Celestial Ascendancy.
Chapter 95: A Firm Stance.
Sanctuary.
Elias Black.
Despite not being in my best state of mind after learning those things from Kernel, I knew that this meeting was not something I could leave for later. I was tired, grumpy, hopeful, and so many other things that I couldn't correctly name even if I tried.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, focusing on the back of my mind as I controlled the dimension to do my bidding.
Despite saying 'controlled', it couldn't even be called that. Without the Kernel, there was not much I could do to affect the dimension, at least for now.
But simply opening a door was something I could do.
Doing it fast was another thing. I could hear the sounds from the people around me fading as I focused on my task, feeling the eyes on my form as I waved my hand.
Thankfully, a door materialized next to us without much delay. Mostly because I had a feeling that this meeting was going to be important, and I didn't want to test Odin and the other gods trying to open a gateway by themselves.
Their knock had been polite, but it was better not to dwell.
The door was as magnificent as the rest of Sanctuary, made entirely of the Aetherius in a similar way to my sun. Despite the sheer beauty of the moment, no one spoke even after I opened my eyes. They were simply too busy focusing on our guests.
Iris and the rest of my girls nodded at Odin. He was a known quantity for our group after our many meetings, and no one could say that he wasn't invested in us, or me and Iris, to be exact. Enough to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Despite that, many of them were tense watching the other figure materialize next to the old man. A tall being, a couple of inches above me. He was a burly man, as old as Odin but with a springiness that you simply couldn't see in the Norse God.
Dressed in an… armor? It was unique to the eye, with numerous sprouts emerging from it. Despite his strange looks, he was an absolute monster.
Looking at him with my third eye that opened by reflex, I couldn't help but nod at him respectfully. His 'soul' felt significantly younger than Odin's, but it was as vast as his.
Why did the old man bring him here? I certainly couldn't get a break. I knew that Odin didn't have a single idea what had happened during the last seven days to me, but the bastard was even smirking as I tried to swallow a sigh.
Which only made him laugh louder. But even Odin and his partner were mostly busy watching the scene around us.
"You outdid yourself again, lad," Odin guffawed, pocking the clearly magical grass with his cane. He did something as I felt his power surge for a second, but a flash of the Aetherius came out of the floor, making his eyes wide as it attacked his cane.
"You can say that again, Odin," I shrugged unconcernedly, trusting him enough to know he was still looking out for us. "I can't say that I expected to see you anytime soon, though."
"Hm," he grunted, looking at our group in curiosity, "The time axis around your group is all messed up. I didn't know what to expect from your actions, but it certainly wasn't this."
"Is that dangerous?" Hermione asked curiously, and I couldn't help but smile softly at her. She had come a long way, talking to someone so above us without an ounce of fear like before. She held her head high, but her eyes were brimming with curiosity.
"Nothing the Beelzebub can't fix, lass," he shrugged, "But enough of that, explain what happened."
Serafall's eyes narrowed at this. She and Ajuka had been surprisingly silent since their arrival. But after a moment of hesitation and sending a glance between themselves, she opened her mouth.
"While I'm sure this conversation is something I wish to know, I'm afraid that we must depart. We're busy people, and we disappeared for a long time. I just know that Red must be panicking in the Underworld," she sighed, with Ajuka nodding next to her and looking at his niece.
"Latia, I know I don't have to say it, but make sure you pay attention. I will wait for your report when you return home," he said neutrally, almost as an afterthought. Despite the clear order that came out of his mouth, Latia preened proudly, puffing her chest and nodding at Ajuka.
"I have a report over forty pages, Lord Beelzebub," she said proudly, "It's already redacted, if you wish to take it with you."
I almost laughed at the indecision that showed on Ajuka's expression, but he shook his head almost sadly.
"As curious as I am, I think we'll be busy enough without it thanks to someone," he said drily, nodding in her direction.
Grinning sheepishly, I shot him an apologetic look, which he just waved off, "Don't worry about it, Elias. I can't say I didn't learn something out of it. And the confirmation of the existence of a consciousness of the Heaven's system is enough for now."
"We'll take our leave," Serafall hugged me before she hugged the rest of my girls and nodded politely to the Wizards awake, "We'll wait for you, Eli, Rias. Remember to consider the shortened schedule. Be sure to finish everything. And don't think I've forgotten about our bet, Eli."
The wink she sent my way did something to my stomach, and I couldn't help but take a peek at my girls, who were grinning or sighing with knowing looks. I knew what they were thinking, but I wasn't sure if they were right.
Hell, I didn't know what to think. It was a strange thing, one that could… complicate many matters, but I was happy to let things progress as they wanted to.
I kept the door open as they walked towards it, looking at it curiously. Ajuka looked as if he wanted to take a piece with him, but controlled himself after a moment. Waving without looking, I felt their presence disappearing from Sanctuary before I let go and closed the gate.
Odin and his silent partner flinched for a second, almost in unison. I shot them a concerned look, which they just waved after a moment.
"That is always unpleasant," The God said plainly, speaking for the first time. His voice was rough to the ears, and I couldn't help noticing the politeness in his tongue, "My name is Lugh, boy, the Chief God of the Celtic Pantheon."
I opened my mouth to reply in kind, but he beat me to the punch, "And you have some explaining to do… What were you thinking of opening a dimension and anchoring it inside our territory? Some people would call it foolish, but you don't look the part."
Maybe it was my current emotions, but a lot of my goodwill disappeared faster than I could see. Iris's sword returned to her hand with vengeance, her magic bubbling beneath her skin. The others, thankfully, weren't as overt, but I could feel the tension in the air skyrocketing.
Odin, to his defense, sighed before he palmed his face.
"Brat," he looked at Lugh with twitching lips, "didn't we agree that you would let me speak first? I swear, I've told you enough times that your mouth brings more problems than your fists."
Lugh looked at him, deadpan, "I don't see why we should waste our time, Odin."
It had the same polite tone, but I could see the sheer exasperation burning inside his soul.
Odin shook his head, amusedly. "Bah, what about a tour in that school of yours, lad? We'll have this meeting after that. And ignore light bright over there, he can't help but say what's on his mind."
The light bubbling beneath Lugh's form intensified for a second, but Odin just shot him a look, and he sighed.
"Fine," he grumbled, "At least you were wise enough to talk me out of bringing The Morrigan this time. Lead the way, boyo. We'll talk later; I can not deny that I'm curious about seeing a New Haven created in this age."
Elias Black.
New Hogwarts.
While I had said that I had done most of the heavy lifting of building Sanctuary, seeing it personally, what I had created showed how much Kernel truly helped me. It was beautiful in a way I couldn't put into words. Hogwarts was a place that would always hold a special place in my heart, as it was the first place I truly called home.
The orphanage tried, and I loved everything about it; I was thankful for everything they did for me and the other kids for many years. However, Hogwarts had a way of worming its way into your heart. I wasn't shocked about the students staying in a clearly flawed world thanks to this.
It was exceedingly rare for a Muggleborn to return to the 'normal' world after graduating from Hogwarts at twenty-one. Perhaps spending seven years outside of it affected that decision, but the love the school instilled in us had an even higher chance of changing our minds.
And this new school? It was simply out of this world. Before, it was vast thanks to the war. Many families disappeared from the face of the earth thanks to it, and that's why a lot of the classrooms were empty, but now? Kernel and I made sure that even if we got the French inside, there would be even more empty space than before.
There was a kind of ethereal beauty on every single brick, every single pane, everything inside of it that screamed special. Not even the Gods could hide their surprise as we walked towards the Room of Requirements, and the less said about us mortals, the better.
As I said, I was surprised about it too. Dumbledore openly shed tears as he saw his castle, and I made sure to ignore the way Sirius was also tearing up as he watched its corridors.
"I can't believe it," Hermione's eyes were wide as she touched the stone for the hundredth time, "Every place is filled with magic, Eli. How did you do it? Every single step reminds me of your magic."
"Kernel helped me," I shrugged without thinking as I walked in front of the portrait, focusing on a cozy but formal meeting room for us. It was obvious that some members of our group wanted to explore, but this was important enough that we needed to present a unified front.
In a way, this was the first meeting of the wizards of Britain as a faction, and we couldn't afford to mess it up. Despite Lugh's almost threatening words, I was going to trust Odin. I didn't know Lugh's personality, but Odin sounded like he had experience with it.
The door appeared in front of me and I opened it, smiling at what was inside. In a way, I had been worried that this move would affect the many, many enchantments around the school. Still, Kernel clearly took care of keeping everything in place.
I could even feel the ghost souls in stasis, not being affected by the purifying properties of the Aetherius that filled every breath we took.
Motioning with my hand, I let everyone walk inside before I stopped Iris for a second after everyone passed.
She raised her eyebrow at me but waited patiently.
"Love, need you to do me a favor," I patted her head softly, earning a cute huff from my lately goth girlfriend.
She huffed cutely, and I made sure not to mention her pressing her head against my hand.
Smiling, I continued, "Can you go inside the Hollow and prepare for me to call you four? I already returned everyone to consciousness there, just wait for Ash to teleport you all."
Iris took the trunk from my stretched hand before nodding, looking at me in askance.
"Let Dobby know that we have special guests, and that he uses the best things he has on hand. As for the rest, I have a feeling where this conversation is going, and I want to have Ash and Gulltopr at hand. You know what they say, fake it till you make it," I chuckled, but my expression was serious.
Iris's eyes widened in understanding before she grinned, "I'll get them ready. I think we still have some things that Grayfia gifted Rias the last time we saw each other."
Giving her a quick peck, I turned to the door and walked inside, finding everyone already seated.
With the only empty chair sitting in the middle, I bit the urge to sigh before I took a seat.
It was obvious that, despite the many times I had said that I didn't lead the wizards, Amelia and the rest wanted me to take the lead.
She was probably overwhelmed, so I couldn't fault her. She grew up in a world where Dumbledore was the pinnacle of strength, and until recently, that was all she knew.
And she didn't have the same experience as we did when dealing with overpowered bastards. In a way, I pitied her, but at least she had us to take the burden when it was needed.
"It's a beautiful world, what you have created, Elias," Odin began softly, his eyes searching mine, "But I know you, perhaps better than any other God out there. You shouldn't be capable of making something like this."
And so, I explained. Not all I learned during Kernel's visit, obviously, but enough for me to explain how any of this was even possible. It wasn't something… important, in a way. Serafall had mentioned the many relationships the Abrahamic factions had with other pantheons, and she had said that the Celts were close to the angels.
In a way, I understood that better now. Lugh was… like Baldur, surprisingly enough. There was something pure and holy about him.
It made sense that the angels had some dealings with a Pantheon led by him.
"The heaven system has a consciousness, then," Odin looked at me, almost worriedly.
I lifted an eyebrow his way, but he just rubbed the back of his neck.
"I was hoping you were wrong, lad. Many of the things we talked about make even someone like me worry. To hear that you were right makes your other claims more believable," he defended himself.
I was a bit offended by his words, so I rolled my eyes, "I know that I'm a newborn when compared to your lot, Odin, but what we've talked about has been the truth. Lying about those things would be foolish to the extreme, and like your friend said before, I'm not a fool."
"Most of the time," Fleur giggled fondly, batting her eyelashes at me. Her joke brought some smiles and even snorts from some of us. Being the winner, I clearly was, I pinched her with my magic, making her jump.
"Most of the time," I accepted with a gracious nod, "But yes, that's the gist of it. Kernel helped me create this. I guess that he had some kind of experience with him, since you know… Heaven. I'm not capable of making this."
"That doesn't take away the responsibility for your actions, Elias Black," Lugh said calmly as he observed me, "Last time we saw each other, Odin stayed my hand from slaying you before you could become a problem. However, this is not something that can be explained in simple terms. Many of my Pantheon are seeing this as Wizards challenging our rule."
The tension from before grew exponentially at that, with the Incinerate Anthem appearing behind Fleur as her smile froze in place. Hermione's necklace burned with magic, as well as Holy lightning flying through Akeno's fingertips.
The rest were the same. Rias' power of destruction almost went haywire as she observed the god of light with nearly dead eyes, and I could feel Ash and Gulltopr roaring inside my head.
Even my magic bubbled, but I kept it on a tight leash. Not because I wasn't angry, I was. Believe me, I was.
But because I didn't see any threat to his soul.
I looked at him seriously before turning to look at Odin.
Who was groaning to his hands. I could see the way his knuckles whitened around his spear, hidden as a cane, before he sighed.
"Aye, it's as he says, lad," Odin said softly, "It was during your wizarding war, when you were unconscious in front of the gate to the otherworld. I defended you and promised Lugh that I would keep an eye on you."
"That being said," he stopped looking at me and glared at Lugh as his power exploded. It wasn't like the spat he had with Amaterasu during the peace talks; in fact, this moment made that one seem like a spat between children.
The very walls of the new Hogwarts began trembling as the Aetherius that filled them began to act out, as if wanting to contain the venerable tsunami of power coming out of the aged god… and failing.
"Remember that you are under my umbrella, Lugh. Don't speak out of turn before I decide to take offense. Wizards are not under your Pantheon, or any other. They are not your enemy, and won't be, unless you and your lot force the issue," he said calmly, his lone eye narrowed at the God of Light who was trying to match his power.
The stare down lasted some seconds, but I knew that for some of us, it felt like ages. Dumbledore, Sirius and Amelia being the most affected from our group. They were visibly trembling and sweating like pigs.
I looked between the pair of Gods who were glaring at each other, then I stood up.
Their eyes glanced in my direction, but I met them calmly despite my lower standing compared to them.
My power began increasing exponentially, the very Aetherius filling the air, synchronizing with mine as the gates inside my soul opened wide, far wider than any time before.
And yet… I was a candle to their firestorm, but I didn't let that make me falter.
Under Odin's appreciating gaze and Lugh's studying eyes, Durindana materialized into my hand, my messianic grace expanding wildly. The very light of the world seemed to dim when it was siphoned inside of my body as the well of power increased with no abandon.
With a thought, I called for the gate of Hell from the depths of this dimension. It felt even easier to call than to the outside world, much to my surprise. But I couldn't, nor did I have the opportunity to marvel at that.
With a bit of sleight of hand, I called my helpers. Iris appeared in a flash of golden light as Ash teleported her in, her magic exploding in just a second as death's feeling embraced us all. But that wasn't all, no.
Despite Lugh looking at her with an open mouth, I looked at Odin, who was glancing at Gulltopr with an open mouth. My mount clearly recognized the Odin of this world, giving him a faint nod before he roared to the heavens as his very form filled up to the brim with the Aetherius, giving him an otherworldly world as his power increased to match Serafall's during our spar.
As for me? I called the blessing of Hell. Odin's eye widened as human bone covered my body like armor before my power tripled in less than a second. Two Kushinasha came out of the gate and punched their chests like gorillas before roaring.
These ones were bigger, big enough to require crouching to avoid damaging the ceiling. Over twenty meters high, each, both of them stronger than the ones who survived against Serafall.
I, on the other hand, already dwarfed the peppy devil in my current state. The grimoire mentioned that I would reach a point where it could be comparable to a shikai or afinar, and the closest comparison to this world was the balance breaker some sacred gears were capable of reaching.
My very light turned sinful, an inferno of malice threatening to overwhelm me for a moment before I shook my head.
I locked eyes with Lugh, neither angry nor afraid. No, I was polite in my response.
"Wizards have been left alone since ancient times, God of Light," I said softly, "Circumstances you must already know have forced us to the open, and that brings making difficult choices."
His eyes darted between my armor, to Iris, to Ash, and Gulltopr and the beasts of Hell, before they turned to me.
"But if there's one thing I won't ever apologize for," I said thoughtfully, "it's taking care of the ones who can't do it for themselves. The Japanese Wizards were gutted by some faction, and there's not a single moment when I will hesitate to make sure that doesn't happen to my people. It is my duty, it is my choice, and I would make the same decision, even if you were against it."
While my power was still behind the two monsters in front of me, Lugh kept his eyes locked with mine as he barely inclined his head, almost graciously.
"Good," he murmured, as if talking with himself, "I can not say that having a Fae offspring becoming divine is something I expected, but you have the bones for your place."
And, as if everything had been a bad hallucination, his power returned to a tight leash faster than I could blink. Watching him now was like seeing an older, wiser man with a gray beard and unusual attire. Not a God capable of causing destruction across our safe haven without any effort.
"You will be tested, not only by me but the whole world when they decide to face you, boy," he continued softly, his lips quirking so fast that I didn't know if I just imagined it, "You are an abomination, a Fae, a divine, a messiah… Your mere existence is an affront to many divines. You must have the conviction to continue. I, Lugh, Warrior-King, accept your reasoning. Odin was right in protecting you, as you are no being of Chaos."
Then, as if a mirage disappeared, a sword that materialized from his previously empty hand returned to him. He had been pointing it at me, not in a threatening way, but doing something.
Something I had no idea about.
When Odin saw the sword, he burst out laughing, going as far as smacking his leg a couple of times, "You are an infuriating god, brat."
I sent a look at Odin, which only made him laugh harder.
"Fragarach," Odin said simply, as if that were an answer enough.
Not that I had a single idea of what was going on.
But Mione did, gasping as her eyes widened before a tiny smirk appeared on her face as she let out a giggle.
"The answerer," she said between giggles, "It's said that pointing it at someone is enough to make them speak truthfully."
She shot me a warm look, but I just laughed.
She probably wasn't thinking about this, but… I hadn't felt a single thing. I wasn't affected by it, my mind being an impenetrable wall against any effect.
Not that I had even lied, but the point stood.
"So, that was all a test?" I asked him, "What about your Pantheon?"
"You can call it that," he shrugged unconcernedly, before he let out a soft laugh, "Oh, they do see it as a challenge, but I am Lugh, boy. My word is the law."
"And what is what you want, God of Light?" I asked.
"An answer to an unfulfilled question," he replied softly, "But that's not for now, and we can only hope it stays like that for a long time. You are simply not ready to face the otherworld."
"Was this all about the Fae, then?" I looked at him with a frown.
"Indeed," he replied simply, before he nodded politely at me, then at Odin, "I thank you for your hospitality, Elias Black, All-Father. But it's time for me to leave."
I shot a confused look at Odin, but he just sighed and waved his hand, "Let him out, lad. He'll pay a visit to the gate before returning to his forest. Make sure the seal is still strong after you failed to bring it inside here."
"It's not here?" Hermione shouted from her face, her expression paling.
"Aye," Odin nodded, "A good thing, too. We don't know how it would have acted if it were inside a place like this dimension."
Feeling a cold sweat on my back, I nodded as I opened the portal for Lugh, earning a quiet thanks, before he walked outside.
But life wasn't easy, when I thought it was over, I heard some parting words from the God. Inside my head, like telepathy.
"Do not mistake acceptance from approval. My sword shall remain sheathed, but it is still sharp."
When no one was watching, I sent a small 'understood' in reply and closed the gate.
Odin almost slumped in his seat as the gate closed and shot me a look.
"And you brat, how in Hell's decrepit old ass did you somehow gain an authority over the Underworld? You know the kind of mess you'll be in when other factions find out?!" he asked, lips twitching in amusement, irritation, and who knew what else.
"And for fuck's sake, bring me some beer," he chuckled, "I always need one when I dealt with lighbright over there. I swear, I prefer to deal with Loki than him."
Mimicking him and slumping on my chair, I glanced at Iris, who giggled before snapping her fingers, and Dobby appeared on top of the table before he clapped, food and drinks appearing in abundance.
Odin grabbed a mug, before drowning it in a single gulp and smashing it against the table.
Before he could open his mouth, the mug disappeared, and another, filled one, took its place. The great god looked at it in silence before he smirked.
"I want one of those. Ah, and Elias..." he finished his second mug as a third one appeared, "Don't think I don't have any more questions. Starting with... Where the Hell did you get that overgrown Lion? He's supposed to be dead!"
And my good mood took a hit. At least I had some excuses ready.
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