Gasping for air, Silas grasped at his throat. Before he could feel for any injury, he couldn't help but notice his surroundings: beautiful clouds hovering above and below, golden light shining through the pale white sky as a giant scale stood before him. Its left side glowed a crimson red, whilst the right side glowed a dazzling gold, whilst the middle appeared to be made of a fine white marble with a single open eye staring right at him. Releasing his grip on his neck, he seemed to realise what had happened.
"The Divine Scale...? I've... died, haven't I?"
Remembering his last moments before death, he clenches his fist and grinds his teeth for only a moment before sighing. It didn't matter anymore. The trials of the material world have ended for him, and all that is left is what he has done. He felt nothing, however, as he felt he had done no wrong.
Moving closer to the scale, his only wish was to make it quick. It was wrong to say he didn't feel a tinge of fear, though, for no one truly knows how the scale would judge one's life. Did it factor in the reason for the action? What led up to the action? Whether it was truly his fault or the machinations of another? It was pretty overwhelming, but he stood firm. There's no going back, and all that's left is the result.
Before the scale could judge him, a peculiarly dark cloud began to swirl around him, dragging him into the clouds below as his vision turned dark. Unknown to Silas, the Divine Scale watched with a brief look of pity as it faded away.
When the light finally reached his eyes once more, he was standing upon a deep ocean with seemingly endless depth, while no shore nor land could be seen in any direction. But that wasn't what grasped Silas' attention. It was the giant throne of stone that hovered above the ocean. It held no decor and looked crudely made, but what truly brought him fear was what sat upon it.
A giant writhing mass of clouds and wind swirling around like a tornado in the shape of a massive humanoid. Upon its head, it wore a deep blue crown adorned with countless gems. Before Silas could process the unbelievable sight before him, the entity laughed, as its voice boomed aloud.
"Well, perhaps introductions are in order then?"
Jumping off his throne, his body rapidly began to shrink as he approached Silas, meeting him face-to-face.
"I am Io, God of Storms. And I've taken an interest in you, Silas."
Unable to hide his shock, Silas immediately dropped to his knees and prostrated himself before the God.
"I am honoured by your presence, Lord! But might I ask why you may be interested in me?"
Seeing his respectful posture, Io merely raised his hand, and the wind pushed Silas up to his feet.
"Well, you see, I was watching you and Amberose fight. It was truly a glorious sight to behold."
Hearing the name of that bastard, Silas's brows furrowed before he felt calm again. Recalling the battle before he died, he definitely caused some death-inducing injuries against him. Taking a small breath, Silas takes comfort knowing that Amberose is currently serving his well-earned time in hell.
Seeing his reaction, Io continued.
"Well, as you might've suspected, Amberose didn't survive much longer. However, he did have enough time to throw out an improvised monologue about you being a persistent asshole, but that's not the point."
Feeling a change in the atmosphere, Silas tensed up. If this were a simple conversation, Jupiter would've waited until after the judgment from the Divine Scale. Clearly, there's something else he desired.
"How would you like a second chance at life? Fresh from the beginning, the slate being halted until death, and within my domain, the ocean. You shall become a creature of the deep, able to evolve by eating other creatures to obtain their traits!"
Before Silas could reply, Juptier spoke once more.
"However! Your little archenemy, Amberose, will also be reborn just the same. Within the ocean, with the ability to evolve. The only trick? You both won't know where either of you are born or what species you both awaken as."
Confused, Silas decides to ask the God a question.
"My Lord, why should I take part if it means the rebirth of my worst enemy? I mean no offence, but you should know our hatred knows no reconciliation. And might I ask what you mean by our slate being halted until death?"
Smiling at this response, Io turned around to look at his throne.
"Well, to answer one at a time, the reason for all this is to earn my favour. Should either of you succeed without a stalemate, I shall make the winner my son."
Hearing this, Silas's eyes grew wide. It was not a small thing to say one would become the son of a God, especially one as powerful as Io. It was wrong to say Silas wasn't immediately intrigued by this immensely tempting offer. Though he did think of one thing: Why was it extended to both of them?
"As for the slate, it means the deeds you commit will go unrecorded. That's how real I want you both to go. Use anything and everything to gain an advantage over the other."
Noticing the phrasing, Silas couldn't help but speak up.
"Do you mean for us to fight once more?"
Turning back to Silas, Io opens up his arms and looks to the sky.
"Of course! The two of you fought tooth and nail, using countless tactics that even impressed the God of War! Though what most other Gods and I accept is that the ending of this skirmish left us dissatisfied. You both had killed each other. No real joy when there's no winner. Thus, this deal ensures a proper finale. So what do you think?"
Thinking to himself about the proposal, Silas ponders for a moment.
"So we must be reborn into the ocean, evolve by eating other creatures, all for the sake of eventually finding and killing the other? As much as I'd love to tear Amberose another hole in his chest, how would we know who the other is and where they are?"
Expecting this answer, Io places his hand on Silas's shoulder.
"Don't worry, you'll know. There isn't much fun in identifying all the cards, after all. Though all I'll say is you'll never have enough time. Scheme well to be well."
Sighing, Silas understood what this meant. This wasn't a day trip, but a full-on war against the clock. Seeing his understanding, Io removed his hand from his shoulder and spoke.
"Keep this in mind, the evolution is neither quick, easy, nor convenient. It's a painfully slow process that requires patience, time, and dedication."
Hearing these words, Silas gave a long sigh before accepting the deal. He wasn't in any position to refuse anyway. Many Gods expected this battle; it would be dangerous for him to reject, though he had no plans to. As much as he hated to admit it, he was excited to kill Amberose once more.
Shaking hands with Io, the sky and ocean turned monochromatic. Letting go of his hand, Io glances at Silas's confused expression in amusement.
"Everything you said and I said before has been sent over to Amberose. What we say now will not transfer, so let me get some things straight with you."
Standing upright, Silas listened attentively. He likely couldn't afford to forget what the God was about to say.
"Not all evolutions are useful. Some may hinder you or, worse, be a dead end. This means the evolution seems useful at first, but as you evolve further, it gets in the way more than anything and blocks future evolution paths that could've benefited you greatly. This can be mitigated by getting a similar evolution that overrides it and isn't actually problematic."
Heeding these words, Silas couldn't help but smile. He knew the Gods were petty, but preventing Amberose from hearing such an essential piece of information was music to his ears. However, only one question remained in his mind.
"My lord, one final question. Just... how perilous will the journey ahead be?"
Returning to his original size and sitting upon the throne once more, Io gazes upon Silas's minuscule figure.
"Very perilous. Just because you can evolve, does not mean you can do everything. Do not forget, Silas - No deed you commit will be recorded. Do not hold back against him."
As he finished speaking, Io snapped his fingers, bringing colour back to the world again. Feeling a strong weakness in his body, Silas collapsed, falling over and dropping into the water, slowly descending.