shook their heads in wry smiles at her role playing. Rubbing a hand on the girl's back Mera mutttered. " Don't worry. We have your back. When you're not sure come to us and we'll all talk together".

" She's right. We're a Pantheon now. We're... familiy here. Your decisions are not just on your shoulders but ours".

"And if it bothers you so much. No that my Blade will cut or save whoever you and we all deem right". Hellion tapped his sword hilt. Thorin stepped forward.

"If we are wrong. Thwn so be it". His large arm rested on her shoulder. "We are wrong together"

"Everyone here will always have my blade. Even if you decide to genocide an entire world. Not advisable though". Stryder kicked his heels and both laughed.

"Its your call. Our call". Mera smiled.

Stryder took a deep breath then faced Horkirk. "First. We will need grounda to commit an execution. For now we won't be just killing a Lord for stealing a domain. We don't know his tale yet". Horkirk's mourbpartef and Steuder held up a hand.

"I'm not calling her a liar. But her point of view might not be his point of view. Regardless, we will save Ishthra. The question is whether the Lord will need to die for it or not".

Horkirk relaxed with a nod.

"Well then. The Jury has spoken. Let's move. We need those final domain quickly. Ishthra waits for us". Horkirk turned and pointed her way they had been headed.

"Past that peak is our destination. But we might want to hurry up".

"Blaze are you up for it?.

"Wait. I've been testing something out and ...". Hellion paused staring at a spaced out Stryder. "Stryder?".

Everyone noticed her glazed out expression. Mera tapped her back. "Stryder!".

Stryder gasped and looked around then back into space. "Guys. I just got an achievement and a title".

All eyes grew wide. Everyone could remember the last achievements they got. But not a Title.

"Show us". Hellion nearly shook her.

"I'm coming. My Title just got an upgrade". She looked completely shell shocked as she tried to show them the records.


**Achievement gained:** **"Life Jury"**
You have advocated for life, embracing both the good and the potentially harmful aspects of existence. Your stance on death and the consequences of actions has drawn the attention of the Primordials. You now possess the ability to sense when a wrong has been committed against the living or the dead.

**Title gained:** **"Judge of The Titans"**
In recognition of your perspective, your Pantheon—the Pentheon—has granted you the authority to review and judge any actions committed within their presence. Your judgments carry the weight of your Titanic standing, allowing you to mediate disputes and enforce justice within Sol.

**Title Upgrade:** **"Judge of The Titans"** → **"Judge of the Nine Realms"**
The Primordials are pleased with your judgments. Your jurisdiction now extends beyond Sol, encompassing all Nine Realms. You hold the power to judge and punish any crimes or misdemeanors against all beings that bear the Flames of Life, ensuring that justice is upheld across the cosmos.



"Damn girl".

"I guess being good does have its perks".

Everyone surrounded her congratulating and joking. Stryder couldn't believe it though. She'd been lamenting about such a decision being handed to her and then the game just went and made it official. Even giving her the means and power to enforce it. Fortunately I'm not feeling anything. Yet.

A crack of lightning split the sky and sent a flash of red and golden light through the realm. It was followed by a rumble and roar so loud that even thunder would flee. All Titans were on the ground hands held to their ears and eyes shut tightly.

Stryder and Hellion were the first to recover thanks to their healing portfolios. Mera was up next for some reason and then the two oafs rose as well.

"What was that?". Thorin grumbled rubbing his ears. Blaze followed suit as he tried pushing to his feet but feeling drastically heavy.

"Thorin". The Titan stopped rubbing his ears to glance up. The way he was called her a sort of strangeness to it. Alarm even.

His eyes first spotted Horkirk before he turned to find Hellion who he'd knew called him. He froze and turned back to Horkirk. His eyes squinted.

Is brain fought to hide what he was seeing. Then suddenly like a curtain had been unveiled and yet the lights dimmed he found himself staring at the bizzarest golem ever.

The earth that made up its form rolled and dropped like liquid. The cemter if it's chest had a large core brimming with Vitality and pulsing with energy. The eyes that stared at them held not fire but swirling nebulaes and gases.

Thorin noted how the realm seemed to have held its breath but for a moment. Then the golem moved, the golem z cause this was in no way Horkirk. The realm seemed to breath, and the fires blazed brighter. The essence in the air suddenly infinitesimal purer than ever. Like the being before him was leaking its own qualitative essence into the environment.

Then the golem boomed our a laugh that rattled his ears and sounded like thunders clashing in a brawl. "MY BABIES. COME TO DADDY".

"Hell no". Hellion spat in terror. Stepping back in both the shock of his words and the force of the golem's words.


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Ring -6th
Realm - NETHERHEIM

The mountain peak reaching for the black clouds and purple sky of the realm shattered as a ball of destruction slammed into it with the force of a meteor. The peak now cut to size rumbled and shook as a quake and burs tof wind shot out Ina circle. The ball of destruction vanishing like a bullet into the sky.

The Juggernaut crashed to the ground, the force and inertia keeping it on the move. On four limbs it kept its pace then it was back to two limbs. It jumped cracking the ground beneath it and creating a shockwave as it tore through the air and into the sky. Ahead it had eyes on the Throne again.

Anger welled up in it at the thought. It'd been there. Had won. And that Deceiver had tricked him away. Teleporting or transporting him far from the throne. His only hope remained the lack of notification from the game that he'd most the Throne. Something like that had to come if the other one, that Accursed guy hadn't taken his seat.

"I'll cruah then to paste".

He smashed into the side of the mou and like the monsters the Accuser shifted into during their battle he clambered and dug himself up and over the mountain with his claws and strength. Landing on the peak he kicked off erasing thboeak and like a bullet got a bit closer to his prize. His anger boiled the more he thought of the others and his throne. Sharp sparks of purple lightning and crimson flame danced off his corpse skin and scales as he moved.

Without even realizing it , a trail of both destruction and energy was being left behind him.

"What?". His run slowed as his sharp vision spotted rh silhouettes battling close to the Throne. There was only Cain and Eve. Where did the other one come...ahh. We are five. Remembering their number he pushed harder. Killing three instead of two would be a good thing.

The closer he got the better he could take in the fight. He could now differentiate the fighters. The Deceiver was doing what she'd done against him. Deceive and create illusions. Somehow though the new devil wasn't having it. The terrain was engulfed in flames that kicked against the throne's base.

His Mace knocking the Accuser's attacks away. There was just something about the fight that drew on him. His desire for destruction leaped and roared brightly. Anger washed through him higher and higher.

He roared announcing his presence. Eve's gaze snapped to him with a look of fear and helplessness. Erase her. His anger fixated on her and he made his next leap for her. Like expected she vanished l. Adam was ready this time.

His senses rolling over the land for her. There was something there, something heavy and thick. He found her and his attention focused. His nostrils flared and steam escaped.

He kicked when as he was falling aimed for her postion. She stood at the side of the Throne's pillar where she hoped to be blofkeq from him. He crashed and rolled shocking the Deviless again, his right arm was already shooting out, hand tightened into a fist. The side clipped the pillar and the sparks flashed brightly and dangerously.

His fist bore on her as her eyes and brain locked on her postion and tried to run. Threads of dark energy shot for him as she pivoted off her feet to escape his blow..

But her mistake showed. She forgot his moving body expecting a normal fight where only fists flew and not realizing he was already on the move and not stopping.

The sound of something snapping and her scream of instant pain caught Cain's attention. His error costing him as well. The other devil's mace smacked into his right shoulder and the force, the flame and the rage in the strike sent him shooting downwards like a baseball struck by a bat.

Adam was caring. His entire intent and body only chasing the flying deviless right till she steuckq Ms rolled over the ground. She tried to vanish but he'd already gotten aof her skills as he gripped a piece of her gown. Htiw4 world blurred and he found himself in a different place.

He rained blows with rage and his claws tore and scraped off scales. The sparks and flame sizzled and tried catching off he rin every hit. Her left wing batter him in reflex and he grabbed it with a snarl.

He pulled and Eve screamed.

"Hmmh". He had meant to tear it right off but something had caught his arm. Turning sharply to knock whatever has stopped him out he paused. His eyes narrowed, his brain fought to understand.

Standing with a single arm holding his elbow in place was a short and tiny humanoid. From the wings and horns he wa sckesr she was a deviless like the thing under his feet. But her skin was pale, too pale l. Her face was definitely that if a deviless. Cute but still with the racial looks they all seemed to share. Though hers were more mild.

The purple pupils they all shared were locked on him. There was something in her gaze. He couldn't get it. His wrath and need to destroy rose like tsunami and then petteref out.

"Sorry sir". Her voice was Innocent but the expression and gaze she held was anything but. "I'd like to do the killing myself". Adam didn't get why his head nodded on its own. But it did. His feet took him a step back and he watched unmoving and confused s the girl drew a long but thin rapier. It was coated in darkness, she was too.

Something is inside that darkness. He couldn't put his finger on it. The Deviless on the ground has long gotten over her pain and was staring at the pale one in shock.

"I killed you. I got the notification". She muttered. Adam's ears twitched. Then his body felt the tingles as the girl raised the sword and her eyes, the purple in it dimming and then vanishing completely. The black abyss that was their corneas seemwd to just not be there. Like her gaze was hollow.

"And I thank you for that...". She brought the blade down.

Lightning flashed in the sky, thunder rumbled after it. A devil roared in rage and defeat somehow nearby. Then the girl turned slowly to him.

The Emissary of Desolation stood still. His lips parted and the big Devil, the Juggernaut of NETHERHEIM sighed. Cause now he understood. He understood why Destruction dared not rear it's head against this one. For this one was what he brought. Destruction and...

"Hello Death".