"To earn the first tier of influence over the star domain you must travel to your solar system's star." The words of that quest sat in my mind. As my eleventh day alive began, I mulled them over.
They ruminated in my head and before long I made a decision. It was time for me to gain the first tier of influence over the domain of the stars. But first, I wanted to do one thing. Ask questions.
"I'm going to go ahead and acquire the first tier of influence over the domain of the stars." I, the real me that was currently relaxing in my water temple, said. I was conversing with the system, a few hours after I successfully led the once enslaved victims of the Ardor family to their new home.
"I was wondering if there was anything I should know before I went." I inquired, curious to know more about the strange destination I was going to be heading towards. I was sending a message to the system.
[So you're finally going into space huh? And to the sun no less. Wow.] The system exclaimed a few moments after hearing my initial statement.
"Space? That's a new term." I muttered, both aloud and in my mind, to the system. I heard an almost robotic chuckle come from the system itself.
[The term 'space' in the context of the cosmos is often part of a larger term. The term 'Outer space' is used to refer to the spaces between celestial objects. The domain of the stars is one of those domains with more expansive powers and affiliations than one may realize at a glance. The domain of the stars governs stars, a type of celestial object, astronomical objects, and also powers related to outer space itself.] The system explained.
This new knowledge filled me with excitement. It also explained why the domain was considered one of the greater domains.
[The domain of stars is... an enormously powerful domain. Those who use it and master it gain the ability to form whole new galaxies over the span of a few heartbeats. They gain power that allows them to destroy entire solar-systems in the blink of an eye.] The system revealed, speaking reverentially of the power I would soon have one tier of influence over.
[They can increase or decrease the distances between celestial bodies, which in and of itself can cause unparalleled destruction by changing the effects gravity has on objects or increasing or decreasing the temperatures of worlds.] The system told me, speaking softly.
[In addition to that, the domain of stars grants those who use it some of the mightiest powers granted by any of the domains aside from the domains of life and death. With the domain of the stars and the physics domain, being utilized together one can form event horizons, a part of black holes, with such immense gravity that not even particles or light can escape from their pull.] Said the system, revealing some of the incredible powers I might one day possess.
[Supermassive black holes exist that form the center of many if not most of the largest galaxies. There will come a day when you can create those types of black holes.] I heard the system say, and that almost floored me. It was a sign of how incredible my powers were and would become if I dedicated myself to gaining more knowledge and more power.
I began to ready myself for my journey, thinking that I already had everything I needed, when the system decided to tell me one more useful tidbit.
[There is also radiation in space. I actually recommend that you go ahead and grab the first tier of influence over the radiation subdomain before you venture off into the cosmos.] My companion suggested, causing me to pause and ask it a question of my own.
"Am I vulnerable to radiation?" I asked curiously. The system chuckled and replied to me a few moments later.
[No you're not. That said, gaining the first tier of influence over the radiation subdomain before you go into space will allow you to absorb the ambient radiation you fly through while in space which you can then use freely when you return.] The system explained, shortly before my minimap abruptly lit up.
[I've done you a favor and updated your minimap to display locations where radiation can be absorbed ambiently. If you go to those locations you'll be able to fulfill the requirement to gain the first tier of influence over the radiation subdomain once you've sat in them for a few minutes.] The odd entity explained.
I grinned and teleported to the closest location that was illuminated on my minimap.
Whenever I teleported somewhere my body automatically adjusted to fit whatever circumstances I found myself in. I learned this during the days I was practicing my powers, and it was handy because on more than one occasion I had teleported myself into lava or other uncomfortable places.
That strange ability of mine was used once more when I teleported to the nearest source of radiation. My corporeal form vanished when I teleported, and I found myself existing as an incorporeal specter with a vague, vaporous appearance of the corporeal form I had had underwater.
I found myself inside a layer of solid stone beneath Puerto Rico. I chuckled and waited for a few moments. Within a matter of heartbeats, I felt a wave of heat wash over my incorporeal form. It was surprising but not uncomfortable and once I adjusted to it mentally I just had to wait for a minute before I received a pleasant notification.
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Radiation subdomain details: The subdomain of radiation is the subdomain that governs radioactivity, the process by which the nuclei of unstable atoms lose energy by emitting particles of ionizing radiation. This process is dangerous to many types of objects and living beings. Radiation occurs throughout the universe and in virtually every other universe. By gaining power over it you gain access to a number of strange yet powerful abilities. At your first tier of influence over this subdomain, you don't gain the power to induce radioactivity but you can manipulate existing sources of radiation. You can absorb radiation and expel the radiation you've absorbed. By utilizing the subdomain of radiation you can control battlefields, power machines, and certain types of constructs, as well as eventually manipulate all matters of radiation. To master the subdomain of radiation, you must absorb a total amount of radiation that is... gargantuan. It will take a long time. Radiation subdomain passive powers: Radiation absorption: You can absorb any and all radiation. You were already immune to any damage radiation could do, but now you can absorb and store radioactive energy within yourself to unleash at will. There are different types of radiation. The types of radiation you absorb will be used to power your abilities. Radiation detection: You can detect radiation. It shows up on both your mini-map and your not-so-mini-map. Radioactive aura: You can wrap yourself in an aura of radiation. This aura weakens solid objects and sickens living creatures. Radioactive blast: You can unleash a blast of radioactive energy from your palms provided you have radiation stored within you. Radioactive breath: You can expel a devastating burst of radiation from your mouth. Radiation glare: You can emit stored radiation with a simple glare. Radioactive malleability: Absorbed radiation can be shaped into other things, such as wings or armor that you can graft onto yourself. Radiation subdomain active powers: Radiation-power: You can use the radiation you've absorbed to power an object or construct that requires external power. This is a once a day power at the moment. Radiation-immunity: You can grant someone immunity to the harmful effects of radiation. This power is currently a once a week power and is permanent until you decide to remove it. Someone immune to the harmful effects of exposure to radiation is instead healed by exposure to radiation. Radiation blessing and curse details: You cannot bless someone with this subdomain at the moment. |
I chuckled as I read through the powers, and was suddenly keenly aware of the changes my mini-map was undergoing. It was steadily revealing to me the locations of the closest clusters of radiation.
I smiled and teleported myself up out of the depths of the planet I was and into the sky high above Puerto Rico.
An instant later I found myself high in the early morning sky. It was actually almost chilly for a second before my temperature manipulation power made me feel quite warm. I was keenly aware that this high in the sky it was actually quite cold though.
I was above the highest clouds I could see, and if I looked down I saw them, while if I looked up I could see the sun shining down on me. I oriented myself in the right direction and then shot upwards, propelling myself in the general direction of the sun. I didn't take off at my maximum speed though, I wanted to appreciate this portion of the journey.
I felt the subtle pull of Torus' gravity, attempting to drag me back to the surface of the planet. Or maybe it was my own body somehow wanting to go back to the planet's surface. I considered activating my powers over gravity but realized that it wasn't necessary. I could easily ignore the pull without the help my power would provide.
I sped through the sky, sailing further upward every second and as I did so I gained valuable knowledge curtesy of the system.
[You are currently in an outer layer of the atmosphere. Atmospheres are layers of gases that surround planets and are retained by the gravity of the planets they surround. Torus's atmosphere is divided into six primary layers and a number of secondary layers. You are currently in the thermosphere, which is the second-highest layer.] My companion whispered into my mind.
[As atmospheres are made up of gases you will one day get to create and control atmospheres, once you've gained more control over the subdomain of air and gained more elemental overlord powers.] The system revealed, giving me further glimpses into the power I would one day wield.
[Atmospheres help control planetary temperatures, create pressure to allow liquid water to exist, and even absorb ultraviolet solar radiation thereby reducing its impact on planetary life.] The system told me, happy to educate me as to the impact of the atmosphere. I was just happy to be learning more.
I felt appreciative of the knowledge I was receiving and when the system was done talking I quietly thanked it and focused on my journey.
It took me less than a minute to escape the atmosphere and enter outer space. I felt myself escape the gravitational pull of Torus indirectly. It wasn't like I was suddenly free to go wherever I wanted, but more like the pull that was trying to suck me back to Torus was gone.
I took a moment to properly study my surroundings. If I turned around I could see Torus. I wasn't very surprised to see that it was mostly water, with four large landmasses visible from space taking the portions of its visible surface that wasn't water.
Most of the rest of what I could see was space filled with tiny particulates, and what appeared to be clouds of fine, silvery dust. I couldn't see radiation, but I was keenly aware that I was absorbing it. I felt it seep into my skin, harmlessly.
[What you're feeling is solar radiation. It's some of the energy ambiently produced and released by the sun.] The system explained.
Now that I was outside of Torus I could see the moon off in the distance, spinning away from me. It was a large, gray sphere that was moving away from me at a surprising speed. A part of me wanted to explore it, but I quickly decided to focus on my main mission.
I turned and faced the sun. It loomed larger than ever in the distance and I closed my eyes and teleported to it.
In an instant I found myself only a few hundred kilometers away from the sun. Up close to it I could feel the immense heat of the sun, as well as observe it.
The sun was an unbelievably massive sphere of elements in their plasmic state. It was so incredibly hot that even I, a literal god, could feel its heat. It didn't hurt me, but it was so immense that my ability to regulate my temperature was pushed into overdrive and I could only barely cool myself down.
At the moment I was floating in the sun's corona, one of the layers of the sun's own version of an atmosphere. I felt their immense heat surround and embrace me. This heat was minuscule compared to the heat of the sun itself so I shrugged it off. I floated freely in space for over a minute, before I realized something odd: I hadn't yet gotten the notification that would inform me that I had successfully acquired influence over the star domain.
"Hey... Why haven't I gotten my notification? I'm here, at the sun. Isn't that where I am supposed to be?" I asked the system, annoyed that I was still here and not back on Torus.
[You haven't gotten close enough silly. You need to at least reach the photosphere, the sun's outer shell.] The system explained. When I heard this I sighed and grumbled inaudibly, before going ahead and getting on with the travel I needed to do.
This time I sped up and traveled at my maximum speed. Moving at the speed of light allowed me to easily reach the photosphere, the odd "surface" of the sun. Up close the heat of the sun felt even more intense but was still not painful.
I didn't set foot on any area of the sun, partially because there was no solid surface for me to do so when I finally received the notification I wanted to receive. It filled my vision and brought a grin to my face.
The photosphere of the sun was a strange place of reddish-orange light that completely surrounded me. I was deep inside of it when I got the notification, and in every direction, I looked all I could see was that same eerily colored light. I stood in it for a few moments, before teleporting myself back to Torus. As I vanished from the sun's "surface" I read over the notification I had just received.
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Star domain details: The star domain is a greater domain that governs celestial bodies, outer space, and the phenomena one might witness if they could freely and incorporeally explore the cosmos. It is an incredibly powerful domain, and even at the lowest tier of influence, it grants you considerable power. Gods who mastered the star domain were capable of creating entire galaxies in the blink of an eye. They could have created all manner of cosmic phenomena and could manipulate stars from across the universe. Their powers were incredible, planet altering powers. To gain further influence over this domain you must build interplanetary cults. This means you must build cults with membership on multiple planets, and at higher tiers of influence, you must build cults with membership in multiple galaxies. You must also actually use the powers you've gained before the star domain deems you worthy of earning more influence over it. Star domain passive powers: Asteroid awareness and mastery: You gain total power over asteroids. Asteroids are rocky celestial bodies too tiny to be considered planets. This power grants you the power to create asteroids, using your power to generate stones and manipulate gravity. Asteroids are too small to be considered planets, and they can now be controlled by your will. Asteroids exist throughout the universe and one component of this power is that you are granted an awareness of the asteroids that exist in your solar system. As you gain more tiers of influence over the star domain the awareness you have concerning asteroids increases as well. You can devastate a planet by willing an asteroid a few kilometers in diameter to collide with the world you wish to inflict chaos upon. Asteroid collisions with planets can precipitate extinction events and other horrifying natural phenomena. If you want you can also allow creatures to survive on asteroids as part of your mastery over the rocky bodies. Asteroids can be mined or can serve as bases for interstellar exploration. They aren't just weapons. Comet awareness and mastery: Comets are tiny, icy celestial bodies that are not planets, dwarf-planets, or natural satellites. When they approach the sun or other stars they begin to expel gases that produce visible atmospheres and sometimes tails as well. This power is just like your other power but it applies to comets. To form comets you utilize powers over gravity, temperature, and ice. Lunar energy manipulation: You can absorb and manipulate lunar energy. Lunar energy has a distinct effect on some creatures like were-beasts and you can use that energy, provided you've absorbed enough of it, to force such creatures to forcibly shift. You can unleash it in breaths, beams, glares, or bursts like you can other energies you can manipulate. Meteoroid mastery: Meteoroids are small rocky or metallic bodies in outer space that are smaller than asteroids. Meteoroids become meteors when they enter a planet's atmosphere and begin to heat thanks to collisions with air molecules in the upper layers of a world's atmosphere. This power is just like your powers over comets and asteroids. Solar energy manipulation: You can absorb and utilize solar energy. By standing in the light of the sun you absorb its rays and use them as you wish. This power can devastate certain types of creatures and can be used to inflict devastating damage to others. You can unleash it in breaths, beams, glares, or bursts like you can other energies you can manipulate. Stellar awareness: Your mini-map and not-so-mini-map gain full functionality anywhere your sun's light can reach. Your maps can also map the cosmic bodies you have powers over and can map what's around them as well. Your maps are currently updating to reflect this. To increase the number of stars this power allows you to use as mapping points you must visit more stars. By using domain-sense you can the knowledge needed to teleport to other stars across the cosmos. Your mini-map and not-so-mini-map have a slightly unique quality that allows them to be extra useful. If one of the powers that powers them reaches a boundary it cannot cross but another power powering them can cross it their detectable distance increases. Functionally this means that if the sun's light cannot illuminate the depths of an ocean your elemental sense power allows the maps to continue functioning for the hundred or so kilometers that power can map on its own. Your maps are really, really good now. Star domain active power: Mini-star creation: This is a super attack power. It creates an incredibly tiny star that unleashes heat half as hot as the sun in an area a few dozen meters across, melting and destroying anything in range. It can be used twice a week. Star domain blessing and curse details: By blessing someone with the star domain you allow them to survive the strange conditions they encounter in the emptier parts of outer space, though they can't survive coming close to the sun with just this blessing. Currently, you cannot curse someone with this domain. |
I felt the new powers I possessed surge into me. And as they did one of the biggest, immediate changes was that my maps were expanding. I felt them grow to sizes I never before imagined. It felt odd, in a glorious way, to feel my maps expanding.
Entire worlds were suddenly known to me, all at once. Kingdoms, continents, untold numbers of civilizations and species were suddenly within my awareness. All at once, my mind was bigger than I ever dared dream it could be.
I also felt a keen awareness of the smaller celestial bodies I had gained mastery over surge into my mind. I learned their locations but I also learned more than that.
Power over the tiny things felt... right. I already possessed power over components of them, such as gravity, earth, and ice, but now I possessed far greater power. A huge number of the tiny celestial bodies falling into my control all at once.
I wasn't sure how, though I suspected it was a "gift" from the domain of the stars, but I could sense the magnitude of the new powers surging through my body. If I wanted to I could clearly visualize the impact crashing an asteroid into a planet would cause based on the size of the asteroid, among other factors. I could also innately sense the ways I could manipulate solar and lunar energy.
My mind felt... sharper and stronger than ever before. It was strange, but also wonderful.
Knowledge of secretive places in the world was one of the awards I had gained in earning influence over the domain of the stars. One of the secret places I gained knowledge of was the location of the ancient kingdom of Atlantis.
The kingdom of Atlantis was where the dwarven princess Rachel lived. It was a land I possessed subtle influence over, thanks to the fact that I was worshipped by Rachel and by a few of her fellow nobles.
The first place I teleported myself to was a new destination. I was being brave today, so I supposed I might as well continue that trend, just to see where it led me. For the first time ever I set foot in the subterranean kingdom of Atlantis. Specifically, I warped to the royal palace of the dwarven kingdom.
I found myself standing in a gargantuan cavern, one more than twice the size of the one in which Aronms was located. The cavern had a natural ceiling that was visible to me even though it was hundreds of meters above me. I stood on top of a path of paved stone.
Behind me was a city inhabited by over two thousand dwarves. I could keenly sense their life-force, and detect their movements as if they were right in front of me, even though I couldn't see them. I was grateful for the nature of my powers since they afforded me my supernatural awareness of the world around me.
In front of me was the kingdom's royal palace. I could see it both thanks to my divine vision and the few sources of light that were around the palace. It was a beautifully designed thing made of a variety of precious metals that shone so brightly that they glimmered even in the low-light of the underground area.
I was incorporeal and indetectable. I sighed and began to walk the paved path I was on top of, a smile on my face as I did so. I was aware of Rachel's location, she was in her chambers and accompanied by a lone handmaiden. I just wanted to walk and explore the palace alone for a bit.
When I was just outside of the palace I took a long, hard look at it. I was standing close enough to the thing that it was all I could see unless I turned away from it and faced the city.
It wasn't a huge palace, though I suppose for dwarves it probably felt massive. At its tallest point, it was tens of meters tall and had turrets made from materials as precious as emeralds, sapphires, and other stunning gems. It was lovely though it felt a bit wasteful to use gems that valuable in such a frivolous way.
Dwarven warriors were stationed outside of the entryway into the palace. They were dressed in heavy armor, made from metals more solid and more valuable than iron or steel. They held axes or swords in one hand and shields as large as themselves in their other hands.
The warriors paid careful attention to their surroundings. I could feel their tension and confusion.
"Do they sense me?" I wondered, in the safety of my mind. They were good guards, focused, and cautious. But when I passed by them they didn't turn in my direction. They didn't even glance at me. Which was unsurprising, but a bit disappointing. It was because of that that I realized that their tension must have come from somewhere else. Which was curious.
I studied them for a second, waiting to see if they'd speak and address the odd, unsourced tension in the air. They didn't.
I silently sighed, disappointed at their professionalism, and turned my attention back to the palace. I walked into it, curiosity and excitement powering my swift, silent paces.
waiting to see if they'd speak and address the odd, unsourced tension in the air. They didn't.
He has the ability to detect surface thoughts for a reason
Nvm he mentions it almost instantly in the next chapter