Ascension

ch 47

A few month later

The battlefield was silent, a stark contrast to the cacophony of divine warfare that had raged just hours before. The air was thick with the lingering energy of fallen gods and shattered realms. The surviving deities, weary but resolute, began to take stock of the new world that lay before them.

Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, surveyed the devastation around him. The battle had taken a heavy toll on all pantheons, but the time for mourning was brief. With a heavy heart, he bid farewell to his allies and descended into the depths of the ocean. The sea was his domain, and he would use his power to protect it and guide the remaining humans who looked to him for solace and strength.

In Ireland, Athena stood at the edge of the battlefield, her mind already on the next task. The Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare had seen civilizations rise and fall, and now her keen intellect and strategic mind were needed elsewhere. She had heard the cries of the Hindu pantheon, devastated and in need of assistance. With a determined resolve, she set off for the Indian subcontinent, ready to lend her aid in rebuilding temples, teaching wisdom, and restoring order.

The world was in ruins. Japan and China lay destroyed, their once-great cultures shattered by the divine conflicts. The spirits and gods that once protected these lands had perished or vanished, leaving behind desolation. However, the resilient spirit of humanity endured, and the surviving deities vowed to help them rebuild from the ashes.

Asgard was a shadow of its former glory. Only Loki and Hel remained, the trickster god and the goddess of the underworld. Loki, despite his reputation, felt a pang of loss for his fallen kin. He looked to Hel, who managed the souls of the dead with a stern yet compassionate hand. Together, they would maintain Asgard's legacy and guide its people through the dark times ahead.

The Aztec pantheon had been nearly wiped out. Only Quetzalcoatl stood among the ruins of his once-mighty pantheon. The feathered serpent god, embodying wisdom and renewal, took it upon himself to lead the Aztec people through this period of recovery. He vowed to help them rebuild their cities, revive their culture, and honor the fallen gods.

In Egypt, Anubis and Bastet surveyed the damage. The jackal-headed god of the dead and the feline goddess of home and fertility knew their responsibilities were more crucial than ever. Anubis would guide the souls of the dead to their rightful place, ensuring the balance of the afterlife remained undisturbed. Bastet would bring comfort and protection to the living, helping them rebuild their homes and communities.

The remaining deities from all pantheons understood that their roles had shifted. No longer were they only protectors and rulers; they were now guides and helpers, ensuring that humanity could rise again. They convened in a sacred grove, a neutral ground where the gods could meet without conflict. Here, they discussed the path forward.

"We must support each other," Athena said, her voice clear and authoritative. "Our people need us more than ever. We will rebuild their homes, restore their faith, and guide them towards a new era of peace and prosperity."

Quetzalcoatl nodded in agreement. "The knowledge of the past must be preserved, and the mistakes must not be repeated. We will teach wisdom and compassion."

Loki, with a rare moment of sincerity, added, "Change is inevitable. We must adapt and help humanity adapt with us. They are resilient, and with our aid, they will thrive once more."

Anubis spoke last, his voice a deep, soothing rumble. "We must maintain the balance. Life and death, chaos and order—all must be kept in equilibrium. It is our duty to ensure that the cycle continues unbroken."

And so, the remaining deities formed a pact. They would support one another and serve Heaven's order, guiding humanity through the dark times and into a new dawn. Their power would be a beacon of hope, their wisdom a guiding light. Together, they would help the world heal and ensure that the legacy of the gods endured through the ages.