DESTINY GAMES

Icon looked at his chest. It was hollow. He didn't have lungs because he didn't need them. He didn't have an oesophagus because he didn't need to eat. He didn't have trachea or larynx because he didn't need them to speak.

He didn't have a heart either, because he doesn't have blood anymore. There his heart should be, was a golden spark of light and energy. It was his reward for becoming a demigod. Eternal life was his, but now he had to give it up to save mankind.

He took a deep breath. He didn't need to, but it calmed his mind. It calmed his mind enough to make the decision he needed to make.

He said with determination, "I'll do it."

Odin clapped slowly, "Impressive display from the champion of Earth-11. Exactly as expected."

"But that is not the only thing you need to create the divine flame. Go on and see for yourself."

Icon heeded his words and put his arm into his hollow chest. He gripped his divine spark and took it out. This weakened him immensely, but it didn't kill him.

He extended the hand holding the spark towards the weave of destiny. He was rewarded with a notification.

-Divine Spark Detected?

-Do you wish to create a Divine Flame?

-You will need to offer all ties of karma and 10% mortal lives as tinder for the flame.

-Yes or No?

Icon was shocked. Then he became angry.

"What is the meaning of this?" He roared in anger.

It was a feeble roar since he was so weak. But his anger was strong. Even the spark in his hands responded to it. It grew brighter along with his anger.

"I have done all of these only to have to sacrifice more? No one told me all of these."

Zeus sneered at him and said, "What is the matter? Were you not willing to sacrifice yourself for your world? What is one more sacrifice?"

Odin interceded with an explanation. "We have spent a lot of energy to align Earth-11 with Yggdrasil. That energy and the alignment have granted you the power and opportunity you currently possess."

"But if you are hell bent on biting the hand that fed you, you must pay the price, and it must be in blood. You must give up the power you gained, and you must sacrifice the destiny of the people that supported you. After all, a spark still needs tinder to create a flame."

"It shouldn't be a problem since it is going to be for the good of your whole world. Surely, your sacrifice will be worth it."

Icon didn't think so. To him, it was a big problem. Not only did he have to sacrifice himself, he had to sacrifice the people that supported him and the lives of 10% of all living things on Earth-11.

The second request was the part he had the most problems with. These were the people that helped him. They were hoping for peace, but they would only get death.

But there's more. He can see all the people who will die because of his decision. Among them is his pregnant wife. She will die with the unborn child in her, leaving their young son as an orphan.

That means if he goes through with this decision, he will leave his son without parents. His son will then be at the mercy of other humans. Could he trust other humans to take care of his son? Did he want his son to suffer the pain of losing both his parents?

The answer is no. Not after he had seen the worst that the apocalypse had brought out of humanity. The main thing that motivated him through all the struggles he went through was to protect his family and friends. But now, the decision that will save all of mankind will kill what he cares most about.

Unfortunately, for mankind, he wasn't willing to make that sacrifice. So he said, "You know what? Fuck it."

He took back his hand and deposited his divine spark where it should be.

Odin smiled and said, "Now that we have gotten past that awkward moment, let us move on to more pleasant things. Take the weave of destiny and bring fuse with it. That will let you take control of the Destiny of your world. You will be able to create a Pantheon for Earth-11. Who knows, you might even become a god king like us." 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

The atmosphere had changed after he decided not to destroy the weave of destiny. The gods were no longer angry with him. They still didn't like him, but they were no longer radiating disapproval.

Icon asked as he gripped the silver ball of threads, "I'm guessing that by doing this, I will open Earth to Yggdrasil completely. You will be able to come here, and the monster incursions will continue."

"Yes. But it is a small price to pay for power. And you don't need to concern yourself with that because of your current power and the power you will gain soon. All will be well for you and your loved ones."

Icon fused with the weave of destiny. He was granted power beyond imagination because of it. He felt like a god. He could kill anyone from Earth-11 with a single thought. He had all the power in the world.

The power was addicting. But he didn't lose himself to it. Actually, he did the opposite. He decided to divide the power with everyone instead of hording it.

He knew he justified not sacrificing everyone he loves to save Earth, but he still felt guilty about his decision. So, he decided to do something to reward everyone on earth for helping him. He decided to give everyone power.

So the weave of destiny scattered in his chest. He said to himself, "From now on, it won't be just a few people who get to awaken. Everyone will be able to awaken. Everyone will have control over their destiny and will be able to protect themselves. It is the least I can do."