Chapter 180: The Reclamation of Power
Sung Jin-Woo, in his ever-expanding mastery as the God of Shadows and Life and God of Creation and Abundance, continued his recalibration of the multiverse by reclaiming portions of his power from key figures. Having already withdrawn his fractional power from the Duo Dragons, he turned his attention to one of his most trusted creations: Umbrios, the First Layer Lesser Absolute, and the wielder of the Scepter of Dominion.
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1. Reclamation of Power from Umbrios
Umbrios' Role:
As the First Layer Lesser Absolute, Umbrios wielded immense authority over the multiverse's hierarchical order, enforced through the Scepter of Dominion, a divine artifact forged from Sung Jin-Woo's power.
Umbrios was tasked with maintaining balance and ensuring that the multiverse adhered to Sung Jin-Woo's laws.
Withdrawal of Power:
Sung Jin-Woo reclaimed 5% of the divine power he had granted to Umbrios, reducing his overall strength.
Despite the reclamation, Umbrios retained the Scepter of Dominion, albeit with reduced potency.
Reasoning Behind the Decision:
Sung Jin-Woo sought to prevent over-reliance on borrowed power, even among the most trusted entities.
By reclaiming power, Sung Jin-Woo ensured that the growth of his creations remained rooted in their own capabilities and not merely in his divine essence.
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2. The Scepter of Dominion's Adjustment
The Scepter of Dominion, a tool of unparalleled control and enforcement, underwent changes following the withdrawal:
Reduced Range: Its influence over the multiverse's layers diminished slightly, focusing on the first few layers of reality.
Enhanced Precision: While its overall power lessened, the scepter became more specialized, allowing for precise manipulations within its sphere of influence.
Umbrios' Mastery: Umbrios adapted quickly, learning to wield the adjusted scepter with greater skill and ingenuity.
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3. Umbrios' Response
Umbrios, ever loyal to Sung Jin-Woo, accepted the withdrawal with humility and gratitude:
Acknowledgment of Wisdom: Umbrios understood that this was not a punishment but an opportunity to evolve beyond reliance on divine augmentation.
Rededication to Duty: With the reduced power, Umbrios focused on refining his command, proving his worth through strategy and leadership.
Strengthening of the First Layer: Umbrios reinforced the foundational layer of the multiverse, ensuring stability and growth even with the reduced influence.
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4. Impact on the Multiverse
Ripple Effects:
The withdrawal of power sent waves across the multiverse, subtly altering the balance of forces.
Lesser beings, sensing the shift, began to grow more ambitious, testing their limits under the watchful eyes of the Divine Triad.
Reaffirmation of Sung Jin-Woo's Supremacy:
The reclamation underscored Sung Jin-Woo's absolute control over his creations and his commitment to nurturing independence among them.
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5. Sung Jin-Woo's Reflection
From his throne in the Umbra Citadel, Sung Jin-Woo contemplated the balance of power within the multiverse. His words echoed through his realms:
"Power is a gift, but it is also a responsibility. To wield it wisely is to grow, and to grow is to ascend. Let each creation rise on its own, for that is the essence of divinity."
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6. Umbrios' Growth
With his power adjusted, Umbrios focused on:
Building Alliances: Strengthening ties with other powerful entities within the multiverse.
Creating Subordinates: Developing a new generation of enforcers to maintain order under his command.
Refining Strategies: Innovating new ways to fulfill his role without relying solely on raw power.
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7. A New Era of Balance
The withdrawal of power from both the Duo Dragons and Umbrios marked a new era in Sung Jin-Woo's multiverse. It was an era of growth, independence, and the pursuit of excellence—a reflection of Sung Jin-Woo's divine vision.
The multiverse, ever-evolving under Sung Jin-Woo's guidance, stood as a testament to his unmatched wisdom and power. Even as he reclaimed what was his, the beings he had created continued to flourish, proving that true divinity lay not in dependence, but in self-realization.