Chapter 22: The Role of the Gods and the System
Ariana was fascinated by the significant evolution of the Life Tree and decided to dedicate some time to observe how other living beings adapted and evolved in the forest.
She noticed that Shadow Wolves were scattered throughout various regions of Arcadia, and Ariana could discern some mutations among them. They had evolved distinctly, as if they had adapted to the environment in surprising ways, piquing her curiosity.
Although she was aware that this was due to the Laws of the universe, curiosity led her to inquire, "System, could you explain the Laws you mentioned in more detail and why they affect even my creations? Shouldn't I be the one deciding everything?"
The System replied clearly: "The Laws are the most powerful force in this universe. When the universe was created, the Laws of the universe came into existence. These Laws are Time, Space, Energy, Reality, and Destiny. They govern the functioning of everything in this universe."
"When you create a creature, the Law of Destiny is applied to it, determining the entire fate of that creature. The Law of Energy is responsible for creating their abilities and guiding their evolution. This is done so that you don't have to manually weave the destiny of each living being. The Laws do that automatically. However, you still have the power to influence the Destiny and Energy of each creature you create."
Understanding the Laws of the universe shed some light on the complexity of the world in which Ariana lived. Now, with this understanding, she knew that her creations were interconnected with the fundamental Laws of the universe.
Understanding the Laws of the universe made it clearer to Ariana how extraordinary evolutions and abilities of living beings in Arcadia came to be. She realized that the wondrous abilities that permeated her world were a manifestation of the Laws in action, reflecting the diversity and complexity of the environment they inhabited.
While flying over Arcadia, Ariana noticed a Slime that had acquired the ability to assume various forms, choosing to transform into a wolf. The transformation was so perfect that it made the Slime almost unrecognizable. However, when it approached a pack of wolves, they began to sniff and become suspicious of the disguise. Even though it was a bit late for the pack, the Slime had already launched an attack.
Ariana was fascinated by the variety of abilities present in Arcadia. Even the gigantic whale floating in the skies displayed powerful magic. Its deep blue eyes occasionally triggered storm clouds and thunder in certain regions, creating rain and storms that nourished the land.
Ariana realized how the environment played a fundamental role in the evolutions and abilities of her creations. The characteristics of the environment opened doors to new abilities and influenced the destinies of living beings in Arcadia.
While soaring over Arcadia, Ariana landed in an area that had turned into a small desert of sand, a result of cold maritime currents interacting with the coast. Although the desert was relatively small, it was large enough to support various life forms adapted to this harsh environment.
Angely had faced numerous difficulties in the past when attempting to create beings that could survive in the desert. Her previous attempts had all been unsuccessful, leading to the premature deaths of all the creatures, leaving her frustrated and sad.
However, after much effort and learning, Angely finally succeeded. Utilizing Ariana's memories, she managed to create a species capable of thriving in desert conditions: camels. Ariana was aware that these camels were the result of Angely's attempts, but she recognized that, despite their success, some of them still faced challenges and ended up losing their lives.
Ariana gently descended into the desert, feeling the hot sand trickling through her fingers. Her purpose here was to create living beings that could adapt to this inhospitable environment.
"System! I need your assistance," she declared, seeking the System's help.
A voice echoed in her mind, "How can I assist you, Goddess Ariana?"
Uncomfortable with direct communication in her mind, Ariana sought an alternative. "Communicating with you this way is very strange and unpleasant. Is there another way for us to communicate?" she inquired.
Instantly, the System transformed into a small fairy who appeared before Ariana, emitting a sweet and feminine voice. "Do you prefer me in this form?" asked the fairy.
Ariana was taken aback by the fairy's appearance, initially surprised but quickly recalling her divinity and the role of the System in assisting her. "Oh, yes... it's perfect!" she replied, accepting the System's new form without hesitation.
"What can I help you with, Goddess Ariana?" the System inquired, reaffirming its willingness to provide assistance.
Ariana, full of enthusiasm, expressed her desire, "I would like help with this desert. I want even the most inhospitable place to have life."
The System pondered for a moment, circling the area and even picking up a handful of sand to examine, behaving in a manner that seemed amusing and peculiar.
"You can create living beings that can adapt to this pure sand environment, creatures that do not require sustenance. Alternatively, you can make alterations to the environment itself to enable life," the System suggested.
"Actually, I hadn't thought of that. You're a genius, System," Ariana praised.
The little fairy assumed a proud stance, tilting her nose and placing her hand on her chest before responding, "Of course, after all, I am an S-Rank classified System."
Ariana was surprised by the statement and inquired, "S-Rank classified System? What does that mean?"
The System, with an air of superiority, explained, "I am a maximum support System, better and smarter than any other. I have faster processing and can provide much more assistance to the God I support. You are fortunate to have been graced with this."
Ariana contemplated the System's response and asked, "So, are there other Systems?"
As if expecting this question, the System replied, "Of course. Just as there are other Gods, when each God is born, a System is created to assist them. However, not all Systems are good. We do not have feelings, but we think individually. If a System wishes not to help their God, they can do that. However, as the God evolves, the System naturally evolves as well."
Ariana felt as though doors in her mind had been opened. She was not alone, and perhaps the world she had entered had been created by one of these Gods. Maybe she couldn't gaze at the stars, as that domain belonged to other Gods. A million thoughts raced through her mind.
Ariana pondered the System's response and asked, "But if a System likes its God and knows that by helping them evolve, they will also benefit, why don't they just shower the God with rewards or give things from the System store for free?"
The little fairy, who was circling Ariana with a serious expression, looked at her after the question and burst into laughter until she cried. Then she wiped a tear from her cheek with her finger before responding, "Of course not. We're just a consciousness that controls the System, but there are still restrictions. I can only provide you with rewards if you fulfill the objectives to receive them. Otherwise, it would be impossible to do so. The same goes for purchases. I can't just give you endless creations of living beings. It's not as if there's a button in front of me that, when pressed, sends things to you."
Ariana absorbed the information and recognized the logic behind it. She then decided to continue the conversation, "Understood. What happens if a God doesn't evolve? Is there any consequence for the System?"
The System replied, "Yes, indeed. If a God does not evolve and refuses to grow, the System may eventually be allocated to a new God. After all, our primary function is to assist the God in reaching their full potential. If the current God is not fulfilling their role, they can be replaced. Additionally, if a God is completely destroyed or defeated, the System may also be reallocated."
"Are you, by any chance, a System from some other ancient God?" Ariana inquired, curious about the wealth of information she was absorbing.
"No, I was created the moment you emerged, so I'm a System that you could say is a newborn," the System replied.
Hearing the System reveal details about its existence and the purpose of its creation left her inquisitive and at the same time aware that there was much more to learn.
"So, you're like a guide to me?" Ariana asked, trying to understand the scope of what the System could offer.
"Exactly! I'm here to assist you, guide you, and provide information. My purpose is to support you in your role as a Goddess," the System replied with a serene tone.
Ariana felt a twinge of excitement mixed with determination.
"Thank you for everything you've told me," she expressed her gratitude. "Now, let's create more life in this desert!"
The System smiled, agreeing and ready to assist Ariana on her journey.