Global Gods : Skill-Resonance Awakened Chapter 360: Ch 360 : Hard Constraints

Nestled in the radiant framework of the City of Gods, cradled in the cosmic grasp of the Emperor, lay the Hall of Infinite Echoes.

This edifice challenged the laws of nature; externally, it resembled a simple tower of white jade, yet internally, it unfolded into a vast chamber stretching across billions of miles.

Inside sat not mere hundreds or thousands, but trillions of Demigods.

Mammon, the Demigod of Greed, positioned himself on the central platform, his golden attire gleaming brightly.

Surveying the ocean of divine presences, from the gentle green glow of life-oriented entities to the fierce crimson shine of war-tempered guardians, his expression cycled through various hues.

"Sister Thea," Mammon murmured, his words transmitted to her via a psychic link, "I believed this decision was limited to the High Council... the immediate offspring of our Master. Why summon the trillions of Demigods? This wasn’t the plan."

Mammon embodied deep inner turmoil. One part of his essence treasured the Golden Age they had forged, an era free of children's tears and needless violence.

The contrasting side, the practical designer, recognized that still waters could sour into toxicity. He desired progress, yet dreaded the toll of the Blood-Tax that conflict would exact.

With the broadened electorate, he sensed his dream of absolute harmony slipping away.

Had only Sunny’s immediate progeny voted—beings derived from ideals such as Harvest, Peace, and Art—the proposal to dismantle the moral safeguards would have undoubtedly been rejected.

Yet the assembly he faced differed. These were entities birthed by Sunny’s duplicates to protect the rescued universes, or independent climbers who had ascended to demigod status amid the blazes of the Demonic Invasions.

Ninety percent were combatants. They were fighters aware that an untried sword dulls over time. For them, Stagnation posed a deadlier foe than War.

"Mammon," Thea responded, her tone emerging as a soothing, harmonious bell that seized the focus of all present in the hall.

Positioned next to him, her see-through silver figure emanated serene command.

"This edict will profoundly reshape the fabric of every realm within the Master’s hold. Barring those who dwell beneath the altered Law from participating would defy the Emperor’s core tenet of Sovereignty. They reside under His domain; thus, they deserve to determine their own future's shade."

"If so," Mammon retorted, urgency tinging his words, "why not permit the Gods to rule on it? This domain belongs to them. We serve only as caretakers, temporary guardians of the estate while the owners are absent. We lack the authority to shatter the tranquility they established."

A wave of subtle, informed grins swept across the gathered Demigods.

"The Gods have committed to the Great Retreat," Thea clarified with patience. "They’ve immersed in profound contemplation to purify their cores and prepare for the Master’s impending conflicts. They’ve delegated their realms to us... their reliable Demigods, allowing us to grasp governance's burden. Rousing them over a policy issue would confess our inadequacy."

"Regarding governance," a relaxed, tuneful voice floated from the first row.

A striking man lounged with his feet elevated on the jade surface, a silken cloth covering his eyes against the surrounding light.

Though his stance was laid-back, the dark horns and turbulent, wavering presence marked him unmistakably.

"Where’s my domain, Thea?" Loki inquired, his speech dulled by the fabric.

"I’ve spent centuries in a game of hide-and-seek within the Demonic Realm. Before we vote on wrecking the community, I’d like clarity on my stewardship area."

"Brother Loki," Thea answered with a faint, teasing grin. "Master has assigned each of us a region the size of a minor universe. I’ve overseen yours while you were gone, but now that you’ve returned, I’d gladly transfer the documents. They cover the oversight of a full universe and every conscious being within."

Loki almost toppled from his perch, the cloth drifting off. "I was only kidding, Thea! Honestly! You’re handling it superbly. I believe I’ll just... concentrate on my cultivation. My power requires major enhancement. Indeed. Intense seclusion. Extremely intense."

Laughter filled the hall with cheer, briefly easing the strain.

"Why not duel with me, Loki?" Nova proposed from the platform’s opposite end, her dragon-like gaze sparkling with mirth. "I’m certain some sessions of Physical Education would boost your might quicker than dozing off."

Loki recoiled into his position, muttering about "unjust draconic edges," sparking further chuckles.

Still, once the mirth subsided, a weighty, anticipatory hush resumed. The projection panels in front of each Demigod activated with a flicker.

"Humor’s moment is over," Thea stated, her tone growing grave. "My assessments verify that expansion rates in all realms have hit a vital stagnation point. Without injecting adversity, our denizens will forfeit their potential to rise. We face a choice: A secure enclosure or a perilous expanse. Kindly submit your votes."

The displays showed two straightforward choices: [APPROVED] or [DECLINED].

Right before the tallies could lock in, Mammon advanced to the platform’s brink.

He refrained from shouting; instead, he allowed his Aura to resonate, capturing all gazes.

"Demigods of the Multiverse," Mammon commenced, his delivery earnest. "I recognize I can’t sway this decision’s current. Many of you were shaped by battles, viewing peace as frailty. Yet I urge you to ponder the Unintended Variables. Eliminating the stabilizers doesn’t merely enable advancement; it permits brutality. It lets the powerful trample the vulnerable simply because they possess the might."

He halted, eyeing the warriors amid the throng. "I won’t oppose the measure, but I suggest a Compromise of Laws. Should we permit the split, we ought to enact Hard Constraints that Thea can uphold via her particles."

He proceeded to enumerate them, his tone building in conviction:

The Law of Infancy: No mature entity may directly injure a young one from any race.

The Law of Annihilation: No society can utilize planet-ending tech or sorcery absent a formal hearing.

The Law of the Non-Combatant: Zones marked as Sanctuaries must stay impartial zones, free from warfare’s blaze.

The Demigods paid heed, their early antagonism mellowing to admiration. They craved evolution, yet they weren’t beasts.

They acknowledged the value in Mammon’s limits, transforming the impending strife from random carnage into an organized Game of Evolution.

"I request that we heed all perspectives," Mammon wrapped up. "For in the destiny the Emperor crafts, each of us holds vital importance. Let us honor Him not through savagery, but through sagacity."

He pivoted and returned to his place.

Briefly, utter quiet reigned. Then, one applause rang from the hall’s rear, joined by more, until the clamor of trillions of palms swelled to a pulsing roar that trembled the City of Gods’ core.

Mammon settled into his seat, wearing a weary yet content grin. He extended a hand and selected the [APPROVED] option.

The 12th Day had only begun. As the voting concluded, a luminous wave traversed the Inner World’s heavens.

Thea’s Safety Net, which barred lifeforms from injuring one another or committing wickedness, was getting dismantled.

Meanwhile, the interfaces before the lifeforms illuminated, revealing the fresh legislation approved by the demigod council.