Ian looked at the flame closely. He could feel its power, but only faintly.
"You can sense it because you are a god," Amon continued. "But mortals can’t. That is why they don’t feel our presence. Our energy does not move like normal Ki. It does not shake the air. It does not break the ground. Divine Ki hides itself. That’s why it’s dangerous."
Ian clenched his fist. "So even a planet could be destroyed without warning if Divine Ki was used carelessly?"
"Exactly," Amon said. "That’s why gods must learn control first, not strength. Power without control is chaos."
Ian nodded slowly. He understood now why Amon spoke so calmly. It was not because he lacked feeling, but because he had mastered control.
"But that is only the beginning," Amon continued. "Divine Ki can also be fused with the soul. When that happens, you start walking the path to becoming a True God."
Ian raised his brow. "True God? What’s the difference?"
"Normal gods like you are strong," Amon said. "But you can still die if killed thousands of times... You are bound to your body. A True God is different. Their soul becomes divine. Even if their body is destroyed, they remain. They can rebuild. They are not tied to time or space."
Ian looked at his hand again. "That sounds like immortality. Indeed, the Dark God told me he lost 30% of his soul essence when I killed him. So if I killed him more time, he’ll actually die?"
"In a way," Amon said. "But it’s not easy. Most gods take millions of years or more to reach that point. You cannot rush it. It is not just about power. Your soul must be strong enough to carry Divine Ki without breaking."
Ian’s face grew serious. "And you’ll train me for that?"
"When you’re ready," Amon replied. "Not yet. First, master what you already have. Show me that you can carry your current power without it controlling you."
Ian looked back at the stars. "Then I’ll earn it. No shortcuts."
Amon gave a small nod. "Good."
Ian began to roam the galaxy he was in charge of, familiarizing himself. He believes that understanding is the key to success in many aspects. Only through a good understanding of the territory under his command could he formulate a plan and adapt every time a situation arose.
Although no one in the mortal world should have strength that could rival his. Ian knew that to rely on brute force alone. Some situations require wits to solve, and Ian wasn’t about to get complacent again. After all, items with strange effects that might be able to deal with gods might possibly exist somewhere. The Universe is big, and there’s no lack of terrifying treasures.
"We’re here. This is Planet Zodalion, where planet Zoda race lived. So far, throughout history, eight mortals of their race have managed to become a god. The last one to ascend was roughly eighty million years ago, and that figure is now a True God.
Before Ian could think further, he heard Adam’s voice behind him. He turned his head at the yellow planet in front of him with an orange ring circling it. "Are they that talented? Their potential is quite immense to be able to produce eight gods."
"You can say that. Most of the planets in the Universe couldn’t even produce one until they reach their lifespan." Adam said without much emotion.
Hearing this got Ian curious. "How about my world?"
"Which one? The Curtained Imperium or the Planet Earth?"
"Of course, the Curtained Imperium. As for Earth, well, I’m also kinda curious.
"So far, three in the Curtained Imperium, which already includes you, and eighteen from Earth," Adam answered concisely.
Ian’s eye twitched at the answer. What the hell? Earth has produced more gods than the Curtained Imperium? Is there something that makes the Earth unique? How the hell did Earth have so much!??
As for Curtained Imperium, Ian had to admit that it was a fucking disappointment. To be able to produce only two? Yes, two, not counting himself.
"You might be curious as to why the Earth has produced so much, right?" Adam seems to have seen through Ian’s thoughts.
"Actually, Earth is a very special place within the First Universe. Yes, your Universe is the very first Universe created by the very first Main God. That same Main God had sacrificed his divine essence to make the place a suitable place for the birth of gods..."
Adam stopped for a moment to let his words sink in. As he saw Ian’s serious expression. He decided to continue.
"The first Main God grew tired of living in solitude. Being the God that has no parents. He decided to create a lot of methods for mortals to ascend to Godhood. Of course, it requires extremely high talent and an upper limit. Most mortals that managed to ascend had a special bloodline like you."
"The First Main God doesn’t have parents? How did he appear in the first place?" Curiously, Ian asked.
Adam shook his head. "There’s a lot of speculation, but it was said that the Main God had been born naturally from the cosmic environment, and then after he turned Adult, he decided to create the first Universe and then created countless that followed. But now, there are only eighteen Universes left."
"Damn..." Ian speechlessly listened to the lore of this world. "Then, how many Main Gods had existed so far?"
"So far, eight Main Gods had existed. There can only be one Main God to manage all Universes. Most of the former ones attempted to ascend beyond the Eighteen Universes, and most never came back. It was unknown if they succeeded or perished. The previous Main God, Kratos, had the same fate.
"I know that I’ve asked too many questions... But I only have the last one that I hope you can answer."
Adam nodded without any nonsense. "Go on..."
"Well..." Ian’s face turned serious. "How strong is the current Main God? And is there anyway to become one even if there’s already one existing?"