If you’ve made it this far, let me take a moment to thank you sincerely. I hope you’ve enjoyed the beginning of this story, or at least found it intriguing.
Happy reading, and thank you for your trust.
Chapter 18 – Society
When the demigods fled from Proxima Mortis, they did so divided into two distinct groups: those who sought safety during the battle, and those who chose to confront Death directly, protecting their companions with unparalleled courage. Upon their arrival on Elysium, the latter, the so-called "Heroes," were welcomed with a grand celebration. For days, the planet echoed with songs and festivities, a tribute to their resilience and the victory represented by their escape.
However, the euphoria was short-lived. It quickly became evident that there was a need for order, for a social structure that would allow the community to coexist without conflict. The demigods, endowed with extraordinary abilities and unique powers, could not afford chaos. Thus arose the need for a system of laws and a hierarchy.
It was at this moment that the Pact of Elysium, previously mentioned, was signed. But what principles did they base themselves on to establish such crucial rules? They had no precedents to draw from, no guide to rely on for their nascent society.
In that decisive moment, democracy did not prevail. Two sovereigns were elected: Terra and Sky, the natural leaders of the group, embodying the courage and wisdom that had enabled their salvation. However, the social organization that emerged was not without controversies. After heated debates, a clear division of the population into two classes was established: the Heroes, those who had fought against Death, and the Fugitives, those who had lacked the strength or courage to face it.
This separation affirmed a bitter but inevitable truth: not everyone holds the same weight in a society. The distinction between the strong and the weak, between those who had sacrificed themselves and those who had sought refuge, became the foundation of Elysium’s laws and dynamics. Although some voices rose in opposition, they were too weak to be heard. Their opinions were often devalued, as if merely belonging to the class of fugitives rendered their thoughts less worthy of consideration.
But let us not think that the seed of disparity was planted at that precise moment. The division between strong and weak was not a deliberate choice by the demigods but rather a fundamental law of existence itself. Just as not all Edens are equal, neither are demigods. Disparity is not an invention but a reality that permeates the universe. It is the natural order of things, an inescapable fact that no society, however ideal, could ever completely overturn.
----------------------------------------
The law of the strongest, often criticized as a cruel and discriminatory principle, carries an undeniable truth: it is intrinsic to the natural order of things. In a universe where inequality is the rule, not the exception, strength—in all its forms, physical, mental, or spiritual—becomes the measure by which existence perpetuates and evolves. And so, however unjust or arbitrary it may seem, it is a law that governs the very cycle of life.
The society of the demigods on Elysium, born in a context of extreme survival and shaped by the urgency of order, could not ignore this law. Their choices, as difficult as they were, reflected a practical necessity: to distinguish those who had demonstrated strength and sacrifice from those who had not. In a world where strength had been the decisive factor in escaping destruction, recognizing and rewarding it was a way to ensure stability and motivate others.
This dynamic is not without its criticisms. Strength is not always synonymous with justice or virtue. However, in the context of Elysium, it represented something deeper: the ability to endure and protect. In a reality dominated by divine powers and constant threats, respect for the strongest was not merely an act of submission but a form of recognition for those who had brought hope and the possibility of a future.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Thus, the law of the strongest is not merely a simple imposition of power. It is also a reflection of the necessity to adapt to the surrounding environment, to establish an order that mirrors the very nature of the universe.
Yet, this law, as natural as it may be, carries a burden: the risk of stifling other virtues, such as empathy, wisdom, or cooperation. If strength becomes the sole criterion of value, there is the danger of excluding those who, while not strong, could offer an equally valuable contribution. The society of Elysium, though rooted in this law, should have sought a balance, a way to value not only the strong but also those who possessed other qualities essential for collective prosperity.
Ultimately, it is neither entirely right nor completely wrong. It is, rather, a reflection of the cosmic order, a cruel but necessary rule in certain contexts. The true challenge is not to abolish it but to temper it, enriching it with values that can humanize it, making it a guide for growth, not a condemnation to oppression.
Beyond the need to establish a solid legal framework, it was crucial for the demigods to develop an educational system that matched their capabilities and aspirations. This would ensure that resources and knowledge, precious assets of their society, were distributed equitably, thus fostering collective growth and individual well-being. Finally, but equally important, it became evident that there was a need to lay the foundations for an economic system: a structured exchange of resources that could sustain and fuel the community's progress over time.
----------------------------------------
And so, a system based on the so-called Fragments of Aeternum was created.
The Fragments of Aeternum are luminous shards, remnants of the primordial creation of the universe. Originating from the collision between Cromirion, Pyro's divine forge, and the cosmic energies of Memoriam Loco, each fragment is imbued with an arcane and radiant power. Their value derives from the amount of ancestral energy they contain.
There are three types:
Superior Fragments: Rare, almost transparent, they shine with a calm and perpetual intensity. They are used for monumental exchanges and to seal significant alliances.
Basic Fragments: More common, they emit a pulsating light and are the primary currency for daily transactions.
Minor Fragments: Opaque and small, they are used for minor exchanges or as symbolic offerings.
They can be legally acquired in various ways:
Trades and Work: Fragments of Aeternum are primarily obtained through resource trade, material processing, or direct contribution to the community.
Celestial Explorations: Brave demigods and adventurers can find new fragments in the remnants of ancient stars or on forgotten planets.
Tributes of the Stars: A rare event where a rain of fragments illuminates the sky. The demigods do not know its cause, but you readers will discover it with patience.
Recognitions: Acts of great value for society can be rewarded with superior fragments.
To ensure the efficiency of this system, a precise structure of roles and responsibilities was developed:
Keepers of Aeternum: They oversee the authenticity of the fragments and manage their flow, preventing fraud and unjust accumulation. They must validate and mark the fragments before releasing them to the market.
Cosmic Forgers: They use the fragments to create extraordinary artifacts, divine weapons, and structures of unparalleled beauty.
Star Explorers: They venture into dangerous regions to discover new fragments and bring them back to society, fundamental to ensuring a continuous supply, as the fragments fade after a certain time and must be replaced with ‘functional’ ones.
Additionally, a place to store them was needed, leading to the creation of the Bank of Aeternum in the heart of Elysium. This sacred institution preserves the purest Fragments and regulates the kingdom's economy. The bank issues seals of light, magical representations of the fragments, to facilitate large-scale exchanges. Each seal is tied to the energetic signature of a fragment, making it impossible to counterfeit. It is here that the Keepers work.
----------------------------------------
While the system based on the Fragments of Aeternum is essential for Elysium’s stability, it carries risks and conflicts. The rarity of superior fragments often leads to rivalries between cities, while their search drives explorers to face dangers.
Yet, in that moment of euphoria for organization and progress, none of them could truly comprehend what they had unleashed.
Money, in whatever form it takes, has the power to devour entire civilizations.
They did not know it, but in creating a currency, they had created a demon. An invisible, intangible entity that would seep into their hearts, their ideals, and their ambitions. Not a demon of flesh or fire, but of desire, greed, and division. It was a force that none of their laws could ever fully contain, for money, though created as a means, always becomes an end.
Thank You for Reading!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter and that the story has sparked your curiosity for what’s to come. If you’d like to stay updated on new chapters and support the journey of this universe, be sure to follow this page. Your support means the world to me and helps keep this story alive.
Feel free to share your thoughts or questions—I’d love to hear from you!
Until next time,
Teo