Chapter 1: The Birth of Phanes

A lone soul drifted in the middle of an endless, chaotic space. This realm was an ever-changing expanse, a cosmic dance of creation and destruction. Universes formed and collapsed in an eternal cycle, stars ignited and faded, yet the soul remained untouched—an anomaly in the boundless flow of existence.

It had no face, no features, only the vague outline of a humanoid form, flickering like a dim ember in the void. Time had no meaning here. Seconds, centuries, or even eons could have passed, and the soul would not have known.

Then, after an unknowable stretch of time, consciousness stirred.

"Where is this place?"

The soul's thoughts coalesced as it observed its surroundings. The chaotic space was breathtaking—a celestial masterpiece filled with swirling galaxies, cascading nebulae, and luminous rivers of energy flowing endlessly into the void. It was as if the universe itself was painting an eternal mural of light and shadow.

Just as the soul was lost in awe, a deep yet soothing voice echoed through the void.

"Ah… you have awakened."

Startled, the soul snapped out of its reverie and looked around. Despite having no eyes, it could perceive its surroundings clearly. Then, it saw it.

Before the soul stood a colossal figure, radiating an overwhelming yet strangely comforting light. The being's very presence was divine—an entity of pure brilliance. However, despite its blinding glow, the light was not harsh or unbearable; rather, it enveloped everything in warmth and serenity.

The soul hesitated for a moment before asking, "Are you… a god?"

Even in death, it retained its knowledge of mythology and literature. The concept of divine beings was nothing new to it. If anything, this entity perfectly matched the depictions of primordial gods in countless legends.

The radiant figure chuckled softly. "I am… but also not."

A moment of silence passed before it continued, "Let's just say I am the one who manages this place. This is the Primal Chaos—a realm beyond creation, where countless universes are born and fade into oblivion."

The soul processed the words before another question surfaced. "Then… how did I end up here?"

The entity's voice was calm yet held an undeniable weight. "Unfortunately, you have died. But instead of passing on to your designated afterlife, you were transported here—an accident, if you will."

The soul remained silent for a moment, digesting the information. Then, with surprising indifference, it muttered, "I see."

The entity paused, seemingly intrigued. "Oh? You are rather calm about your death."

The soul let out a soundless sigh. "I suppose I should feel regret… but honestly, there isn't much to grieve over. I had no attachments in my past life. No family, no close friends. I was an orphan… I lived alone, and I died alone. That's just how it was."

A brief silence stretched between them. Then, the soul spoke again."So, what happens to me now? Are you going to send me to heaven or hell?"

The entity shook its head. "I'm afraid that is no longer an option for you. This place—the Primal Chaos—is beyond the cycle of life and death. The usual rules do not apply here."

A slight wave of unease passed through the soul. "Then… what will happen to me?" It asked, a tinge of distress creeping into its voice.

The entity's presence remained calm, but there was something unreadable in its tone. "You have two choices."

"First, I can allow you to reincarnate into any universe of your choosing, with your memories intact. In addition, I will grant you two wishes to aid your new life."

"Second, you can remain here forever. You will become my assistant, helping me manage the Primal Chaos. Over time, you will evolve into a higher being, beyond mortal comprehension."

The soul didn't hesitate. "I choose the first option."

It might have been an honor to remain here and transcend, but the thought of staying in this void for eternity, even as an all-powerful entity, wasn't appealing. 'Who would want to be stuck in this place with only one person for company? No thanks.' The soul internally rolled its nonexistent eyes.

The entity chuckled, as if it could hear the soul's thoughts. "Very well. Now, state the universe you wish to be reincarnated into, along with your two wishes."

The soul took a deep, imaginary breath, brimming with excitement. This was its chance—a new life, a new beginning, in a world of gods and legends. Without hesitation, it declared its decision.

"I want to reincarnate in the Greek Pantheon."

The radiant entity remained silent for a moment, its presence unwavering as it listened. The soul continued, its voice filled with anticipation.

"For my first wish, I want to be reincarnated as a third-generation god in Greek mythology."

Being born as a direct descendant of the Olympians would give it an advantage—status, power, and access to divine knowledge. It didn't want to start as a mere demigod or mortal; it wanted to stand among the gods from the very beginning.

"For my second wish, I desire extreme comprehension talent. A gift that allows me to easily understand and master anything—concepts, divine authority, martial arts, magic, and anything else I wish to learn."

If it were to thrive in a world filled with powerful deities, intelligence and adaptability would be its greatest assets. With such an ability, no form of knowledge would be beyond its grasp.

The entity regarded the soul for a moment before speaking. "Granted."

A warm, yet unfathomable power surged around the soul, signaling the irreversible acceptance of its wishes. The radiant figure's voice softened.

"Then, farewell, young soul… I hope you achieve what you desire."

As the soul prepared to depart, the entity suddenly spoke again.

"Ah, before you go… After spending time in the Primal Chaos, your soul has undergone significant changes. Do not worry—it is a blessing, not a curse. You will understand its effects once you grow stronger."

The soul barely had time to process the cryptic words before the entity lifted its hand. With a simple snap of its glowing fingers, a swirling black sphere materialized before them. It pulsed with an ominous yet strangely soothing energy, exuding an irresistible force.

The soul felt itself being pulled in.

"Thank you…" it whispered, just before being completely swallowed by the black void.

The entity watched in silence as the sphere collapsed into itself, disappearing along with the soul. A knowing smile graced its unseen lips before its radiant form slowly faded into the endless expanse of the Primal Chaos.

Once again, the vast, ever-changing realm fell into its eternal silence, as if nothing had ever disturbed it.

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In the heart of Mount Olympus, within a grand, radiant castle, an ethereal woman lay on an opulent bed, her face contorted in pain as labor consumed her. This woman was Rhea, the Titaness and Primordial Goddess of Motherhood, Fertility, and Marriage. She was the daughter of Gaia and Ouranos, both among the original Primordial Deities who had shaped existence itself.

The vast chamber was silent except for the sounds of her labored breaths, the atmosphere thick with divine energy. Even as beads of sweat glistened on her forehead, her beauty remained untarnished—golden hair cascading like rivers of sunlight, framing her delicate yet regal face. Her striking violet eyes burned with determination as she endured the final moments of childbirth.

Then, with one final, agonized cry—

"AHHHH!"

A powerful pulse of divine energy rippled through the room.

At long last, the baby was born.

He was unlike any child ever seen before. His golden hair radiated a divine glow, casting shimmering reflections on the ornate marble walls. The entire castle seemed to brighten, illuminated by an unseen force emanating from the infant.

As the newborn slowly opened his eyes, the world itself seemed to react. His green irises gleamed with an otherworldly brilliance, resembling the very essence of life itself. At that moment, life force surged through the castle, making the very stones pulse with newfound vitality. Flowers bloomed spontaneously in vases, the very air thickened with an intoxicating aura of creation, and the sky above Olympus glowed with a warm, golden light.

But that was not all.

The very fabric of space itself trembled, warping and distorting in response to the infant's awakening divinity. The air shimmered unnaturally before everything abruptly settled, as if nothing had happened. Within mere seconds, the extraordinary phenomenon vanished, leaving only the silent infant in his mother's arms.

Rhea's violet eyes widened in shock.

"A newborn awakening his divinity…?" she whispered, trembling.

This was unheard of. Even among the Olympians and Titans, gods typically took years—if not centuries—to fully awaken their divine nature. Only the original Primordial Deities, beings of unfathomable power, were ever born with their divinity fully intact.

And yet, her son had done just that.

She gently cradled the divine child, her heart swelling with awe and love.

"So my son's major divinities are Life, Light, and Space…"

Her voice was filled with wonder as she gazed at the radiant child in her arms. The castle still shimmered faintly from the remnants of his divine energy, a testament to his unprecedented power.

With a warm smile, she whispered, "As the personification of Life, Light, and Space, I shall name you… Phanes."

It was a fitting name. Phanes—the bringer of light and life, a being destined to shine above all others.

But before she could fully revel in the moment, an ominous presence approached the castle.

Rhea's expression darkened as she turned toward the grand entrance. She could sense the approaching footsteps—the heavy, commanding stride of a ruler.

The massive golden doors swung open, and a towering figure entered.

A giant of a man, broad-shouldered and clad in a regal tunic of deep green and gold, stepped inside. His body was thick with muscle, his aura exuding overwhelming dominance and authority. His piercing amber eyes held an intensity that could shatter wills.

This was Kronos, the Titan God of Time, Harvest, and Agriculture—the ruler of Mount Olympus and her husband.

His gaze fell upon her, then drifted downward—to the small bundle in her arms.

Rhea looked up at him with a soft smile, "My king, look at our son. He is… extraordinary."

For the briefest moment, a flicker of emotion crossed Kronos' face.

Awe.

The baby was undeniably divine, more radiant than even the gods he ruled over. The sheer presence of the infant was overwhelming, his golden glow a stark contrast to the cold, calculating nature of the Titans.

But then, Kronos' expression twisted into something far darker.

Horror. Fear. Rage.

His hands clenched into fists, veins bulging from his arms as a dreadful realization struck him. His voice trembled with restrained fury.

"Rhea… give me the child."

Rhea's smile faltered, replaced by a look of confusion. "What? Why?"

Kronos' amber eyes burned with paranoia as he took a step closer. "This child is not a Titan. He is too powerful. He will be a threat to my throne."

Rhea instinctively pulled Phanes closer to her chest. "What are you saying? He is your son!"

Kronos' expression hardened, his tone unyielding. "Give me the child. Now."

A dreadful silence fell upon the room.

Rhea hesitated, but under the weight of his gaze, she reluctantly placed the baby in his large hands.

Her heart pounded in unease.

Then, before she could react—

Kronos opened his mouth and swallowed Phanes whole.

Rhea's entire world shattered in an instant.

Her violet eyes widened in horror. "KRONOS! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!" she screamed, her voice raw with devastation.

Kronos' golden eyes remained cold, devoid of remorse. He wiped his mouth before speaking in a grim tone, "That child was too dangerous. He would have taken everything from me."

Rhea's body trembled with uncontrollable fury and despair.

"Are you still afraid of what Father told you?!" she spat, her voice shaking.

Kronos flinched slightly at the mention of his father. Ouranos had once prophesied that one of Kronos' own children would overthrow him, just as Kronos had done to him.

But the Titan King remained silent.

Rhea collapsed onto the floor, clutching her stomach, her tears falling freely. "But he was our first child… He was mine! Bring him back!"

Her broken sobs filled the grand chamber, but Kronos remained emotionless.

He turned away, walking toward the entrance as if nothing had happened. "You will bear me another child," he declared.

Rhea's grief turned into fury. "No! Bring me back my firstborn!" she roared, her voice filled with hatred.

Without hesitation, Kronos raised his massive hand and struck her across the face.

Rhea was thrown backward, crashing into the marble wall with a sickening thud.

She clutched her bruised cheek, trembling with both pain and rage.

Kronos simply glared at her. "You will do as I say, woman." His voice was devoid of emotion. Then, without another word, he turned and left the chamber, disappearing into the depths of the castle.

Left alone in the empty, lifeless room, Rhea curled into herself, her sobs echoing in the silence.

"I'm sorry, my child… I couldn't protect you… sob… sob…"

Tears fell from her violet eyes, soaking the marble floor beneath her.

But deep inside her heart, something shifted.

A seed of hatred and rebellion had been planted.

And one day, that seed would bloom into vengeance.

(To Be Continued)