In the Heroic Realm, within the layer known as Dragon Court...
Between the Pantheon and the Hall of Eternal Heroes, the silver dragon, Garon, stood, gazing at the weakened state of the Eternal Day. The Eternal Day, Amanatara, returned Garon's stare.
"It seems we might have had a misunderstanding."
Garon mused internally.
Initially, upon seeing the Eternal Day appear, Garon had perceived this ancient deity as hostile.
After all, Amanatara had openly stated his intention for the solar authority, and Garon currently held the last piece of this power. Moreover, the God of Sun and Evil Fire had fallen at the hands of the Eternal Day.
It was clear.
Amanatara bore no personal grudge against the God of Sun and Evil Fire, who had not even existed in Amanatara's time. His demise was purely a matter of reclaiming the solar authority.
"But if his intent towards me were malicious..."
"He wouldn't have self-destructed to shatter the Shadow Nexus and draw the Nine-faced Dragon God's attention."
"Or perhaps he desires the solar authority but prefers to obtain it through a more amicable exchange."
Staring intently at the Eternal Day, Garon remained silent, lost in thought.
Under the silver dragon's scrutiny, the cracked and weakened form of Amanatara spoke.
"This is our first meeting, Garon Aurelius, the time dragon who traverses infinite multiverses."
"Allow me to introduce myself."
"I am Amanatara, known in the past as the Eternal and Unyielding Sun."
The voice of the Eternal Day was calm and steady, exuding a sense of solemn dignity and cold authority, yet with an unexpected politeness.
Garon could sense the respect Amanatara had for him.
In contrast, the Night Goddess had repeatedly provoked and insulted him, nearly forcing Garon to destroy the Heroic Realm to escape her grasp.
"I'll remember you, Night Goddess."
As Garon matured, his perspective on many matters had shifted, becoming more measured and composed. Yet one aspect remained unchanged—this time dragon was deeply vindictive, though he no longer displayed it overtly.
After mentally inscribing the Night Goddess's name on his grudge list, the silver dragon focused earnestly on Amanatara.
"I have heard your name, the one and only Sun God."
After a brief pause, Garon narrowed his eyes slightly and got straight to the point. "Are you after the solar authority? Is that why you intervened in the Night Goddess's ambush?"
"If so, I appreciate your assistance and will remember the favor, but I won't give you the solar authority."
"The solar authority doesn't belong to me. I am merely its custodian. It actually belongs to the God of Light, and I can't decide its fate on my own."
The solar authority was only temporarily entrusted to Garon by the God of Light. He intended to return it once it was no longer useful to him, which might take centuries or millennia.
However, had he not borrowed the solar authority, the God of Light might have faced danger. Given his lesser background, the God of Light would likely have been a target for Amanatara's direct action rather than a peaceful negotiation. Garon believed the God of Light owed him thanks—preferably in substantial rewards.
"I am indeed here for the solar authority."
Under the silver dragon's gaze, the Eternal Day responded calmly.
"To be precise, I seek all the solar authorities across the infinite multiverse, not just the one you hold."
Infinite multiverse?
Garon's brow furrowed as he looked at the Eternal Day. "The solar authority was split into three parts. You've reclaimed two, and the last is with me. What do you mean by 'all the solar authorities'?"
Amanatara chuckled softly, slightly surprised.
"I didn't expect that a being of your nature, capable of traversing infinite time and space, hasn't yet grasped the essence of our world's structure."
"But it makes sense. Your current form is only mid-tier divine power, lacking the perspective beyond the finite Great Wheel multiverse."
The finite Great Wheel multiverse... Garon understood that the many planes and worlds formed a vast circular structure, recognizing that Amanatara referred to the known multiverse.
"But what do you mean by 'finite multiverse'?"
"Isn't the Great Wheel infinite?"
"Finite... Infinite... and the 'infinite time-space' you mentioned."
Amanatara's words prompted Garon to delve into deep thought.
Combining his experiences during temporal travels, Garon began to form a nebulous idea in his mind.
This concept lay just beyond a translucent veil, obscured yet familiar, preventing Garon from seeing it clearly. It was like trying to recall something just out of reach, leaving him with a nagging sense of frustration.
Fortunately, Garon wasn't one to obsess over such matters.
He didn't fully understand, but Amanatara seemed to know.
"What do you mean by the 'finite Great Wheel multiverse'?"
Amidst the ever-flowing winds and drifting clouds of Dragon Court, the silver dragon raised his head, looking towards the Eternal Day.
"To mortals and even many gods, the boundless planes and countless worlds we live in constitute the infinite multiverse."
"But this perception is flawed."
Amanatara's golden eyes scanned the surroundings, reflecting the scenery of Dragon Court, and seemingly glimpsing every plane beyond.
"What we consider the infinite multiverse is actually finite, a part of the true infinite multiverse."
"The true infinite multiverse is composed of numerous finite multiverses."
The silver dragon pondered deeply, speaking in a measured tone. "So, you're saying the Great Wheel multiverse is one among many finite multiverses."
As he spoke, Garon's thoughts cleared.
He recalled his experiences in other multiverses, worlds distinctly different from the Great Wheel multiverse. For instance, his first fully developed Godhood Pasture contained deities labeled as benevolent and malevolent, entirely foreign to the Great Wheel multiverse.
And this was just one example.
Initially, Garon had attributed these differences to temporal variations within the Great Wheel multiverse. However, he later sensed something was amiss, though he lacked a more accurate and detailed understanding. The imminent Dawn War had precluded any further exploration of this notion.
"The places I've visited were likely other finite multiverses, not merely different timelines within the Great Wheel multiverse."
Garon's understanding deepened, becoming clearer.
On the other side, noticing the bright and thoughtful expression in the silver dragon's eyes, Amanatara remarked softly, "It seems you've long suspected this in your heart, only lacking the epiphany to fully grasp it."
Garon collected his thoughts, focusing on Amanatara. "So, I underestimated your ambition. You seek the solar authorities across the entire infinite multiverse, not just within this realm."
During his ventures into various multiverses, Garon had heard names of other sun gods.
Given the sun's unique significance, almost every multiverse capable of birthing deities had a sun god, and these gods were far from weak.
Amanatara's aim was not confined to the Great Wheel's solar authority; he also coveted those of other finite multiverses.
This prompted Garon to reflect deeply.
Amanatara continued calmly, "It's not mere ambition. Achieving singular divinity is a dream for every god. Unfortunately, most deities remain unaware of this, their understanding limited to their finite universe."
As he spoke, Amanatara's eyes shone brightly, like two radiant suns at noon.
Listening to Amanatara's words, Garon pondered.
"What would happen if the Eternal Day succeeded in unifying all the solar authorities across the infinite multiverse?"
A daring thought surfaced in Garon's mind.
"You aspire to ascend to the rank of the Major Gods?"
In response to Garon's inquiry, Amanatara sighed wistfully. "I yearn for my radiance to illuminate the infinite multiverse. I hope to one day behold the vistas known only to the Major Gods."
This was a clear admission. Amanatara's true goal was to transcend the highest divine ranks, stepping into the domain of the Major Gods.
"Unifying the infinite multiverse's solar authorities to achieve godhood beyond the Major Gods' ranks..."
"Is this even possible?"
"It might very well be."
Garon contemplated deeply.
The distinction between a Major God and a regular deity was as vast as that between a god and a mortal.
Even the most powerful deities were likely no more than particularly strong mortals in the eyes of the Major Gods.
This represented a chasm in the hierarchy of existence.
Major Gods were the true Creators.
While even low-level deities could create small worlds and nurture simple life forms, only Major Gods could conceive a multiverse that included myriad gods.
What kind of power was this?
Garon delved into his memories.
He recalled the frigid landscapes of the Far North.
In the steep, icy dragon lair, a newly born white dragon, who had stolen her dragon mother's gemstones, realized her nature as a time dragon and indulged in whimsical fantasies.
"When I grow up, perhaps I can rival the gods, maybe even the most powerful deities, and dream further... perhaps even the Major Gods!"
As Garon grew, understanding the true meaning of the Major Gods, he had abandoned his earlier hubris.
Garon had come to believe that reaching the pinnacle of mid-tier divine power, reigning supreme in the Great Wheel multiverse, might be his ultimate limit.
However, at this moment, a spark reignited in the depths of Garon's platinum dragon eyes.
"Becoming a Major God is not beyond reach."
Garon's heart filled with determination.
Amanatara smiled gently, not interrupting the silver dragon's
lofty thoughts.
When Amanatara had first sensed the possibility of entering the realm of the Major Gods, he had felt similarly thrilled, willing to risk even death to pursue this dream.
At the moment of his first demise, as his divine form was shattered by the combined might of countless sun gods, Amanatara had experienced an epiphany.
By gathering the solar authorities of the infinite multiverse, he could become a new Major God.
Extrapolating this further, any dominion or divine power, when unified across the infinite multiverse, could elevate one to the rank of the Major Gods.
Moreover, Amanatara speculated that there might be even higher realms beyond the Major Gods.
If unifying the infinite multiverse's authorities could create a Major God, then combining infinite multiverses with the dimensions of time and space to become the sole existence in the infinite space-time multiverse might lead to an even higher state.
Garon had similar thoughts.
The infinite multiverse and the infinite space-time indeed existed.
Combining infinite with infinite exponential layers... the vastness of the infinite space-time multiverse was beyond comprehension.
Garon had thought that achieving the pinnacle of mid-tier divine power was his ultimate goal, but now he realized that his journey could be far longer and more boundless.
"This is a difficult path."
The silver dragon exhaled deeply, speaking slowly.
"It is difficult, but at least the path exists."
Amanatara replied.
After a pause, Amanatara addressed Garon earnestly, "The last piece of the solar authority in the Great Wheel multiverse is currently with you. I won't take it by force, unless it becomes the final piece in the puzzle of the infinite multiverse's solar authorities."
No one knew how many finite multiverses or solar authorities existed.
Amanatara's last statement implied that once Garon handed over the solar authority to the God of Light, Amanatara would make his move.
"So, having expended so much to rescue me from the Night Goddess and revealing such valuable information, what exactly do you want in return?"
Garon knew that Amanatara's aid and revelations about the infinite multiverse were not given without reason.
Amanatara's serene expression remained. "I wish to hunt the sun gods of other finite multiverses. For this, I hope to utilize the river of time to leave the Great Wheel multiverse."
Garon replied slowly, "Traveling between finite multiverses isn't possible solely through the river of time, right?"
Amanatara pondered for a moment before responding, "The void realms between different multiverses are boundless, hollow, and void of any accurate coordinates. Even a deity of supreme power would become lost within them."
"Even with coordinates, the energy required for spatial transmission across the vast expanses of the void realms is unimaginable."
"Using the river of time as a medium for such travel is the most feasible method."
The void realms between multiverses?
Garon reflected thoughtfully.
The conversation continued as Amanatara and Garon delved into deeper discussions. Amanatara answered all of Garon's questions, expanding Garon's understanding of the infinite multiverse.
"Where did you acquire your knowledge of the infinite multiverse? You seem well-informed."
After some time, the silver dragon inquired.
Without hesitation, Amanatara revealed the source of his knowledge, betraying the Lady of Pain who had refused to aid him.
"My knowledge is limited. If you seek more information about the infinite multiverse, you should visit Sigil and speak with the Lady of Pain."
"The Lady of Pain?"
Garon was familiar with this enigmatic ruler of Sigil.
"Yes, she does not belong to the Great Wheel multiverse. She is a supreme being from a finite multiverse that has since collapsed."
"In the Great Wheel, she cannot leave Sigil."
Amanatara smiled brightly as he disclosed the Lady of Pain's origins and limitations.
The Lady of Pain was shrouded in mystery.
Garon hadn't expected her to originate from another multiverse.
"I'll consider visiting the Lady of Pain when I have the opportunity."
Garon thought to himself.
Then, he turned his attention back to Amanatara. "My time-travel abilities can indeed take you to other multiverses, but only if you and I are of comparable strength. I can't transport beings stronger than myself."
Having learned valuable information and feeling indebted to Amanatara, Garon was willing to assist him within his capabilities.
However, Amanatara's supreme divine power was beyond Garon's ability to carry.
Amanatara spread his arms, his body crisscrossed with cracks, like a fragile porcelain vessel on the verge of shattering.
"After my near-self-destruction in the Howling Abyss, I am temporarily reduced to mid-tier divine power."
"I believe you possess the strength to take me through the river of time to another multiverse."
The silver dragon's eyes flickered. "Are you so eager? According to you, existing in a foreign multiverse subjects you to certain limitations."
"Are you not concerned about becoming prey yourself, losing your solar authority, and becoming a stepping stone for other sun gods?"
Amanatara's gaze was resolute, unwavering.
"At the moment of my near-death, I sensed the presence of many sun gods across the infinite space-time multiverse."
"Among them are sun gods born in later eras, who, compared to me, are very young."
Amanatara smiled calmly but confidently. "There are differences among sun gods. Not all deserve the title of the Eternal Day."
"I have already chosen a suitable target."
The Eternal Day, the first sun of the Great Wheel multiverse and the sole Sun God, ranked among the foremost of all sun gods in the infinite multiverse. His ambition was enormous, and he was formidable.
Even in a weakened state, any young sun god under Amanatara's scrutiny would likely face grave peril.
"If you are determined to go, then so be it."
Given Amanatara's firm resolve, Garon decided to grant his request.
Moreover, until Amanatara found a way to freely traverse different multiverses, he would continue to rely on Garon for a considerable period.
Garon hoped Amanatara's initial step would be successful, providing valuable experience without exposing himself to significant risk.
"Give me the exact coordinates."
"I will open the portal through time and space for you."
Eager, Amanatara provided Garon with the coordinate anchor.
Garon took a deep breath and, with a thought, constructed a portal through time and space capable of accommodating mid-tier divine power.
Before this, he and Amanatara had formed a temporal alliance pact to facilitate communication and coordination across different multiverses.
"If you succeed and regain supreme divine power in another multiverse, I won't be able to bring you back to the Great Wheel multiverse until I achieve high-tier divine power."
"One last time, are you sure you want to go now?"
Under Garon's final inquiry, Amanatara remained resolute, nodding slightly.
His eagerness was palpable, willing to face the risks.
As Amanatara stepped towards the portal, Garon, driven by curiosity, asked, "What is the name of this young sun god you mentioned?"
"Apollo, from the finite Olympus multiverse."
With Apollo, the sun god of the Olympus multiverse, as his target, Amanatara left the Great Wheel multiverse, embarking on his journey.
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