Chapter 5: Temple of the Gods

Does God exist?

In Asher's former life, gods were as real as politicians who kept their promises.

They were bedtime stories for children, fodder for philosophers with too much time on their hands, and infinitely less interesting than watching paint dry (which, ironically, was a documentary he once found oddly captivating).

Anyway, the closest Asher came to divinity was witnessing a particularly dramatic Karen unleash her wrath on a minimum wage cashier.

Asking if God existed? He wouldn't touch the question with a ten-foot barge pole, let alone answer it.

But here in Kyros? Apparently, planet-destroying beings were as common as pigeons in a park, and they called themselves "gods."

Nevermind! That was a lie. They aren't that common.

But hey, they do exist. Unfortunately.

Now question come: does this God help humans to awaken Anima?

Nah. Mind you, Anima are not some kind of divine gifts. It's a unique power embedded within human souls.

It's something inherent, just needed a good ol' fashioned awakening ceremony to be awakened.

So, why would we go to temple-like places? You may wonder.

But the answer is simple:

Temples are scattered across Kyros, serving as a way to connect with these entities.

They didn't grant wishes or bestow miracles.

These 'Gods' simply hang around, watching those puny mortals squirm. But their blessings, according to Kyrosian belief, held immense value.

Picture a giant hand reaching down from the sky, patting Kyrosians on the head and saying, "Good job, little guy! Here's a participation trophy that might actually do something."

And He/She will be become thier devotees.

Though most of the "Gods" themselves remained mysterious and powerful, their influence on Kyrosian culture and societal belief was undeniable.

These powerful entities that existed beyond human comprehension. And the mental image of a bunch of bored deities munching popcorn while watching humanity screw things up was strangely comforting.

So, Is the temple important? Yes, very much.

In the Eternal Heroes, players visited temples for similar reasons.

These sacred structures served as hubs to receive new skills, providing job advancements and powerful blessings which can be a way to amplify one's potential or become the Avatar for them.

…

The car arrived at the center of the City of Aethel, a part that served the Temple of the Gods.

It was a beautiful place, people were coming in or out, and that's when their car stopped.

A hush fell over the crowd as they recognized the Agnes family crest emblazoned on the car's surface.

A low murmur rippled through the crowd gathered around the Temple.

"Is that...the Agnes family sigil?" one person whispered, their voice barely audible above the rustling crowd.

"Yes, can't you see?"

"Have you heard? Today's the Awakening ceremony for the twins!" giving a side-eyes with disdain, he looked back at Scarlett with admiration.

"So soon? They've grown up so fast,"

"Men~ Time surely passes fast!"

"Looks like a new legend is about to be born in Aethel." They gossip with each other in a hushed tone.

Agnes is the protector of their city and people.

It isn't wrong to say. They are celebrities.

"Look! They're coming out!" Suddenly, a silence fell over the crowd as someone shouted.

They waited for Agnes family to appear out of the car.

Though they would love to rush to meet Agnes' family. There's already a line of guards, making their way toward the temple.

"Please stay behind the designated line," the head guard warned, his voice stern yet respectful, echoing through the gathering.

People took it seriously, way too much.

Public displays of disrespect were frowned upon, especially towards the people who give you protection and save your ass.

Peoples naturally don't want to stay on the bad side of such a person.

Also, Scarlett Agnes despite being a protector as well as a Mother too.

They knew better than to cross Mother, especially when it came to her precious children, she wouldn't even hesitate for second to act if necessary.

Moments later, the car door opened, and a gasp escaped the crowd as Scarlett Agnes emerged.

Her beauty as if she hadn't aged and elegant, captivated everyone present.

A wave of adoration and respect washed over them as they watched her step onto the marble path.

"It's really Lady Scarlett!"

"Lady Scarlett~ So beautiful~" Like a fan they were, people screamed.

Scarlett remained composed, her gaze briefly meeting the eyes of the assembled crowd before turning back towards the car.

"Come on, Asher and Aurora," she said softly, offering a reassuring smile to her children, her voice gentle.

Asher turned towards Aurora, he saw her fidgeting a little, and he gave her a light smile, holding her hands.

Gradually they emerged from the car, blinking slightly in the bright sunlight, the glow on them appeared to be more otherworldly.

As Asher looked over the crowd with calmness, but a smile naturally came across his face.

The bustling crowd fell silent.

These were the same people who wouldn't hesitate to throw them under the bus the moment it suited them.

They'd fawn over Agnes family because they had power, will shower them with empty praise, but let even a hint of weakness show, and they'd be the first ones to turn their backs.

Back to commoners, their gazes fixated on Asher and Aurora, who appeared like two beautiful fallen angels and decided to grace them.

Breaking the silence, someone muttered with adoration.

"Awwww~ look so cute~"

"They're as beautiful as their mother,"

"How can someone be so cute! Can I give them a hug?"

Elysia also came out, her expression reserved, followed close behind.

People watched them frantically, looking over their idols.

Aurora held Asher's hand more tightly as if never letting it go, but ever curious she was, looked around with wide eyes.

"So many people~" her eyes wondere around, looking over the peoples.

While they approached the grand entrance of the temple, she tugged on her brother's sleeve, her excitement bubbling over.

"Brother, isn't this so beautiful~," she asked, eyeing the temple.

"Yeah," he didn't deny, the temple in front of him looked more mesmerizing from the game. 'He' hasn't come over to such a place after a long time.

"Let's go," Scarlett whispered, walking inside the temple-wide door.

Asher and others followed behind quietly, his eyes scanned the temple surroundings.

The temple was crafted from white marble, and its smooth surface shined like a polished pearl. Its surface is etched with golden runes that shine with an otherworldly light.

Twelve colossal statues encircled the temple, each a monument to a legendary figure.

'The Twelve Guardians huh!' Asher thought, his lips curling into a fain smile.

These were the Twelve Guardians, they are revered heroes who had secured humanity's survival through countless dangers and near extinctions.

They are treated with almost god-like respect, their statues are reminders of the sacrifices and lost lives of many figures to safeguard humanity.

"Do you see that?" Scarlett gestured towards a statue of a man in his late twenties, his expression radiating unwavering determination as he gripped a magnificent black sword.

"That, Ash, Aur, is the First Agnes. Our family's founder," she said, her voice carrying a note of pride.

Asher glanced at these statues.

He knew the stories, not just of the First Agnes, but of all these Guardians.

In the game, they were important figures to lay foundation of world, they are powerful entities with unique skills and artifacts.

However, he didn't pay any heed to it.

'Now isn't the time for this.' how could he forget them, they are one of the pieces he needs in this world for his future plan.

Scarlett explained a bit about the history, Asher himself was the ninth generation child, and Scarlett was the eighth.

She spoke of the near-extinction events that had plagued humanity throughout history, with the past 400 years being the longest period of peace, ushered in by the First Agnes's victory in the Great War.

Their conversation was interrupted by a woman in flowing white robes.

Her golden hair cascaded down her back, framing her sun-like yellow eyes.

"Welcome, Agnes family," she greeted, her voice as melodic and soothing as a gentle summer breeze.

"Lady Scarlett, It's an honor to meet the Sword Maiden once more." She bowed, her voice filled with respect and admiration.

'Seen you before, haven't I?' Asher mused, his dark eyes flicking over Liora's figure.

Her gaze swept past Scarlett and landed on the twins standing beside Scarlett.

"And you must be Asher and Aurora," she said, her voice softening further as she met their gazes.

"You both are beautiful! Lady Scarlett has informed me about your Awakening ceremony." A radiant smile bloomed on her face, giving a gentle warmth that immediately calmed thier heart, they felt drowning in a pleasure, her voice felt out of the world.

But Asher could practically smell the fetid stench of blind faith and misplaced devotion clinging to her like a shroud. Yet, he remained outwardly impassive, his face a mask of polite smile.

"It's nice to meet you again, Miss Elysia." Lastly, she looked at Elysia, giving her the same smile.

"And you may wonder who I am? Lady Scarlett, if you don't mind, allow me to introduce myself." She asked, to which Scarlett smiled gently.

"Lady Scarlett is already familiar, but I am Liora, the Saintess of Nadia, representing the Goddess of Purity and Faith." Her voice was soothing and relaxing.

"Now then, Shall we proceed inside?" She gestured towards the distance hall, while the path was detailed carved figures and writing.

Asher glanced at Liora once more, his gaze lingering on the silver pendant adorning her neck. It bore the symbol of Nadia, the Goddess of Purity and Faith.

A flicker of something akin to interest sparked in his eyes.

Without a word they walked inside, listening to Liora's melodious voice.

***

Eep! ♡⁠(⁠Ӧ⁠ｖ⁠Ӧ⁠｡⁠) I know this is a bit cheeky, but would you be willing to spare a few Powerstones? (⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧ They're so precious, and I'd love to have a little bit of their magic in my life~ ლ⁠(⁠^⁠o⁠^⁠ლ⁠)

Thanks for the Read, and the beginning was just some random shit happens to write.

I know this is a Villain Novel, but for time being it gonna be Slice of Life.

Let me cook, to build up the proper world.