Chapter 14: A Meeting with the Divine

The swirling vortex of energy deposited Liam in an unfamiliar place, one that seemed to exist outside the confines of the world he had known. It was a realm of pristine white, bathed in a soft, ethereal light that seemed to permeate everything around him. The air was thick with divine power, and Liam could feel the weight of it pressing down on him, almost suffocating in its intensity. He took a moment to steady himself, his breathing slow and measured as he adjusted to the overwhelming sensation.

The figure who had appeared before Liam, was majestic and awe-inspiring. His towering form stood at least fifteen feet tall, with a lean, muscular build that radiated raw power. His skin was a shade of bronze that seemed to shimmer in the ethereal light, giving him an otherworldly aura.

The figure's face was strikingly handsome and featured a strong jawline, high cheekbones, and piercing, golden eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of the ages within their depths. His long, flowing hair cascaded down his shoulders like a waterfall of liquid gold, glinting with an inner radiance that seemed to defy the darkness that surrounded them.

His most distinctive feature, however, was the pair of massive eagle wings that sprouted from his back. The wings were a breathtaking sight to behold, each one spanning at least twenty feet in length when fully extended. The feathers were a brilliant shade of white, edged with gold that seemed to catch the light and reflect it back in a dazzling array of colors. The wings exuded an aura of both majesty and grace, a testament to the figure's mastery over the skies.

Adorning the figure's body were ornate pieces of armor, crafted from an unknown, gleaming metal that seemed to be as much a part of him as his own flesh. The armor was intricately designed, featuring delicate filigree and patterns that echoed the shapes of his wings and the feathers that adorned them. On his chest, the armor bore a symbol that resembled an eagle in flight, its wings spread wide as if to embrace the world below.

In his hand, he carried a magnificent scepter, its shaft made of a material that seemed to glow with an inner light, as if it contained the very essence of the heavens themselves. The scepter was topped with a magnificent crystal, a gem that seemed to contain the swirling colors of the sky, the ever-changing tapestry of clouds and sunlight, and the stormy depths of a tempest's heart.

His presence was overwhelming, filling the space around him with a palpable energy that seemed to crackle in the air like electricity. His voice resonated with a deep, melodic timbre that seemed to echo through the very fabric of reality itself, carrying with it a weight and authority that was impossible to ignore.

In his presence, it was impossible not to feel both humbled and awestruck, as if one was standing in the presence of a force of nature, a being who could shape the world with a mere thought or gesture. And yet, there was also an undeniable sense of benevolence and wisdom in his gaze, a suggestion that this figure, for all his power and majesty, was also a being of great compassion and understanding

The figure gazed down at Liam with curiosity and amusement, seemingly impressed by the young man's lack of fear. It was clear that Liam's fearless trait had caught the deity's attention, and a faint smile played across the divine being's lips as he spoke.

"Greetings, mortal," the figure said, his voice deep and resonant, like the rumble of distant thunder. "I am Thalos, the god of travel and adventure. I must say, I am quite amused by your bravery. It is a rare sight among mortals who stand before me, as they are often struck by a sense of overwhelming awe and terror."

Liam, in awe but unafraid, responded, "It is an honor to meet you, Thalos. I never thought I would find myself in the presence of a god, let alone one as magnificent as you."

Thalos chuckled, the sound like the rustle of feathers in the wind, and his wings flexed and ruffled slightly. "Your kind words are appreciated, young one. Now, let me explain why I have brought you here. I would like to extend an offer to you: become one of my followers and accept my faith. In return, you will receive my protection and guidance, as well as various boons and blessings that will aid you on your journey."

Liam considered the offer for a moment, his mind racing with the implications and the potential benefits. But as curious as he was about the nature of the divine, he also had questions about the very system that governed his world. And so, he turned his attention back to Thalos and asked, "How does the faith system work, and what do you gain from having followers?"

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Thalos inclined his head, acknowledging Liam's curiosity. "An excellent question, young one. The faith system is a form of investment for me; by bestowing my blessings upon mortals, I can strengthen my own power and influence in the world. Your devotion and achievements will, in turn, bolster my standing among the gods."

Liam nodded, considering the implications. "And what of the other gods? Are they like you?"

The deity admitted, "I am not all-powerful, and there are many other gods like me, each vying for power and worshippers. It is a constant struggle to maintain our influence, to ensure that our divine essence remains strong and vital. When any being reaches a certain level of power they can attain access to the deity system allowing them to be empowered by their following."

He also explained that he was nowhere near the strongest in the universe, and that many others had much more influence than himself. While ridding himself of the hindrance of old age he was still very much mortal. He even mentioned that no being was omnipotent within this universe.

As their conversation continued, Liam found himself drawn into a deeper understanding of the world and its underlying systems.

Thalos mentioned the obscurity of skills, but the prospect that they may be upgraded and granted through hard work and dedication to develop a skill or concept. He also mentioned the prospect of class upgrades, as well as race upgrades, mentioning that he would gain a profession in due time.

He asked Thalos about the potential for upgrading his race as he leveled up. The god explained, "Levels prepare individuals for these upgrades, making them more receptive to the changes. As you progress, you may find yourself ascending to a higher state of being, one that is closer to perfect than your current form."

Thalos refused to mention a specific level, or benchmark that would lead to a race or class upgrade. Telling Liam that it was for him to discover.

Liam marveled at the thought, his mind filled with images of incredible transformations and powerful beings. "And what about blessings? What is their true nature and purpose?"

Thalos spread his wings, the feathers shimmering as he contemplated the question. "Blessings are mysterious, even to me. But they are powerful forces that can shape and influence the course of a person's destiny. They can grant you strength in battle, swiftness in travel, and many other boons that will aid you in your journey."

Despite the tempting offer and the allure of the divine, Liam ultimately chose to reject Thalos' proposal. "I appreciate your offer, Thalos, but I must forge my own path, free from the influence and control of the divine. I do not wish to be bound to any one god, no matter how wise or powerful they may be."

Thalos laughed, a booming sound that shook Liam to his core, and warned him that life would be more difficult without the support of a deity. "Very well, mortal. Your life will be harder without my guidance, but I respect your decision. You have a strong will and an independent spirit, which I find both admirable and intriguing."

As a parting gift, Thalos granted Liam a new trait: "Detest the Heavens." This trait would allow Liam to evade the scrutiny of other powerful figures, granting him a measure of freedom from their influence.

"Remember, Liam," Thalos said before Liam's departure, "I will be keeping an eye on you. Your journey will be an interesting one to observe, and I am eager to see where your path will take you."

With a final, sweeping gesture of his wings, Thalos sent Liam hurtling back through the vortex, returning him to the world he had left behind. As Liam found himself back at the beacon, his hand still resting upon its surface, he knew that his journey was far from over.

Liam took a moment to process everything that had just transpired: his meeting with a god, the revelations about the system that governed his world, and the implications of his own choice to reject Thalos's offer. He felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation, knowing that his path would be filled with challenges and hardships, but also knowing that he would face them with the strength and determination that had always defined him.

As he stood there, contemplating the road ahead, a system message appeared before his eyes, upon looking at the beacon.

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He looked to the sky, almost being able to feel the presence that was watching.

Liam couldn't help but smile, knowing that his journey had only just begun, and that countless adventures and trials awaited him in the days to come.

Level: 7

Race: Human

Class: Survivalist

Profession: N/A

Skills: Endurance, Weapon of Opportunity, Rapid Regeneration

Traits: Fearless, Detest the Heavens

Faith: N/A

Blessing: Nature