Silent tears ran down Niyus's cheeks, filled with deep gratitude, while Isissis 4, impassive, remained like an immovable rock.
Niyus:
Although all this seemed rushed... I am proud. Proud that you allowed me to see what I needed to see. I understand now. The life I led... was already happiness. And I need nothing more.
He wiped his tears calmly, then asked a question still tinged with hope:
But... I would like to know. What about Jin Muleo and Lingyin? Did they also experience divine elevation?
Isissis 4, slowly shaking his head, replied emotionlessly:
No. Since their contact with the Delzluhud and the giant dimensions, they have been elevated... not by an external force, but by their own consciousness. They forged a necessary state of existence where none should have. In doing so, they reached dizzying heights in the giant dimensions... even the Sibylline Worlds themselves-vast expanses capable of containing an infinity of lower giant dimensions, while paradoxically remaining immense.
This was possible because the Sibylline Worlds are the giant dimensions of Mü Thanatos himself. Jin Muleo and Lingyin, like you, evolve according to the axis of the Delzluhud. Their progression naturally stems from this link.
Niyus:
Hmm... I understand. But... will they ever reach the first Suargaloka? Become beings so high they defy creation itself?
Isissis 4:
By themselves? No. That is forever forbidden to them. No matter how many times they transcend, no matter their sacrifices, they will never reach that threshold.
The first Suargaloka is the domain of the Omni-1 gods. It lies beyond all creation and escapes the laws and concepts of the giant dimensions and the Delzluhud.
It is a dreamer's state, inaccessible to mortals by their own efforts. To tread it, they must receive aid from an entity from that plane-a god, a natural creature of that level of existence. Without that, they will never cross this barrier.
That is how one ascends to those unthinkable states, those heights that defy all understanding.
Niyus:
Then... how do demons reach it?
Isissis:
Among demons, some entities are born beyond multiple states of existence. Thus, they can elevate their kind...
But you, as a solitary being, will never cross the giant dimensions without the help of one transcending all that.
He then turned away, his voice even graver:
Gods dream from their heights, but not all share this blessing. Some, like the Deviants, only wear its attributes-an imperfect imitation. Others, like the Angels, embody the laws of Existential Auto-Regulation.
They can descend into any state without breaking their true body. This is possible thanks to this law: it adjusts a being's existence according to the mana level present in a given state.
If mana is weak, the being becomes weak. If it is strong, the being rises.
It is a logical, cold, but perfect adaptation.
Niyus, standing and bathed in soft light, fixed Isissis 4 with a deep gaze. After a long silence, he spoke, his voice tinged with slight discomfort:
Niyus:
You have told me too much, I think.
Isissis 4, still impassive, replied calmly and detached:
You had the truth waiting for you, that's all. You died, killed by Zramë, and saved by Rivhiamë, who substituted her existence in you while your consciousness still shone. You are not exactly dead, if one can say, but what you had become... there is nothing left of it.
Niyus (lowering his eyes, with sudden pain):
So it's true... what I was, truly, is dead.
Silence settled. Isissis 4 watched Niyus, now lost in thought. A subtle smile appeared on his impassive face.
Isissis 4:
Humans... I like humans like you, those who do not let denial blind them, who take care to understand stakes and truths, then accept them to gain wisdom and experience.
He slowly turned his head and began walking into the void. His silhouette gradually faded into the shadows.
Isissis 4:
With the wisdom you have gained through all these experiences, it is clear you will become a human with a broader vision... Farewell, and perhaps forever, Niyus.
Niyus, still deep in thought, remained alone for a moment, his eyes empty in profound contemplation. Then he closed his eyes, a calm resignation settling in his heart.
Niyus (internally):
Thank you... Rivhiamë.
Then, in one last breath, he also drifted away from the void.
Two months later:
Niyus was now sitting on his terrace, eyes closed in meditation. He breathed calmly, seeming at peace, his mind tranquil. Suddenly, a rift opened before him, pulling him abruptly from his thoughts.
Niyus (sighing):
No, what could it be now?
With an elegant movement, a figure appeared through the rift. A sublime silhouette, a radiant glow accompanying beautiful eyes and white hair tied in a delicate bun. The mysterious gaze belonged to Princess Amu.
Surprised, Niyus blushed slightly, unable to hide his astonishment.
Niyus (stammering):
P... P... Princess Amu?
Princess Amu smiled faintly, recognizing her old companion.
Princess Amu:
It's been so long, Niyus.
She looked around as if searching for something.
Princess Amu:
I've been looking for Jin Muleo and Lingyin for months... Have you seen them?
Niyus's gaze darkened as he slowly lowered his eyes, recalling their last moments together.
Niyus:
They... probably died during Zramë's attack, the god of Destruction.
Princess Amu, visibly shocked, straightened abruptly.
Princess Amu:
What?
Niyus took a deep breath, then began recounting the events, detailing their confrontation with Zramë. He chose not to reveal everything, slightly altering the ending to soften the truth.
Niyus:
And that's probably when they died, because I never saw them again after that. Clearly, they were no match for Zramë, nor was I. It's a miracle I'm still alive.
Princess Amu remained silent for a moment, her features marked by surprise and sadness.
Princess Amu:
That's horrible... but it doesn't matter. Even if I clearly didn't expect it.
Niyus:
Aren't you too shocked?
The princess closed her eyes briefly, her expression growing intense.
Princess Amu:
You can't imagine... but in my tribe, we learn to keep calm, no matter what.
Niyus suddenly thought of Jin Muleo, his explosive character and temperament, and thought to himself:
Niyus (thinking):
Jin Muleo still had much to learn...
The princess stood, a thoughtful look crossing her face.
Princess Amu:
Well... My clan is completely gone, I don't even know where to start. I'm... lost.
Niyus looked at her long, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. After a moment of silence, he replied calmly, almost warmly.
Niyus:
Hmm... Would you need a light?
Amu was silent for a moment, staring at the horizon, her eyes lost in the void. The wind gently caressed her hair, but her posture was tense, as if a heavy weight pressed on her soul. She sighed deeply, then turned to Niyus, her eyes now filled with deep sadness.
Princess Amu:
You know, Niyus... The disappearance of my clan... it's like a part of me was torn away. It's not just a group of people. It's everything I've known since birth. Every laugh, every victory, every pain... all gone. They're gone, and I feel so empty... Like a body without a soul.
Niyus looked at her, his heart tightening at the clear pain in her eyes. He moved a little closer, as if to offer comfort, but he knew it wasn't something he could fix instantly.
Niyus (softly):
I can't fully understand what you feel, Amu... But I know loss is a heavy burden. It's normal to feel lost. But... maybe this isn't the end for you. Maybe this disappearance, as terrible as it is, could be a starting point for something new.
Amu looked at him, surprised by his suggestion. Her lips trembled slightly, and she shook her head as if rejecting the idea.
Princess Amu:
You mean I should forget my past, everything I knew, and start over? How can anyone forget people who were their whole world? It's... impossible.
Niyus moved closer, this time placing a gentle but firm hand on her shoulder, trying to convey the warmth of his words.
Niyus:
No, I'm not saying forget... You can't forget what you lived. But you can choose to live differently. Maybe... maybe you could find another meaning to your life. Another path. It's not over, Amu. Your strength doesn't come only from your clan... it comes from you. You have the power to rewrite your future. To give new meaning to who you are.
Amu closed her eyes, seeming to struggle with the emotions swirling inside her. She then turned slightly to look at Niyus, her gaze softer but also more vulnerable.
Princess Amu:
What if I'm no longer who I was? If I never find that new path... If I'm lost forever?
Niyus (with conviction):
You're not lost. You're searching, that's all. And I'll be there, by your side, to help you find that way. I believe in you, Amu. You don't have to face this alone.
There was a long silence. The breeze was calm, and the landscape seemed frozen in an almost unreal peace. Yet, in this suspended moment, the two souls were connected in a deeper way, an invisible but powerful bond uniting them in shared suffering.
Amu lowered her head, her lips stretching into a small, sad but sincere smile. A smile that, for a fraction of a second, lit up her face.
Princess Amu:
You know... you're much wiser than you look. Thank you, Niyus. For helping me see things differently. Maybe... maybe I will find my place after all.
She stayed a moment looking at the ground, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. Then, in a teasing voice, she raised her head and said with a mischievous smile:
Princess Amu:
But... who would have thought it would be you giving me life lessons? That's ironic, isn't it?
Niyus raised an eyebrow, a slight amused smile forming on his lips. Calm and composed as he was, he couldn't help but feel warmth in his heart at the smile she gave him.
Niyus:
Hey, I'm a man full of surprises... But... if you'll give me a moment of your attention, I have a question.
Amu looked at him, intrigued. She squinted slightly, still a bit playful.
Princess Amu:
Oh, a question? I'm listening.
Niyus (taking a deep breath, eyes fixed on her):
Amu... You know, all this time, I never really dared to say it. But now, I have no doubt... I want you by my side, forever. Will you become... my wife?
Amu froze for a moment, her gaze suddenly serious. She hadn't expected this, and a small laugh escaped her lips, as if savoring the moment.
Princess Amu (with a mischievous look):
Oh? You really want that? A simple mortal like me? You know, that's a big commitment, Niyus. Maybe I'll think about it a little...
She looked at him long, letting suspense hang in the air, before finally bursting out laughing and throwing herself into his arms.
Princess Amu (with a warm smile):
Of course I accept! But I just wanted to tease you a bit.
Niyus held her in his arms, laughter between them, before they pulled back slightly. They looked at each other, eyes shining with a new emotion, something more than friendship, more than gratitude... a sincere love.
And, in that perfect moment, Niyus gently pulled her close, and their lips met in a long, passionate kiss, sealing this moment of transition, between the pain of the past and the hope of a future together.