Chapter 135: Omniscience in Marvel 131
Title - The End And New Beginning.
…
Lucas took a deep breath, realizing he had to approach this conversation differently. Peggy didn't need to be drawn into a labyrinth of hidden agendas or ancient conspiracies. What she needed was the truth, plain and simple.
"Alright, Peggy," Lucas began, his tone shifting to something more straightforward. "Let me clarify a few things. I'm not here to drag you into some grand scheme or weigh you down with burdens you never asked for. But there are some things you should know—things that might help you understand the world we're really living in."
Peggy nodded, her expression open and attentive, ready to absorb the information Lucas was about to share.
"You've heard of the gods, right? The ones from mythology—Zeus, Odin, Ra, and the like. Those beings weren't just stories people made up to explain the sun and the stars. They were real beings, powerful entities who once walked the Earth."
Lucas paused and looked up into the night sky. "But they weren't gods in the sense of omnipotent creators. They were advanced beings, some from other dimensions, others from different planets, who were worshiped as gods by early humans."
Lucas continued, "In ancient times, these gods walked among us, guiding, manipulating, and sometimes even protecting humanity. They were worshiped, feared, and revered because they wielded power far beyond what any human could imagine. But over time, as civilizations evolved and humanity became more self-reliant, these gods withdrew. They became less involved in the day-to-day affairs of mortals, retreating to their own realms, watching from afar."
Peggy's eyes narrowed slightly as she absorbed this. "So these gods, they're still out there? Just… watching?"
"Exactly," Lucas said, nodding. "While they've gone away, they haven't really gone away. They're just less active, more reserved. But make no mistake, their influence is still felt."
Lucas didn't see the need to tell her that the Gods had been banned from interfering with humanity for close to a thousand years. That was just unnecessary information, and while he wanted her exposed to the supernatural side of the World, he didn't see the need for a full exposure.
Even Yao didn't even know the full truth despite her status as the Sorcerer Supreme.
Shaking away these thoughts, he looked at her and continued. "The families like mine, the Hawthornes, and others who operate in the shadows, we've maintained our positions of power because of the knowledge and artifacts passed down from these beings."
Peggy absorbed Lucas' words, her mind processing the gravity of what he was revealing. The idea that powerful beings had once walked the Earth, guiding and manipulating humanity, was unsettling enough.
But the mention of his family—of the Hawthornes—holding onto ancient knowledge passed down from these beings added another layer of complexity.
"The Hawthornes," Peggy repeated, more to herself than to Lucas. "So, your family… you're saying you've been privy to secrets that have shaped the course of human history?"
Lucas looked thoughtful for a moment, his expression somber. "Hmm, Peggy. Families like mine have been entrusted with knowledge, artifacts, and sometimes, responsibilities that most people couldn't even begin to comprehend. It's how we've maintained our influence, our power. But it's not just about wealth or control—it's about keeping certain truths hidden, protecting humanity from things they're not ready to face."
Lucas didn't see the need to lie, but he didn't see the need to tell the truth either, so he just told her the necessary information she needed to know. It was a fact in the Divine Web that apart from him, other Gods, Demons and beings of other galaxies had an influence situated on Earth.
Whether it was a merchant group that later became a commercial conglomerate, or a mercenary group created by some battle hungry group, or a beer parlor, club, cult…you name it.
But Peggy didn't even need to know of this yet. Hell, Hydra was a cult that predated Leucadius in a way. It was disturbing how despite his efforts, the number of believers the cult boasted still surpassed his…
'Hmm, thought for another time.'
Peggy crossed her arms, her gaze steady as she looked at Lucas. "And what about the mystical society you mentioned earlier? How do they fit into all of this?"
"The mystical society is a different story altogether," Lucas said, his tone shifting to one of respect. "They're not connected to the gods or the Eternals, but share some relationship with ancient beings that influenced Humanity's fantasy. They're their own group—humans who've discovered and mastered the arcane forces that govern our world."
He paused, choosing his words carefully. "Think of them as the guardians of knowledge and information that goes beyond what we can see or touch. They've dedicated themselves to studying and wielding magic, or what some might call mystic arts. Their purpose has always been to protect humanity from supernatural threats—forces that most people aren't even aware exist."
Peggy's brow furrowed slightly as she considered this. "So they're like… wizards? Sorcerers?"
"Exactly," Lucas confirmed. "But they're not just casting spells or waving wands around. The mystical society is deeply rooted in discipline and tradition. They understand the forces that govern reality in ways that go far beyond what science or religion can explain. And they've taken it upon themselves to ensure that this knowledge doesn't fall into the wrong hands."
Although, they do, ever so often. Lucas added to himself.
Lucas leaned in slightly, his voice lowering as he continued. "They operate in the shadows, just like the families. But their goals are different. They're not interested in power or influence—they're focused on maintaining the balance, protecting humanity from things that could unravel the very fabric of our world. Some of them are more public than others, like the Sorcerer Supreme, who's essentially the leader of the mystical society. But most of them work behind the scenes, ensuring that dangerous magic doesn't get out of control."
Peggy's expression remained thoughtful as she absorbed this new information. "And they've been around for as long as the gods and the Eternals?"
"Longer, in some cases," Lucas replied. For as long as he knew, magic and the mystic arts existed long before he was even born in this universe. Oshtur, Agamotto and the third Guy had already formed the Vishanti long ago.
"Magic is as old as the universe itself. The mystical society has always been there. They've prevented countless catastrophes that most people never even knew about. And they've ensured that the knowledge of these arcane forces remains hidden, only accessible to those who are worthy—or capable—of handling it."
Peggy's gaze softened slightly as she looked at Lucas, a hint of understanding dawning in her eyes. "So, your family, the mystical society… you're all working to protect humanity, in your own ways."
Lucas smiled faintly, appreciating the understanding in her tone. "That's one way to look at it, yes. We all have our roles to play, our responsibilities. And sometimes those roles mean making tough decisions, keeping certain truths hidden to prevent chaos or destruction."
Peggy nodded slowly. "I suppose it makes sense, in a way. The world is more complex than most people realize. And I can see why some things are better left in the shadows."
Lucas relaxed slightly, relieved that Peggy was beginning to grasp the gravity of what he was sharing. "Exactly. It's not about deceiving people—it's about protecting them. The mystical society, the families like mine, we're all part of a larger effort to maintain that balance, to keep the world from descending into chaos."
Peggy offered a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you for trusting me with this, Lucas. It's… a lot to take in, but I'm glad you've told me."
Lucas nodded, his expression warm. "You deserved to know, Peggy. You'll be encountering them en-masse as soon as you return."
"From the Grail War?"
"Hmm." Lucas nodded. "The only advice I can give too is…During the tutorial period, ensure to kill as many enemies as possible. That's the major loophole to ensure a better stat after the tutorial."
"There's a tutorial prior to the war?" Peggy asked, looking a bit confused and Lucas didn't particularly blame her.
Although the Holy Grail War he mentioned was going to be taking place in the Yggdrasil Universe, it was only a Finale that'll take place in the form of an event in the ending period of the game.
These were all game terms and Lucas was sure Peggy wouldn't understand so he just shook his head and said. "There will be a time dilation between the Space the war will take place, and Earth."
"A time dilation?"
"Hmm. A year out here is ten in there." Lucas simply said. There was no other simpler method to explain that part. "At the end of the game, you'll get any wish granted."
"Any wish, huh."
"Yup. Like this." Lucas said and snapped his finger, causing the moon they've been observing all this time to shatter with a loud crackling sound that made Carter cover her ear in pain.
"What was that?"
"You didn't wonder why despite how long we've spent talking, Jarvis, whom you're supposed to leave with hasn't come to give you a lift?" Lucas asked, causing Peggy's eyes to widen in comprehension. "Don't worry. If I meant to harm you, you'd already be dead."
"What was that?"
"My one wish." Lucas replied as his body disappeared into Peggy's shadows. "Till the day we meet again, Carter."
"...Till we meet again." Carter replied. Despite the bizarre sight she'd just experienced, she was able to remain calm due to her already extraordinary mental fortitude which was already high.
"Miss Carter?" Jarvis' curious voice broke her thoughts, causing her to hurriedly hide away the ring Lucas left with her in her purse and turned.
"Yes?"
"Shouldn't we be departing..?"
"Ah. Yes, we should." Peggy said.
"And Sir Hawthorne?"
"He left." Peggy replied curtly and Jarvis knew better than to ask anything further.
"Shall we?"
"Hmm."
…