The Godsfall Chronicles

Chapter 65: Mental Inheritance

Cloudhawk activated his subs.p.a.ce matrix within the Southern Capitol .  

The Cube was a gift from the former Demon King . Although it was not used for direct combat, the unique way that time flowed within made it one of Cloudhawk’s most prized relics . Nothing was more precious than time .  

It was within this matrix that Cloudhawk had chosen to hold their meeting . Besides the advantage of time, the s.p.a.ce would also serve as the site of an important experiment . Something this important required witnesses, so Selene gathered all the leaders to watch .

Shock was the one shared expression among the Elysian officials . Three alters had been erected here, and upon them were imposing figures . They were perfect, encased in beautiful armor – the former masters of three Elysian lands: The Light G.o.d, War G.o.d and Dragon G.o.d!

Not long ago Cloudhawk had defeated them in combat . The War and Dragon G.o.ds were badly wounded, and the Light G.o.d was captured attempting to flee . After being taken prisoner, Cloudhawk did not kill them . Wolfblade had other plans to bring them under their control .

How rare was it to capture not one, but three Supreme G.o.ds? It would be foolish to waste such an opportunity . These creatures could be of great benefit to Cloudhawk and his cause .  

He saw the shocked expressions of his Alliance’s newest members but paid them no mind . He had several reasons for making them watch . They might have agreed to revolution, but all would still feel the crus.h.i.+ng pressure of their faith when faced with G.o.ds on the battlefield . These beings had lorded over their homes for generations! Reverence was a fundamental part of their society .  

Now, the objects of their faith were frozen in crystal and placed on the altars like spoils of war . Shocking was a mild way to put it .

Cloudhawk stood before them with Belial to his left and h.e.l.lflower to his right . Nearby, Wolfblade’s lackeys watched . No one knew why their Alliance leader had called them here . A public execution, perhaps?

In every human war throughout history, it was common practice to cut down the symbols of the enemy . To raze its flag and slay their heroes . Mostly this was done to improve morale and foster unity in the short term . For the encroaching war especially, even the wise leaders who pledged revolution would find it hard to shake their veneration for the G.o.ds so quickly . It seemed necessary to kill these G.o.ds and sh.o.r.e up their courage .

However, Cloudhawk didn’t gather everyone together for this simple purpose . These G.o.ds were worth more than a moment of solidarity .

“Quiet,” he began . The crowds responded by allowing their muttered conversations to taper off . All eyes turned to him .

Cloudhawk looked toward h.e.l.lflower . She represented the best scientific minds of the wastelands and all the gathered knowledge of their ancestors . Attention turned to her, and she addressed the gathering .

“Looking back through history we have learned a powerful truth . Before the Elysian lands were born – that is to say, on the eve of the Great War – humanity was a weak and unevolved species . Back then we were no different than the beasts that walk the wastelands . We did not understand mental power, or how to cultivate it . We knew nothing of relics or their use . ”

“A decade later, war came to our planet . It was decided as quickly as it came . But even in this brief period we began to see great changes in human society . The most representative of these was the rise of demonhunters – powerful men and women who stalked their enemies in the name of the G.o.ds . They were led by ten exceptional warriors . We called them Legendary . ”

“The ten Legendary Demonhunters acted as founders of the Elysian lands . The Cloude family, Merlo family and other distinguished clans can trace their roots back to these mighty ancestors . But have any of you paused to wonder how it was that in less than a decade, these ordinary humans had become so powerful?”

Silence answered her methodical explanation until Phoenix answered . “What’s your point?”

“Patients, Master Phoenix . I will explain . ” h.e.l.lflower reacted to the demonhunter’s question with a smile . She turned and pointed to the alters . “What we have discovered is that the G.o.ds are capable of pa.s.sing on their abilities . ”

Mutters rippled through the crowd . Really? G.o.ds could pa.s.s on their mental energy? To some this was not a surprise, especially with the likes of High Priest Gorman . His position afforded him a glimpse into many secrets . Within the Temple were methods for transferring power .

When an Elysian land came under threat or its Temple was in decline, the High Priest could select an Apostle who would take on such G.o.dly inheritance . This champion was empowered to act as the sword and s.h.i.+eld of their faith . The most recent example, of course, was Selene Cloude .

However, hers was a unique case . Even High Priest Ramiel did not know that the power he conveyed unto her came from the G.o.d King itself . This bequest sealed Selene"s own will and brought her wholly under the G.o.ds’ control .

She was not alone . Cloudhawk was also a prime example .

G.o.ds and demons came from the same source . The fact that Cloudhawk had been given a fraction of the former Demon King’s power proved that such a thing was possible . These highly evolved creatures had the ability to share part of what made them so incredible .

When she saw the light of understanding in their eyes, h.e.l.lflower confirmed it . “We have tested it, under advis.e.m.e.nt by Wolfblade and Belial . Our efforts to transfer power from the G.o.ds has been successful . This is what we have brought you all here to see . ”

So that was the plan . Cloudhawk was going to take the power of these Supremes as his own .

Not only would this bleed the captives dry of their worth, it also proved an important fact . That the power of the G.o.ds can be taken by humans . Once this experiment was complete it would prove immeasurable to the confidence of their species . They would enter into the war with the G.o.ds empowered by this knowledge .

h.e.l.lflower stepped back once her introduction was complete .

Cloudhawk took her place . “There are risks to this process . A Supreme’s mental strength is too much for a single person to withstand . So, this will be my gift . When your name is read, please enter the psychic pool . ”

“Dawn Polaris . h.e.l.lflower . Squall Rover . Selene Cloude . Phain Mist . Coal . Carnage . Atlas Umbra . . . ”

One after the other, Cloudhawk announced a list of twenty names . Each of them were important members of the Southern Capitol or who have otherwise proven their worth to the cause . They would be in the inaugural group to undertake this experiment .  

The more people were involved, the less mental strain they would suffer individually . However, that did not mean it was not still dangerous . If anything went wrong it would all be shut down to prevent any major loss .

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