NOVEL WEB Chapter 78: The Gathering of Gods and the Tactical Decision
Loki (Satoshi Koizumi) stepped into the virtual space, which was modeled after a vast temple floating in an infinite starry sky. His comrades, newly awakened as gods, were gathered there, each with their sacred artifacts glowing with power, quietly asserting their presence.
“We’re all here,” Loki said softly, gripping the Chaos Spear enveloped in lightning. The spear had the ability to transform depending on the situation, allowing Loki to wield the power of lightning at will.
As he looked at his companions, Loki reflected on how he, once an ordinary physicist, had now become the leader of gods, guiding them in battle. The heavy responsibility weighed on his heart, but now, he was confident that he could bear it. “We’ve come this far. Together, we’ll overcome this battle and grasp the future,” he told himself, speaking aloud to his comrades.
The Gods and Their Sacred Artifacts
Loki (Satoshi Koizumi)
Sacred Artifact: The Chaos Spear
Skills:
•Mastery of Lightning: Manipulates lightning for offense and defense.
•Control of Chaos: Distorts reality, disorienting enemies.
•Energy Absorption and Transformation: Absorbs enemy energy, allowing the spear to change shape as needed.
Loki looked at his comrades’ determined expressions and felt reassured. There had been times when he doubted himself, but now his resolve was unshakable.
Minerva (Tomomi Koizumi)
Sacred Artifact: Orb of Wisdom
Skills:
•Accumulation of Knowledge: Instantly gathers and analyzes information from the surroundings.
•Precision of Calculation: Performs complex mathematical and tactical calculations to derive the best course of action.
•Future Prediction: Predicts future events and builds strategies based on that information.
Holding the glowing Orb of Wisdom, Tomomi felt the swirling knowledge within it. “My knowledge will guide everyone’s path,” she vowed. She had failed before, but this time, she was sure she could overcome it.
Apollo (Kira Moroboshi)
Sacred Artifact: Lyre of Light
Skills:
•Healing Melody: Plays music that heals the minds and bodies of those who hear it.
•Manipulation of Light and Sound: Uses the energy of light and sound for attack and defense.
•Power of Resonance: Resonates with other sacred artifacts, amplifying the strength of allies.
Kira listened to the music from the Lyre of Light. He had once used it to heal, but now he would have to wield its power in battle. Despite the conflict in his heart, he resolved, “This is what I can do.”
Hermes (Ryoko Akiba)
Sacred Artifact: Hermes’ Key
Skills:
•Data Manipulation: Freely controls digital data, creating and shaping information.
•Enhanced Security: Maximizes defensive capabilities through reinforced security.
•System Repair: Repairs damaged systems, restoring them to their original state.
Ryoko held Hermes’ Key and made peace with her past. Once a criminal, she was now using her skills to protect the future. With a mixture of anger at her former self and pride in her current purpose, she thought, “I won’t run anymore.”
Gaia (Misa Morino)
Sacred Artifact: Eternal Gaia Crystal
Skills:
•Command of Nature: Transforms barren lands into fertile earth.
•Acceleration of Growth: Promotes the growth of plants and amplifies the power of nature.
•Disaster Prevention: Prevents natural disasters, protecting the land.
Gaia gazed at the crystal, remembering how the power of nature had saved people countless times. “With this power, I’ll protect them once again,” she vowed.
Asclepius (Masato Matsuda)
Sacred Artifact: Chalice of Life
Skills:
•Healing Power: Instantly heals any illness or injury.
•Resurrection Power: Can resurrect those who have recently died.
•Surgical Strike: Delivers precise attacks against bio-engineered life forms integrated with NEURON’s ship, causing critical damage.
Holding the Chalice of Life, Masato remembered the lives he couldn’t save in the past. “I won’t lose anyone again,” he swore to himself.
Prometheus (Hikaru Ginga)
Sacred Artifact: Digital Flame
Skills:
•Quantum Encryption: Protects information with quantum-level encryption.
•Real-Time Analysis: Analyzes data in real time, extracting necessary information instantly.
•Cyber Defense: Provides strong defense against cyberattacks.
Prometheus held the Digital Flame and thought, “This is the weapon to carve out the future.” He accepted the role of protecting his comrades from cyberattacks.
Helios (Takumi Takagi)
Sacred Artifact: Solar Staff
Skills:
•Absorption and Release of Light Energy: Absorbs sunlight and releases it as an energy beam.
•Creation of Energy Shields: Generates energy shields to protect against physical and energy-based attacks.
•Energy Conversion and Optimization: Efficiently converts and regulates energy to maximize system performance.
Takumi raised his Solar Staff high, declaring, “We will lead the future’s light,” rallying his comrades.
Uranus (Sora Morino)
Sacred Artifact: Robe of Space-Time
Skills:
•Manipulation of Time and Space: Stops time, predicts the future, and controls space.
•Dimensional Rift: Accesses other dimensions, using their power to trap enemies.
•Repair of Time: Creates a time barrier that nullifies enemy attacks and instantly restores damage by rewinding time.
Wearing the Robe of Space-Time, Uranus vowed, “I will transcend time and space to seal the enemy and protect the future.”
Ganesha (Rahil Vikram)
Sacred Artifact: None
Skills:
•Guidance of Wisdom: Provides wisdom to allies, helping them make the best decisions in battle.
•Removal of Obstacles: Eliminates any obstacles in the battlefield, ensuring smooth progression for allies.
Though he possessed no sacred artifact, Ganesha pledged to play a vital role on the battlefield by offering wisdom and removing barriers for his comrades.
Tactical Decisions
Loki turned to Ganesha. “Ganesha, your wisdom and ability to remove obstacles will be key in this battle.”
Ganesha nodded quietly. “My role is to ensure that everyone can move forward smoothly, no matter what obstacles stand in our way.”
Loki continued, “NEURON’s ship is a fusion of systems and living organisms. Asclepius, your surgical strike will be crucial.”
Asclepius nodded calmly. “With the power of the Chalice, I can deliver precise blows to the integrated lifeforms aboard the ship, disrupting the entire system.”
“And Prometheus, your role will be to analyze and protect against cyberattacks while gathering enemy information,” Loki added.
Prometheus agreed. “NEURON’s system is complex, but with my flame, I can break through its defenses.”
Gaia promised to control the ship’s environment with the power of nature, while Helios took on the role of providing energy and shields for protection.
“We each have our roles, and by working together, we’ll overcome this challenge. That’s our strategy,” Loki concluded.
With their powers fully awakened and their roles clearly defined, the gods prepared themselves for the ultimate battle, determined to emerge victorious and safeguard the future.