Chapter 51

'...It seems this would be one last evolution.' Theodore thought to himself as he looked around, finding himself in a space of pure darkness.

Apophis had started the power inheriting process after explaining that it would be similar to evolution, and Theofore couldn't help but feel slightly nervous despite having experienced something similar multiple times, but then again, he's about to gain the powers of a god.

'What sort of sh*t did I get myself into…?' He let out a sigh, mostly just to get it out of him even if he knew that there was nothing he could do about it now.

His thoughts would be interrupted once he felt a slight tingling run down his spine, like someone had poured cold water onto his back starting from the nape of his neck. He blinked a few times and suddenly found himself in his snake form.

'Cree…'

The soft sound of something hard scraping against stone rang out from all around him, causing his head to instinctively turn. He couldn't see what was there, yet he knew it was large, this 'thing' moved very slowly, nonchalantly, as if it wasn't afraid of a large monster that was Theodore.

He would've frown if he could, at that moment he had no idea what was going on, but all he knew was the minute fear rising up in his chest; fear of the dark, the unknown, the anticipation that was gnawing at his side for each second that'd passed.

[Apostle of Chaos.]

The sudden voice pulled Theodore out of his trance, he faced the direction of the speaker and found himself staring at a pair of large golden pupils, each eyeball was at least as big as his head.

"Who…Are you Apophis?" He wasn't sure, since instead of hearing her usual calm and feminine voice, the speaker hold 'himself' proudly, his tone cold and seemingly emotionless leaving only a hint of arrogance.

It was his voice.

[Not quite…] The person continued, eyes unblinking. [I am you.]

"Me?"

[Did I stutter?]

Theodore didn't reply, he could feel himself getting annoyed at this guy impersonating him, though he was more angry at the fact that it felt 'real'.

"Okay, sure, let's say you are me. What's going on?"

[Apophis is pouring her power into us.] The eyes flashed green for a moment but it would return to its golden color immediately. [...Our body and mind are changing.]

"Is it going to take long?"

[Who knows.]

"...What exactly are you?"

[You. I am you. What do you want me to say?]

Theodore let out a hiss, akinning to him sighing. "You're not making any sense, how can you be me?"

[Subconscious.]

"You could've just said that at the start." Theodore was about to coil his tail into himself, but would flinch when he realized that he couldn't feel it at all.

"What the f*ck?"

[You're shedding your old, mortal skin. You're looking at your new body right now, actually.]

"Wait, I'll grow to your size?" Theodore stared at the giant pair of eyes, if those were that big, then how long would the body be?

[Mhm…I'll rephrase that for you: 'I grew to that size'.]

"What?"

[You already grew, it's been a few days since Apophis had—]

"What the f*ck?"

[...You really shouldn't be surprised, you're literally talking to yourself right now.]

"And I still don't get how or why."

[The details don't really matter…You could say that we both had gone insane from boredom so we're now talking to each other.]

"...How long has it been?"

[Our internal clock says it's been about five days—Oh, it seems like we're waking up.]

Suddenly, Theodore felt like he was being pulled, his vision growing closer and closer to the two large eyes that were apparently his. When he crashed right into the darkness between those orbs, the scenery around him changed.

He was back at the garden, although this time he noticed that his view was higher up from the ground than it usually was. He lifted his head up to inspect what had happened and the sounds of clanging metals rang out from around his body.

"Theodore!" Lawrence spoke up with surprise as he jolted from the ground beneath him.

He turned his head towards his father and more clanging sounded out. "...Dad?"

Suddenly, Apophis appeared next to Lawrence with a flash of light, she was wearing the same outfit as before though this time her expression was filled with worry as she made her way towards Theodore. "Oh dear…I thought you wouldn't ever wake up!"

"What's going on?"

"I underestimated you…" Apophis sighed with a shake of her head. "You took everything, ate more than you can chew and lost consciousness for days."

Theodore didn't say anything at first and began to look around, seeing that he was in his snake form and it'd indeed grown larger, large enough that when he lifted his head fully, he could see the endless maze-like structure of Apophis' garden.

'Open my attribute window.'

He could see Apophis flinched slightly after that thought, although he paid no mind to it as the usual blue panel appeared in front of his vision.

<<Name: Theodore Varon

Species: The Ouroboros Serpent (70 Meters)

Titles: 13th Zodiac: Serpent Bearer. Demon King of Pride. Odds Conqueror. God of Chaos and Order.

Lvl: ■■

EXP: Incalculable

Skill Points: 12,000

HP: 7,000,000/7,000,000

MP: 60,000/60,000

DE: 25,000/25,000

Rank: ■■

Attack: 1,500 (S+)

Speed: 1,800 (SS)

Defense: 3,500 (■■)

Charm: 1,000 (S)

Intelligence: 1,600 (S+)

Magic: 2,500 (■■)

Elements: Ice. Fire. Draconic. Lightning. Divine.

Personal Attributes: Thermal Vision (Lvl.MAX). Tongue Receptor (Lvl.MAX). Deitify (Lvl.MAX). All-Speak (Lvl.MAX). Scales of the Serpent (Lvl.2). Asclepius' Guidance (Lvl.MAX). Final Desperation (Lvl.MAX). Hell's Master (Lvl.2). One-man Army (Lvl.2). Pro Alchemist (Lvl.4). Godspeed (Lvl.2).

Unique Magic: Frozen Disaster (Lvl.3). Immortal Flames (Lvl.3). Demon Arts (Lvl.3). Serpent's Arcane (Lvl.2).

Skills: Master of Poison (Lvl.3). Persistence (Lvl.3). Wild Thunder (Lvl.2). Asclepius' Secrets (Lvl.3). 13th's Knowledge (Lvl.MAX). Lord of Souls (Lvl.2). First Deceptor (Lvl.2). All Devourer (Lvl.MAX).

Bloodline Skills: Embodiment of Chaos (Lvl.MAX). Immortality (Lvl.MAX). Corrupting Touch (Lvl. MAX). Coldest Death (Lvl.4). The Great Cycle (Lvl.3). Forgotten Star (Lvl. 2). First Fallen (Lvl.2). Lightbringer (Lvl.2). Dragonkin (Lvl.MAX). Flaming Life (Lvl.4).>>

There wasn't a "new" pop-up right next to the things that were added or changed, but Theodore had stared at his old attribute window for long enough to notice that everything had been edited. "...All of my skills' levels increased?"

Not only that, the Bloodline Skill 'Super Regeneration' had changed into 'Immortality', the one he'd seen before during his fight with Lucifer, although this one was at max level. Along with that, all of his Bloodline Skills relating to Embodiment of Chaos seemed to have their levels increased by two levels.

"Immortality? Does this mean I can't die, ever?" Theodore looked towards Apophis, who was fidgeting with her nails as if she was waiting for the opportunity to speak.

"Yes…Like I said, you took practically everything I have."

"What does that mean?"

"That skill…All Devourer…It activated when I was transferring only the necessary skills to you. I managed to get most of it back, however a lot of them had been changed into experience points for your other abilities, that's why almost all of them leveled up." Apophis let out a tired sigh while shaking her head. "I severely underestimated you, I didn't think anything would happen, but I guess this is still a good thing if you don't mind being a full-fledged god."

"What about you?" Theodore tilted his head, feeling concerned about the goddess, while she was trying to hide it, it wasn't as difficult to tell that Apophis was feeling tired. "Did I…Did I take your immortality from you?"

"No, no…" Apophis shook her head as she put her hands up, waving them and emphasized her words. "A god's always a god, it's just that I'm severely weakened, it'll take a few millennia to recover my strength but it's okay since we have you."

"...I'm sorry."

"What are you sorry about?" Apophis gave him a soft smile, moving closer until her palm trace itself along his shiny scales. "It's my fault that I didn't take any precautions, no one died and that's all that matters, right?"

It took Theodore a moment to reply, nodding as he spoke. "Right."

"Oh, I almost forgot, check your temple status too."

"Temple—Ah." Theodore had almost completely forgotten that the window even existed since it hadn't been very useful for a while, but now that he'd inherited Apophis's powers, there should be some welcoming changes waiting for him.

With a single thought, a screen appeared ontop of his status panel.

<<God of Chaos and Order

Known Titles: The Ouroboros. Demon King of Pride. Apophis, the Serpent God.

Worshippers: ≈ 50 Million

-Forest Trolls: 42

-Ragerians: 2,914

-Humans: ≈ 50 Million

Overall Faith: 200%

Overall Fame: 100/100

[You can view an individual's 'Faith']

Buffs: +10% Attack. +20% Magic Recovery.

Temple Skills: Temple Recall (Lvl.MAX).>>

Theodore's mouth fell open. "What is this?"

"Well, you did practically steal my idendity, you're the new Apophis now, Theodore."

"This…This didn't happen with Lucifer?"

Apophis shrugged, her smile now had a different meaning altogether; playful and happy. "You just inherited his name, but for me? You took basically everything."

"But I didn't get any new skills?"

"It haven't manifested yet, you can check your new title's description if you want to confirm my words."

Theodore averted his gaze elsewhere, checking the title description wouldn't be the most trustworthy source considering that it was Apophis that wrote everything that he sees.

Either way, he did as was suggested and checked the information on the 'God of Chaos and Order' title.

<<Title: God of Chaos and Order

Description: You have inherited the name and strength of the Serpent God, Apophis, however, your body is still not accustomed to a deity's powers, the God of Chaos and Order's skills will manifest once you have fully become a god. However, with this title, every skill relating to the Balance will have their levels increase by one.>>

Theodore shook his head half in disbelief. "Okay…Anyway, while I was asleep, I was talking to myself, is that something I should be worried about?"

"Maybe," Lawrence was the one to answer, shrugging at his words. "You might be schizophrenic—"

Apophis laughed, lightly smacking her palm against Theodore's scales and practically leaving him no room to speak, though most of it was because he was too shocked to say anything. "No, no…It's just your mind's defense mechanism when you absorb my powers—including the knowledge as to how to use it."

Theodore slightly tilted his head. "But I don't remember—"

"Of course, I sealed your memories until the abilities manifested themselves. I'm not going to risk the sheer amount of information breaking your mind apart." Apophis smiled up at him, rubbing his scales once again as if trying to sooth him.

"Okay…Okay…" Theodore took a deep breath and lowered himself down until he was low enough that his head almost touched the ground. "So we find Ra and defeat him? That's all?"

"It isn't going to be that simple," Apophis sighed with a shake of her head. "You were out for long enough that Ra had already made his move, I could only watch since I have no power left to do anything."

"What did he do?"

"Created a cult." Lawrence answered instead of Apophis, who nodded towards the man in confirmation.

"Something like that, he's been strengthening human faith by revealing his identity, he's basically a lot stronger now." Apophis elaborated.

"The other gods allowed it?"

"They didn't just allow it, they're doing it too."

Everyone went completely silent afterward, as if they'd just realized the weight of Apophis' words. Theodore felt like his head was about to split apart because of how sudden everything had happened.

"...The balance is tip to one side." Apophis broke the awkward atmosphere. "It would be optimal if we strike now, but then again, you haven't awakened your—my powers yet."

"What do you suggest we do then? Let Ra gather more faith and become even stronger?"

"It's not just Ra you're fighting now, Theodore. You're up against the gods." Apophis pinched the bridge of her nose. "Those foolish, power hungry deities agreed to Ra's proposal…Three of them, to be exact."

"Three gods?"

"Ra, Zeus, and Jörmungandr."

Theodore blinked, the first two were understandable considering their personalities depicted in their respective tales, but he was most confused about the last deity. "I thought you had a talk with Jörmungandr? You know, since he appeared in my list of evolutions?"

"I did," Apophis tilted her head to the side. "But it seems that Jörmungandr became spiteful that you didn't choose it."

"...What?"

"You shouldn't care too much about the details, the only important thing is that you now have to fight three gods."

"What about asking the other gods for help? They didn't agree to work with Ra, right?"

"Sure, but the rest of them are cowards." Apophis spoke bitterly, expressing clear anger about the gods' behavior. "They don't want to step up because of the consequences, not only would the human world be torn apart by multiple gods descending all at once, they're afraid that they'll be defeated since Zues and Ra are considered kings of the gods."

[...I would help?] Asclepius' voice sounded out from inside Theodore's head, though it seemed that Apophis heard it too since she raised an eyebrow as soon as the god spoke.

"Okay, so you'll help, but what will you do? Cure them to death?"

[Hey! I can keep Theodore alive!]

"He's doing just fine without you, I believe."

[Because of my skills!]

"And who's powers?"

[...] Asclepius went silent for a short moment. [Okay, fine, I'll prove myself useful. I'll lend your child my divine status too.]

Apophis smiled, as if she'd expected that to be his answer. "Good, I'm counting on you since I'm practically broke in terms of power."

[Yeah, yeah…You promise to take down Zeus for me, right kid?]

Theodore slightly perked his head up after realizing that he was being spoken to. "Yes, of course."

[Anyhow, I propose a plan.]

"What is it?" Apophis sounded interested.

[We take down the weakest of the three first; Jörmungandr. I know he's not the easiest to defeat, but Theodore would have to prove he's the superior serpent.]

"What does that have to do with—"

"Sure, it's the only thing we can do right now," Apophis cut Theodore off. "Sitting around and waiting for the godly powers to manifest would probably spell disaster for the human world, right now I can practically feel the tilt of the Scale pressing on the space below us."

"Okay," Theodore decided to not think too much about whatever Asclepius had just said and instead focused on the plan. "So I take down one god at a time, yes?"

"It should give you enough time for your abilities to reveal themselves too."

Theodore didn't say anything for a short while, thinking if he had anything to protest about the plan. He wasn't sure if he should follow through with the plan, but eventually he would speak. "Alright…Like you said, standing still and doing nothing isn't exactly a good idea."

Apophis gave him a smile. "Then it's settled, you can head back now."

"Wait, you're just going to send me off like that?"

"Well, do you have any other reason to stay?"

Theodore turned his head towards Lawrence, staring at his father as he spoke in a low tone. "...I don't want to leave just yet."

Apophis looked at Lawrence before her gaze returned to Theodore. "Hey, I'll take care of him, maybe when you gain enough power you can do the same thing I did."

"Reincarnation?"

"Yes, if you're willing to pay a greater price then returning him to his human form wouldn't be a problem."

Lawrence interrupted the conversation before Theodore got the chance to say anything else, he took a few steps forward until he was standing right in front of his son's face, staring right into his now-golden eyes. "You worry about yourself first, kid. You don't need to save everyone."

"...Are you sure?" Theodore slightly tilted his head. "I…I understand what you're trying to say, I won't beat myself over it but if you still want to—"

"No," Lawrence shook his head as a soft smile formed on his lips. "It's okay, I've done everything that I want to do. Sure, I'll miss eating fried chicken with you and Merlin, but it is what it is."

Theodore glanced towards Apophis, who in return gave him a thumbs up. "You've always been strong, Theo. I know I'm placing a lot of responsibilities on your shoulders but even so you're very persistent."

"Yeah, I need to be." Theodore replied and let out a low hiss, as if sighing. "I don't like it when people take things away from me."

Apophis laughed. "Let that vengeance fuel your ambitions, I'll leave everything to you."

"Don't worry," Theodore steeled his resolve once again, he had never thought that a single flame of anger could spread into something as big as this; saving the world from tyrant gods. "I'm good at taking revenge."