9 The Beginning of Change
Third person POV:
Small flashback
While Deo was waiting for the evolutions of his army and Deacon to finish, the Spartans who were sent back to their homes were displaying various emotions carved on their faces. Some showed relief at being able to return alive, a few others with smiles after surviving the battle and emerging victorious. But above all, most faces bore an expression of uncertainty because they didn't know what to make of the events they had just witnessed. They had doubts about whether the god who presented himself as Osiris came with good intentions or if their end was near.
After witnessing the immense power displayed by Osiris and the rest of his army, they knew that their future was not in their hands. If Osiris decided to end Sparta, there was little they could do. And after what seemed like endless minutes, most Spartans decided to return to their homes and enjoy life. It didn't matter what they did; the outcome would still be in Osiris's hands.
On the other hand, we have Bemus, Deacon's friend who had gone to his house to call him to battle. He was looking around, hoping to see the familiar face of his friend Deacon. Unfortunately, Deacon seemed to be absent. The last thing he remembers is seeing something black enveloping Deacon, and then he appeared in the city center.
"I remember hearing him being called 'the chosen one,' but what exactly is a god's chosen one?"
Many had the same question in their minds, wondering how Osiris would choose his next chosen one. As minutes passed, more Spartans decided to return home and share what had happened with their families.
However, there was one person who did not return home that night—Deacon. This kept Astoria awake with worry. Unable to sleep due to her concern, she couldn't help but check on the well-being of her only son, Deo. She saw him sleeping under a piece of cloth that covered his entire body. Or rather, she saw a clone of Deo.
Whether willingly or not, the sun emerged, ushering in a new day. Most of the population of Sparta had heard about the events of the previous night, so it was inevitable that the main topic of discussion was Osiris and the new gods. Osiris had said he would appear again in the main square today. No one knew when, but this didn't stop the main square from being filled with Spartans eagerly awaiting the new gods.
Minutes passed until finally, something changed. The entire city was engulfed in a large capsule of darkness, making the atmosphere seem frozen. All the inhabitants present were trying to remain as still as possible, resembling prey facing their predator, trying their best to survive but unable to move out of fear.
The first thing that could be observed was figures gradually appearing from the ground at the temple entrance. The first to appear was Pumba, who glanced at the humans at his feet and proceeded to wait for the others without drawing too much attention.
Next came Bolt, who, upon appearing and seeing the weak humans, decided to howl. Unfortunately, as he howled, Bolt unconsciously released part of his aura. Some weaker individuals like the elderly or very young children couldn't bear the pressure and fell unconscious.
The others couldn't help but break into a cold sweat. Fortunately for them, Udyr, who was next to appear, gave Bolt a light tap on the head, causing him to stop.
As the pressure lifted, the Spartans refocused on the top of the stairs where the temple door was located, discovering that it wasn't just Udyr who had appeared, but also a beautiful woman with rabbit ears and a petite figure. It was no surprise that when Ruby looked down, she had already stolen the hearts of most men.
"It seems like our Ruby has become popular, huh?"
"That seems to be the case, Nag."
After hearing the voices, two silhouettes became visible, but as they continued to grow in size, many of the humans couldn't help but unconsciously step back. Finally, after a few seconds, Nag and Shenlong appeared in all their splendor.
Fortunately for them, Nag, Ruby, and Shenlong didn't emit even a fraction of their aura.
"I would ask, Nag, that you stop making those tasteless jokes."
If looks could kill, Nag and Shenlong would have been cut into a thousand pieces.
"You need to develop a sense of humor, Ruby. Otherwise, how will we have fun in the coming years?"
"Why don't you learn to tell good jokes before trying again?"
Before Nag could respond, a voice resonated throughout the city.
"It seems like everyone is here. Shall we begin?"
Upon hearing the voice, all the generals knelt instantly. But it wasn't just the generals who prostrated themselves; all the humans present, upon hearing the voice and seeing the gods kneel before them, unconsciously did the same.
"My lord," the generals said in unison.
"I see we are all here, so let us begin."
Deo Pov
As I appeared before the people of Sparta, I could see that everyone was kneeling, even those not present in the square.
"I see we are all here, so let us begin."
After starting the proceedings, I summoned my throne once again. However, this time I summoned two more thrones for Nag and Ruby.
"As you wish, my lord," Nag said as he rose and looked at the humans, now in their human forms, while Ruby sat beside me.
"People of Sparta, many of you already know who we are due to what happened yesterday
, so I won't repeat it. However, let me introduce you to the almighty god who has decided to invest in you. The god capable of controlling death and life. The most benevolent and just god ever seen. The god of Death Osiris. So show the respect he deserves and do not dare interrupt him when he addresses you."
After finishing the brief introduction, Nag looked at the Spartans one last time and turned around to sit on the free throne to my right.
I could see that most of the humans present didn't even have the courage to lift their gaze.
Sigh.
I couldn't help but let out a sigh.
[You went a little overboard with the introduction, Nag.]
[It was not my intention, my lord. I apologize.]
[There is no need to apologize for this, Nag. Just remember for next time that the humans right now are weak, so we must be a bit more careful.]
[I understand.]
[But everything will depend on the situation, so always keep an open mind to decide. That goes for everyone.]
[It shall be so.]
[Well, let's focus on what's important again.]
"As Nag said, I am Osiris, god of death and life. I know many of you are afraid of us, afraid of the unknown, afraid of beings who call themselves gods and know that no matter what you do, we could end you with a snap of our fingers."
Upon my words, many of the humans began to tremble even more, but I expected this reaction.
"But you have nothing to fear because we are not here to be tyrants. We come in peace and are here to help you."
"As many of you know, there are things out there that you as mere humans cannot defeat. But do not worry, for we have arrived. We bring changes that will help you evolve and progress towards a stronger Sparta."
"And so that you see that we are not like other gods who never answer your prayers and sacrifices, we bring the first change. Many of you may know him, some may not, but that doesn't matter because let me introduce him with his new identity. I present to you Deacon, my chosen one."
After the introduction, I snapped my fingers, summoning the new Deacon. Fortunately, before arriving here, Deacon had already awakened and been briefed.
Oh, how I wished cameras existed in this era because the face Deacon made was one I will never forget.
Deacon was kneeling when I summoned him.
"Thank you for choosing me. I swear I will never disappoint you."
"I hope so, but this won't be the only change you will see—"
"DEACON!!!!"
I heard someone shout as I was speaking, obviously drawing everyone's attention to her.
It was Astoria, to be precise.
[What should we do in this situation, my lord?]
I heard Ruby speaking to me mentally.
I gestured to let her know everything was fine.
"I see she is your wife, Deacon."
"That's right, Your Holiness. I ask for your forgiveness, please."
"Hahahahah, I see that, like you, your wife is also very brave."
I snapped my fingers again, causing Astoria to appear directly in front of Deacon.
Although Astoria seemed surprised, it didn't stop her from rushing to hug Deacon as soon as she saw him in front of her.
"Now then, as I was saying, for eons, I have been a silent witness to your valorous acts, your devotion to discipline, and the glory of Sparta. However, even among the bravest, shadows persist that must be dispelled."
"The unjust slavery, that invisible chain that imprisons the soul and dims the light of freedom, has come to an end in your lands. I solemnly announce that no Spartan, great or humble, will be considered another's property. Every heart that beats in this land has the right to freedom and dignity, and my divine decree establishes it so."
"But justice doesn't only lie in the abolition of physical chains, but also in the blossoming of knowledge and innovation. Therefore, I bring you the blessing of new technologies and methods that will transform your society and elevate it to new heights of prosperity and wisdom."
"Imagine a future where the arts of agriculture are enhanced by the skilled hand of divine engineering, where roads and bridges stand as monuments to connection and progress. Envision a world where learning and teaching are accessible to every knowledge-thirsty soul, where the light of wisdom illuminates every mind and heart."
"This path to freedom and knowledge will not be easy, for no grand endeavor ever is. There will be challenges to overcome and trials to face, but remember that you are children of Sparta, brave and resilient in adversity."
"May my decree inspire in you the determination to build a fairer and brighter future for all generations to come. May the flame of justice burn eternally in your hearts, guiding you towards a destiny of greatness and fulfillment."
Although I could see that some still didn't fully believe my words, that didn't stop the change from starting that day, where finally, the history of Sparta would be completely transformed by me. And without anyone noticing, 10 years passed.
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Hey, how are you doing? It's the author here. How was the chapter? Did you like it? Also, I want to mention that I've noticed many of you don't like the name Osiris, so I'm giving you a chance to change it. Please leave in the comments the name you like the most, and the one with the most votes or the one I like the most will be chosen. With nothing more to say, see you in the next one.
