Chapter 113: Testament - 2

Seventh Testament, spoken by Calean, God of Insects and the Underworld:

"Remember those who came before you, for even the smallest creature leaves something behind. The dead may return to the earth, but their actions remain within the world they shaped. Honor them not by mourning forever, but by carrying their legacy forward."

Eighth Testament, spoken by Coasta, God of Water and Harvest:

"Those blessed with abundance must not forget those who possess little. Water flows toward the places that need it, and harvest exists so that the hungry may eat. What you possess gains greater meaning when it allows another to survive."

Ninth Testament, spoken by Catalyst, God of Dragons and Ice:

"Everything that lives will eventually fall, yet an ending does not command you to remain broken. Ice melts, forests burn, and kingdoms collapse, but from their remains another age may rise. When everything is lost, build again."

Tenth Testament, spoken by Ragnir, God of Lightning and Pride:

"Never bow your head simply because another commands you to. Know your own worth, stand proudly upon your achievements, and accept the consequences of your failures. A person who refuses to believe in their own strength has already defeated themselves."

The Pantheons stared at the words that had appeared within the newly created scripture.

Yet the creation of the first book did not end their discussion.

"There is something missing," Le Von Dia finally said.

The others turned toward him.

"If there are teachings that guide people toward what they should become, then there should also be teachings that challenge them," he continued. "The world cannot understand righteousness if it has never been forced to confront what stands against it."

The idea immediately divided the council.

Some believed such teachings could corrupt civilizations, while others argued that forcing people to confront opposing beliefs would make their choices more meaningful. Moleius remained silent for several moments before finally nodding.

"Then let there be another book," he said. "Not one that commands people to become evil, but one that gives voice to everything that stands against the teachings we have already written."

And so, the second book was established.

THE ABYSSAL TESTAMENTS

First Testament, spoken by Pandi Flyde, Goddess of Blood and Destruction:

"Life has value because it can be lost. Do not cling to everything simply because it breathes. Some things must be destroyed, and some lives must end, for destruction is not always an enemy of creation. Sometimes it is the beginning of something greater."

Second Testament, spoken by Akira, God of Greed:

"Take what you desire before someone else takes it from you. The world does not promise you anything, and wanting something does not make it yours. If you possess the ability to obtain it, then seize it, for opportunity belongs to those who reach for it."

Third Testament, spoken by Sebastian Flyde, God of Darkness, Death, and Night:

"Do not fear the things that frighten you. Fear is born from the unknown, yet darkness is only dangerous to those who refuse to enter it. Walk into the night, confront what waits within it, and learn to become the thing others fear."

Fourth Testament, spoken by Le Von Dia, God of Evil:

"Your strength belongs to you alone. You are not born into this world to carry the burdens of strangers, and no one possesses the right to demand your sacrifice. Protect yourself first, for a person who destroys themselves for others eventually leaves nothing behind."

Fifth Testament, spoken by Moleius, God of Wisdom:

"There are truths that should never be uncovered. Some knowledge brings salvation, while other knowledge brings ruin. Do not mistake curiosity for wisdom, for knowing something does not mean you possess the strength to survive what comes after."

Sixth Testament, spoken by Ragnir, God of Pride:

"Nothing should remain above all others forever. Break the throne, challenge the king, overturn the order, and never allow one power to become absolute. From conflict comes change, and from change comes the possibility of something greater."

Seventh Testament, spoken by Akira, God of Greed:

"The dead have already received their ending. Do not allow their memories to chain the living to a world that no longer exists. Let the forgotten remain forgotten, and carry only what is necessary into the future."

Eighth Testament, spoken by Ragnir, God of Pride:

"You owe the world nothing. Strength does not make you a guardian, wealth does not make you a provider, and kindness does not make you a servant. Your life belongs to you, and no one else may decide what you must sacrifice for theirs."

Ninth Testament, spoken by Le Von Dia, God of Evil:

"Do not attempt to resurrect everything that has fallen. Some civilizations deserve to disappear, some traditions deserve to die, and some worlds must be erased completely. There are times when rebuilding the old is nothing more than preventing the new from being born."

Tenth Testament, spoken by Rize, God of Blades:

"Truth is not always the answer. A lie can prevent a war, preserve a kingdom, or give hope to someone who would otherwise collapse. Do not worship truth blindly, for sometimes the world survives because someone had the courage to deceive it."

When the final words were written, the council fell silent.

They had all come up with something.

Even those who had once been ordinary individuals, possessing knowledge limited to their own experiences, had managed to create teachings that could influence entire civilizations. It was almost unsettling how naturally the words had come to them.

Perhaps this was another consequence of becoming something beyond mortal.

They had not merely received divine authority.

Their bodies, minds, memories, and very understanding of the world had been transformed.

And now, for the first time, the creations below would have something far greater than simple stories to follow.

They had been given teachings that could shape civilizations, inspire kingdoms, create churches, cause conflicts, and influence generations long after the Pantheons themselves were forgotten.

The Divine Testament and the Abyssal Testaments were born.