Refusing My God’s Advances

Apollo shook his head. “No, we are not stuck here, but there are a couple factors to consider. The first is to find a proper hero that will have the potential to become strong enough to defend against other Heroes that become blessed. We technically can leave the safety of IHSR at any time, but there are others watching and waiting. The moment that any of us leave, we would have no less than 4 new heroes with 50% blessing, which is the maximum power any god can give of their power.”

Hades nodded. “Normally, as gods of our respective worlds, we should have enough power to provide support to our heroes. The thing is, we have lost all our power, save for the last 5%. If we lose that, we are done, and the world gets its magic back, or the people do. There is a chance another god will rise up, but He might just decide that the world has failed for one reason or another. If that happens, He strips all magic, and technology from that world, resetting it to a primal state.”

There was a lot to digest, but at the end of it, all the information pointed to what I had felt since first meeting Garland. Most gods only wanted to interfere, and it seemed that in this reality, that was not limited to just mortal lives. Even some gods got targets painted on the back of their heads.

I looked at Hades and Apollo again, but this time I didn’t look at them as gods, but as men, and people I wouldn’t mind calling friends. I closed the distance between the men, and offered each a hand. “For the first time, I think I understand why I was supposed to meet you all. That tricky bastard did lie to me when he said that only one of you has problems, but it is what it is.”

“What does this mean?” Apollo asked, looking at my hand, just as Hades did. Then both seemed unsure what they were getting themselves into.

“Means that if you two keep helping me, I will supply you with things that can help your worlds. I have created some interesting things from the ISP, and I think that your heroes, and their parties could benefit from them,” I explained, but getting the items would take time.

“While I understand what you could gain from Apollo, I hardly think that my clothes are enough for you to help my hero,” Hades explained, speaking up, but I cocked my eyebrow at him.

“What do you know about necromancy?” I asked, and Hades froze, only blinking at me in surprise.

“Necromancy? Considering that I control the flow of death, I happen to know a thing or two… Why?” Hades asked, pausing, but then slowly seeming to catch on. “What makes you so interested in the… Oh! That is right! That spirit is a necromancer!”

“Yes. I would like to learn anything that I can so I can get closer to her level so I can use the kind of magic she can. If you can help me with that, I would be more than willing to supply your hero and world with cell phones and satellites. These will give you a way to not only give your heroes a way to level up without even going into the dungeon, but depending on the crystals I get, can give them access to all sorts of magic and abilities,” I explained, my hands still out, but I was starting to feel a bit awkward at this point.

Both gods looked between each other and then smiled.

“Seems that we really are the lesser beings in this conversation,” Hades said and then bowed before speaking again. “I had told you this was just as much a test for us as it was for you, but I am starting to wonder about that. I feel like we are the ones being tested to be granted a higher status, not you, even though I know it is not the case,” he said, and then took my hand. “It would be an honor to work with you, Leon.”

Apollo finally to my other hand and nodded. “The man speaks the truth. I can’t remember the last time that I felt this excited! You don’t even consider how much work it will take! You just do!” Apollo laughed, but I shook my head.

“Not true at all. I put a lot of thought into this. I am not finished yet. I will make you the items, but I will require to meet your heroes, and to give them a list of crystals they will need to gather. I have things to do in my own world that I don’t plan on ignoring just to get wrapped up in your affairs. I am just offering you both a way to increase your hero’s power so one day you can rejoin the… whatever you call the place that holds the rest of reality,” I explained, and the men both nodded and let go of my hands.

Apollo and Hades exchanged looks that held a mix of excitement and solemn understanding. They were aware of the gravity of my proposal and the potential it held not only for their heroes but for their worlds as well.

"Understood, Leon. Your terms are more than fair," Apollo said, his voice carrying an earnest tone. "We'll make arrangements for you to meet our heroes as soon as it's feasible. And regarding the artifacts, let's focus on finding something within your budget that can aid you immediately."

"Good. As for artifacts, paintings, or small pieces are fine, but I don't want any big sculptures. just things that will give everyone good benefits, but also not look weird or gaudy on display," I explained, and Apollo smiled as he waved a hand forward to his collection.

"I think I know what you need. You are a hero with a diverse harem of women, yes?" Apollo asked, and I nodded.