"The concept is straightforward. These beings, known as demigods, will serve as the bridge between divinity and mortality. They will be born from a union between us, the Gods, and mortals, ensuring that they are raised in the mortal realm to fully understand humanity's nature and struggles. In this way, they can assist and protect humankind in our stead, without requiring our direct intervention."
Sage's voice resonated through the pantheon as all thirteen Gods listened in the vast meeting hall of Higher World. His words carried a weight of authority as he stood tall, awaiting the inevitable questions.
"So, you're suggesting we procreate with our own creation?" Ultion questioned.
"Precisely," Sage affirmed. "This plan ensures that humanity continues to feel our presence, but without us directly meddling in their affairs."
The room stirred with murmurs of disbelief. Sage's proposition felt audacious, a concept that had never before been entertained.
"I don't think I agree with this idea," a voice interrupted, silencing the whispers. Torrent, his gaze sharp, spoke with conviction. "I've observed humanity for millennia, ever since the monster crisis, and frankly, their behavior is... disappointing. Most are reckless, thoughtless. I'm not convinced that mixing our essence with theirs is wise."
"I concur," Flage chimed in, his tone colder. "Humans are a jealous bunch. Those left unchosen will undoubtedly harbor resentment. And frankly, we don't need their prayers to begin with."
"Blending divinity with mortality is a dangerous gamble, Sage," Sol, ever the cautious one, voiced his concern. "Are you sure this is truly your best course of action?"
Sage, undeterred, glanced around at his fellow deities. "Does anyone here have a better plan?"
A heavy silence followed. The Gods knew the risks, but they also knew Sage was not one to propose something without deep consideration.
"It's not just about their prayers," Sage finally continued, breaking the quiet. "We have already broken our oath once and interfered with humanity's affairs, and we no longer have the option to do so again. If another world-threatening crisis arises, this is the only way humanity can be protected without direct intervention from us."
The room remained still until Zenith finally broke the silence. "I agree with Sage," he said firmly. "This method allows us to safeguard humanity for centuries without having to be directly present, while still keeping their faith intact."
"I can protect them on my own," Torrent cut in, referring to his role as Guardian.
"But what if the threat is beyond your interference and role?" Sage countered, his tone unyielding.
"Sage speaks with reason," Siris added in support.
"I understand your hesitation, Torrent," Zenith spoke up, "but I see no harm in giving this plan a chance." He glanced around at the others briefly before continuing. "Of course, this will only proceed if the majority agrees."
As the Gods cast their votes, most sided with Sage. Only Torrent and Flage remained opposed.
"It's unconventional," Zeal commented, "but perhaps that's exactly what we need right now."
Zenith nodded in agreement, but as the consensus formed, another God raised their voice, drawing everyone's attention.
"Unfortunately, I cannot participate in this plan," Nekro declared, his voice heavy with regret.
The other Gods turned to him in surprise as he began explaining.
"While I support the initiative, my responsibilities as Guardian of Under World take precedence. I cannot abandon my realm, even temporarily. The best I could manage would be to implement this plan within Under World itself, though I doubt that would be in my interest at the time."
"Reproducing in Under World could prove problematic, Nekro." Sage said carefully." Not only would the child face isolation from the other demigods, but the inherent differences in demon genetics with ours may produce unforeseen consequences."
"True," Nekro conceded. "But the same risks apply to mortality in general. Still, my duties cannot be forsaken. I cannot simply step away from my realm to play father."
The Gods understood Nekro's predicament and agreed to exempt him from the plan. Sage nodded in agreement, acknowledging the necessity of Nekro's continued role in Under World. With the decision made, preparations for the Gods' descent into Main World began.
The Gods had needed to diminish their infinite powers to the most minute fraction of their true selves; a profound demonstration of their infinite strength. This reduction was crucial to avoid shattering Main World under their presence.
Even with their diminished forms, however, they could only remain in Main World for a few days over a year. With this limitation in mind, they knew their actions had to be swift and precise. And so, with finality, the Gods began their journey down to Main World, ready to set the plan in motion.
The Gods had already agreed that the demigods would grow up together in the same city. This arrangement would allow them to learn from shared experiences and forge bonds before spreading out to protect the rest of the world. Given the length and complexity of the project, this approach made the most sense, especially considering the various cultures, languages, and upbringings across Earth.
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They chose New York City as the site for their undertaking. This was where Siege had last resided after exterminating the monster races millennia ago, and it held special significance as the final refuge of humanity during those dark times. The city had become sacred to them, and it seemed the perfect place to begin this new chapter. After meticulous preparation, the Gods descended to Earth, ready to embark on their plan to create the first-ever beings born of both divine and mortal essence.
Adapting to society came quickly, though it wasn't without challenges. The Gods had anticipated what they would need to live as ordinary citizens, so the transition wasn't difficult. After a few days, they had settled into their new roles, and the plan began in earnest.
One key part of the strategy was that the Gods would not live together but instead scatter across the city. While they occasionally met, they maintained their separation to keep a low profile. The focal point of the project, however, was the human women who would participate. The Gods decided that if they were to descend to Earth and take on a human form, they would appear as men for several reasons.
First, their masculine form was most convenient for maintaining their natural godly appearance, as mankind had been initially created in their image, before the perfection of creation with their female counterpart. Though the Gods were neither male nor female by nature, taking on a masculine form allowed them to blend seamlessly into society without the need for drastic alterations of their physical forms.
Second, it was agreed that, from what they had observed, women tended to raise children more successfully on their own compared to men raising children without a mother's presence. This maternal resilience and nurturing capacity were key factors, especially given that the Gods could not remain on Earth. The women would need to shoulder the bulk of parenting, and history had shown that mothers generally fared better under such conditions.
The Gods also realized that they needed to find women who were not only suitable for this monumental task but also willing. These women would need to be virtuous and strong, capable of raising children on their own with love and care, understanding the weight of the divine mission entrusted to them. They couldn't boast or be consumed by the knowledge of their divine spouses; instead, they needed to see the bigger picture and accept the responsibility that came with it.
Blur was the first to find a woman he intended to wed. Within a week, he had already met her and begun his plans of courting her. But in his haste, he may have overlooked important details. His decision, driven by emotion, showed that even a God could underestimate the impact of their diminished power.
Blur had met her at a house party he'd been invited to by some friends he'd made during his first few days in New York. They enjoyed his easygoing nature and insisted he join them for a casual gathering over the weekend. That was where he first saw her.
She was undeniably beautiful, with a captivating allure that caught his eye immediately. But beneath that exterior, her attitude was sharp, a little too biting, with a streak of arrogance that would have been obvious to anyone who looked closely. Unfortunately, Blur did not. He brushed past her flaws, blind to the warning signs that she wasn't the ideal partner he had convinced himself she was.
It might have been the unfamiliarity with living as a mortal, without the full scope of his divine senses, or perhaps she had simply masked her true self around him. Either way, Blur was unable to discern that she wasn't the perfect bride he believed her to be.
In contrast to Blur's rushed judgment, Sonar, the God of Sound, took a very different path in finding his match.
Sonar had also found someone within a month, just like Blur. But the woman he met was vastly different. She was soft-spoken and gentle, with a timidity that hinted at her unfamiliarity with the fast pace of city life. Raised on a farm where she had helped her father from a young age, she was grounded and humble. Despite her rural upbringing, she was well-educated and eloquent, her words carrying a quiet grace that resonated with Sonar.
Her calm, soothing voice had an almost hypnotic effect on him, and her simple way of speaking drew him in. She seemed unsure about adapting to the bustling urban environment, but Sonar reassured her that the setting didn't matter to him as long as she was by his side.
Within a month, their relationship had blossomed into something strong and genuine. They decided to leave the city behind, moving to a more peaceful, rural area that suited her better. The place was idyllic, with vast stretches of land, trees swaying in the breeze, and tranquility that stretched far into the horizon. Sonar didn't mind the change; his affection for her only deepened in their serene new surroundings. They were truly happy together, content in their shared quietness.
Most of the Gods spent their first month acclimating to the mundane routines of humanity, slowly establishing themselves on Earth. They purchased vehicles, acquired homes, and secured jobs in various fields, immersing themselves in mortal life. This method, they believed, was the best way to provide a stable and comfortable foundation for the women they chose to marry and the children that would follow.
The complexity of human life, deeper than the surface-level knowledge they once possessed, demanded time and patience. The Gods understood that finding the perfect companions couldn't be rushed. Yet, one particular God found himself balancing both the acquisition of property and the discovery of a suitable partner simultaneously.
Ultion, the God of Retribution, unexpectedly found love in little over a month. It was not something he had anticipated, but fate had a way of surprising even the Gods. His chosen partner was a powerful woman in the real estate business, a field she had risen in through hard work and integrity. Her life was stable and successful, but she longed for a companion, someone to start a family with; something she hadn't yet found.
Their paths crossed when Ultion sought to purchase a home, a place where he could settle for the time being. Due to their unexpected fondness of him, the company he enlisted for help assigned their top agent to assist him. That's how he first met her.
As they toured houses together, Ultion and the woman discovered that they shared remarkably similar tastes, drawn to the same designs and details with near-perfect alignment. They enjoyed each other's company immensely during the search, their time together filled with laughter and ease. When the home-buying process concluded, Ultion found himself asking for her number, a gesture that surprised even him.
The woman, too, felt that their meeting was destiny. She had long sought someone ready to settle down, someone with shared values and desires for the future. They continued to see each other, their dates bringing them closer together as they explored the connection between them.
Though Ultion and a few other Gods were quick to find potential partners, the pantheon had agreed that marriage and the initiation of their plan to bear children would begin after two months. This waiting period was meant to ensure that they were fully comfortable with their choices and lifestyle in Main World before committing to the next phase.
Thus, the Demigod Project had begun.