Capítulo 119: A Thundering Essence 3
(Zeus POV)
"My body is broken. I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company, I shall not now be ashamed."
Through the endless colors and the cracking of glass, I watch as Theoden dies on the fields of Pelennor.
But unlike a typical movie-going experience, I can smell the carnage. I can hear the clashing swords and the agonized cries of battle. I can feel the sun's oppressive heat, bearing down on me as it did on them.
The power of the kaleidoscope is a beautiful thing. While I cannot physically go to these places, I can watch and listen, present in some way. Even now it resonates with me, maybe it's because I myself have just died, but I don't feel fulfilled. I don't feel like I made my family proud.
A small tear makes its way down my face. Even after all these years, The Lord of the Rings films never fail to impress me.
As quickly as the scene appears, it vanishes. The glass shatters, and I'm forced back into the cradle.
For the past few days, I've been experimenting with my powers, focusing on physical development. I've progressed from the size of a newborn to that of a very young child.
I took my first steps yesterday, though they were inside the cradle, and the silence that followed was deafening. No loving parents to cheer or celebrate my progress. But in this case, I didn't mind. I'd already been through it once before.
The love is always with me. I can still recall the times I watched The Lord of the Rings with my father. We laughed, and I may or may not have cried… a lot.
To be honest, it doesn't make me feel any less of a man. In fact, I feel like a woman could watch those films and start growing chest hair from the sheer masculine energy they radiate.
I looked up to men like Aragorn and Gandalf, but especially the hobbits. I could never imagine carrying a burden like Frodo or going through such trials as Samwise Gamgee.
It excites me down to my very soul that one day, I might traverse worlds like theirs. I can feel it at my fingertips, but for now, I need to focus.
I want to be able to explore beyond this cave. So, I stand up in the cradle and begin climbing down onto the hard floor. As I do so, one of the Centurions approaches to assist me, but I refuse.
Steadily, I gain my balance. I walk through the cavern with the Centurions nearby. The blue glow from their forms lights the way, but the caves themselves seem endless, expanding forever. I assume this is Gaia's doing, making the place an ever-expanding labyrinth.
Soon, I find myself in a large open room with a practice dummy crafted from rock. I walk to the center of the room and ask one of the Centurions for his sword. He hands it to me, another forming at his side.
I lift the sword, but it feels lighter than a feather. Mentally, though, it feels like the heaviest thing I've ever carried. Doubt creeps in, but I push it aside. I can't let that cloud my judgment.
In these two days, I've gathered four charges—two for Inspired Inventor and two for Power Manipulation. I immediately use the two for Power Manipulation: one to increase my daily charge rate, and the second to unlock a new power.
Intuitive Aptitude: This kind of intuition makes the user inherently knowledgeable, spontaneously learning anything they encounter, and instinctively grasping how things work, using this understanding to their advantage.
I feel the new power settle into me. I glance at the sword and then at the Centurion.
"Show me how you swing this," I command.
Without hesitation, the Centurion unsheathes his blade and, with a precision I've rarely seen, cuts through the air ten times in the span of a few seconds. It only takes those few moments for me to understand the basics of his movements.
I adjust my grip on the sword and shift my stance. I begin swinging the blade—upwards, leftwards, downwards, rightwards—again and again. The Centurion steps closer, correcting my posture, pointing to specific muscles, guiding the motion of my body.
My power, Shaper, allows me to analyze the individual muscles he highlights, and it helps refine my form. Hours pass, and I do not sweat. My hands sting from the repetitive motion, but the pain fades almost as soon as it appears. Being able to control pain receptors has its perks.
There's no buildup of lactic acid in my muscles, no rush of adrenaline, nothing like a typical human response to exertion. It's beneficial for training, but it does mean I won't be getting any "rage boosts" soon.
I consider using one of my Inspired Inventor charges to learn more about human hormones, to replicate them within myself. But I hold off for now. There are more pressing concerns.
As I swing the sword, I start thinking ahead. I need a backup plan in case I can't convince the Cyclops to forge weapons for my siblings and me. The idea of dealing with my brothers and sisters feels daunting. In this Greek pantheon, herding them is going to be like trying to herd cats.
I'm reminded, too, that I'm technically the youngest. That doesn't exactly give me any "big brother" privileges.
Suddenly, I sense a presence beside me. Gaia. She stands there, observing quietly.
"Are you able to speak, child?" she asks. Her tone surprises me. It's not scathing, as I'd expected, but filled with genuine concern.
"Yes," I say, my single-word response seeming enough.
"If you are unsure how to address me, simply call me Gaia."
"Understood, grandmother."
"Gaia."
"Grandma."
"Gaia."
"Meema."
"Sigh. Gaia. G-A-I-A."
"Erhtomdnarg."
"What language even is that?" Gaia asks, clearly exasperated.
"It is the language of the gods." I can't help but chuckle.
Gaia mulls over my answer before groaning in frustration. "That was simply 'grandmother' backward."
This time, I almost laugh outright, seeing Gaia's annoyed expression. "How are you already so difficult when you've only just learned to speak?"
"It's part of my charm."
"Charm?" She raises a brow. "How do you even know what that word means?"
I pause, thinking for a moment. "The lightning told me."
Gaia steps closer, peering into my eyes as if searching for something deeper. "How did you speak to lightning?"
"I felt like it," I reply, my voice light. I expect her to berate me, but she only sighs and sits down in front of me.
"You are an odd child," she says, shaking her head.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"You really shouldn't."
"Life is about perception, Grandma. I'll perceive it as a compliment, and that's the end of this discussion."
"That's bold of you to think you can end a conversation with me. And call me Gaia young one."
"I hold the domain of shamelessness," I retort.
Gaia chuckles softly but catches herself before standing up. For some reason, she dusts herself off as if brushing away earth… or maybe her own essence? A strange thought.
"It's good you've found your voice," she says with a knowing smile. "We'll need it to convince your siblings. You have a glib tongue, but be careful. Not everyone will appreciate your… forwardness."
With that, Gaia returns to the earth, leaving me standing alone. I look over to see one of the Centurions on his knees, seemingly involuntarily. Gaia's presence clearly had an effect. I offer him my hand, and though hesitant, he takes it. As I help him stand, I notice the myriad of emotions crossing his stone-like eyes.
"Are you all right?" I ask. He nods silently. These Centurions haven't yet learned to speak, but I won't rush them. Besides, their rock-like forms aren't something I can examine with Shaper anyway.
I return to the center of the room, continuing my sword training, mimicking the Centurion's precise movements closer with each repetition.
As I swing, I imagine wielding the Master Bolt itself, lightning coursing through my blade. But then I stop myself. That's thinking too small.
What if I could control the very essence of motion? Not just the force of lightning, but the beginning of all movement? I could freeze my enemies before they strike. I could shape fire, even black holes. The possibilities are endless.
Then, a thought strikes me, a thought so profound it almost stops my heart.
I could use Inspired Inventor to create the perfect sandwich.
Yes, the ultimate sandwich. Glorious beyond words.
Actually, no. That's just my hunger talking. It's lunchtime. Where's my super goat?
As I hand the sword back to the Centurion, I spot the goat in the distance. It trembles as it sees me approach. Am I really that terrifying?
The goat tries to bolt, but I chase it down. "Come on! I need that milk, stop running!"
"Baaaah!" (The expression on your face says otherwise, you insane god!)
I definitely need to spend a Power Manipulation charge on learning how to speak with animals. But for now, I assume the goat just wants to play tag. Genius, right?
After catching my lunch, I return to the cradle—now more of a crude bed. No blanket, just a rock for a pillow. Gaia is definitely messing with me.
As I lay down, staring up at the ceiling, my mind buzzes with ideas. Yet intrusive thoughts urge me to use my charges to build an Iron Man suit, just so I could tell someone, "I built this in a cave."
But for now, that can wait.
"Goodnight, Centurions," I say to the gathering of rock soldiers. There's no verbal response, but one of them gives a faint nod of acknowledgment. It means more to me than I expect.
Inspired Inventor:
(1/10) Metal Gear Cybernetics, (2/10) War Tactics
Power Manipulation:
(2/10) Increased Daily Charges: Increase Charge Gains With One Additional Charge For Every Level.(Three Charges Per Day)
(1/10) Intuitive Aptitude: This kind of intuition can make the users well informed and knowledgeable by instinct, as they spontaneously learn anything that they may encounter, intuitively grasping the knowledge of how things work and how to use it to their advantages.
(Let me know how you guys want me to keep track of the inspired inventor charges and power manipulation. If you want I can keep these lists here or I could change how they are their formattted.)
(Also inspired inventor can take knowledge from anything so feel free to recommend some martial arts or weapon arts or prominent weapons masters. Also feel free to recommend what type of weapon the master bolt should be.)
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder