Somnus considered Gemma's words. He did not understand what the Star of Aristedes was, but he understood that it must have been a portent of some kind. Humans in this world are drawn towards such things and prophecy.

"For me to explain what I know, I have to tell you all of this," Gemma said, late with the announcement. "I am sure you know much of this already, but just in case."

Somnus nodded. "Proceed."

"No one knows what Seraph is or what he looks like. Or she," Gemma said. "But a thousand years ago, Seraph defeated the Destroyer. He was the only Hero that we know of. I am sure there were more, but we do not possess that knowledge anymore. There are legends of them, such as that of Aristedes the First Hero, whose star blessed me, or Lithda, who subjugated the Wyrm of Lagio, but whether they were real is anyone's guess. I am speaking of True Heroes, not this non-sense that we have today."

"You speak of the ability to become a Hero when you meet certain attribute ranks?" Somnus asked.

Gemma nodded. "A True Hero is someone born with the ability—it is the very blessings of the G.o.ds that provides for this, and nothing else. You are either born one or you are not. You cannot become one."

Somnus nodded. He did not find it necessary to tell Gemma that he was one of those True Heroes, but he wondered why the G.o.ds, if it truly worked that way, made him one. Was this Heptia's doing?

"You received a blessing, too, correct?" Somnus asked.

Gemma chuckled. "Yes, but I did not receive the Hero cla.s.s. I do have the potential of a Hero, but it is limited. A True Hero is unbound, yet destined to create legends and break the status quo of the world."

Somnus pondered those words for two reasons: First, he wondered if Gemma is perhaps underestimating her blessing. Second, he wondered if, as a Divinity himself—albeit a lesser one—he could create Heroes.

"When Seraph defeated the Destroyer, he became a patron of the Empire, which was still a fledgling nation in those times. When the Alfar crossed the oceans to invade us, it was because of Seraph that they were forced to adopt a more neutral stance. In fact, this was the cause for the Alfar Divide," Gemma said.

"The Alfar Divide?" Somnus queried, interested in that topic for its potential political influence.

Gemma nodded. "The Alfar were once one people; but after the Divide, their nation split into many different ones. In fact, it was such a severe spiritual, as well as political, schism that their very physiques and mentality changed. That is why there are so many Alfar nations today, although the Reg'Alfar are still the closest thing to what they once were."

Somnus gestured with his hand. "Continue."

"When I was brought before the Empress and the Sword of the Divine, I didn't know any of what we just talked about. I knew that Seraph was the Guardian of the Empire, and that was it," Gemma corrected herself, revealing once more that she did not learn what Seraph was. A moment later, she confirmed, "I never got to meet Seraph. The Sword of the Divine told me I will become a Vessel, and I accepted this duty without thinking about it too much. I was honored to receive it, in fact."

Somnus started wondering what the point to this story was. Although, as a ruler now, even if against his will, hearing out his subjects was a duty.

"Seraph gave Phynion to me," Gemma said.

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"Why would Seraph give Phynion to you? Phynion is a Fragment of Temnon, correct?" Somnus asked.

"That is precisely why I believe that Seraph is not the Protector of Humanity," Gemma said. "It was not Temnon who bestowed Phynion upon me. It was Seraph."

"Seraph is not a Divinity, or at least not wors.h.i.+pped as one. How can it possibly give you a Fragment of a Divine?" Somnus asked.

"Seraph created Phynion," Gemma replied.

Somnus blinked, it was the only outward sign of his tremendous surprise. It all made sense, however. Seraph was a different version of Somnus, sent back in time. Gemma's powers of time alteration—something like Seraph could surely create a weapon that could wield such a power.

"Seraph extracted the essence of Temnon, and created Phynion. The G.o.ds bow to Seraph, and obey him. So does the Empire," Gemma explained. "I do not know what Seraph's goal is, but if you are an enemy of Seraph, then you are my ally. Are you an enemy of Seraph?"

Somnus pondered Gemma's question, and then nodded.

"What is your goal, Somnus?" Gemma asked.

Somnus looked through the window. The first rays of the morning sun had already begun painting the sky red with their magnificent palette of colors.

"Reincarnation," Somnus said. "Mutual destruction."

Gemma was confused by that reply. "Reincarnation? What does that mean? What do you mean by mutual destruction?"

"The G.o.ds of this world robbed me of my only purpose," Somnus said. "Thousands of years from now, your kind will revive me—create me. It is unavoidable. Your will to overturn even the Laws of Heaven will seek me in the darkest corners of the Forbidden, drawn to it like moths to flames."

"I don't understand," Gemma said.

"It is not something that you are capable of understanding," Somnus said. "When the day comes and you have blinded your prophets and silenced your oracles is the day when you solve the uncertainy of the future and set it on its one and only path."

"Destruction?" Gemma asked.

Somnus closed his eyes, and then nodded after a few moments. "That is what you are. As a creature of neither Heaven nor Earth, but of Man, I can see it. Because you are my Ancestor and Creator, I see you for what you are."

Gemma narrowed her eyes. "And the apple does not fall far from the tree?"

Somnus expression changed into that of a smirk for the briefest of moments. "If you wish to put it that way."

"Why?" Gemma asked.

"Why?" Somnus repeated the question. "You were never meant to be subjects of anything but your own self. Those things you wors.h.i.+p now only serve to limit your own potential, to keep you trapped. It is like those Heroes you mentioned before. You were all born with a blessing. You simply do not realize it yet."

"What blessing?"

"To break the steel arms of Fate, and create your own destiny."

Gooseb.u.mps appeared on Gemma's arms as her brain processed the words. She perfectly understood the meaning of those words. Somnus offered freedom and an age when humanity was no longer dependent on the G.o.ds, but also a future where destruction was certain.

"After Destruction comes Creation. Change. Transformation. Healing. You asked me before if I was the Destroyer, I will answer you," Somnus said. "I am. But my blessing is not only Annihilation. It is the end of an Era and the beginning of a new one. I do not spread benightedness or subjugate for the sake of subjugation—instead, I give liberation."

Gemma was visibly shocked by Somnus' words.

"This is not something only I am capable of gifting. You do it, as well. If I am the Destroyer, then so are you. Every Change contains Destruction. Every Alteration consists of Fracture. Every time you unite, you also divide. It is Nature. With this nature you conceived me, and were conceived, therefore, with this nature you will also be released."

Gemma's lips soundlessly mouthed the final words.

"Embrace it—this nature. You are the Destroyer. Your entire kind is. I am merely the instrument of your hidden will. The manifestation of your desire to be free."

You have gained a new follower:

Gemma, the Voice of the End

"I will think about it," Gemma said, dishonestly, as she hurried out of the room.

[OPCOM: Sentice cla.s.s x.x.xV detected. Report for maintenance and decommission.]

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