Chapter 296
His mother’s message, delivered in cryptic words laced with divine authority, echoed in his mind: "It is time. Your duties to this world will soon end, and your place in the stars awaits." He had been told since childhood that the time would come when his mortal ties would dissolve, and he would take his place among the gods. But he never expected the moment to feel so... ill-timed.
"Father?" Zephyr’s voice snapped Ikem back to the present. "You’re troubled. Is it the humans? Or something more?"
Ikem studied his son again, wondering if now was the time to share the burden he had carried since the moment the gods had spoken. Zephyr had proven himself time and time again, but the truth of ascension was not an easy one to bear. Yet, he couldn’t shield his son from it forever. If the apeling kingdom was to endure, they would need to prepare—not just for the human threat, but for a world where the children of the gods would soon stand alone.
Ikem decided against his thought by not telling Zephyr about the decision. Ikem’s mind settled as he made the decision. Conflict with the humans, particularly the followers of Björn, was still in its infancy. It would be foolish to rush headlong into a full-blown war when patience could yield better results. Zephyr, sharp and capable, had been right—the humans would test them again, and when they did, Ikem wanted his son to be in the best possible state of mind to face the challenge.
For years, Ikem had kept Zephyr close, stationed in the capital to serve as his swift messenger, able to discreetly communicate with his sibling scattered across the kingdom. His son’s natural affinity for wind made him an invaluable asset—his speed and ability to traverse vast distances in moments allowed Ikem to stay informed and maintain unity among his children and subjects. Zephyr had thrived in this role, growing stronger and wiser with each passing year.
Now, with the looming reality of ascension, Ikem began to see the necessity of a transition. He had watched Zephyr’s growth closely, observing his increasing sense of duty, his strategic mind, and his connection to the people. It was time to consider passing the mantle of leadership to him. The kingdom would need a strong leader in the wake of his departure, and Zephyr, more than any of his other children, was ready to step into that role.
As Ikem mulled over his decision, his thoughts drifted beyond his own kingdom, to the eastern continent. Three months’ journey from the Omadi Kingdom lay the territory ruled by King Osita, a well-known rival. Unlike the apeling kingdom, where the people’s loyalty to the gods was unshakable and their isolation protected them, Osita’s territory thrived on a different set of principles. His people lived freely, walking the streets with smiles on their faces, unconcerned with the chaos beyond their borders.
Osita’s land was a place where the worship of many gods flourished. Statues of the origin gods dotted the territory, marking it as a melting pot of beliefs and traditions. In contrast to the strict religious adherence seen elsewhere, Osita had allowed his people to choose their own paths of worship, offering a unique sense of freedom. Osita kingdom had no culture of their own so they took part of others’ culture they liked and decided to live with it depending on which culture each individual found fitting for themselves.
The people of Osita’s kingdom were, in many ways, similar to the apelings in their indifference to the growing human conflicts. As long as their own interests weren’t threatened, they paid little mind to the power struggles unfolding in distant lands. They knew well that their safety and prosperity were tied to their king’s leadership—and while Osita’s subjects believed their peace stemmed from his benevolence, the truth was far more complex.
Osita alone knew the real reason his kingdom remained untouched by the turmoil beyond its borders. Centuries ago, he had entered into an agreement with Ikem, a pact that shaped the fate of his kingdom. Ikem, at the time, had imposed a strict condition on Osita: he was to refrain from attacking any humans or engaging in unnecessary conflicts. Instead, Osita was to focus on growing his kingdom, protecting his people, and maintaining a peaceful existence. If attacked, he could defend himself—but he was forbidden from initiating any aggression. It was a compromise born out of necessity. At the time, Osita had been far weaker than Ikem, and with the weight of Ikem’s power looming over him, he had little choice but to accept.