Parallel Vol. 5

Chapter 42: Realm Goddess Juno

Realm Goddess Juno, an assumed relic of a time long past. Only a select few amongst those remaining even knew what she represented. Over a thousand years ago, most of the land was segmented in 'level zones.' The gods placed these restrictions to prevent situations where, say, a level 300 warrior would go into a level 10 area and utterly decimate the denizens. Humes needed time to grow from level 1 to the higher levels. In a world without level restrictions, the humes at higher levels could easily bring about extinction-level damage if they constantly killed off lower-leveled communities.

Managing the levels of the various zones was an important task that required constant monitoring and adjustment as populations rose and fell. However, due to the fact that whomever carried out this role was bound to the same restrictions, not even minor gods agreed to take on this responsibility.

Eventually, Ferulic and Aethir decided to grant Divine Authority to a chosen mortal, thus elevating them to a pseudo-god. The Divine Authority would prevent the pseudo-god from aging, but did not grant true immortality. The selection particulars are not important, but eventually Realm Goddess Juno was chosen from a group of qualified mortals to oversee this important task.

Juno's mortal kafu body put her at risk of death, but since she always retained the highest level in whatever realm she regulated, she never truly feared for her life – that was until she met Razznik.

Razznik Y'Terlow broke every conventional rule. Despite being level 500 like her, the demon completely crushed her after an arduous battle. From this moment, the epics diverged on what happened. Some stated that Razznik slaughtered her to take down the restriction, while other claimed that Razznik killed her and took her power for himself. These two explanations prevailed until a few hundred years ago, when level restrictions suddenly returned to the world.

The absence of gods strengthened the theory that Razznik stole her power for himself, but there was no way to confirm for sure. That was at least, until now. Realm Goddess Juno's presence seemed to confirm that Razznik did not in fact steal her power!

But was that truly the case?

"Mother?" "Mother!"

A pair of disbelieving sons called out in shock. However, where one's voice was laced with confusion and caution, the other held certainty and excitement – like he just confirmed something he already knew for a fact.

Bert did not miss his brother's strange tone. He flew down and stopped a few meters from the woman bore a striking resemblance to his mother. He then looked at Cathek who had flown a few meters away from him, so the trio formed a triangle of sorts. "You knew?"

"Can one really know anything?" Cathek revealed a gloating grin as he winked at his brother. The playful kafu was obviously elated, and intended to squeeze as much joy out of this moment as possible.

Bert, however, was not in the mood for his brother's games. His gaze turned extremely dark as he clenched his fist. "I do not have time for your games. Answer the question."

Cathek's smile faltered. Even he could sense his brother's rising rage. Bert was usually so quiet that most people took him for a doormat. However, of the seven, while Cathek would call Lucius the strongest, the scariest member was without a doubt, Bert!

On another day, Cathek might have egged his brother on, if only to see that stone-like expression crumble for once. Unfortunately, he knew time was not on his side. So, he sighed and admitted the truth. "I truly did not know. But I had my doubts concerning mother's death once I found out the reason Razznik hunted her down in the first place."

Bert frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"Razznik, a hitman for the gods." Cathek chuckled. "Do you really think that arrogant bastard would ever do anything for the gods?"