Beyond the Apocalypse

Chapter 1152: Become Gods

Vlad, the White Death, Overlord, Jormungandr, Ouroboros, Fafnir, and Altharion exchanged solemn glances as they absorbed Odinvaldr’s words. As expected, battle would be a central part of what lay ahead, yet it was clear that the Tournament of Gods was far more complex than simple combat.

There would be trials, challenges, and unknown ordeals woven into its structure, and unfortunately, they would not know the nature of these trials until they stood within them.

Silently, they shared a meaningful look among themselves before nodding in unison and turning back toward the Primordial God of Bloodshed and Battle. The resolve in their eyes was unmistakable. They would fight. They would endure. They would represent their realm.

That unspoken determination drew a faint, approving smile from Odinvaldr, yet the weight of uncertainty still lingered heavily in their minds.

Overlord was the first to speak, his sharp gaze reflecting both curiosity and calculation.

"You mentioned that the Primordial Gods themselves will not participate directly," he said, his tone measured. "Instead, representatives will fight in their stead. In that case... how strong will our opponents be?"

At once, the attention of the entire group sharpened. Every single one of them understood the importance of that question.

They had reached the peak of power in the Higher Dimension, especially Vlad, Overlord, and the White Death, who had the power to face Paragons. Yet the Divine Realm was a completely different stage, and they could not afford to underestimate what awaited them.

Odinvaldr remained silent for a few moments, carefully choosing his words before finally answering. "According to my understanding, the representatives of the other Primordial Gods will possess power comparable to Paragons."

The impact of those words was immediate. Somber expressions spread across the group.

Jormungandr, Fafnir, Ouroboros, and Altharion were all immensely powerful, capable of crushing even peak Lords without difficulty, yet Paragons existed on an entirely different level. Individually, they would stand little chance against such opponents. Even the True Depravitas, with their near-immortal bodies, could fall if they were forced into direct confrontation with beings of that magnitude.

Sensing the tension, Odinvaldr continued before doubt could take root.

"I understand your concerns, but there is good news as well. Although the exact nature of the Tournament’s trials remains unpredictable, its early stages often provide opportunities that can significantly enhance your strength. There are moments of fortune embedded within the chaos, chances that can be seized by those bold enough to take them."

Those words sparked a shift in the group’s atmosphere. None of them feared hardship or danger. If the tournament offered even the slightest chance to ascend to a level where they could rival Paragons, then they would seize it without hesitation. No matter the cost, no matter the risk, they would push forward.

Overlord allowed a brief pause, letting everyone process what they had just heard, before continuing with another question. "You also mentioned earlier that fusion, such as what we use with the True Depravita of Wrath, is prohibited in the Divine Realm."

Odinvaldr nodded, his expression turning more serious. "That is correct. Due to the nature of life in the Divine Realm, fusion between beings is strictly forbidden. Primordial Gods are manifestations of the Laws themselves, and their followers carry fragments of that essence. When such beings fuse, it often leads to instability, mutation, and corruption. It is a danger that cannot be tolerated."

Overlord pressed on. "Then what other restrictions should we expect within the Tournament of Gods?"

At this, an awkward expression briefly crossed Odinvaldr’s face, as if he knew his next words would not be well received. Still, he did not hesitate.

"Well... as its name suggests, only Gods are allowed to participate."

For a moment, the room fell completely silent.

Then, almost simultaneously, the expressions of the group shifted into shock. Several of them nearly rose from their seats in disbelief. Not a single one among them was a God, nor had any of them ever intended to become one.

Even Altharion, who possessed a unique nature as a human-God hybrid, had deliberately avoided that path. It would have been easy for him to ascend as a God, and his growth would have been significantly faster, yet he had chosen otherwise.

The reasons were clear. The path of the Gods in the Higher Dimension was restrictive. Their power was tied to their Divine Kingdoms, binding them to a fixed domain for eternity. Their growth depended on the faith of others, forcing them into a cycle of harvesting belief. To them, it was not freedom—it was a cage.

Odinvaldr could clearly read the dissatisfaction and resistance in their expressions. He raised his hand slightly, his voice calm but firm.

"I understand your hesitation, but do not mistake the Gods of the Higher Dimension for those of the Divine Realm. Here, Gods are not slaves to faith. Their power does not depend on worship. Instead, they grow through the nature of the realm itself, by refining Divine Power and merging the Laws into a Divine Domain that becomes one with their very being. They are free to move, free to act, and free to evolve through their own strength and understanding."

The group’s eyes widened slightly as they processed this revelation. The concept of Gods in the Divine Realm was fundamentally different from anything they had known.

Vlad finally spoke, his voice calm yet carrying a deep weight of thought.

"If that is truly the case, then evolution into a God would not be unacceptable. However..." He paused briefly, a complicated expression appearing on his face. "There is still the matter of time. Becoming a God cannot be easy, and even with your assistance, I assume it is not something that can be achieved quickly."

Odinvaldr nodded without hesitation.

"You are correct. Even with my guidance, it would normally take years for you to reach the level required to participate in the Tournament of Gods."

The atmosphere grew heavy once more, yet before concern could fully take hold, Odinvaldr continued.

"However," he said, his eyes narrowing slightly, "the catastrophe that destroyed my previous representatives left behind a gift."

As he spoke, the Primordial God raised his hand.

In the next instant, radiant golden orbs materialized before them, pulsing with an ancient and profound power that seemed to resonate with the very fabric of existence itself.