Dune's vision blurred as a sharp pain pierced his head. Darkness consumed him, and when he opened his eyes, he was standing in an unfamiliar room.
Before him stood Bethel, his angelic face unreadable.
Dune hesitated, his voice breaking the silence. "Why would you choose me?"
Bethel laughed softly, his expression serene. [ I thought it would be more interesting. ]
Dune frowned, suspicion darkening his face. "What's that supposed to mean? And what do you want from me now?"
Bethel's gaze softened. [ I want you to keep surviving. To become strong enough to fight for yourself. That is all. ]
Dune's expression hardened. [ Nothing else? You expect me to believe there's no catch? ]
Bethel's lips curled into a faint smile. [ You mortals are so shortsighted. I've saved you more times than you realize, and this is the answers I get? ]
"What are you talking about?"
Bethel's tone was almost playful. [ Let me think…The Red Wolves in the forest? Nely appearing out of nowhere when you needed the boat to cross Zeten water? Maybe it's your own ability called Nebastep that fits you so well. ]
Dune's eyes widened in shock. "You… that was all you?"
Bethel's smile didn't falter. [ Yes. But don't let it go to your head. I need you alive. And in return, you'll gain strength. Enough to survive even worse trials."
Dune realized that Bethel wasn't wrong. Still, it didn't feel right not knowing the true reason behind all of this, but he didn't really have a choice.
He looked at Bethel. "So now what?"
Bethel stood up slowly. [ I will tell you my true name. You will only pray using that name if you want to ask me something important or if there is an urgent situation and you need a help. ]
[ But first, let me explain something to you." His gaze was calm but firm. "Now that you're a Zeten, you have two sources of power. Soon, you'll receive my blessing, which will make it easier for you to master Zeten. But there's something you must understand…
[ Zeten is different from Neba. With Neba, you must hunt an animal, take its core, and use its abilities. But for Zeten… the animal is born inside you. It forms based on your life experiences, and this creature will know you better than anyone else. ]
Dune listened intently, his curiosity growing. How did one advance with Zeten? And what about Neba? These were the questions burning in his mind.
Bethel seemed to read his thoughts and continued. [ To advance in Zeten, you must obey whatever your Zeten creature tells you to do. If you refuse… there is a penalty. But if you comply, you grow stronger. However, Zeten does not give easy choices. That is why most Zetens commit unspeakable acts, slaughtering thousands just to gain power. ]
[ And if you refuse too many times? The whispers begin. They grow louder and louder until they drive you mad. Eventually, your Zeten creature will take over your body… and unleash chaos. ]
Bethel paused, his voice heavy. [ This is why advancing as a Zeten is so difficult. But Neba is just as challenging in its own way. Both paths have their struggles, it reflects the nature of gods and humans alike. Zet created Zeten, driven by madness and destruction, much like humans. And Zeus created Neba, a power that tests your worth, soul, and purity. ]
[ But now you… you have both. ]
I have both? What does that mean? Dune was confused.
Bethel's expression darkened slightly before he spoke again. [ There's another key difference between them. Unlike Neba, which grants you seven different abilities, one for each core color as you progress, Zeten only gives you one. Just one ability, chosen by the creature within you. But as your Neba grows stronger, from green to yellow, then orange, red, blue, and finally purple… your Zeten ability will also develop, gaining new functions and becoming more powerful. ]
[ That's how Zeten works. One ability, but ever-evolving. Unlike Neba, which grants variety, Zeten forces you to master and adapt. ]
He fell silent for a moment, studying Dune's expression before finally speaking again.
[ I think that's enough for now. When you reach Rendely, you should enter the academy. And don't bother hiding your Zeten mark from King Aramir, it's not even worth to try. My name is enough to keep you safe. ]
[ At Bloodrose Academy, you'll learn more about both Neba and Zeten. As for how to advance in Neba… I'll leave that to the humans to teach you. ]
[ Take this. ] A ring appeared in the air, glimmering with a white crystal that seemed to pulse with a soft, inner light.
"What is this?" Dune asked.
[ That's a ring. This is how I will share my blessings with you. When you go back to your world, remember that only minutes have passed. You are still close to a forest next to your destroyed city, Fein. ]
[ In this dimension, where we currently are, and dimension where trials happened, time passes faster. Twenty five days have passed here, but only twenty five minutes in the human and gods' world. So, Dune, when you go back, you still need to survive. ]
[ Monsters are walking around everywhere in Fein. When you go back, you need to find one creature with white markings and beautiful white wings, but it might find you first. When you find it, you just need to say the word XXXXX. ]
[ When you say this word, the creature and its powers will become yours, but be careful no one other than you should hear this word. That's how I will share my power with you. ]
[ You will receive the mark of the blessed, which means you will be able to control your Zeten better and be less likely to lose control of your powers. ]
[ Like that, the higher-ups and King Aramir from your continent Sanatria will spare you all and let you live in the castle territory. That's what will happen. ]
Dune was overwhelmed, struggling to process all the information. Bethel sighed and pointed at Dune's chest. [ Take a look. ]
Dune looked down and saw it, a green cross tattoo on his chest. "What? Where did this come from?"
[ Thank me for that. And now, Dune, it's time to say goodbye. I wish you luck, my precious blessed human. ]
Bethel was about to leave but then stopped. [ Oh, I almost forgot. One more thing. ]
[ When you hear the word XXXXX from someone else, you should wake up. ]
"What? When I hear someone other than me say the word XXXXX, I wake up? What does that even mean? I don't understand."
[ You will,] Bethel said as he left.