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Leucadius POV
[Project Pocket Universe]
That was the alternative I came up with to imbue humans with unique skills and ultimately, Ultimate Skills. It was initially something I devised as a pastime event, but I became more invested than I had anticipated.
Due to Hala refusing to be reincarnated into a human, I had no other option but to use a certain king and was able to collect a reasonable amount of data from him.
King Solomon, due to the effects of the Unique Skill: Great Sage, was able to dominate the magical and mystical world by himself. However, to evolve the skill to an Ultimate Skill, which was Wisdom King Raphael, Solomon had to transcend humanity.
This got me thinking. Pure humans, as opposed to demi-gods, weren't particularly able to reach the divine or god level just by being stronger than their counterparts.
This didn't mean they were weaker, but that in essence and nature, they were still humans and would remain humans till the very end. Unlike demi-gods, they'd still fall sick, grow old, and die from mortal injuries. However, with the presence of Enoch and Elijah in heaven, I had an idea.
In a certain universe out there, a version of myself would create Sacred Gears to allow humans to stand on equal footing against the supernatural world. In comparison to Unique Skills and Ultimate Skills, Sacred Gears were weak, but the point was that he was able to make humans use supernatural abilities on par with the supernatural world.
Enoch and Elijah were unique beings who, when alive, were able to draw upon the energy of heaven without help from me. Upon Elijah's ascent into heaven, I had randomly given him a Unique Skill: [Heaven's Prophet].
It was a skill that reflected his actions on Earth, and surprisingly, his soul wasn't overwhelmed by the intrusion of a higher power.
Unlike Solomon who couldn't transcend his human physiology, Elijah was able to do that quickly and even attain an eternal physiology…albeit temporary, depending on his energy levels.
This led to me thinking: what if they could be sent to an entirely new universe where their physiological makeup wouldn't interfere with their power system?
This isn't me trying to mess around. Also, this action won't even affect the Marvel timeline since nothing of note has begun to happen. This was all a plan to spice the world before the eventual end of the world.
I suddenly had a thought: what if the whole world could be introduced to something similar to the apocalyptic scenes depicted in those end-of-world manhwas?
Wouldn't it be cool? Players having systems, unique skills, extra skills, intrinsic skills, ranks from SSS, SS, S, A, B, C, D, E, and F. Not to mention classes like assassins, warriors, tanks, berserkers, and the rest.
I turned to Aspect, who had been following me quietly through the chamber, "Aspect, I want you to select a few souls to be introduced to the pocket universe," I said as we walked through the grand hallways of the Heavenly palace.
"Choose those who had the potential for greatness, and also those who have faced adversity. They must have the will to overcome and adapt."
This was Heaven and a lot of souls had been deposited in one of the lower Heavens after their lives on Earth. Call it a Reincarnation if you please.
Aspect nodded. "I understand, my lord. I will begin the selection process immediately. Do you have any specific criteria in mind?"
I paused, considering his question. "Look for individuals with a strong sense of justice, those who have a desire to protect others. They will be the foundation upon which this new world is built. However, also include a few with darker tendencies. Balance is key, and conflict will drive growth."
Aspect bowed slightly. "It will be done, my lord."
As he turned to leave, I called out to him, "And Aspect, make sure they are from different backgrounds. Diversity will be crucial in shaping a robust and resilient world."
With a final nod, Aspect disappeared into the shadows, leaving me alone with my thoughts. "These few would be the beta testers for the Pocket Universe."
I mused on the nature of power and divinity. Humans, despite their mortal constraints, had the potential to reach heights that even the gods would envy. But they needed the right push, the right challenges to unlock that potential.
Turning back to the grand hall, I made my way to the central command chamber. There, a large holographic display showed the progress of the pocket universe.
Streams of data flowed across the screen, detailing the environmental conditions, energy distribution, and the foundational laws of physics that governed this new reality.
I had control over the Six fundamental Forces of the universe. Mind, Power, Space, Time, Soul and Reality, and had used them in the creation of this Universe.
Seeing the new and uninhabited Digital space, I Willed it and life bloomed. Humans, animals and plants. Space and Time were mine to manipulate and with a thought countless years passed.
I didn't forget to integrate certain magical aspects into the world. Instead of the boring and lackluster world that was Earth, I made it so it was akin to a Fantasyland.
With this done, I tapped a few commands into the console, bringing up a detailed map of the pocket universe. It was a world rich in resources, teeming with life, and filled with untapped potential.
Mountains rose majestically in the north, dense forests sprawled across the central regions, and vast oceans shimmered under the bright, artificial sun.
"This will be their playground, their battlefield, and their sanctuary," I muttered to myself. "A place where they can grow, learn, and evolve."
I activated a few more controls, setting the parameters for the introduction of unique skills and ultimate skills. Each human chosen would be granted a skill that reflected their innermost desires and strengths. These skills would evolve with them, growing more powerful as they did.
It was all a beta test after all. In a few Millennia, I would have Portals descend on Earth in the form of…Hmm, just Portal..? Or perhaps Towers..?
"Heh. That would be a perfect Apocalypse reminiscent of the End of Days." I said with a chuckle. The thought that humans would probably think that I'd destroy the World during the End of days…
As I finalized the settings, I felt a surge of excitement. This was more than just an experiment; it was a grand adventure. And I couldn't wait to see how it unfolded.
With the initial setup complete, I stepped back and admired the display. The pocket universe was ready, and soon, it would be populated with the first of its inhabitants. Their actions would shape this world, and their choices would determine its fate.
As I stood there, a thought occurred to me. What if I could interact with them, guide them in subtle ways, and observe their progress firsthand? The idea intrigued me, and I quickly set about creating an avatar, a persona that I could use to walk among them without revealing my true nature.
With a few swift commands, I created an elegant, yet unassuming figure. My avatar would be a wanderer, a sage, always ready with a piece of wisdom or a helping hand. It would allow me to be a part of their journey, to experience their struggles and triumphs alongside them.
Satisfied with my creation, I integrated the avatar into the pocket universe's system. Now, all that remained was to introduce the first humans and set the wheels in motion.
As I prepared to activate the final sequence, Aspect returned, his expression calm and composed. "The selections have been made, my lord. The chosen ones are ready to be introduced to the pocket universe."
"Excellent," I replied, a smile spreading across my face. "Let the adventure begin."
With a flourish, I activated the final sequence. The pocket universe hummed with energy as the chosen humans were transported into their new reality.
I watched as the First Unique humans appeared in the pocket universe, each one disoriented but filled with a sense of purpose. They looked around in wonder, taking in the beauty and majesty of their new world.
It reminded me of that scene of Humans being swept away and dumped in Velda-Nava Cardinal World…Heh. "Aspect, make sure to properly monitor the World System."
"That has been taken care of. I created a sub-artificial-intelligence to see to the World's proper development." Aspect replied and brought up the blueprint of a new and budding sentient artificial intelligence.
"Hmm…" I nodded and turned away.
From my vantage point, I observed their initial reactions, eager to see how they would adapt to their new surroundings. This was the beginning of something extraordinary, and I couldn't wait to see where their journey would take them.
…
Timeskip
Normal POV
Hezekiah, the King of Judah, was known for his piety and devotion to Yahweh. He took the throne of his father at the age of 25 and his reign, which began in the third year of Hoshea, king of Israel, was marked by religious reforms that sought to return Judah to the worship of the one true God.
Hezekiah's days started early, with prayers at dawn in the Temple of Solomon. His commitment to God was unwavering, and he diligently worked to remove the high places, cut down the Asherah poles, and destroy the bronze serpent Moses had made, because the people had begun to worship it as an idol.
Each day, Hezekiah met with his council to discuss the kingdom's affairs. His trusted advisor, Eliakim, oversaw domestic policies, while Shebna, his scribe, handled correspondence.
Hezekiah also relied on Isaiah, the prophet, for spiritual guidance. Together, they navigated the political tensions with neighboring kingdoms and the growing threat of Assyria.
Despite the looming danger, Hezekiah found peace in the quiet moments with his family. He was a loving father and husband, spending evenings with his wife and children, teaching them the ways of their forefathers and the importance of their faith.
On the other hand, Sennacherib, son of Sargon II, was a formidable ruler of the Assyrian Empire. His ascension to the throne marked a new era of expansion and conquest.
At the age of 34, he took the throne and was a strategic and ruthless leader, determined to extend Assyrian dominance. His days were filled with military planning and administrative duties, overseeing a vast and diverse empire.
From his capital in Nineveh, Sennacherib orchestrated campaigns against rebellious territories. He was known for his military prowess and harsh tactics, often employing psychological warfare to demoralize his enemies before a single arrow was shot.
His court was a place of opulence and intrigue, where advisors and generals constantly vied for his favor. Sennacherib took great pride in his accomplishments, often commissioning grand monuments and detailed inscriptions to celebrate his victories.
However, beneath his confident exterior, he harbored a deep-seated fear of failure and the wrath of the gods he served.
As Sennacherib continued his campaign of expansion, his gaze turned to the small kingdom of Judah. It was a strategic location, crucial for controlling trade routes and consolidating Assyrian power in the region.
Sennacherib's generals advised caution, noting Judah's alliances with Egypt and other nearby powers. However, Sennacherib's ambition and desire for complete dominance outweighed their concerns.
He convened a council of war, where he laid out his plans to besiege Jerusalem, the heart of Judah. The decision was met with a mix of admiration and apprehension.
Sennacherib knew that conquering Jerusalem would send a powerful message to other potential rebels and solidify his legacy as a great conqueror.
Judah, for as long as it has existed, had never been conquered. Most attributed it to the might of their God, most attributed it to the might of Judah itself, but to Sennacherib, it just showed the incompetence of past invaders.
And so, he set out in march towards Jerusalem.
Word of the approaching Assyrian army reached Jerusalem swiftly. The people of Judah were filled with fear and uncertainty, but Hezekiah remained resolute.
He called for a meeting with his council and the prophet Isaiah. The tension in the room was palpable as Eliakim, Shebna, and the other officials gathered to hear the king's plans.
Hezekiah spoke with a calm authority, urging his people to trust in Yahweh. "Our strength comes from the Lord," he declared. "We must prepare for a siege, but our faith will be our greatest defense."
Hezekiah ordered the fortification of Jerusalem's walls and the construction of a tunnel to bring water into the city. He also organized the stockpiling of supplies and weapons, ensuring that the city could withstand a prolonged siege.
Despite the preparations, Hezekiah knew that their true hope lay in divine intervention. During his reign, he never focused on the military might of Judah.
To him, religious reforms were what would strengthen Judah past what he alone as a man could accomplish. However, that didn't mean he wasn't wise and learned enough to improve Judah's infrastructures.
At the moment, Judah and Israel held the greatest amount of knowledge considering Solomon's way of life. Having bedded over a thousand women, there was no way he wouldn't enrich his country's level in terms of information and knowledge.