The Saint of War[Tensura x DxD]

Chapter: 24

Gods, or Deities, are a race of beings that exist at the pinnacle of creation, rivaled only by Dragons in power and status. They have rightfully earned the title of the Strongest Race, primarily due to their innate abilities and unparalleled capabilities, setting them far above all other races. Their superiority stems from the powers and traits they possess from birth, notably their extraordinary physical strength. Gods are physically mightier than any mortal race, including Humans, Angels, and Devils, allowing them to reach the Ultimate Rank in terms of raw physical prowess alone. This is largely due to a unique power source exclusive to them: Divinity.

Divinity is an exceptionally powerful and dense energy that defines the might of Gods, granting them capabilities that exceed even those of Draconic origins. Powers fueled by Divinity are automatically elevated, functioning two levels higher than they would under any other power source, regardless of the user's skill or efficiency. This enhancement applies even to basic magical spells, which become overwhelmingly potent when channeled through Divinity.

What truly distinguishes Gods as the Strongest Race, however, is their Divine Authority—a unique power granted to each God upon their creation. Divine Authorities, which can be understood as supremely advanced forms of magic, surpass any known magical system in versatility and strength, save perhaps for the Dragon's own form of magic, known as Dragon Tongue. Divine Authorities are not merely enhanced magical powers but act more akin to Graces, akin to those bestowed upon Heaven's Angels. Each Authority grants its God instinctual mastery, an innate understanding, and complete dominion over all aspects tied to that Authority. These authorities allow Gods to command forces and concepts far beyond mortal comprehension, reinforcing their reign at the very peak of existence.

For example, Zeus, as the God of Lightning, wields the Divine Authority of Lightning, giving him an instinctual and complete mastery over all lightning-based abilities. This authority also grants him immunity or extreme resistance to lightning-based attacks. From birth, Zeus could command lightning with a finesse that outshines even the most seasoned wizards who have spent centuries perfecting their lightning magic. His mastery extends beyond simple destructive uses; he can manipulate the properties of lightning to heal those struck by it, empower others, or even bestow blessings upon mortals and other Divine Entities. Zeus's development as a god involves exploring new techniques unique to him, such as transforming his entire body into lightning.

Similarly, Hades, the God of the Underworld, holds authority over a vast range of concepts associated with the Underworld. This includes mastery over shadows, darkness, necromancy, and anything tied to the afterlife. His connection to these forces is instinctual, making him the undisputed master of death-related powers and all matters concerning the Underworld. Additionally, Hades holds lesser-known authorities, like Wealth, which innately draws prosperity to him. This aspect of his authority naturally attracts wealth without effort, making him the wealthiest of the Greek Gods and one of the richest in the entire divine world.

However, despite their clear advantages, the Gods face significant limitations. One of the primary constraints is that their power, including the acquisition and strength of their Divine Authorities, is heavily influenced by human belief. With the rise of science and technology, humanity has shifted away from the divine, reducing the influence the Gods once wielded. In the past, the gods could sway humanity through miracles, a system created by the God of the Bible, but this influence waned, especially with the Miracle System being under the less potent control of Michael.

Another limitation lies in the nature of Divine Authorities, which, though seemingly boundless, are ultimately governed by a mysterious metaphysical object known as the God Sphere. This concept was first theorized by Athena thousands of years ago and has since shaped divine understanding. According to Athena's research, the God Sphere acts as a sort of primal source of all Divine Authorities, beyond even the third dimension in nature.