Brian grunted, absorbing this new information. "So, a war between unstoppable forces, huh? And what happened? Did they just keep fighting until everything was rubble?"
Omega Alpha shook her head slightly. "No. A third faction intervened. Beings of immense power, even greater than the Nephilim—the Higher Gods. They saw the devastation that the War of the Ancients was causing, and they decided to put an end to it."
Brian snorted. "The Higher Gods, huh? And what, they just snapped their fingers and made everyone play nice?"
"Hardly," Omega Alpha said, a hint of something akin to weariness in her voice. "The Higher Gods were beings of immense power, but they were also bound by certain cosmic laws. The Higher Gods ordered the extinction of the Nephilim race and the Sakarian race. The Higher Gods viewed the Nephilim race as a cursed creation because they themselves didn't create the Nephilim race; angels and demons did because of their unholy reunion. And the Higher Gods feared the power of the Legendary Sakarian Gods, as they thought the power itself was a threat to them."
"So, let me get this straight," Brian said, his brow furrowed in thought. "The Higher Gods decided that both the Sakarians and the Nephilim were too dangerous to exist, so they just... wiped them out?"
Omega Alpha nodded grimly. "Not entirely. The Higher Gods are indeed omnipotent; they knew how strong the Sakarians and Nephilim were. They could not simply erase the Sakarians and the Nephilim from existence. Instead, they created a weapon to eliminate both the Sakarians and Nephilim. So, they took advantage of the War of the Ancients and struck the Nephilim and the Sakarians when they faced each other."
"A weapon?" Brian echoed, his interest piqued. "What kind of weapon could wipe out two of the most powerful races in existence?"
"It's a divine sword crafted by the Higher Gods themselves, named Divinity's Edge," Omega Alpha replied, her voice chillingly clinical. "A sword created by combining the blood of a Sakarian and a Nephilim. The Higher Gods knew that their powers were unmatched by the Sakarians and Nephilim, and they knew that the only thing that could defeat a Sakarian and a Nephilim was themselves. So, they created this sword just for them to eliminate both the Sakarians and Nephilim from existence."
Brian was surprised to learn this; he couldn't believe that the Higher Gods created a weapon to defeat both the Sakarians and Nephilim.
Omega Alpha continued. "Divinity's Edge's ability is very overpowered. The sword itself can destroy anything, regardless of how tough, eternal, or infinite it is. Even reason and logic itself can be destroyed. The sword can undermine the immortality of gods and prevent their regeneration. Divinity's Edge can nullify spells and reduce them to nothing. By destroying the order of the world, Divinity's Edge can slice a target without making contact with it. The sword can even be used outside of combat, for instance, to ensure that wrong answers on a test receive full marks and bonus points. However, the order will be restored once the sword is put away, so the effects of Divinity's Edge are temporary. Although it is designed to kill a Sakarian and a Nephilim, the weapon itself can also be used to kill a god-level being, no matter how omnipotent he or she is; the sword can kill it."
Brian whistled, a low, impressed sound. "Damn, that's one hell of a weapon. So, the Higher Gods used this 'Divinity's Edge' to wipe out the Sakarians and the Nephilim, huh? End of story?"
Omega Alpha nodded. "That's correct. With the power of the sword itself, they managed to wipe out all of the Sakarians and Nephilim. The Higher Gods used it during a pivotal moment in the War of the Ancients, when both the Sakarians and the Nephilim were weakened and vulnerable after centuries of brutal conflict. The sword struck down countless warriors on both sides, decimating their numbers and crippling their leadership."
Brian looked at Omega Alpha, his eyes now blazing with newfound purpose. "What about this Legendary Sakarian God? Is that power still attainable? Can I awaken it?"
Omega Alpha regarded him with a calculating gaze. "The Legendary Sakarian God is a power of immense potential, Brian. It is said to be the ultimate form of the Sakarian warrior, capable of feats that defy imagination. However, it is not easily attained. Many have tried, but few have succeeded."
"What does it take?" Brian demanded, his voice sharp with anticipation. "What must I do to unlock this power?"
Omega Alpha chuckled and spoke. "You already unlocked it..." She said towards Brian.
Brian raised an eyebrow and spoke. "Hmm... What the fuck do you mean...?"
"Remember when you were still in the academy, and in order for you to graduate, you had to kill your classmates, especially your best friend Ramon?" Omega Alpha said. "And the despair and sorrow you felt in that moment, and then suddenly you felt a burst of power, a power that was driven by your rage. That's the catalyst for your awakening of your Legendary Sakarian..."
Brian's eyes widened as he remembered that exact moment of his life; he was just a kid back then. He remembered that he and Ramon killed their classmates in order for them to survive. But since only one of them needed to be alive, he was also given an option by his own sensei: that one of them needed to survive or both of them die. Which forced him to kill Ramon, and he cried as he felt sorrow and despair, and then he felt a power surging inside him as his appearance changed. The life he experienced in the academy shaped him to be a brutal and cold-hearted person who would not hesitate to kill someone if he found weakness in them.
Brian's eyes widened, and he spoke. "You mean the transformation that turned my fucking hair and tail golden, a transformation I awakened, is that what you're fucking talking about?"
"Yes, that's the Legendary Sakarian." Omega Alpha said, confirming it. "But the truth is, the Legendary Sakarian transformation is not really a god-level power; it's a power within the Sakarians themselves, besides the lycanthropy transformation. The Legendary Sakarian, or the true name is Legendary Sakarian, is a genetic mutation rather than being a god-level power. The reason why the Sakarians called it a Legendary Sakarian God is because only a few of the Sakarians awakened it. The only ones that awakened it were Daikon and Radigon."
Brian processed this information, his mind racing. "So, all this time, I've had this power... this 'Legendary Sakarian' thing... and I didn't even know what it was?" He ran a hand through his hair, a frustrated expression on his face. "Why didn't anyone ever tell me about this? Why keep it a secret?"
"Because no one knows the true name of the transformation itself, not even your shinobi senseis and your classmates. Because to them, it's a foreign power; the knowledge of the Legendary Sakarian was lost to many over time. But they knew you had that type of power because you're not a human..." Omega Alpha said in a stoic expression.
"So, it's not some divine blessing, just a fucking mutation?" Brian scoffed, a hint of disappointment lacing his voice. "All this time, I thought I was tapping into some cosmic force, and it's just... genetics?"
Omega Alpha tilted her head slightly. "Don't misunderstand, Brian. While it may be a genetic mutation, its potential is still immense. It amplifies your strength, speed, and senses to unimaginable levels. It grants you a resilience that borders on invulnerability. It's a power that made the Sakarians feared across the cosmos, a power that allowed them to conquer countless worlds."
Brian then thought that Omega Alpha was right. When he tapped into that power, he did become very powerful; in fact, he even awakened a second form of the Legendary Sakarian. "So, who else awakened the Legendary Sakarian besides me, Daikon, and Radigon?" Brian said in a serious expression.
"The last one that awakened the Legendary Sakarian transformation is Alex Garcia from the Forsaken Monks," Omega Alpha said towards him.
Upon hearing the name Alex Garcia, Brian's eyes widened in surprise. He knew that Alex Garcia was from the Forsaken Monks, the mortal enemies of the Hunters Blades Shinobi. He and Alex Garcia had fought many times in the past, when he was still in the academy and Alex was still in the monastery, or when they were still young. He was one of the strongest opponents he'd ever fought, the only person who had ever truly challenged him in combat. Their last fight was in the Dark Age, in the Battle of Bakura 1000 years ago.
Brian's eyes widened in surprise, remembering the time Alex awakened and transformed into his Legendary Sakarian when Alex saw the death of his brother in his arms. Brian also activated his Legendary Sakarian transformation that he had already awakened, and he and Alex fought. But after the war, he and Alex never crossed paths again; he didn't know where Alex was after that.
Brian raised an eyebrow. "Alex Garcia? That son of a bitch..." He muttered, his voice laced with a dangerous edge. Then he remembered the battle of Ba-
Omega Alpha, with a surprised expression, spoke. "You knew him...?" She said in a stoic expression.
Brian frowned and spoke. "Of course, I fucking know that motherfucker... He's from the Forsaken Monastery, in the holy ground located in the eastern land. He and I fought many times in the past. Our last fight was in the Battle of Bakura. But that was 1000 years ago… After the war, we never crossed paths again. He is the only person who can give me a real challenge in a fight and the only person who could push me beyond my limits," Brian said, in a devious grin.
Omega Alpha's expression shifted from surprise to a calculating curiosity. "Interesting. So, you and he knew each other for so long; that explains a lot.
Brian chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that vibrated with anticipation. "Perhaps. But first, tell me more about the Sakarians after the extinction of the Sakarian race," He said, looking at Omega Alpha with a serious expression.
Omega Alpha continued. "Even united as Sakarians, they remained ruthless, barbaric, and merciless, naturally aggressive warrior races. They conquered countless planets, realms, dimensions, and even multiverses to expand their empire, enslaving other races throughout the cosmology. This included the high heavens, the realm of the angels, and the burning hells, the realm of the demons. The Sakarians were feared throughout the cosmology for their unmatched military experience and prowess and their highly superior advanced technologies."
Brian smirked deviously and spoke, absorbing this information. "Hmph... Sounds about right..." He said proudly.
"So, what you're saying is, even after the Higher Gods tried to wipe us out, we still managed to become the biggest threat in the cosmos?" Brian asked, a hint of pride coloring his voice.
Omega Alpha nodded. "Precisely. The Sakarians were resilient, Brian. They rebuilt, they adapted, and they conquered. They mastered technologies that dwarfed even the Higher Gods' creations. They became a force of nature, unstoppable and unyielding."
Brian stroked his chin, a thoughtful expression on his face. "And where do I fit into all of this? I'm guessing there's a reason you're telling me all this, right? It's not just a history lesson, is it?"
"Of course not," Omega Alpha replied, her gaze unwavering. "You, Brian, are the key to the Sakarians' future. You possess the Legendary Sakarian power, a power that has been dormant for centuries. You have the potential to reignite the Sakarian flame and lead them to new heights of glory."
Brian scoffed. "Lead them? I'm not a leader. I'm a warrior, a Destroyer. I do what I have to do to get by. I'm not interested in empires or conquest."
"That may be true now," Omega Alpha said, "but the Sakarian blood runs deep within you. It is a primal instinct, a yearning for power and dominance. You may not feel it now, but it will awaken. And when it does, you will have a choice to make. Will you embrace your destiny and what was meant to be a Sakarian?"
Brian fell silent, contemplating her words. The idea of his origins as a Sakarian, being conquered, really surprised him a lot. He was also surprised that the Sakarians were that powerful, but he realized now where his evil nature and his abnormal strength came from. But he also felt very disappointed that the Sakarians were wiped out by the Higher Gods. To him, power is the only thing that matters, so if the Sakarians were wiped out by an inferior race to them, that means they are a weak and pathetic race.
"And what about Alex Garcia?" Brian asked, breaking the silence. "Where does he fit into all of this?" He said, raising his eyebrows.
Omega Alpha's expression turned grim. "Alex Garcia is concerned about his own origins as well; that's why he left the monastery and wandered the world to find Oracles to reveal his origins..."
Brian raised an eyebrow and spoke. "Ah, I see. That makes a lot of sense now. I no longer saw him in the monastery after the war because he decided to wander the world to find his origins," He said, remembering their last meeting.
"So, what you're saying is, we're both on the same path?" Brian mused, a smirk playing on his lips. "Seeking answers about who the fuck we are, about what our true origins are."
Omega Alpha nodded. "In a way, yes. But your paths may diverge depending on what you discover. Alex's motivations are different from yours. He seeks understanding, perhaps even peace with his past. You, on the other hand..." She paused, her eyes searching his, "You seek power, Brian. And the knowledge of the Sakarians... it could be a dangerous weapon in your hands."
Brian laughed, finding what Omega Alpha said was true. For all the years he fought Alex back then, he always knew that he was an honorable warrior since he's from the Forsaken Monks. "So, we're both just running around, trying to figure out what the fuck we are," Brian mused, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Sounds about fucking right."
Brian then turned to look at Omega Alpha and spoke. "So, tell me something, Miss Omega. How the fuck do you know all about this...?"
"The Council knows everything, Brian Bautista. The knowledge of the cosmos is not foreign to the Higher Gods," Omega Alpha said in a stoic expression.
Brian raised an eyebrow and spoke. "So, you're from the Higher Gods after all..." He said in a frown.
"Yes, that's correct. I am from the Higher Gods, an apprentice Goddess..." Omega Alpha said in a stoic expression.
Brian chuckled and spoke in a mocking tone. "Huh, don't tell me you're here to kill me since I'm a fucking Sakarian..."
Omega Alpha shook her head and spoke. "No, like I said earlier. I'm here to recruit you to be a part of the Council..."
Brian frowned and spoke. "Just what the fuck exactly is this fucking Council...?" He said in an annoyed tone.
Omega Alpha continued. "The Council is a group of divine beings created by the Higher Gods to maintain the cosmology's balance. Their main goal is to oversee the world and ensure balance, working within their respective domains—time, space, nature, civilization, and chaos lead them. Their purpose is to maintain order in a chaotic world. The Higher Gods ordered them to form the Council and become their overseer to kill IRyS because of her transgressions," She said in a serious expression.
Brian's eyes narrowed, suspicion lacing his features. "IRyS? What the fuck does that have to do with anything? And what transgressions are you talking about?" He demanded, his voice laced with a dangerous edge. He was getting tired of all the cryptic answers; he wanted straight answers, and he wanted them now.
Omega Alpha sighed softly, as if bracing herself for his reaction. "IRyS is a Nephilim, a being of Hope and Despair. A hybrid of Angels and Demons. IRyS betrayed the Higher Gods because they killed her brothers and sisters, the Nephilim races, not because they were at war with the Sakarians, but because, like the Sakarians, they also feared their power as well, and they also viewed them as a cursed creation since they were not created by them. So that's why the Higher Gods ordered me to form the Council to hunt her down."
Brian's gaze hardened, his eyes flashing with a dangerous glint. "So, let me get this straight. The Higher Gods, the self-proclaimed guardians of balance, are actually just a bunch of paranoid tyrants who slaughter anyone they deem a threat? And they expect me, a Sakarian, one of the races they tried to exterminate, to join their little club and do their dirty work?" He spat, the disgust evident in his voice.
Omega Alpha met his gaze unflinchingly. "That might be true, but the Higher Gods have their own reasons for their actions, Brian. But they just didn't see the true power of the Nephilims and Sakarians, but also view it as dangerous as well."
Brian's frown deepened as he responded, and only remained silent. Omega Alpha then raised her left hand in front of him and spoke. "Come, Brian Bautista, join the Council and become their sixth member, and carry a new title: Destroyer of Worlds."
Brian stared at Omega Alpha's outstretched hand, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Disgust, anger, curiosity, and a sliver of something akin to morbid fascination all warred within him. He, a Sakarian, being offered a seat at the table of the very beings who tried to erase his people from existence? The irony was almost too much to bear.
"Destroyer of Worlds, huh?" he finally said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "And what the fuck makes you think I'm gonna say yes to that? I'm already doing that already," He said in an uninterested tone. "Miss, I don't take orders from someone; I work alone."
"The difference is that your destruction will have a purpose then just doing it for money and entertainment, going back to your private mercenary job, plus, you will be paid ten times your previous clients giving you..." Omega Alpha said in a stoic expression. "And also, the Higher Gods will give you what you want besides money. You like to fight strong opponents, right? The Higher Gods will provide them for you if you become loyal to us."
Brian leaned back, a thoughtful expression clouding his features. "Strong opponents, you say?" He mused, tapping a finger against his chin. "I've fought gods and demons, angels and monsters, but none of them can even give me a good fight," He thought to himself. "And a purpose to my destruction... more than just filling my pockets and scratching that itch for a good fight?"
He paused, considering Omega Alpha's words. The promise of facing opponents who could truly challenge him, opponents far beyond anything he'd encountered before, was undeniably alluring. The thought of wielding his power with a purpose, even if it was for the Higher Gods, was... intriguing. He'd always been driven by instinct, by the thrill of the fight. But perhaps, just perhaps, there was more to him than just a mindless destroyer.
"Alright, Omega Alpha," he said, a dangerous glint returning to his eyes. "You've piqued my interest. But I'm not making any promises. I play by my own rules. If I join this Council, it'll be on my terms. And if I find out these Higher Gods are playing me, I'll turn on them faster than they can blink."
Omega Alpha's stoic expression didn't waver. "Those are acceptable terms, Brian Bautista. The Higher Gods value power, and they recognize yours. They know they cannot control you completely, but they believe they can guide you towards a path that serves their interests." She paused, her gaze piercing. "And perhaps, in time, you will find that their interests align with your own."
Brian snorted. "Don't count on it. My only interest is finding a good fight and doing what I want. If those Higher Gods are trying to use me in their petty war, I'll do what I have to do. But don't think for a second that I will be loyal to them," He said with a grin. "But if the Nephilim IRyS is a worthy opponent, then I am happy to obliterate her if she stands in my way," He said, standing and smirking. He said in a smirk. "I'm not joining the Higher Gods; I'm joining the Council, and I'm doing it for my own reasons. If those reasons happen to align with yours, so be it, but the moment they don't, I'm out. You got that, apprentice Goddess?"
Omega Alpha simply nodded, a silent acknowledgment of his terms. The energy subsided, leaving Brian feeling strangely... altered. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something had shifted within him. The Sakarian blood, perhaps, stirring within him.
"Very well," Omega Alpha said, releasing his hand. "I will introduce you to the other members of the Council."
"Then, welcome to the Council, Brian Bautista, the Destroyer of Worlds," Omega Alpha said, finally extending her hand again. "I trust you won't disappoint us."
Brian smirked deviously at what Omega Alpha said; then, Omega Alpha snapped her fingers, leaving the pocket dimension that they were staying in right now and coming back to the real world. Brian looked towards his surroundings as he saw he was back at Deep Space Tavern; he was seated in his chair, in front of him was Omega Alpha, on the other side of the table.
Omega Alpha stood up and spoke. "Come now, Brian Bautista, we have to go to the gods' realm for your introduction from the council..." She said in a stoic expression.
Brian smirked as he slowly rose from his seat. "Alright then, Miss apprentice... lead the fucking way."
Omega Alpha nodded as she led the way outside the bar; Brian followed behind her. As they finally reached outside, Brian turned towards Omega Alpha and spoke. "So, how do we get to this divine playground of Gods? Got a spaceship? Teleportation device? Or do I just have to flap my arms really hard and hope for the best?" He said, being sarcastic.
Omega Alpha, being unfazed at Brian's response, spoke. "I will teleport us there," She said as she waved her hands and created a portal, "so be ready."
Brian raised an eyebrow, a flicker of genuine surprise crossing his features. He folded his arms, his expression serious and spoke. Omega Alpha, as stoic as ever, simply stepped into the portal without a word. Brian chuckled and followed, bracing himself for whatever awaited him on the other side.
Without another word, Omega Alpha stepped through the shimmering tear in reality. Brian hesitated for only a moment, a thrill of anticipation coursing through him. Gods' realm, huh? This was going to be interesting. He followed Omega Alpha into the unknown.
The moment Brian stepped through the portal, he was assaulted by a sensory overload unlike anything he'd ever experienced. Gone was the gritty, neon-soaked atmosphere of Deep Space Tavern. He was now standing on what appeared to be a platform of pure, shimmering energy, suspended amidst a swirling kaleidoscope of colors he couldn't even begin to name. The air hummed with raw power, a tangible force that both invigorated and unsettled him.
Below, he could see countless stars and galaxies spread out like glittering dust, an impossibly vast panorama that stretched beyond comprehension. Above, structures of pure light twisted and spiraled, defying gravity and logic. It was a place of breathtaking beauty and overwhelming scale, a testament to the power of the beings who called it home.
"Welcome to Aethelgard, Brian Bautista," Omega Alpha's voice echoed beside him, though he couldn't see her. The sound seemed to emanate from the very air around him. "The Realm of the Higher Gods."
Brian took a slow, deliberate breath, trying to ground himself amidst the chaos of divine energy. He'd seen a lot of strange things in his life, fought in a lot of bizarre locales, but this… this was something else entirely. He couldn't help but feel a sense of awe, mixed with a healthy dose of apprehension. Brian slowly rotated, taking in the sheer majesty of the place. He had seen wonders before, had witnessed the destructive power of cosmic forces, but this... this was different. This wasn't just raw power; it was artistry, a symphony of creation on a scale that dwarfed his comprehension.
"Not bad," he admitted, a rare hint of genuine awe in his voice. "Though I've seen dive bars with more character," He said, looking at his surroundings. "Not exactly what I expected," he admitted, his voice laced with a touch of wry amusement.
Omega Alpha ignored his jest. "The other members of the Council await. Follow me."
She began to walk along the energy platform, her movements graceful and purposeful. Brian followed behind her, his senses on high alert. As they started walking to their destination to introduce Brian to the rest of the Council.
Brian turned towards Omega Alpha and spoke. "So, tell me... who the fuck are my teammates from the Council?"
Omega Alpha turned to him and spoke. "There are five of them, all women..." She said in a stoic expression. "The group consists of Ceres Fauna, the Avatar of Mother Nature; Nanashi Mumei, Guardian of Civilization; Tsukumo Sana, the Speaker of Space; Ouro Kronii, Warden of Time; and Hakos Baelz, the Harbinger of Chaos, and the Leader of the Council," She said. "And now, Brian Bautista, whose previous title was Fist of Fury, now, as part of the Council, carries a new title: The Destroyer of Worlds (Personification of Hard Work). The Council originally had five members, but recruiting Brian Bautista increased their number to six." She said, facing Brian.
Brian frowned and spoke in an angry expression. "What!" He said in a shout. "Are you fucking kidding me? All of my teammates are women?"
To which Omega Alpha nodded and spoke. "Yes, they are all women, why, what's wrong? Is there a problem?" She said in a curious tone.
Brian didn't respond as he only frowned, folding his arms. He remembered how annoying women are; all the women he encountered in his mercenary life were always lusting over his physique and appearance; this alone totally pissed him off. He never truly cared or was interested in women; he was more interested in fighting stronger opponents or training rather than caring about their opinion of him. He only hopes these teammates of five females will not annoy him so much, he highly doubted that.
Omega Alpha, sensing Brian's displeasure, tilted her head slightly. "Is there an issue with working alongside women, Brian? The Council members are chosen for their power and abilities, not their gender. Their capabilities far surpass many male deities you may have encountered, well, except the Higher Gods, of course."
Brian scoffed, running a hand through his hair. "It's not that they're women; it's just... complicated. I've had my share of experiences. They tend to be annoying sometimes. I just hope they won't be a hindrance when things get serious," He said in an angry expression, still folding his arms.
Omega Alpha spoke in a stoic expression. "Do not underestimate them, Brian. Each member of the Council holds dominion over a fundamental aspect of existence. They are not mere mortals to be easily swayed or distracted. Their power is absolute."
Brian shrugged and spoke. "Hmph... whatever, as long as they will not piss me off, that won't fucking bother me at all..." He said in a mocking tone.
As they walked, Brian couldn't help but steal glances at Omega Alpha. She was an enigma, a being of immense power yet seemingly devoid of personal emotion. She followed the orders of the Higher Gods without question, yet he sensed a hidden depth beneath her stoic facade. He wondered what her true motivations were, what drove her to serve beings who were, in his eyes, nothing more than paranoid tyrants.
They finally approached a massive building with a structure of swirling light; there was a massive door in front of them. "This is the place," Omega Alpha turned to Brian. "I will enter first to warn the other Council members; you prepare yourself for your introduction..." She said as she walked towards the door and opened it, going inside. Brian was left outside, his expression still serious and folding his arms.
Brian stood there for a moment, the immense weight of the situation settling upon him. He was about to face the Council, beings of unimaginable power who held the fate of countless worlds in their hands. And he, Brian Bautista, the Sakarian shinobi, a private mercenary, was about to join their ranks. A bitter laugh escaped his lips. What a cosmic joke.
Brian took a deep breath, letting the raw energy of Aethelgard wash over him. He needed to be ready. He flexed his hands, feeling the familiar surge of power thrumming beneath his skin. He may not respect the Higher Gods, he may not trust the Council, but he wouldn't back down from a challenge.
To be continued.