K909: The Last Optimus

Divine Intervention

The air crackled with an energy Kael had never imagined, a palpable force that pressed down on him and the ten other individuals arrayed before the colossal figures. A godly aura, shimmering with power beyond comprehension, emanated from the beings. Each silent breath felt like an act of defiance against their might, a privilege undeserved. He understood, instinctively, that these were deities, gods ripped from the pages of history and myth, now made flesh… or something far more potent.

Kael struggled to maintain his composure. He was just a man, a nobody snatched from his painful life and thrust into this… this divine courtroom. Beside him, he could feel the others trembling, the suffocating power silencing any thought of protest. Even the most seasoned among them, the ones who carried themselves with an air of worldly confidence, were reduced to frightened children.

He focused on the conversation unfolding, a dialogue conducted with the weight of universes behind each word.

"Lord Zeus," a booming voice resonated, the sound vibrating through Kael's very bones, "Why has Lord Shiva made his appearance in a game of God's Conquerors? Are you going to participate?"

Zeus, a figure wreathed in lightning, his eyes blazing with celestial fire, tilted his head in inquiry. All eyes, including Kael's, were drawn to the figure now identified as Lord Shiva.

Shiva, whose presence felt ancient and infinite, replied with serene authority, "Yes, Lord Zeus. I am going to participate in this game, and this… new person will be my participant." He gestured towards them, and Kael felt a jolt, a sudden, inexplicable connection to the Lord of Infinity.

A ripple of murmurs ran through the assembled gods. Lord Vishnu, radiating calmness and wisdom, spoke next. "My Lord, with respect, in this game, we empower our players with abilities mirroring our own. Shiva, you are the Lord of Infinity, coexisting with its very essence. To grant your player access to infinite energy would be… unbalanced."

Goddess Parvati, her presence radiating a gentle but undeniable strength, offered a solution. "Instead of mirroring our abilities, let them choose their path. Grant them a base set of seven skills, evolving as they progress."

Goddess Amaterasu, her aura warm and radiant, countered, "Even so, the problem remains. Lord Shiva's player will inherently possess a sliver of infinite potential, infinite expansion. And… there are only ten countries in the world they are entering. There is no room for an eleventh player."

Morrigan, shrouded in shadows, her voice a low, resonant hum, added, "Lord Shiva, reconsider. It would not be fair."

The weight of their concerns, of their immense power, threatened to crush Kael. What was this 'game'? And why had he been chosen as Shiva's pawn?

Shiva listened patiently, his expression unreadable. When the last voice faded, he replied with an assurance that settled the unrest. "I will bestow the potential for infinite growth upon all participants. Following my wife's wisdom, we shall all mentor our players, guiding them with our knowledge."

Lord Hades, a figure cloaked in darkness yet emanating a chilling authority, raised another point. "You, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Parvati, Lord Odin… you possess the power to foresee and alter the future. Morrigan, Goddess Amaterasu, and Chang'e… you can write and change fate itself."

Shiva's voice resonated with undeniable power. "If any god or goddess reveals the future or fate of their player, that prophecy will be irrevocably altered, diverted from its intended course and the god will be banned from the Assembly of gods for 7 divine years."

Zeus, ever the pragmatist, questioned, "What if you, Shiva, reveal their destiny? None would dare defy you, Lord of Infinity."

Vishnu intervened, his voice laced with reverence. "Oohh… Lord Zeus. Lord Shiva cannot lie. He is the sustainer of existence. If he were to utter a falsehood, reality itself would unravel, and we, along with it, would cease to be. That is the burden, and the glory, of being the Lord of All and Infinity."

Shiva regarded them all, his eyes, when they met Kael's felt like a warm blanket on a cold night, before turning his attention back to the assembled deities. Then he spoke again, addressing Kael directly. "Regarding the limitation of ten countries… My player will not receive seven skills. He will possess only five. He will not be a conqueror. Instead, he will be a helper, a protector. He will choose one other participant, and dedicate himself to their aid. Now then, boy… choose your partner."

The pronouncements echoed in Kael's ears, leaving him reeling. Five skills? A helper, not a conqueror? This was… unexpected. The other participants, he could see, were equally stunned, their faces a mixture of surprise and perhaps, relief. To have the Lord of Infinity's chosen one relegated to a support role was certainly a deviation from the norm.

Kael, the quiet observer until now, suddenly became the center of attention. All eyes, the piercing gazes of both gods and mortals, scrutinized his every move. The pressure was immense, yet a flicker of hope ignited within him. This deviation, this unexpected twist, might actually be an advantage.

He had to choose wisely. His very survival, and the survival of whomever he chose, depended on it.

He cleared his throat, the sound surprisingly loud in the charged atmosphere. "May I know everyone's names?"

One by one, they introduced themselves. Daniel Carter, a sharp-eyed businessman. Ryan Mitchel, an engineer with a practical air. Jason Brooks, a lawyer radiating controlled confidence. Matthew Hayes, a politician whose smile didn't quite reach his eyes. Samantha Collins, a researcher from a science institute, her gaze intelligent and observant. Olivia Bennet, a police officer, radiating quiet strength. Maitri Singh, a computer science professor, her expression thoughtful. Sang Yee, an HR representative from a tech company, assessing those around her with a practiced eye.

And then there was Emily Wright.

A girl, barely fifteen, her eyes wide with fear, her small frame trembling. She was the youngest by far, utterly out of place amidst the adults. Kael could see the vulnerability radiating from her, the sheer terror of being thrust into this extraordinary, and terrifying, situation.

He watched her, studying her. She was huddled in on herself, her gaze fixed on the floor, trying to shrink away from the attention. Her glasses, slightly too large for her face, seemed to amplify her fear. Her blackbhair was a cascade of waves that framed her face perfectly, yet a layer of nervousness casted a shadow on her.

As he glanced at the others, he saw the calculation in their eyes, the quiet assessment of potential assets and liabilities. They saw Emily as a liability, a burden. Kael could practically hear the gears turning in their minds, weighing the pros and cons of aligning themselves with a frightened teenager.

He understood then. She was a lamb surrounded by wolves. An inexperienced girl who would be easily manipulated, easily exploited. She was not only outnumbered, but completely outgunned in terms of experience and knowledge.

A wave of protectiveness washed over Kael, a fierce instinct to shield her from the impending storm. It was a feeling that surprised him, unfamiliar yet undeniably strong. It reminded him of his love Aeyla, when she was young and needed his protection from school bullies.

He made his decision.

He walked towards Emily, his footsteps echoing in the unnatural silence. He knelt before her, gently taking her chin in his hand and lifting her face. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her fear palpable. He could see the raw emotion in her eyes, the desperate plea for help. He knew she had been bullied in class, and the fear of being bullied again was evident in her action.

"I choose to be your protector," he said, his voice firm and resolute, cutting through the tension. He kneeled down looking down raised his hand for her to accept it.

He extended his hand to her, palm up, an offering of strength and safety. His gaze locked with hers, conveying a promise he intended to keep. Emily looked at him, her eyes searching, questioning. Then, with a hesitant breath, she placed her small hand in his.

Her touch was light, fragile, yet it ignited something within him. A sense of purpose, of responsibility. The protector was chosen, and she accepted his company.

He squeezed her hand gently and told her that he would protect her no matter what. In that moment, Kael knew his destiny was intertwined with that of a terrified fifteen-year-old girl. He would be her shield, her guide, in this terrifying new world. He would face the gods and the conquerors for her. He have decided that he will be a better protector than he was when Aeyla was young.

But there was still a concern in other gods eyes that the Lord of All and Infinity was playing the game himself so he made another rule he said that his player will not be able to use his chosen 5 divine skills until he gets to be 15 years old and cannot develop any other skills which comes under divine magic and also declared that when everyone will be 20 years old then the war could be started before that would result in complete elimination, The Lord of Infinity asked Your partners birth depends on you tell Lord Vishnu when she will born after you or before you he said that she will born five years after me this was what he chose and said that the war will start based on my age and not her's. This decision made the biggest disadvantage for him and his partner, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu said your wish has been granted.

The game had begun.

The Guardian of The Young Girl was on his way to protect her and play the game of life again.

To be continued...