Hephaestus

"This is so wicked but the coolest thing I have ever known!!" Matt scrolled the list of people he met before while asking a bunch of questions to Hermes about the limitations.

Hermes indulged the curious boy and answers all his queries. But when Matt asked about other tabs, Hermes replied perfunctorily with "other god will tell you that". Maybe because he can't gloat about it or plainly he doesn't know.

"Now close the 'add contact' list and called for Hephaestus," instructed Hermes. Matt listened to the order and open the Hephaestus name on the list.

[Hephaestus

The god of all crafts, blacksmith, woodworking, stonemasonry, nowadays into electrical and electronic also nanotechnology.

His domains are over flames and volcanoes].

Matt read carefully on the introduction and marvelled at the displayed portraits. Then he proceeded to tap the call button.

The call screens flash a bit before dispersed and reassembled into another figure. This one only half the upper body.

"Oh, Hermes also here," said Hephaestus with arm crossed over his chest. "So you are Matt, or Padd or something Maia told me about. Let's go on with it then."

Hephaestus grumbled and growled between his explanation about the smartphone function. From the materials, process, design, and the working of the divine tool. But he merely explained the unlocked function. And told Matt to contact him again if he succeeded unlock other functions in the future. 'Waste of breath' he said to introduce the locked function. Without any extra word, Hephaestus disconnected.

"That a grumpy god for you," said Hermes with a grin.

"It's ok, he is kinda like Mr Moore that help provide fresh produce at the orphanages. But I can see that Hephaestus unsatisfied with something. Do you have any idea?" asked Matt looking towards Hermes.

"It was a long story, one that dragged on for more than 2 millennials already. When Hephaestus produced something with his craft, each and every time Zeus can produce a better copy with his power in an instant. Zeus also steals his limelight in this way. Poor guy" said, Hermes. "Ah, don't tell him I said that."

"Why?" Matt felt puzzled.

"Because I am the one sent to 'borrow' the design from his workshop and show it to Zeus. Haa... it is a long story," sighed Hermes. But why Matt felt enjoyment in Hermes words? With Hermes, Matt felt similar to a conversation with his brothers Jack and Josh. He can't tell where the serious part and the jokes. All jumbled up and the conversation were everywhere but interesting none the less.

"Fine now mortal, What do you understand from the grumpy old god's explanation just now?"

"Well, the important point is I don't have to charge the smartphone for about 500 years before it runs out of power," said Matt with a straight face.

"NOOOO. YOU MISSED THE POINT!" Shout Hermes. "In your hand is a divine tool greater than The EXCALIBUR from Great Britain. Composed of gold and silver from Mount Olympus and powered by Zeus and my divine power! Harder than Aegis owned by Zeus, and shape-shifting abilities among others... It has HUGEEEE potential!!!"

Entertained by Hermes reaction to his answer, Matt tried so hard to keep his straight face.

"Nah, not interested. Unless I have a source of divinity, better to use it sparingly like a normal smartphone, first I can save on electricity and second it can be passed down for at least 5 generations! pfff... HAHAHAHAHA."

Matt fully utilized his experiences with Jack and Jason to handle Hermes. Hermes realized Matt teased him and frowned.

"Whatever, just call me if you have more 'serious' question. I am not so free to babysit mortals. Smell ya later," with that Hermes disconnected.

It took a while for Matt to stop laughing. It was fun. Hermes was smarter than his brother but less intelligent.

Now Matt has met a shy goddess, a fun god and a grumpy one. He wondered who would be the next deity...

Now back to business. According to Hephaestus, Matt required to determine a path to power. So his development of 'body' and 'mind' could unlock the next tabbed features.

"let see now, open menus then setting" Matt tried to follow the instructions from Hephaestus. In the setting UI, other options are locked. Matt only offered 2 choices to change for path/system, 'Eastern' or 'Western'.

[Eastern Style Dao

The user of this system has unlimited potential to gain power and strength in theory. However, the user usually stumbled upon lifespan issues or killed by breakthrough trials.

PRO: unlimited potential.

CON: slow and constant grinding required.]

[Western Style WildWest

The user may trade their potential for great power. Little practice required to maximize user strength.

PRO: access to max power and strength allowed.

CON: limited to peak mortal realm.]

"Hmm, basically I was asked to choose from between Superheroes and Immortals, Hah easy...

Hanz I choose you!"

From the contact list, Hanz contact was chosen and a calling screen was up. It took a few rings for Hanz to pick up the phone.

"Yo Matt, what's up?" Matt can see Hanz figure up to his torso and with both hands moving rapidly in front of him. Hanz obviously in a middle of playing computer games.

"Are you busy? I need your unparalleled wisdom and views over life and death matters. It will take a second only".

Hearing that, Hans figures stopped his hand and took a thinking postures. "Sweet, this was fun," Matt thought. He can observe the body language of the other person.

After a while, Hanz asked "woman?".

"No man, why the hell I need to call nerds for woman problem?"

"Hahaha," Hanz chuckled and Matt can see he resumed his game. "Shoot me".

"Err you want me to join the game as an opponent Hanz?," Asked Matt.

"No dummy. Ask me the question of life and death whatever that means."

"Oh, okay Hanz, this is the situation. When you have to choose between a 'Superhero comics' and 'Wuxia web novel' what would you consider first?"

"Hmm, the author. Is the author well-known? How about his previous work?" asked Hanz.

"Well both are as famous as a Greek's God, I think," said Matt. Well, the choice provided by Zeus divinity in the application, so that was not wrong.

"Next, do you have much time? Wuxia novel or comic tends to be lengthy. Months or even years to finish. If you want fast recreation, drop the wuxia novel," proposed Hanz.

"Oh, any other thing to consider?" Matt feels enlightened by the answer.

"Hmm, What else... The money part I think, Superhero comics tends to be pricey. But not a problem with your Dad's. I heard his stocks increased again since the new patent news. Maybe I should buy some..."

"Oh great, thanks for your time, see you on Monday,".