Training as a Slime(83)

As Cori flipped the pages, the more intrigued he was. His eyes widened curiously, wondering how the ancient system twisted into angelic and demonic forms. Cori continued to read under muttered breath, "Within the ancient framework of Capricorn, crafted by the Ancient God of the Forge, two influential forces held sway: Hanael, the Archangel revered for bestowing wisdom in music, logic, ethics, and the laws of karma; contrasted by Semakiel, the Archdemon infamous for instigating feelings of vengeance and retribution against adversaries."

He glanced at the drawings of the two entities with slight apprehension. He then turned to the next page, puzzled by what he had seen, "The historical system of Aquarius, attributed to the Ancient Goddess of Wisdom, was overseen by Tzakmeqiel, the Archdemon associated with maritime affairs and commerce, alongside Gabriel, the Archangel known for governance over celestial phenomena such as space and gravity." 

Peeking over Cori's back a voice read, "The administration of the Pisces system was entrusted to Leibakav, the Archdemon renowned for mastery over secrets, and Barchiel, the Archangel revered for guidance in matters of evolution and safeguarding against malevolent forces."

Cori turned around and found Shanson behind him.

Shanson: "Hmmm Hey guys, Cori found something interesting. The ancient system was forged by ancient gods and managed by archdemons and archangels!"

Meimei: "Weren't the angels and demons at odds?"

Gate: "This might be a metaphor of sorts."

Sky: "Metaphor?"

Gate: "In ancient times, demons were referred to as adversaries or more commonly known now as enemies."

Sky: "No way, you mean they are a different race?"

Gate: "Perhaps. Or they are just slimes who lost their ways and became evil."

Shanson: "So any of us could become demons... that's scary. But that's why evolution serves as a shield right? Once we surpass evolution, we become the best versions of ourselves."

Meimei: "So becoming a demon is an evolution?"

Shanson: "Well it is not impossible to even become a demi-god."

"What!" everyone gasped crowding around Shanson.

"In this book, it said that under the World System, everyone has a chance to become a god," Shanson said showing the passage in the book.

"What does it mean to become a god?" Meimei asked innocently.

Gate: "To be worshipped and reward the devotees?"

Meimei: "Sounds like an awful lot of work and a bit narcissistic..."

Shanson: "Well... maybe."

"And they're rather eccentric too," added Cori amid his distracting fireworks.

The group chuckled in unison. "So anyone else found anything?" Shanson asked.

"Hmmm... not really, mine only described how the World System works. Nothing about religion at all," Sky added.

Gate: "You silly! A system is a manifestation of god's will which governs the path the devotee follows." Looking at Sky's confused face, Gate heaved a heavy sigh. "Do you know you can pray to your system and it will reward you with Karma points?" Gate explained to the bunch of confused-looking slimes. Rolling her eyes, she brought out her blingy moon blocks "Okay, let me demonstrate." 

Meimei: "Wow! You have your own personal moonblocks. That's so pretty."

Gate: "Thanks Meimei. Anyway, watch closely." 

Gate closed her eyes and prayed, "Thank you creator God for the abundance. Best Regards." She then proceeded to throw the moon blocks.

Meimei: "Why did you throw the moon blocks when you have no request?"

Gate: "To see if the prayer had reached the creator God."

"Ding!" rang the system as a manna crystal appeared out of thin air.

"A manna crystal? You can do that?" Shanson asked in astonishment.

Gate: "Well usually you will get random things like Karma points which you can spend on items in the system's shop."

"There is a shop in the system!" shouted everyone.

"Sh... not everyone knows about this, only those with enough karma points can view it," Gate whispered while escaping the curious gazes.

Everyone in the group fervently prayed, drawing even more attention as mysterious manna crystals materialised out of thin air before them—except for Cori.

"Don't worry, maybe you will get something next time," comforted Gate.

"Erm... don't you think his blessing has gotten stronger instead?" Sky said to Gate who nodded after noticing the fireworks had evolved into intricate patterns.

Cori: "It seems my minor blessing has evolved into a major blessing..."

"Major Blessing!" Gate blurted out, only to be promptly called out by the instructor.

Kareem: "It appears someone has already found the answer. Gate, would you care to share your insights with the class?"

Gate jittered nervously on the spot upon hearing her name. She looked around the room and felt everyone's attention glued onto her.

"Take a deep breath, imagine you are talking to a bunch of vegetables..." Cori whispered noticing her eyes blanking out, unsure if she heard him.

"Sure..." she said out of the blue with a flustered and nervous tone. "Er... the main difference is the growth paths. The World System, erm, provides a path for everyone to reach their potential, but the ancient system doesn't. The ancient system, um, seems more restrictive and doesn't seem to offer the same for personal development and improvement that the World System does. The World System is designed to help everyone grow and evolve, whereas the ancient system is quite limiting," Gate said apprehensively.

Kareem: "Indeed. Furthermore, you can readily access this information within your world system's ascension grid contrary to the ancient system."

A slime bounced about energetically on the chair, attempting to attract Kareem's attention.

Kareem: "Yes? You have a question?"

"Erm. Can we change religion?" the slime asked.

"Indeed, such a consideration is within your prerogative. However, it is pertinent to acknowledge that the prevailing world religion holds a paramount position presently. Should you opt to alter your religious affiliation, you will not only forfeit your acquired skills but also the entitlement to progress within that particular doctrinal framework," explained the esteemed instructor.

"For your next assignment, you will be tasked with exploring your evolutionary path and discovering which holy spirit aids you in the system," Kareem said, tapping his wand lightly against his palm.