Chapter 27: growth

Chapter 27: growth

"This confusion persisted, and you, Ikenga, weren't making my situation any easier. The more time I spent with you, the more I felt that something was wrong with me. We were born at the same time, so naturally, you should have shared my anxiousness to bridge the gap with our siblings. However, you seemed content with making incremental progress."

Mahu extended her hand in front of me, and the familiar energy materialized within it. "This right here," she gestured, "exacerbated my confusion and predicament. There's nothing inherently wrong with the energy," she emphasized as the energy dissipated back into her.

"When I first acquired this energy and realized how it was generated, I felt immense joy, as if I had taken a step towards closing the gap. But then, the realization that I had to wait for a long time to obtain more of this energy started to eat at me."

"It felt like I was being played or toyed with. I possessed the power to achieve my goal, yet I had to wait, driving me to the brink of madness. It was as if I had a piece of meat right in front of me, but I was told to wait for fire before I could savor it."

"It reached a point where I desired Maul to mate again, hoping to expedite their growth and maturity. However, no matter what I tried, I couldn't make them grow faster and become sensible as they were meant to be. Ikenga, you won't fully understand what I'm saying, but I realized that I crave power, and the knowledge that there are others more powerful than me unsettles my mind."

"I had a taste of that remarkable energy, and I know it can make me powerful. But the waiting makes me feel as though I'm being deprived of what is rightfully mine," she confessed, her gaze fixed upon me. Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

I listened attentively to Mahu's words, comprehending her struggles, yet unable to truly empathize with her feelings. It made me reflect on my own transformation since my rebirth as a god.

Having been a human before, I understood the impatience that arises when things progress too slowly. However, after my rebirth as a god, I realized that I had become more patient and less driven by a sense of urgency. Perhaps it was the knowledge of my immortality or the influence of my divinity that shaped my perspective.

Throughout my existence as a god, I never felt the need to rush or be in a hurry to achieve certain things. Somewhere in the depths of my mind, there must have been a subconscious understanding that I had an eternity to accomplish whatever I desired. The notion of time no longer held the same weight it did when I was mortal.

"Will I be coming back?" he asked with a quiver in his voice.

"You have the option to return, but it will depend on the effort you exert outside the realm." I replied.

Ikem seemed to have something else to say, but I interrupted him, cutting off any further discussion. I wanted to ensure that he fully comprehended his abilities before we began his training.

"There's no time for chit-chat," I said firmly. "Before we commence your training, let's review and ensure that you understand your inherent abilities."

(Ikem pov)

As I stood there, finally reaching the age I had been waiting for, a mixture of fear and regret washed over me upon hearing my father's words about leaving the realm in the upcoming years.

I hadn't realized that coming of age meant leaving my father behind, but he wasted no time and immediately began explaining my innate abilities as a demigod.

"As the son of the god of nature and curses," he started, "you possess certain gifts related to nature. You can communicate with animals, manipulate wood, and you have inherited your mother's healing ability."

His words made me feel like something was missing. "You didn't mention anything about abilities related to curses," I spoke up, reminding him.

He paused for a moment before replying, "I didn't forget. However, I haven't witnessed any signs of your connection to my curse divinity. I haven't seen you exhibit any abilities associated with curses."

"Now that we've covered that," he continued, "I want you to understand that the next two years will be dedicated to enhancing your combat skills. The world outside is growing more dangerous, and although being a demigod gives you an advantage, encountering creatures at the level of Red or above Red could make you their next meal if you're not prepared."