Omniscience in Marvel 93
Title - Happenings around the World
…
Spear of Longinus: A powerful spear capable of killing gods and devils.
Skills:
Light Manipulation: Controls and emits light, which is especially effective against dark and evil beings.
Divine Healing: Controls and Emit light capable of healing injuries and ailments
Absolute Defense: Creates an impenetrable barrier of holy energy.
…
Crown of Thorns
Skills:
Divine Insight: Grants the wearer profound wisdom and insight into divine mysteries and the nature of existence.
Martyr's Endurance: Enhances the wearer's physical and mental endurance, allowing them to withstand extreme conditions and immense pain without faltering.
Thorn Bind: Summons ethereal thorns that can bind and restrict the movement of enemies, draining their energy over time.
…
Nail of Suffering: Inflicts a curse on enemies, causing them to experience the pain and suffering of crucifixion, weakening their resolve and strength.
Nail of Redemption: Grants the ability to purify and redeem souls, breaking curses, and cleansing dark influences from individuals and objects.
Crucifixion Strike: Channels divine energy into a powerful attack that pierces through defenses and directly impacts the soul of the target, causing significant spiritual damage.
…
"This…feels like…we've created something we shouldn't have created." Phastos said as he wiped the bead of sweat forming on his forehead. The Skills description aside, the aura the weapons were emanating was not something to look down upon.
"Don't worry, in the off-chance that they're used against us in the future, we can proudly declare that the only thing that can kill us is us." Leucadius patted his shoulder and said reassuringly.
"How…how is that supposed to be helpful?" Phastos shrugged Leucadius' hands off and walked towards the weapons. "This…won't be going to any random human rights?"
"Nah, didn't we already program a set of directives in regards to selecting a host?" Leucadius asked and sat on his chair with a relaxed air. "Everything will be alright."
"You know, anything that could go wrong, will go wrong at the worst possible time…right?" Phastos turned to Leucadius and said solemnly.
Leucadius, on the other hand, scoffed. "Who came up with that bullshit?"
"I did. Just now." Phastos said in exasperation. He didn't know how long he'd been here. Eternals were basically immortal, but he was sure he'd definitely kick the bucket should he spend a single moment with Leucadius.
Thankfully… "Well, too bad, that's never gonna stick." Leucadius sniggered and closed his eyes to have a short rest. It was unknown how long has passed since they began their project, but even he felt a bit of mental strain at the moment.
Phastos looked at the sleeping Leucadius and then at the weapons as numerous thoughts flashed through his mind.
"Phastos, you worry too much," Leucadius murmured, his eyes still closed. "We've done our part. Now, it's up to the cosmos to decide how these artifacts will be used."
Phastos sighed, turning back to his tools. "I just hope the cosmos knows what it's doing then," he muttered, his fingers already moving to recalibrate the sensors.
…
As Leucadius rested, his thoughts went towards the Spear of Longinus, he couldn't help but be reminded of the legendary weapons from other realms. It held a resemblance to Gae Bolg from the "Fate" series, with its divine power and the ability to pierce through anything, just as Gae Bolg could strike the heart of its target unerringly.
In comparison to the Gungnir and his Spear of Heaven, it was weak, but in comparison to the Holy Lance…Perhaps having its future Wielder appear in the same Holy Grail War as Cú Chulainn would be a sight to see.
One of the unique skills of the Gae Bolg was Casualty Reversal. Gae Bolg can reverse causality, ensuring that the result (the target's death) occurs before the action (the spear being thrown). This makes the attack almost impossible to evade or block.
However, with the Holy Lance's Absolute Defense that creates an impenetrable barrier of holy energy, providing unmatched protection, it was unknown which would come out on top.
As for The Crown of Thorns, there weren't any characters he could think of that had the ability to rival The Crown of Thorns. The Skill: Wisdom King Raphael could already make Solomon feared in both the physical and supernatural World, the Crown of Thorns would basically be [Raphael] on steroids. Not even the Manas could match up.
The Nails though, with their power to inflict suffering, offer redemption, and attack the soul, it all seemed akin to the techniques used by Nobara Kugisaki in "Jujutsu Kaisen."
'I wonder who's gonna be wielding this armament in the future…' Leucadius thought, his interest piqued.
{My Lord, there's been a development in the region you asked me to prevent the Apostles from approaching.} Aspect's voice sounded, causing him to sigh internally and ask. {What's the problem?}
…
The year was 64 AD, and the Roman Empire was at the height of its power. In the bustling city of Ephesus, nestled on the western coast of Asia Minor, the air was thick with the scent of spices and the chatter of merchants.
The city, a melting pot of cultures and traditions, was renowned for its grand temple dedicated to Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Yet, beneath the surface of this vibrant metropolis, a quiet, almost clandestine community was growing – the Christians.
Lydia, a young woman of twenty-three, was among the earliest converts to this nascent faith. Her journey to Christianity had begun when she heard Paul, the apostle, speak in the marketplace.
His words about a man named Iesus(In Hebrew, there is no 'J', but in Rome, or Latin, there is I.), who had risen from the dead, resonated with something deep within her, it didn't make sense, but she found solace and purpose in the teachings of this new faith, a stark contrast to the empty rituals of the polytheistic practices she had known all her life.
But being a Christian in these times was fraught with danger. The Roman authorities viewed this new sect with suspicion and hostility. Rumors spread of secret gatherings and treasonous plots against the Empire.
The Emperor Nero's persecution of Christians in Rome had set a precedent, and the echoes of that cruelty reached even the distant provinces.
One evening, as Lydia and her fellow believers gathered in a dimly lit cellar to share the Eucharist, the heavy wooden door burst open. Roman soldiers, led by the stern centurion Marcus, stormed in.
The Christians were rounded up and shackled, their texts seized and their meeting place desecrated.
Marcus, a man torn between duty and a growing unease about his orders, couldn't help but notice Lydia's calm demeanor amidst the chaos. Her eyes, a deep, luminous blue, were filled with a serene faith.
They met his with a quiet challenge, stirring something within him that he couldn't quite identify. He felt a pang of doubt, but the rigid discipline of a soldier pushed it aside.
The prisoners were brought before the local magistrate, who sentenced them to imprisonment and torture unless they renounced their faith. Despite the brutal conditions and relentless interrogations, Lydia and her companions refused to forsake their beliefs.
It was a surreal request yet it meant a lot. Just a matter of renunciation yet she knew it would sully her forever. Their resilience in the face of such suffering began to stir questions in the hearts of their captors, including Marcus.
The fact that they remained steadfast in the belief of a man who came back from the dead. This was an act deemed impossible. Not even Pluto(Zeus) could boast such a feat, yet these people believed a man called the Son of God did.
As the weeks turned into months, news of the Christians' steadfast faith spread through Ephesus. The stories of their endurance under persecution drew the curious and the sympathetic to their cause. Slowly, the seeds of Christianity began to take root in the fertile soil of Asia Minor, and no matter how the Emperor tried to curb this new sect, it just proved to be one resilient one.
Lydia's cell was a damp, cold stone chamber where she spent her days in prayer and reflection. Despite the physical pain, her spirit remained unbroken. She often thought of Paul and his letters, which spoke of suffering as a path to spiritual strength and divine grace.
These thoughts gave her comfort and reinforced her resolve. After all, even Paul himself, a Roman by birth, was also subjected to this Level of treatment.
One night, Marcus, unable to sleep, found himself drawn to Lydia's cell. He stood silently at the door, watching her pray. Her whispered words of faith and hope, spoken to an unseen deity, struck a chord deep within him. Marcus, a man who had seen countless battles and cruelty, felt something he had not felt in a long time – a sense of peace.
"Why do you not renounce your faith?" he asked softly, breaking the silence. Lydia looked up, her eyes meeting his with a gentle smile.
"Because my faith is my strength," she replied. "It is the light that guides me through the darkest of times."
Unable to come up with a retort, Marcus left that night with a heavy heart, the seeds of doubt about his own beliefs taking root. The more he watched Lydia and her fellow Christians, the more he admired their unwavering devotion. He began to question the purpose of his own life and the orders he blindly followed.
The turning point came when Marcus was ordered to execute a group of Christians who had refused to renounce their faith. Among them was Lydia. As she stood before him, her eyes filled with peace and resolve, Marcus felt an overwhelming sense of guilt and sorrow.
"I cannot do this," he whispered, his voice shaking. "I cannot kill innocent people." A torn Marcus wept Infront of Lydia's cell as he bowed in shame.
Lydia placed a hand on his arm, her touch gentle. "Do what you must, Marcus. But know that we forgive you."
This seemed to be the last straw that broke the camel's back. Torn between duty and conscience, Marcus made a fateful decision. He helped Lydia and the others escape, guiding them through the dark streets of Ephesus to safety. His act of defiance marked the beginning of his own journey towards faith.
…
"Not everyone needs an angel to descend to rescue them. Peter's case was unique. The Christian faith was still budding. Having him killed that early would be a waste." Leucadius said tiredly as he turned on his chair.
The news Aspect brought to him was similar to the rest. The early Christian persecution was just too much of a complication for them to handle. He was not supposed to interfere any longer but things just happened how it happened.
"Paul and Silas too." Leucadius continued. "The little earthquake caused by Lariel was all it took to convert an entire group of prisoners and prison guards."
{I see.} Was all Aspect said before going silent. Leucadius however, didn't entirely go offline and continued watching the Humans. The case of Lydia was one of many scenarios taking place all over the Roman empire.
…
By the early 4th century, the tides had begun to turn. The Edict of Milan in 313 AD, issued by Emperor Constantine, granted religious tolerance to Christians throughout the Roman Empire. Asia Minor, once a region of persecution, now witnessed the dawn of a new era of faith.
In the grand city of Constantinople, the new capital of the Empire, a majestic basilica was being constructed. Helena, a young architect, was among those tasked with designing the Church of the Holy Apostles. Her skills were unparalleled, and her devotion to her faith was unwavering.
Unlike the stereotype in the Roman empire where all women were required to stay at home, Helena was acknowledged for her skills by the church and given the task of designing their place of worship.
Helena always felt that her inspiration came from the divine. She envisioned a structure that would not only stand as a testament to Christian resilience but also as a beacon of hope and light.
The Basilica's design was an amalgamation of classical Roman architecture and the emerging Christian iconography, with grand arches, intricate mosaics, and a vast dome that seemed to touch the heavens.
As the Basilica rose from the ground, so did the spirits of the Christian community. The city buzzed with the excitement of a new beginning. Pilgrims from across the Empire traveled to Constantinople, eager to witness the splendor of this new house of worship.
Among these pilgrims was Marcus, now an elderly man, who had long since left the Roman military. Haunted by memories of his time in Ephesus and the faith of the Christians he had once persecuted, he sought solace and redemption.
On the day of the Basilica's consecration, as the congregation gathered to celebrate, Marcus found himself standing before the altar. The sight of the grand mosaic depicting Christ Pantocrator brought tears to his eyes. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Helena, who offered him a knowing smile.
"Faith endures," she said softly. "It transforms the shadows of our past into the light of our future."
Marcus nodded, feeling a weight lift from his heart. He knelt, whispering a prayer of gratitude and repentance. The Basilica's grand bells tolled, their resonant sound echoing through the city, heralding a new chapter in the history of Christianity in Asia Minor.
As the years passed, the basilica became a center of learning and worship, a place where faith and knowledge flourished. The story of Lydia's unyielding faith and Marcus's journey to redemption became one of the many ways God drew people to himself and became, an inspiration to the later generation to come.
In the quiet corners of the basilica, Helena would often sit and reflect on the remarkable journey of the Christian faith. She would think of the countless martyrs who had laid down their lives for their beliefs, and the resilience of those who had survived persecution to spread the message of love and hope.
***
A/N: I was pretty bored and was doing a couple research on the early AD periods and just thought of writing this. I'll have y'all know that nothing of note happened in the Marvel universe during this period so I'll probably be doing a Timeskip soon.