Prologue: The Campione

"So, what exactly is a Campione, how does it slay Gods and what is my mission?" I asked, excited at the prospect of my new life, now that I knew that my family would now be alive and breathing. It was Horus who began explaining, much to my surprise.

"Well, let's begin with the basics. A Campione is not really a son or daughter of Pandora, they are not even real descendants of her. They are randomly chosen for whatever reason, but it is real that her blod also runs in the Campione's veins, thanks to her All-Giving nature." Horus did his best to explain some of the thoughts that I surely had because of how they called me Child of Pandora. Now I could be sure that I was indeed my parents son and that this more of a magical than a biological thing.

"Thanks to the blood of Pandora running in their veins, Campione can rise to the level of Gods and fight them head on, even slaying them. But there is a strict rule and that is, a Campione can never fight a God unless it is a Heretic God. This, I think my mother would explain better than me." Horus continued his explanation and passed the baton to Isis, for whatever reason. Perhaps it was because of the difference in their powers' realms?

"You see, young Campione, Gods and Heretic Gods are not the same. A Heretic God is but a fragment of a God left behind in the mortal world, sleeping until roused for whatever reason. The problem is that they hold the same powers as the God they mirror and hold all of their darkness. You could say they are born from the negative emotions of a God, given form by those who can't act over the mortal realms directly." Isis said a lot in very little time, but I managed to understand what she was saying. Heretic Gods are the negative version of a God, born from their darkness with the aid of dangerous entities.

"As for the last part, and the duties of a Campione, I think my husband can explain it better than I can." Isis said, once again passing the baton, but this time to Osiris. And with much reason, considering what he had to say.

"Your duties are to the mortals and to the world. As a Campione, you are a King of Men. That means you have to protect your people from the dangers they can't protect themselves. And don't forget, Campione are equal to Gods. A Campione has to be proud, has to have manners and above all, a campione doesn't bow. He might compromise, he might forgive, but he shall never in his life bow in servitude to others." Osiris gave another mouthful in a single breath, but it was easier to understand. And to be honest, I could tell why he said it so seriously. A being equal to the gods bowing in servitude would be an insult to them, and that was something stupid to even think about. How could someone who kills gods bow to another man? It made no sense, at all.

"I understand what you all have said, and I think I have already grasped what exactly it is that I am meant to do. Now I would like to know... what exactly is this universe I am going to?" I asked, already having calmed down from my previous high. All the talk about battles, dangers and responsibilities took me down from the cloud I had landed upon.

"That is rather easy to explain. We don't know how familiar you are with this universe, but you should know of it. Amongst us gods it is called The Fragmented Reality, but you should know it as Marvel Universe, the Cinematic one to be specific." Horus said, and I could picture a sideways smirk on his face. I was thrown on a loop at that piece of news. After all, I hadn't expected the Marven Universe to exist in reality. As for its name, Fragmented Reality made sense, considering how many versions of it there are. Still, I had to admit I was a bit excited to go to said world, even more so if it was the Cinematic iteration of it.

"Ok, that is actually exciting. Now I have only one last question... how am I supposed to use my powers as a Campione?" I asked with a complicated expression on my face. I hadn't thought of the most important point of all. After all, what was I even supposed to do if I didn't know how to used my powers?

"HAHAHAHAHAHA... This one, I like him! Only now does he think of that!" Horus cackled at my sudden realization. At least he said he liked me, that was positive points, right?

"You don't need to worry about that, Child, you will know how to use them naturally once the opportunity to do so presents itself to you... which should be in a few moments." Isis said, entertainment in her voice but patience lacing it.

"That is all we have to say to you, Alan Seong. Now it is time for us to give you our powers." Osiris said, showing our conversation was reaching its end.

And then everything turned weird. The three relics began shining and something... primal, took over me. I then understood Isis' words. I actually did know how to use my powers. All I had to do was will the authorities that had been gifted to me or submitted by me to enter my body, and they would. I also gained a natural understanding of the authorities I acquired.

From Isis I had gained the Authority of Magic, granting me a natural control over mana and spells.

From Osiris I had gained the Authority of Life, granting me a regeneration capable of healing me from the most brutal of injuries and the power to heal others from wound or disease.

From Horus I had gained the Authority of War, granting me all of his combat skills and experience as well as his strength –which allowed me to lift over 100-tons, or so I felt at least, as well as his Authority of the Sky, granting me the capability of flight and his astral armor.

I could feel how to use these powers as if they were my own, which they now were, actually. I had basically become an equal to Thor in a sense, minus the lightning. Though being honest, as cool as lightning is, I prefer ice.

"Wow... I really can't even begin to explain how crazy this whole thing seems... but I guess this means goodbye, right?" I half asked, half stated. After all, now it was time for me to go on to my new life.

"That would be indeed the case... we wish you well, Alan Seong." Isis said, showing some signs of sadness in her voice. I was sure she was against sending me on this quest, but I would have done it anyways if it allowed me to see my family.

Then, a portal appeared in front of me. Taking a deep breath, I released the tension in my body and mind as I exhaled. I had now taken on a new path, one which would see me in some if not all of the most dangerous fights to be faught in the universe I was traveling to. I would meet legends, gods, make friends and enemies. But the most important thing of all... I would be able to see my family again.

"Well... Osiris, Isis, Horus... goodbye." I bid my farewell as I crossed the portal, unaware of what was awaiting me, and of what was said after my departure.

*

"He will be an exceptional Campione, even among those who have been seen in history." Osiris said, nostalgia painted in his voice. He was clearly reminiscing of some memories he was very fond of.

"I still pity that child... he is so young..." Isis said, only now showing her actual dislike towards sending Alan as the Campione.

"Mom, I had to kill my uncle right after I was born. And he will be able to see his family alive too. I'd say he gained a lot from this." Horus said, being extremely sarcastic with his remark.

"I know son, I know... but I still don't like it. The beings he will have to face... they are things that would put Apep to shame." Isis said once again.

Just what kind of enemy would Alan be facing in this familiar yet unfamiliar universe?

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This chapter came out a bit short. Anyway, I hope at least some things became clear with my explanations on this chapter. Next one will be the last chapter of the Prologue and also the beginning of my descent into madness. I will spend the next year probably studying the chronology of the MCU... which sucks. Buuuut I will also be able to abuse the gaps since Alan has his own enemies to deal with, outside of the canon MCU.

Basically this chapter was:

Campione: God Slayer who has Pandora's Blood, only one per generation, cannot attack actual gods, only Heretic Gods.

Heretic Gods: The result of the negative emotions of a God left behind and manipulated by an external entity.

Those who can't act on the mortal realm: I am sure someone will already have an idea about this, but please try and guess in the comments, I would love to read your guesses.

By the way, I've made a D*I*S*C*O*R*D server so that you can talk with me about the story or just hang out and whatever. The link is in the comments! And the synopsys.