Chapter 6: Sacrifice

"Divine Fusion Art of the god Janus: Pentagram of Hope" - Sing the first part of my Divine Art. 

The pentagram was framed in a stark white hue, replacing the blood red lines.

Everyone had an expression of disbelief on their face.

Silence reigned over the platform. I wanted to answer their questions, but time was not on our side. 

"I know that if I had explained to them earlier the purpose of this pentagram, they would not have accepted it" - I finally said. Breaking the silence.

Everyone was dumbfounded. Their gazes were on me waiting for more information.

"What is this divine art? What is it about? Why can't we move? And how are you so sure we wouldn't have accepted it? We have always obeyed you" - Freya said. Trying to understand the situation.

Her questions were justified. I simply shook my head a couple of times.

"It is not just one Divine Art. It is an Art that contains four Divine Arts. That's why it's called Divine Fusion Art" - I said trying to clarify his doubt. 

I walked towards the ladder I had created to climb the platform.

"I was thinking about how to defeat the monarchs" - I said as I continued walking. I didn't want them to keep seeing my face.

When I reached the ladder, I stopped and fixed my gaze on the five monarchs who were still suffering under my Divine Art.

"Finally, I found the solution" - I said with certainty. Trying to convince myself that the plan I was executing would eventually bring to solution to this conflict. 

"The solution is the five of you." 

My words left everyone on the platform in shock.

There was a part of me that felt guilty putting such a heavy burden on their backs. I was their god and it was my responsibility to resolve this conflict, but I had exhausted all my resources and, in the end, had failed to stop this rebellion.

My only hope was that they would become strong enough to rival them. I knew that if they could acquire that power. They could help me subdue them.

"This Divine Art you create. Its purpose is to freeze their souls for 120 years. Your souls will be sent to a separate pocket dimension, where they will be safe. Upon completion of 120 years, their souls will return to the cycle of reincarnation. Allowing them to reincarnate one more time" - I finally said as I turned to give them one last look.

Tears were flowing down their cheeks. The four people present did not want to accept this reality. Jason's soul was fluctuating unsteadily due to the emotions of sadness he was experiencing.

They wanted to speak, but I shushed them. 

"Listen carefully to my words. I have traveled back in time and have seen the perfect time for you to reincarnate. You are the five greatest talents that have ever existed in the world. Your bodies and your race did not allow you to exploit your full potential, but this time it will not be so. I have sought out the best bodies for you," I said finally. Giving them a moment to process my words.

As I was about to step down from the platform. I heard Harold's voice.

"STOP IT!!!, STOP THIS STUPIDITY THIS VERY INSTANT!!!, HOW CAN WE GO TO A SEPARATE DIMENSION WHERE OUR SOULS WILL BE SAFE, WHILE YOU FIGHT AND RISK YOUR LIFE!!!" - I shout. My steps froze at that moment.

I decided to ignore this feeling and step off the platform, but I was again interrupted. 

"WE DON'T NEED A BETTER BODY TO FIGHT!!!, WE HAVE LOST EVERYTHING!!! PARENTS, SIBLINGS EVEN OUR KINGDOM!!! ME, CANNON HUMAN LARIC!!!, I REFUSE TO ACCEPT THIS!!!, I REFUSE TO LOSE YOU TOO!!!" - Cannon said as his voice echoed across the platform.

My footsteps froze once again. This feeling came up again. I could feel that his words reflected his feelings. Like a son refusing to lose his father. The five presents refused to accept this reality.

He wanted to tell them that everything was fine, but it was a lie. I knew better than anyone the fate that awaited me.

"As I explained. I traveled in time and I know what will happen during these 120 years. I assure you that I will not die..." - 

  "But they will hurt you, won't they, DON'T LIE!!!! Just because you won't die doesn't mean you'll be okay" - Elizabeth said. Interrupting my words.

  I could not deny her words. As God we were forbidden to lie. So, I just kept silent.

"Why don't you come with us to this pocket dimension you speak of? Why is it necessary for you to stay and fight?"- asked Freya as more tears spilled from her beautiful eyes. 

"The decision has already been made" - I finally said. Walking down the stairs.

As I was walking down, I heard a shout from the platform, it was an unmistakable voice. It was Jason's voice.

"I PROMISE I WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!!!, I WILL WORK VERY HARD TO MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS!!!, I DON'T CARE WHAT COMES MY WAY!!!, NOTHING WILL STOP ME!!!, BUT PLEASE!!!, DON'T DIEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!" - Jason screamed at the top of his lungs. His words even formed an echo throughout the place.

This feeling was getting stronger and stronger inside me.

I could feel the conviction in his words. There was a strong determination in his heart. I knew he would work hard. I knew he was a womanizing narcissist, but that he also possessed an unbreakable spirit when he set his mind to a goal. 

When my footsteps hit the ground again. I went back to chanting the remaining parts of my Art of Divine Fusion. 

"Frozen soul time" - I sang the second Art. Space distorted around the platform.

"Pocket Dimension" - I chanted my third Art and a portal opened above the platform. Beginning to draw it into the pocket dimension. 

"Reincarnation cycle... Did I...?" - I was unable to finish my final Art. An unknown fluctuation was generated in space, next to the monarchs. Fissures became visible finally forming a portal.

A hand emerged from the portal. On its index finger was a ring with an inscription on it. The inscription on the ring was of a number. To be exact it was the number two.

"I think I should intercede a little" - said a mysterious voice.

How is this possible. I knew this ring very well. There were only four beings who possessed these rings and one of them was helping my monarchs.

The pieces began to fit together perfectly. Many of my doubts were cleared up at this moment.

"Divine Art of Judgment: Freedom Enacted" - The mysterious voice chanted his Divine Art as his hand withdrew until it disappeared along with the portal. 

Space returned to normal as if it had never been distorted.

I tried to resist the Divine Art of Judgment. Blood poured from the wound in my chest. I felt an iron taste in my mouth and spat out a mouthful of blood. I tried to keep my Divine Art: Divine Punishment active, but in vain.

The five monarchs sighed in relief. This Divine Art of Judgment had freed them from the torture they were in. 

I turned to the platform where the four people and Jason's translucent soul were standing. Their gazes met mine. This feeling welled up inside me again, but this time I knew what it was.

Blood began to well up from every part of my body as I tried to chant my Final Divine Art. 

This feeling that had been welling up in me. It was a feeling of satisfaction and relief. Just like when a father sacrifices himself knowing that at least his children are safe.

'Now everything is in their hands'- With this thought in mind I strengthened my resolve. 

'Cycle of reincarnation'- I chanted my last Divine Art.

The platform was enclosed in a glowing white dome and finally swallowed by the pocket dimension.

I sighed in relief. My plan was finally complete. Now I could only rely on them.

"It's time for round two old man. Those little rats managed to escape, but you're not going anywhere" - Ignacio shouted. Annoyed by the escape of my allies.

"Let me ask you one last question before we begin our battle"- I said while summoning my divine spear.

"Go ahead. Yes, this is your last will. Ask whatever you want" - Adalina said. Her playful expression was gone and there was only anger in her gaze.

"Did you enjoy my Divine Punishment?" - I said as a smile formed on my face.

"Just because I allowed them to punish the races on my behalf didn't mean I couldn't do it. I simply wanted you to gain experience and mature a bit over time, but I was wrong. You were not even worthy of receiving the title of Monarch" - I said showing regret in my words.

The five of them gave me piercing looks, as if they wanted to tear me to pieces with their gazes.

"Enough of such talk. Don't try to buy time. You won't manage to escape from us" - said Anh taking the initiative.

They summoned their weapons and rushed towards me. They were ready to defeat me. 

'I'm not going anywhere' - I thought in my mind as I took a battle stance.

I lunged towards them and the battle resumed.