Omniscience in Marvel 167

167: A Lesson in Power

Leucadius and Aethon stood atop a vast, desolate plateau under a star-streaked sky.

The wind howled across the barren landscape, carrying the faint hum of energy that radiated from Leucadius like a second heartbeat. In the distance, faint flashes of light flickered, remnants of earlier demonstrations.

Leucadius crossed his arms and regarded his son with a mixture of pride and sternness. "Your divinity, the Rule of Power, is not just about brute strength. It's about understanding energy itself—how it flows, how it can be harnessed, and how it can reshape reality. Power without control is destruction without purpose."

Aethon nodded, his young face set in determination. "I understand, Father."

Leucadius raised a brow. "Do you? Let's test that understanding." He gestured to a boulder nearby, its massive size towering over Aethon. "Destroy it. Any way you can."

Aethon approached the boulder, placing his palm against its cool surface.

Closing his eyes, he willed energy into his hand and the stone began to crackle faintly with sparks, but the energy dissipated, leaving the rock unscathed causing him to frown.

Leucadius stepped closer. "You're thinking too small. Raw energy isn't a tool—it's an extension of your will. Focus on the flow. Feel the energy around you, inside you, and let it amplify your intent."

Aethon took a deep breath as his father's words fell. He had been training with his father for as long as he could remember so he was used to his father's way of speaking during training sessions like this one.

Spreading his awareness outward, the air vibrated with latent energy and he began drawing it in as his hand glowed brighter, and with a deep hum, he slammed his fist into the boulder.

A thunderous crack echoed across the plateau as the rock shattered into fragments.

"Better," Leucadius said, though his tone remained measured. "But raw strength alone won't always be enough. Sometimes, you must absorb before you unleash."

He held out his hand, and a sphere of bright, pulsing energy formed in his palm. "This is pure kinetic force. Defend yourself." Without warning, Leucadius flicked the energy at Aethon.

Aethon instinctively raised his arms to block, but the energy slammed into him, sending him skidding backward. The impact left him breathless.

"Focus!" Leucadius barked. "Feel the energy coming at you. Don't resist it—take it in. Redirect it. Use it."

Gritting his teeth, Aethon stood and steadied himself. When Leucadius flicked another blast, Aethon focused on the sensation of the energy hitting him.

This time, he didn't push against it, instead, he pulled it into himself, feeling the energy coursing through his veins.

"Now, release it!"

Aethon thrust his arms forward, releasing the absorbed energy in a brilliant explosion that illuminated the plateau.

The shockwave ripped through the air, scattering debris and leaving a charred crater in its wake.

Leucadius smiled faintly. "Good. That was Energy Absorption—one of the most fundamental skills under your Rule. But it's only the beginning."

Aethon, breathing hard, looked up at his father. "What else can I do?"

Leucadius turned, gesturing to the horizon. "With time and practice, you'll wield Absolute Force, amplifying your strikes to rival the most devastating natural disasters. You'll command bursts capable of incinerating armies with a single blast."

"And one day, you'll master recoil, storing the energy of the universe's strongest attacks and sending them back a hundredfold."

Aethon's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "So, I'll be unstoppable?"

Leucadius chuckled darkly. "Hardly. There's always a greater force, always a sharper blade. What makes you powerful isn't your divinity—it's your understanding of its limits and your ability to overcome them. That's the real lesson."

Aethon nodded slowly, his gaze shifting to the shattered remnants of the boulder. "I'll remember that."

"See that you do." Leucadius placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Now, again. Show me how you absorb and redirect energy—but this time, try not to destroy the plateau."

Aethon smirked. "No promises."

…

Aethon's focus deepened as he prepared to absorb another of his father's energy orbs. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his muscles tensed with strain.

It was unknown to him how much time had passed since Leucadius had increased the intensity, launching the orbs faster, their radiant energy vibrating with destructive force.

"Stay calm, Aethon," Leucadius instructed, his voice steady. "Feel the energy. Command it."

The next orb flew toward Aethon, brighter and denser than the last. He steadied himself, but as it slammed into his chest, the sheer force overwhelmed him.

Aethon cried out, dropping to one knee, the orb destabilizing and dissipating painfully across his body.

"Get up!" Leucadius demanded. "Energy doesn't wait for you to be ready. Control it, or it will control you."

Aethon gritted his teeth, rising shakily. "I… I am trying."

Leucadius nodded approvingly. Another orb materialized in his hand, this one larger, pulsing with chaotic energy. "Prove it."

The orb shot forward with terrifying speed. Aethon tried to absorb it, but he faltered.

The energy resisted his pull, splintering and exploding on impact causing him to be thrown backward, his body landing hard on the rocky ground.

"Aethon!" Leucadius called out sharply, striding unhurriedly toward his son. Aethon's eyes fluttered, his consciousness fading.

And then… everything stilled.

Aethon's body remained motionless for a moment before his eyes opened again, now glowing with an eerie, golden light. His posture shifted, exuding calm confidence. The wind around him stilled, as though the very air acknowledged the change.

[Ah,] a voice—calm yet devoid of emotion—spoke through Aethon's lips. [It appears my host has reached his limit.]

Leucadius stiffened, his gaze sharpening. He had an inkling on who this was and immediately flicked another orb.

The being raised Aethon's hand casually just as Leucadius hurled another orb.

Without hesitation, the energy was absorbed mid-flight, flowing smoothly into Aethon's body like a river meeting the ocean. Aethon then inclined its palm upwards, releasing the energy in a precise, controlled beam that sliced through a distant rock formation without so much as disturbing the ground beneath them.

Leucadius crossed his arms, unimpressed despite the flawless execution. "Interesting. But if you're so capable, why didn't you help when he was conscious?"

The Almighty inclined Aethon's head respectfully. [Because it is not my role to intervene unless absolutely necessary. I am a guide, an assistant. My purpose is to support, not to act in his stead. His growth depends on his effort, not my interference.]

"And yet," Leucadius said, his voice growing stern, "you acted without his consent just now. How is that assisting?"

The Almighty hesitated. [A fair rebuke. I acted because his life was in immediate danger of destabilization. My host's survival is paramount to his growth.]

Leucadius narrowed his eyes. "And you think I wouldn't have stepped in if it came to that?"

The Almighty remained silent for a moment before bowing. [I apologize. I underestimated your vigilance. My actions were premature.]

Leucadius sighed, rubbing his temples. "You're fortunate I value his development over my pride. But hear this, if you want him to rely on you, he must choose to. Don't take that choice away from him again."

[Understood,] the Almighty replied solemnly. [When my host awakens, I will ensure he understands the nature of our partnership.]

As the golden glow in Aethon's eyes faded, his body slackened, collapsing into Leucadius's waiting arms. The father cradled his unconscious son, his gaze softening.

"You'll get there, Aethon," Leucadius murmured. "But only if you learn to rely on your own strength—and to know when to ask for help."

The stars above flickered faintly before the scenery changed and they were back in Eden where Leucadius private laboratory was situated.

…

Eden was no ordinary dimension. It was a creation of intent, a realm tailored for research, training, and growth.

It was here Adam and Eve were bioengineered and evolved from their previous biological species into the First Homo Sapiens.

The simulated terrain they had fought in before was but one of its countless configurations, each designed to push limits without risking irreversible harm.

Leucadius carried Aethon to a floating platform, the soft glow of diagnostic instruments springing to life around them.

Placing his son down carefully, he observed as the system scanned Aethon's vitals, its quiet hum filling the air, and in the next moment, the result displayed confirmed what Leucadius already suspected, his son had drained himself dangerously close to collapse.

"You pushed too far," he said, his voice soft and affectionate.

At that moment, Aethon stirred, his eyelids fluttering as he regained consciousness. "Dad…" he murmured groggily, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

"You're awake," Leucadius replied, stepping closer. "Good. You need to rest."

Aethon blinked, his mind piecing together fragments of what had happened. "I felt it again… that power. The Almighty…"

Leucadius's expression changed for a moment. "Yes. It responded when your control wavered and you lost consciousness."

"You must understand, Aethon, power without discipline is chaos. And chaos will consume even the strongest of wills."

The boy nodded faintly, his energy too depleted to argue. For as long as he could remember, Leucadius always laid emphasis on discipline and control.

To him, power without these two characteristics was pure Chaos and chaos had never once been the main character of any event.

Satisfied, Leucadius turned to the console embedded in the platform. With a subtle command, Eden began to shift again.

The laboratory and its diagnostic equipment melted away, replaced by a tranquil meadow bathed in golden light. The warm air carried the faint scent of flowers, a deliberate design to ease recovery.

"This will help you recover," Leucadius said, his tone softening slightly. "When you're ready, we'll resume. There is much to learn, and Eden will prepare you for what lies ahead."

Aethon let out a deep breath, his body relaxing as the serene environment enveloped him. Leucadius watched for a moment longer before turning away, his mind already planning the next steps.

Eden was the perfect place for preparation, but Leucadius knew it could only take Aethon so far.

The boy's journey would demand far more than simulated battles or controlled environments. For now, though, rest was the priority.

As Leucadius left the meadow, he glanced back briefly at his son, his resolve unwavering. The path to greatness was long, but Aethon would not walk it alone.

"You wanted to explore the vast world out there, right? I'll be sure to make you strong enough to enjoy the things I couldn't." Saying that, Leucadius figure disappeared into the darkness.