Chapter 3: Avatar

"It's all happened because one of the highest-ranking gods, Afeila, the goddess presiding over the world of Eteria, had an unfortunate accident and suddenly disappeared," Mirina intoned solemnly. Her voice, a symphony of power and grace, resonated through the night as she began her tale. A black throne, intricately carved from chiseled stones, emerged from the very earth itself and found its place on the verdant clearing where Mirina and Gideon stood. Mirina settled onto the throne with the grace of a true deity, her eyes locking onto Gideon's, who regarded her with cautious curiosity.

"Because of this unforeseen calamity," Mirina continued, her words carrying a weight that could move mountains, "the delicate harmony among the ranks of gods has been disrupted. Let's just say that we, the divine pantheon, had a profound disagreement. To preserve our pride and demonstrate our might, we are compelled to prove our worthiness of the high ranks we hold—or the vacant rank left by Afeila."

Mirina's voice resonated with an otherworldly authority, and her choice of words reflected the gravity of the situation. She painted a vivid picture of the celestial turmoil that had gripped the pantheon, a strife that transcended mortal comprehension.

Gideon, a mortal of unwavering resolve, furrowed his brow, his eyes narrowing as he sought to grasp the magnitude of the divine conflict unfolding before him. "So?" he ventured cautiously, his voice like a whisper against the backdrop of Mirina's power.

Mirina, the epitome of celestial beauty, leaned regally against her stone throne, bathed in the moon's radiant embrace. "So," she began, her voice laced with a hint of intrigue, "we have devised a unique solution. We, the gods, recognize that our direct conflict would unleash a cataclysmic wave of destruction, the likes of which no universe could withstand."

Gideon, a mortal marked by curiosity and a penchant for incisive questions, couldn't help but prod further. "So, what's your divine solution?"

Mirina, her eyes glinting with ancient wisdom, revealed the celestial plan that had been hatched in the celestial realms. "We shall orchestrate a competition," she declared, her words carrying an air of inevitability. "Instead of the gods themselves engaging in combat, we shall employ avatars to represent us on the field of battle. The world of Eteria shall become the crucible of our challenge, for it now lacks a divine guardian."

Gideon's disbelief threatened to overtake his rationality as he grappled with the enormity of what he was hearing. "But why?" he questioned, his voice tinged with a blend of incredulity and frustration.

Mirina, ever the embodiment of divine indifference, replied casually, her tone as calm as a tranquil sea. "Why not? There is no reason to restrain our divine prerogative."

As silence hung in the air, Gideon took a few moments to process the surreal reality he had been thrust into. He swallowed hard, finding his voice once more. "I'm beginning to think that you gods are nothing more than a collection of overpowered despots."

A melodic chuckle escaped Mirina's lips, like the gentle rustling of leaves in a sacred grove. "I find your candidness refreshing," she admitted, her eyes gleaming with an enigmatic allure. "In fact, I am becoming increasingly intrigued by you, mortal."

With an air of mysterious intent, Mirina continued, "That is precisely why I have chosen you as my avatar for this momentous task, Gideon." She uncrossed her legs and leaned forward, her radiant visage casting a beguiling spell. "I harbor no regrets in my selection."

Gideon's brow furrowed once more as he grappled with the enormity of Mirina's decision. "But why me?" he inquired, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Among countless worlds and countless mortals, what makes me the suitable choice?"

"You have no conscience, you have no qualms about exploiting others for your selfish gain, and you are generally a terrible person. Yet, paradoxically, you are the best candidate for this role," Mirina replied without a moment's hesitation. Her voice dripped with a chilling certainty that sent a shiver down Gideon's spine.

Gideon's initial look of doubt swiftly dissipated, replaced by a twisted amusement that danced in his eyes. "Well, well... Straight to the point, aren't we?"

Mirina leaned back in her ebony throne, her obsidian eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity. "I will always speak the unvarnished truth, my dear Gideon. You are the perfect vessel to represent me in this perilous competition, and I fully intend for you to emerge victorious. It is a death game, after all, where only the last one standing can claim victory." Her words carried a sinister weight, befitting the deity of darkness she embodied.

Gideon nodded, his curiosity piqued. "So, you view this as a mere game, and I'm to be your pawn."

Mirina's lips curled into a sly smile, her voice as smooth as silk. "Even a pawn can be transformed into a formidable force on the battlefield. I am merely offering you a stepping stone. Throughout your life, you've known nothing but hardship, constantly pushed to the brink. Gideon, do you not yearn for a chance to ascend, to finally sit at the pinnacle of power? Can you not envision a reality far beyond the reach of your previous existence?"

Gideon, enticed by the path Mirina was laying before him, found himself drawn further into her web of temptation. "What benefits will I reap from participating in your game, as your humble pawn?"

Mirina's black eyes gleamed with a wicked amusement as a meaningful smile graced her lips. She leaned sideways on her throne, resting her cheek delicately on her hand, which was draped over the armrest. "Godhood."

Gideon's eyes widened, and he clenched his fists, struggling to process the weight of her proposition. "I see," he uttered, his voice quivering with a mixture of trepidation and longing.

A half-smile crept across Mirina's lips. "If you believe that gods are nothing more than omnipotent, capricious beings... then, Gideon, you would assimilate into our ranks seamlessly. Imagine wielding the greatest power that has ever existed. Can you not envision yourself as a... god?"

Gideon was transported back to the hardships of his past life, the struggles that had defined him for so long. His eyes trembled as he nodded slowly, a flicker of determination igniting within him. "I... I do."

Mirina's voice oozed with satisfaction as she extended her hand, her fingers beckoning Gideon towards her. "Then, let us make a pact, Gideon Brangwen, my avatar."