Gods & Mortals

Cosmic League Arc

"Sentient."

The word carried numerous definitions, but the one that Klaus found most fitting was the existence of consciousness.

The ability to be aware.

Lying on his bed as he often did, Klaus delved into his thoughts. He pondered over his experiences, beliefs, and even his relationships. Everything that held significance in his life held that meaning solely because of his awareness.

Such a seemingly small topic held profound meaning for him as he gazed at the ceiling, as though peering beyond it.

It had been roughly a month and a half since his high school graduation, and not much had occurred in the interim. A few outings with Shade and Rose, together or individually, were the extent of it.

Since their last meeting, Wallpaper hadn't made an appearance; the authorities were still keen on capturing either of them.

Klaus had previously agreed to undertake the responsibilities thrust upon him, but with the passing of time and no new information, he began to wonder whether he was excluded from returning to Higher World.

In truth, it wouldn't bother him too much, but having become somewhat invested in the plan, he found the idea of being abruptly disregarded rather irksome.

As Klaus continued to recline on his bed, almost succumbing to the edge of slumber, an unfamiliar beam of light spawned across the room. It resembled the shimmering path that had appeared before he first journeyed to Higher World.

Promptly, Klaus rose from his bed and donned a more relaxed ensemble of a hoodie and pants. He swung his door open and had already arrived at the terminus of the radiant path.

He was consistently grateful for the swiftness his speed provided.

The pathway concluded where he expected – the alley adorned with the poster depicting the palm painting.

With a practiced hand, he pressed his palm to the poster's surface, already knowing what to do. After a few seconds of pedestrians passing by, Klaus eventually vanished.

Upon opening his eyes, he realized that, unlike his previous experience, he now stood before the gateway that led out of the city, the same location Ace had guided him to during his last visit.

"I'll never get used to this," Klaus mumbled while holding on to his head, a slight ache forming from the transition between realms.

"I apologize for any disorientation you experienced during your transit, Klaus Walker."

Turning, Klaus found XVII positioned by the gate, seemingly awaiting the arrival of all the demigods.

"It's fine... I guess," Klaus replied softly.

He then inquired about the peculiar timing of his arrival, "By the way, why does it take some time before I start to transport to here?"

"Depending on your given state, the transition only occurs when you are out of sight for a duration significant enough that your absence wouldn't be perceived as unusual."

Klaus didn't feel compelled to delve further into the matter, as XVII's explanation held a certain logic. He accepted it as it was.

After a brief period, XVII furnished him with a key to his previous room and directed him to the location. With the other demigods yet to appear, XVII remained at the gate.

Fatigued, Klaus decided to retire to his designated room. He aimed to rest up before the others arrived.

After a few hours of sleep, Klaus woke up to the faint murmur of voices echoing in the hallways outside his room. He groggily got out of bed, realizing he had been asleep for approximately seven hours, signaling early morning in the real world.

Stretching softly, Klaus rose from his bed. However, a growing annoyance stirred within him as the murmuring continued to disrupt the tranquility. He made up his mind to investigate the source of the disturbance.

As Klaus stepped into the corridor, his eyes fell upon two unfamiliar individuals engaged in a conversation within the room opposite his, their door ajar. Sensing his presence, they halted their discussion and the one closer to Klaus extended an apology.

"Apologies for the noise, friend," he offered with a warm smile. "We seemed to have become a bit too spirited in our conversation."

Klaus took a moment to study the stranger.

The person had long, blue hair, neatly braided down his back, the braid extending just past his shoulders. His physique was impressive, accentuated by the T-shirt he wore. His deep blue eyes met Klaus's gaze, and his height was notable without being overly imposing.

Klaus's attention was also drawn to the earring adorning the stranger's right ear – a gemstone with a slim, pyramid-like shape suspended from the piercing, tip pointing downward.

"It's no problem," Klaus responded, his tone carrying an undertone of indifference.

"Yeah, my friend here was just telling me about this peculiar disk-shaped delicacy on Earth called Peter Zah," the blue-haired guy continued.

"It's called Pizza," the second individual chimed in, offering the correct term with a chuckle.

"Ah, yes, my mistake," the blue-haired individual conceded with a light-hearted grin.

Klaus's curiosity stirred, tempted by a slew of questions. Yet, he resisted the urge, realizing their discussion was none of his concern.

Before parting ways, the two boys insisted on proper introductions.

"I'm Trent," the blue-haired guy announced with a genial smile.

"And I'm Tyler Justice," the other introduced himself, his brown hair and greenish eyes framed by a casual hoodie.

"Klaus Walker," Klaus responded courteously, offering his name in return.

After the introductions were exchanged, Klaus made his way back to his room, but he paused as he heard a comment from one of them.

"I feel like I've heard your voice somewhere before."

Klaus turned back to see Tyler deep in thought, his fingers on his chin. Unsure of the connection, Klaus watched him closely, uncertain if Tyler recognized him.

"Oh, you're the one who went up against X last time, right?" Tyler continued.

Klaus let out a sigh, the recognition not quite what he had anticipated. He responded and began to head back to his room.

"I guess."

Tyler's expression showed lingering doubt, but he shrugged it off and continued chatting with Trent.

Once back in his room, Klaus took a refreshing shower and then slipped into the clothes neatly arranged in the wardrobe – a selection that matched his style and size.

After some time, an announcement echoed through all the rooms, instructing them to gather at the location of their previous meeting, at the epicenter. Following the directive, Klaus joined the others, the atmosphere charged with anticipation.

As they waited for everyone to assemble, the event commenced.

Once again, the demigods knelt under the weight of the pressure as a radiant beam of light illuminated the podium ahead. Zenith instantly descended with his wings unfurled, only to retract them gracefully.

"Rise," Zenith commanded, and the burden eased as the demigods returned to their feet.

"Welcome back, demigods. We, the Gods, wish to express our gratitude for your decision to return. Be assured that your choice to heed the call of duty will not be in vain."

Glances exchanged among the demigods as Zenith paused briefly before continuing.

"With that, you are now acknowledged as true demigods."

Klaus felt a subtle unease, but he held fast to his resolve, knowing his decision was firm.

The room filled with delighted smiles and cheers from most, a genuine joy evident on their faces. Yet, a select few, including Klaus, remained reserved.

As the cheers subsided, a voice emerged from the crowd, directed at Zenith.

"Now that we're demigods, what do we do?"

Klaus turned his attention to Quinn, the source of the question. Zenith responded with a smile, addressing her inquiry.

"The other Gods and I have deliberated and come to a decision that serves both the purpose of acquainting you all with your powers on a fundamental level and providing entertainment for all present. We call it... the Cosmic League."

Confusion etched across everyone's faces as they awaited Zenith's explanation.

"Each of you will be paired with an instructor to aid in grasping your abilities and potential. You will be granted a week for preparation. The games shall commence seven days hence, starting immediately after the Golden Ball descends at the epicenter here, heralding the dawn of a new day."

"With the fortunate count of sixteen," XVII added, moving closer to Zenith, "the Cosmic League will comprise four teams of four, each led by a designated team leader."

"Team leader?" Klaus pondered internally. The realization weighed on him – a role in the event required giving or receiving orders, a prospect he wasn't keen on.

After a brief pause, a question emerged from the crowd, echoing the collective concern.

"How will you determine the leaders for each team?"

XVII turned to Zenith, anticipating a response that had been planned. Zenith took a moment before addressing the query.

"It is straightforward. Recognizing that many of you lack combat experience, our criteria for selecting leaders is based on those with the most battle capabilities."

A mixture of reactions rippled through the crowd. Some understood the rationale, acknowledging the logic of capable individuals leading. Yet, others debated whether they needed strength or strategy in their leaders.

However, with the decision coming from the Gods, the majority leaned toward trusting their judgment for the event.

"Can you provide an overview of the events we'll participate in?" Shade inquired.

"We've decided to reveal the specifics on the day of the league itself, so unfortunately, I can't offer that information now. Any other questions?"

Silence filled the room.

"Very well. As previously mentioned, you'll have a week to train under your assigned instructors, who will guide you in mastering your abilities at a foundational level. The league aims to enhance your proficiency by engaging in on-the-fly battles, enhancing your adaptability and strategic thinking."

With that statement, Zenith departed, leaving the gathering to return to the realm of the Gods.

Right after, XVII continued.

"Your individual mentors will be designated following the forthcoming announcement. The four demigods chosen by the Gods, recognized as the most potent among your ranks, arranged from the least to the mightiest, are... Trent, Lance Knight, X,..."

Although XVII had mentioned that the order went from weakest to strongest, he had included X as the second, indicating the existence of a demigod even mightier.

The room was a mixture of astonishment and disbelief as the demigods collectively shifted their gaze between X and XVII. A hushed quiet enveloped the space, all attention concentrated on the final name to be spoken.

And at last, XVII uttered the final name.

"... and Ash Brimstone."