In the boundless expanse of the Void, where darkness reigned and time twisted upon itself, Nasir stood, muscles taut, sweat slicking his brow. The weight of unseen forces pressed down on him, a relentless gravity that threatened to buckle his knees.
"Is that all you've got?" Eberus's voice echoed, dripping with disdain. The god lounged effortlessly amidst the shadows, his form both part of the darkness and distinct from it. "I've seen mortals carry heavier burdens in their sleep."
Nasir gritted his teeth, pushing against the oppressive force. "Easy for you to say," he shot back. "You're not the one being crushed."
Eberus chuckled, a sound that resonated through the void. "True, but then again, I'm not the one who needs training. You wished for power, Nasir. Power demands sacrifice."
With a roar, Nasir forced himself upright, the gravitational field dissipating around him. His chest heaved as he glared at Eberus. "What's next?"
"Impatient. I like that," Eberus mused, a sly grin playing on his lips. "But power isn't just about brute strength. It's about control, finesse. Let's see how you handle the shadows."
The darkness around them stirred, tendrils of inky blackness writhing like serpents. They lunged at Nasir, who instinctively dodged, rolling to the side.
"Don't run," Eberus chided. "Command them."
Nasir focused, reaching out with his mind. The shadows hesitated, then, slowly, they responded, coiling around his arms like obedient pets.
"Good," Eberus nodded approvingly. "But can you shape them?"
Nasir concentrated, molding the shadows into a blade. It shimmered with a dark sheen, an extension of his will.
"Impressive," Eberus admitted. "But a weapon is only as good as its wielder. Attack me."
Nasir hesitated. "You're a god."
"And you're my avatar," Eberus countered. "Show me you're worthy."
With a determined shout, Nasir lunged, shadow blade slicing through the air. Eberus effortlessly sidestepped, the blade passing harmlessly through his form.
"Too slow," Eberus taunted. "Again."
They sparred, Nasir attacking, Eberus evading, each movement teaching Nasir the limits and potentials of his newfound abilities.
After what felt like hours, Nasir collapsed to his knees, exhausted. "How… long have we been at this?"
Eberus tilted his head, considering. "Time in the Void is… fluid. What feels like hours here could be mere moments in your world. Or vice versa."
Nasir frowned. "So, I could train here for years and return to find only days have passed?"
"Precisely," Eberus confirmed. "It's one of the benefits of this place. Endless training without the worry of time slipping away."
Nasir's stomach growled, a reminder of his mortal needs. "Speaking of slipping away, I haven't eaten since… I don't even know when."
Eberus laughed. "In the Void, your physical needs are… suspended. You won't starve, nor will you thirst. But the sensation remains, a reminder of your humanity."
Nasir nodded slowly. "Convenient."
"Indeed," Eberus agreed. "Now, tell me, Nasir, how do you plan to gather worshippers for me? Power grows with belief, and I need followers."
Nasir wiped sweat from his brow, considering. "I've been thinking. Influence is key. People idolize those they see as successful. If I rise in the world, become someone people admire or fear, they'll listen."
Eberus leaned in, intrigued. "Go on."
"I could establish a brand," Nasir continued. "Clothing, music, art—all infused with your essence. Make it desirable. People will wear it, talk about it, spread your name without even realizing."
Eberus nodded slowly. "A subtle indoctrination. Clever."
"But there's more," Nasir added. "What if we introduced a substance, something that grants a taste of your power? A drug that offers a high unlike any other, a connection to the Void. They'd crave it, and through it, they'd come to worship you."
Eberus's eyes gleamed. "Dangerous. But effective. Such a creation would bind them to us, body and soul."
Nasir met the god's gaze. "Can it be done?"
Eberus grinned. "With your determination and my power? Anything is possible."
The Void pulsed around them, a testament to the alliance forged in its depthis. Together, they would reshape the world.