Strongest Among the Heavens
Chapter 143: Promise

Chapter 143: Promise

There could only be one conclusion to that question: every single major god. The major gods had to be watching. After all, some of the major gods, like Athena and Hephaestus, were literally working at the White Abyss.

’But I don’t think the gods working at the White Abyss are actively watching. Azrael mentioned that nearly all heavens exist: Valhalla, the Field of Reeds. If that’s the case, then there must be a realm for all these heavens to exist. That has to be where they are watching. There’s no other possibility.’

Could it be possible that the humans in those heavens were watching too...?

’Maybe, maybe not. Their presence wouldn’t change anything. They’re no Zeus or Odin.’

More relevantly, who was Jack? Who was this man capable of causing the gods to help an outsider like him? Kazi was at the end of the day a Muslim. Analyze every religious scripture and every mythology and there was a strict pattern of bias from the gods. They were human in that regard. They blessed those that were faithful to them and disregarded those that were not. So why gift an item to someone of an entirely different religion?

’It’s likely Jack’s terror is known to the gods watching us from above. He is a Ripper-like figure, an individual of great power and terror. It’s now even likelier that he was part of a previous Heavenly Game.’

Indeed, it was no coincidence that Kukulcán gifted him a belt that would specifically help him against Jack. Rumours were spreading that the sponsored gods of Gate 7 had pulled out and that Chichen Itza was devoid of objectives.

’I know his current identity. I know who he is and yet...I can’t speak his name. I can’t write it either. Don’t tell me the gods are unsettled by Jack because...’

If that was the case, then Jack was more dangerous than he thought.

He thought about his odds against Jack. The tendrils of darkness which facilitated his long-range kit and his knife that was capable of overpowering Sun-young’s Majin-ken.

The attack stat was judged by the class equipped. With the Swordsman Class, it was strength plus the sword equipped. With the Mage Class, then magical might plus the magical might of the weapon equipped. Passive skills and mana amplification were not included in the calculation.

"Kazi," William called out, wiping his mouth with his sleeve after eating, "can you teach me how to throw my axe properly? I feel as though I can do better with it."

Kazi pretended all was alright and smiled. "Sure!"

William positioned himself on the unstable surface of the canoe. Ignoring the gentle sway of the water beneath, he drew back his arm...

"Like...look at this! Unh!"

...and hefted it above his head, mimicking the motion as if he were felling a mighty tree. His stance displayed confidence, yet as he prepared to throw the axe, a flaw in his technique became evident. Ignoring the subtle art of throwing in favor of a chopping motion, William swung the axe forcefully, aiming it toward an imaginary target across the water.

"Gust Slash Throw!"

The axe left William’s grip, spinning through the air with unrefined force. Instead of sailing gracefully like a thrown weapon, the axe rotated awkwardly, veering off its intended trajectory in a haphazard arc.

"Oof." Before it plopped into the water, the dane axe magically returned to his hand. "See what I mean? It didn’t go far and my aim was trash."

"Let’s start with the grip," Kazi began, rolling his shoulders. "Hold the axe with both hands. Don’t be too tight. In your case, you have too much strength, even if it is a dane axe. You want control without straining."

William adjusted his grip as instructed, the axe in both hands.

"Now, raise the axe straight over your head," Kazi continued, demonstrating the motion himself. "You aren’t chopping a tree. And remember, check your surroundings before you throw. A quick glance. You ever driven a car? Do it like that."

Kazi understood William’s plan. He wanted to perfect Gust Slash Thrown and gain long-term leverage. ’Even in the moments where he doesn’t have his axe, William is able to lean on his boxing skills and fight. Pretty smart of him.’

William mimicked Kazi’s actions as he lifted the axe, taking quick glances at their empty surroundings. It might not have been useful right now but the boy understood that wouldn’t always be the case. The sense of teenage invincibility was genuinely beginning to wither away. His battle against Goliath must have been a wake-up call.

"When you’re ready to throw," Kazi instructed, "release the axe once your hands reach eye-level. Don’t force it, let the momentum guide the throw."

William adjusted his stance, preparing for another attempt. Gripping the axe, he raised it steadily over his head. "Too tight," Kazi said. William adjusted gain. His gaze swept the surroundings once more, ensuring a clear path for the throw. Well, there was only water in front of them so it wasn’t like he would hit a person.

"Gust Slash Throw!"

The axe spun through the air with improved grace, sailing in a more controlled trajectory and reaching over a hundred feet. Kazi let out a whistle.

"Get some practice in and you’ll be fine," Kazi said.

"Where did you learn to throw axes? Natural talent?" William joked.

Kazi merely laughed. Incorrect, he had participated in a couple axe throwing tournaments in New York and won soundly. It was easy money. He watched William go for another attempt, this time making a tiny mistake in his grip. The following throw reached half the distance of his last one.

"Dammit. Kazi, could you show me again?"

"Sure."

Jack the Ripper, wielder of a darkness no current player could comprehend and merciless in battle. He didn’t want to be mean but every single one of them was next to useless against him. William, Marta, and Sun-young, they weren’t going to beat Jack. That responsibility had fallen to him—

"Kazi, Kazi!" Marta beckoned him over, staff waving. "I think I figured out how to do the simultaneous thingy! Could you watch?"

He smiled, crossed his arms, and nodded. "Show me what you got."

Marta brightened up. Her blonde hair in a bun, she steadied herself and got ready. Inhale, exhale. A bright aura began to submerge her skin. The barrier went up and she muttered the words of her spell, "Super Shadow Bolt!"

The darkness was summoned and the bright barrier crackled against its existence. A flash of hesitation and fear crossed Marta. That was all it took.

"Oh no—"

The spell collapsed, a last ditch effort to mitigate damage and the incomplete ball of darkness collided against her own barrier.

Fail.

Boom!

The barrier dissipated and smoke erupted out. Elena was horrified, standing up, but Marta waved the smoke away.

"I’m okay, I’m okay!"

Physically? Yes. Mentally? No. The confidence had dropped from her soul.

Kazi shook his head and put on a smile. Marta might not be a genius or have a super hidden talent but he promised that he would help her. He promised to protect everyone.

He promised to be what he couldn’t be for his old family. He promised to help.

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