After defeating the last wave of elite troops, Yuan Jin and Hu Xue finally took a moment to catch their breath. Aether, who remained calm as usual, glanced at them before Yuan Jin raised a curious question.
"Aether," Yuan Jin began, wiping the sweat from his forehead, "Why are you so overwhelmingly powerful? Are you truly the strongest being in the entire universe?"
Aether glanced at him, her eyes calm and unbothered. She remained silent for a moment before a faint smile appeared on her lips.
"Strongest? You might think so, but the universe holds countless mysteries. Even I am not invincible," Aether replied. "There was once a creature—an existence beyond comprehension—called Giganeoth, or Gu Jianai in ancient texts."
Hu Xue furrowed his brows, intrigued. "Giganeoth? What kind of being was that?"
Aether snapped her fingers, activating her system, and a series of data screens appeared in front of them.
[System Activated]
Name: Giganeoth (Gu Jianai)
Title: God of Fate
Origin: Unknown
Power Level: Immeasurable
Description: A mythical creature that existed billions of years ago, known as the embodiment of fate itself. Giganeoth had the power to control the destinies of countless beings and conquer entire galaxies within seconds. Its presence alone was enough to bend the laws of reality and transcend time itself.
---
[Battle History: Aether vs Giganeoth - The Battle of Eternity]
Duration: Millions of years
Result: Giganeoth sealed in the Cosmic Dimension by Aether
Risk Assessment: High
Yuan Jin's eyes widened in shock. "You fought against something like that... and won?"
Aether let out a faint sigh. "It wasn't a victory. I managed to seal him within the Cosmic Dimension—a realm of pure consciousness and energy. Even now, I visit that dimension every year to strengthen the seal. If he were ever to break free, the entire universe would descend into chaos."
Hu Xue couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine. "So... you're saying that even with your current power, you might not be able to defeat him?"
Aether nodded slowly. "Giganeoth's power is on an entirely different level. Even after millions of years, I can't predict what would happen if he were released. That's why maintaining the seal is my top priority."
Silence fell between them as they tried to process the sheer scale of Aether's past battle. The fact that such a being existed and was still sealed away sent a shiver through their hearts.
Yuan Jin couldn't help but ask, "If he's that powerful, why didn't he destroy everything back then?"
Aether's gaze turned distant. "Because fate itself is unpredictable. He claimed that his purpose was not to destroy, but to test the limits of creation. In a way, he was merely following his nature as the God of Fate."
Hu Xue frowned. "A being of such power... testing creation? That's beyond comprehension."
Aether looked up at the sky, her thoughts wandering. "That's why I exist, to maintain balance and ensure that fate doesn't spiral out of control."
Yuan Jin and Hu Xue glanced at each other, both amazed and fearful of the weight Aether carried on her shoulders. Despite being the Supreme System, she too bore the burden of protecting the universe from an unimaginable catastrophe.
"Let's move on," Aether said softly, breaking the silence. "We still have a mission to complete."
Without another word, they resumed their journey, each step heavier than before, burdened by the revelation of the ancient and eternal struggle.
---
After hearing Aether's story about Giganeoth or Gu Jianai, Yuan Jin and Hu Xue were stunned. They couldn't imagine a being that could even overwhelm Aether. However, their respect for Aether only grew stronger. Aether noticed her students' expressions and chuckled softly.
"You don't need to think too much about it. Giganeoth is securely sealed. I make sure to reinforce the seal every year," Aether said calmly.
Yuan Jin looked at Aether with curiosity. "But, Master... Is there a possibility that the seal could break? I mean... if the seal is weakened by an external force?"
Aether paused for a moment. "If an external force equal to Giganeoth were to emerge, it could happen. However, as long as I am alive, I will not let that happen."
Hu Xue sighed in relief. "So, we don't have to worry about it for now, right?"
Aether nodded slowly. "Correct. For now, our focus is to conquer Planet Xizhuang and stop Ji Wutian's ambitions."
Suddenly, a powerful tremor shook the ground. A rumbling sound came from the direction of Planet Xizhuang's city center. Yuan Jin immediately sensed a tremendous aura emanating from there.
"What was that?" Hu Xue asked cautiously.
Aether squinted her eyes, activating her system to detect threats.
[Threat Detected]
Name: Lu Fang
Status: God of Strength
Age: 5.000 years
Origin: Planet Xizhuang
Power: Mass Energy Manipulation
"A God of Strength?" Yuan Jin was surprised. "Is he one of Ji Wutian's followers?"
Aether nodded. "He is one of Ji Wutian's Four Guardian Gods. It seems he decided to stop us before we reach the city center."
In the distance, Lu Fang appeared with a massive body and bulging muscles. His eyes glowed red, radiating a terrifying aura of strength. He laughed loudly upon seeing them.
"Hahaha! So these are the disciples of the Supreme System? Truly disappointing," Lu Fang mocked.
Yuan Jin gripped his sword tightly, while Hu Xue chanted a fire spell in her hands. Aether just stared at Lu Fang with a cold gaze.
"You're just wasting your time," Aether said flatly.
Lu Fang stomped his foot on the ground, creating a shockwave that leveled the surrounding buildings. "You think I'm just playing around? I'll destroy you all here and now!"
But before Lu Fang could move, Aether raised her hand and snapped her fingers. The space around Lu Fang suddenly distorted, and his body was trapped in immense gravitational pressure. Lu Fang struggled to break free, but the invisible force completely immobilized him.
"Resistance is futile," Aether said without emotion. "Your strength is no match for mine."
Lu Fang growled angrily, gathering all his energy to break free. However, the harder he struggled, the stronger the gravitational pressure became.
"Impossible! I... am the God of Strength!" he shouted desperately.
Aether looked at him coldly. "Physical strength means nothing without understanding cosmic energy."
Without mercy, Aether waved her hand, and Lu Fang's body was crushed until the sound of cracking bones was heard. The giant figure collapsed, motionless.
Hu Xue watched the scene in awe. "Truly incredible..."
Yuan Jin sheathed his sword and looked at Aether. "Master, will we have to face the other three gods as well?"
Aether nodded. "They will appear sooner or later. Stay vigilant and don't let your guard down."
Behind the dark clouds in the sky, the silhouettes of three other figures began to emerge. The aura radiating from them was even more formidable than Lu Fang's.
"It seems the real battle is just beginning," Aether said calmly.
To be continued...