A System That Beats Death

Even though he had supposedly already inherited the Legacy and it had subsumed with his very being, he remained within the confines of the spacial distortion. Briefly glancing over the treasure trove which would entice even a proper god, he then turned and left. Ever since he entered, he had been unable to access the System. His powers still worked and he could still access all the functions of the System but he had been unable to contact the System itself. He slightly missed its companionship but was more concerned over why it was not responding. As the System had not yet returned to him, he knew there was still a catch which had been unresolved and would not take the treasure which was clearly linked to the spacial distortion and could easily trigger adverse scenarios.

Endlessly wandering through the halls of this mysterious place led him to a mass graveyard where tombs carved from mithril and inlaid with platinum frames lay in rows encircling a great gemstone of seemingly cosmic amethyst. Gold was nowhere to be found. Not even in the chamber filled to the brim with treasures as gold was worthless to everyone but lower creatures such as humans.

He had noticed that there were a few missing tombs which disturbed the harmony of the overall setting. Already suspecting that the tombs were magical in nature, a new tomb then abruptly apparated and completed a row. Walking to it, he then read the engraved words, "Stiel. Duty-bound Guide of the Inheritor"

"To think that you would actually inherit the Legacy", a familiar yet somewhat different voice sounded from behind him.

Without even needing to turn around, he could tell who it was despite the difference in appearance and even voice.

"And here I thought that you would leave this world as soon as you were able to", Atlas retorted.

"I have been waiting for over a millennia, a decade is nothing in comparison even if my soul is to perish", Stiel stated.

Turning around, Atlas caught sight of the transparent silhouette with fading features. The height was taller but the deep eyes of magma remained the same even though, the rest of the dwarf had already started to shimmer like a mirage about to disappear.

"How the great have fallen", Atlas said with a smirk. Despite having died recently, the figure shown was the dwarf at his prime rather than at his end. It was clearly more dignified this way and few individuals ever identified with their near death selves unless they were defined by a tragic betrayal or death.

Not only standing in a more intimidating stance, Stiel's very demeanor also became like that of a honed blade which unconsciously threatened and emitted waves of billowing might. Even if true might allowed one to be low key and yet at the same time embody an unfathomable ocean, the pressure released by the dwarf was impressive enough to activate his flight or fight response.

"Indeed. Immortality without a foundation leads to torturous stagnation", he said in a somber tone. "My strength sustained me but my soul is not fit to become eternal"

"Is that what defines a god?", Atlas asked.

Stiel shook his head before explaining, "All gods are immortal and all of them can be killed. Those are the only two aspects all gods have in common. That and they all undergo a personal apotheosis which externalizes their true selves before becoming one. Most like me don't surpass that process"

Atlas stayed silent while contemplating before bringing up a specific detail which was left vague, "You mentioned that I recently ascended to godhood"

Stiel nodded but said, "I only meant that you were on the verge of apotheosis. All demigods are permitted the opportunity"

"Demigod?", Atlas said in a quizzical tone. His eyes then changed to reflect the abyss of insanity and stated, "Neither of the two could be considered anything other than atrocious filth"

"Demigods do not refer to those born from human and god copulation. That is a misconception perpetuated by the uninitiated. Even offspring from two full-fledged gods couldn't be considered gods. After all, true power is not hereditary"

Atlas then ceased with the impulsive hostility and continued, "What opportunity are you referring to?"

"You will know soon enough", Stiel stated with a smirk. He then began to disappear. But before he completely left, he said, "Before you leave, accept the Empyreal Sediment. Whether you can properly utilize it is the final trial"

Atlas grimaced. Another test? He was still reeling in pain from the previous one and mentally exhausted from the first one. However, the reward was definitely on par with the pain and he could only continue onward as there was no point in stalling.

Cautiously closing in on the glistening gemstone that towered above him twice over, he could feel an oppressive pressure that exponentially increased in intensity. He also felt a hint of a familiar warmth which thoroughly confused him as it seemed extremely nostalgic but ignored it as the warmth was minuscule. Below the gemstone, on a plaque of pure crystal laid the words, "Bestowed by Aurelia, the Sovereign Goddess".

Once his hand was in contact with the surface of the gemstone, it began to emanate strength beyond his comprehension. Overwhelmed by the sudden surge, he then for the first time, felt his consciousness falter. He then started grinding his teeth with enough strength to pulverize steel just to endure the pervasive pressure.

[!!!LETHAL EMERGENCY PROTOCOL ACTIVATED!!!]

*Threat Analysis Process Initiated*

*Initializing 15%...!!!!...Forceful Completion*

*Proceeding with Countermeasures*

*Split Consciousness Function Activated*

*Initializing 1%...2%...3%...4%...5%...

___

Suddenly, the Avatar knelt down and slightly began to fade.

"Are you sure this is the right way?", the deity asked with great concern. For True Deities which are considered full-fledged gods, this method was one of great peril. However, the recipient was a demigod who hadn't even started to undergo the process of Apotheosis. This was beyond overkill and she couldn't understand why her Master had done such a thing. She could clearly see that her Master d.e.s.i.r.ed that demigod. Her Master didn't know it but her eyes would brighten and the crease of her brow lighten considerably whenever her gaze landed upon that person.

"Of course. He has the potential but potential without realization is nothing", Aurelia responded in an indifferent voice.

"But-", she started but was immediately stopped by Aurelia.

"Serithea, are there not tasks you need to deal with?", Aurelia stated in a colder tone.

Serithea inwardly sighed and bowed to her Master before leaving. As she was about to close the door, she then remembered and hurriedly said, "As you left longer than expected, some of the Deities are displeased about their meetings being postponed"

When the door finally closed, Aurelia stopped exuding an authoritative presence. She then bit her upper lip in frustration and glared at the Avatar of Atlas. Memories of their cohabitation together flooded her mind and she couldn't stop the blush on her cheeks. She had definitely descended to the mortal plane to find him but didn't expect any complications. Not only did she lose her memory but she also actually gave herself to him. How humiliating, she thought and subconsciously pouted. She then looked downwards.

Within her palm, an ember thrived. It had the ability to be colder than absolute zero and the ability to be warmer than the birth of a universe. The Divine Cinders of Passion.

She then smiled. Planting a gentle kiss on the Avatar's forehead, she then muttered, "I believe in you" before leaving.