TRANSHUMANIST IN HELL
Chapter 15 – Alliances
It has been already an hour since John has finished talking about his backstory and after another couple of minutes of small talking, during which Mammon had the opportunity to have abetter look at what exactly Asmodeus has done to Maria, together with the other guests being quite surprised that Maria has successfully integrated the Divine blood inside of her. With Athena and Maat agreeing that, at least from a technical point of view, Maria should be considered a Demi-god. The first of the modern Era to be exact, but after that they started to talk about the current situation with the other Pantheons and what their . . ."opinion" on the whole situation is.
So, how to describe it? Well . . . imagine of looking at the extinction of the dinosaurs, only this time the asteroid is not two times the size of mount Everest, but it is as big as the entire Eurasia. . . oh yes and also YOU are the dinosaurs. So yes, very happy times.
Maat doesn't beat around the bush and tells to both Mammon and Lucifer that the act of God is not only unforgivable from an ethical point of view, especially for her as she is the Goddess of Justice, but also goes against every law that the Gods have made in the various millennia to interact with Humans, rule that God has so clearly and kindly decide to wash his ass with.
As such the Gods are preparing for war, and it will be a Total War. We are talking about Armageddon and Ragnarök and every other catastrophic mythological event known in history all happening at the same time. Athena also tells how that even the best outcome she and her fellow gods of war have come up with always show a pyrrhic victory for God, but a victory non the less. And with him as the only remaining God in existence and with an entire new race genetically conditioned to worship him, he will have all the time in the world to rebuild himself up. As such the Gods are thinking of doing drastic measures, from building a superweapon against God, to expose their existence to Humanity in hope to counterbalance God, to some extremist arguing about causing the extinction of all Human worshipping God to take out his power.
These last ones were called out by the gods of the entirety of Europe and America, as they only barely survive thanks to what little belief Humans still have inside about them, as such killing only the humans worshipping God would only backfire. Nevertheless, the fact that such an idea was considered in the first place shows how much the situation for the gods is dire, and if nothing is done the only alternative will be an all-out war between gods.
But, when they where on mount Olympus during their discussion Mammon reached to them through her old contact in the Syrian and Babylon pantheon and proposed John as a possible champion for their cause. At first they weren't convinced at all, but John's action at Miami at least convinced the council to send messengers to see if he could really help them.
The various pantheons weren't very hopeful on the whole ordeal, but at this point they were desperate enough to consider it. As such the three messengers were carefully selected to have as close to a non-bias judgement as possible. Athena's job is to understand if John has the military capabilities to stand against God; Maat to test what type of character John is and finally Brunhilde and Goll, as the Valkyries are the medium between gods and humans, are here to give a more "friendly" face to the entourage and to reveal if he has the bravery necessary to fight against what can be best describe as overwhelmingly bad odds.
Obviously they also did their own research on him before the meeting, both using what Mammon gave to them and from their own researches. As such this meeting in person is to give the final opinion on this possible alliance.
"That said John" Athena says eyeing him "what is your strategy in dealing with God's mortal armies here on Earth.
John looks aimlessly at the table for a couple of second. His left hand on his chin in a thinking pose.
"It is complicated that is for sure, but not impossible".
"What do you mean?".
"Well, our information on the enemy can better be described as non-existent, but nonetheless we have something to work with. For starter we know that they have enough resources to be able to launch a full scale assault with a full division fully equipped for a modern war. At the same time tough there are clear internal division inside the therianthrope army".
"What type of internal division?" asks Maat.
"The racial separation type".
Brunhilde and Goll look at one another rising an eyebrow to each other.
"Let me explain. During the fight I have witnessed a clear separation between animals which are member of different species, up to the level of battalion. More specifically their fighting composition is very much mixed, but the single combat unit are not. There are two general in total, each one is of different species and each as control over one half of the army, without being able to give orders to the other half".
"This is dumb" says both Athena and Brünnhilde simultaneously.
"I know, and it is indeed correct. In fact during the battle we have assisted on how the "insect" general had at his disposition aerial unit that were supporting their "land" animal soldiers, but the moment the insect general was in danger they quickly abandoned their position leaving their comrades to die".
"Why would the enemy adopt such a dumb and clearly "ineffective" hierarchy?". Athena, as the Goddess of both War and Wisdom is clearly upset from hearing of such an army clearly existing.
"Because this is not a bug, but a feature. From what I could understand and considering what the insect general told me, I think Shidou's plan is to create small or big fractures between the various species. His plan is to use the old excuses of the common enemy, being the chosen race and the desire for victory to give them enough reason to work together, but also enough to go at each other throat after said war has ended".
"hmm, I suppose you are right".
John then continues to being questioned by the messengers and to talk on his experiences at Miami and how he plans to proceed.
Meanwhile all this is happening, another talk is ongoing in a more "private" way.
'*giggles* it seems he has completely taken the spot lights, isn't it Lucifer?'
'Mph, I suppose it is so. Better for me. I have the chance to have a clear idea of the other Pantheons intention without having to expose myself'.
'*giggles* John is always someone to be at the centre of the attention whether he desires so or not'.
'Mph, obviously it should be Big sister the one a the centre of attention, but I suppose that if big sisters allows it I can accept it'
Mammon, Lucifer, Maria and Leviathan are currently together in a telepathic link talking between each other.
Obviously one of the subject is Maria's new found attribute of being able to absorb the conceptual core of the seven deadly sins.
Mammon: 'It is indeed an interesting ability. One that we are very lucky to have at this point in time. After the meeting has ended I will give you a piece of my core of greed. We must increase your power as quickly as possible, while Lucifer will train you in how to use your power'.
Leviathan: 'Wait. Shouldn't I as the Devil Lord of Envy being also able to do so?'
Mammon: 'unfortunately not for now. Your core of Envy Leviathan is not strong enough to allow it, because you have not started to make followers for your Sin, as such giving even a small part of your core to Maria would be dangerous for you'.
Lucifer: 'Indeed. Moreover we are in complete uncharted territory. Athena will have called Maria a demi-god, but the way she has obtained her power is something completely out of what you would find in normal demi-gods'.
Maria: 'W-well, I suppose you are right. In truth being considered as such feels a little strange for me'
Mammon 'But aren't you happy? You are now one the same position as the mighty Hercules! Who knows, maybe you will be able to create a legend for yourself. Maybe like Hercules, you and John will close yourself inside a room and have sex for 50 night straights'
Maria is initially sceptical of it, but the prospect of doing so makes her red in face, but also fills her eyes with a very deep "hunger" for it, which prompts her to say "It would not be such a bad idea" while licking her lips with her tongue.
Mammon: 'Well, I can see why you have such an easy time to absorb the various Sins *giggles* we have a really naughty girl at hands it seems'.
Maria simply become even redder from the embarrassment.
'That said, maybe you not being so much attached to God's laws may have been a blessing that is allowing you to do such things. Anyway we must hit the iron while is still hot. After the guests will be gone I will give you my part of the core of Greed'.
'Do you think that our guests have already a measure of Maria's capabilities?'.
'Almost certainly Lucifer. You may have taught Maria to hide her wings, but not her aura. Nevertheless, they will not say anything as they may think of her as some sort of trump card of ours. Anyway we will conclude our talk here and then we will see how to proceed'.
'Okay' says Lucifer.
'Okay' says Maria.
The conversation after that proceeded normally without interruption for another couple of hours. During that time John had the time to explain to the various Goddesses on how his hybrids work and what their plan for the future are.
Which of course took them on the obvious question on who would be the next Devil Lord that Lucifer would decide to go against.
After some thinking she and John agree on Astaroth, the Devil Lord of Melancholy, as she is the nearest one, being a very famous pop star that is on the final city of her tour of all the states of the USA, Los Angels; and she is also the most loyal to Belial out of all the Devil Lord. Beating her would surely greatly weaken her position.
After another round of small talks and the promise from John of visiting Mount Olympus when they hold on power will be complete, the guests went out to report what they have learned to the various Pantheons.
Meanwhile after some other talks between Mammon and John to remember the old years they confirmed their desire to go against Astaroth, the last surviving member of the Paimon family. They will never be able to convince her to switch side, but going towards her is also a way to make sure she is safe and to protect her in case she is attacked by Shidou's underlings. After even that was complete Mammon asked to leave her and Maria alone so that she can give her core to her. And now the two of them are now alone in the room.
"Are you ready to receive the core?".
Maria nods with certainty in her eyes "Yes, I am ready".
"Good, then first and foremost take off all your clothes and remain naked".
Maria's face was equally embarrassed and puzzled "Do I have to do it?".
"Yes. This process is the very definition of unknown. As such we must give your body all the liberty to accept such a gift. Okay?".
"Okay" Maria shily reply and dress off completely remaining naked.
Then Mammon conjure a small ball of light. Maria notices that contrary to Asmodeus that was of a pinkish colour, then one made by Mammon is instead a lighter shade of gold. Mammon then gently press it on Maria's chest and light starts to cover her.
After a couple of seconds the light fades away and leaves the newly transformed Maria exhausted on her knees on the floor.
"*heavy inspiration and expiration* So . . . how it went?".
Mammon for her part only giggles and conjure a full body mirror in front of Maria. "Well, you should judge by yourself".
Maria then stands up to have a better look. Her body has changed once again. She is now 2.00 m tall, her skin has a feeling akin to silk on the touch. Her breasts are now a full H-cup but with slightly more width. Her midriff is now very slim with a faint accent of muscles. Her hips are the ones that have changed the most, they are now childbearing in size. To add it all up her eyes have changed from their green/grey colour to a mix between light gold and light purple, showing her newly integrated cores.
All in all Maria could be mistaken for a fully-fledged fertility goddess because of her body.
While she indeed notices the changes to her body, her eyes are fixated on her wings. Her black wings went from 4 to 6 showing her new found power. But this time other then the increased number she also notices that at the root of her feathers have a golden hue to them that creates a blood vessels like pattern all over her wings, in addition to it the tip of her feathers are purple in colors.
Maria looks at each of her changes with a fascinated look.
"Ara, ara. It seems that giving you my core has changed you a lot and has also show the changes of Asmodeus's core. Hmm, quite the interesting development, don't you think?".
Maria continue to look at her wings gently touching them all over. "I would more likely say to myself if each time I will receive a core I will gain a new pair of wings? And why I have this strange feeling in my belly?".
"Of that I don't think you should worry about it".
Maria look at Mammon with her eyebrow raised "why?".
"Because Greed, Lust and Pride are the most powerful and widespread Sins that Human indulge themselves in the modern day, as such achieving three pairs of wing is to be expected. From now on you will find much more difficult to increase you power, even with more core at your disposal, but with the incredible levels of adaptability that you are showing I don't think it will be impossible for you to achieve even 4 or 5 pairs. But now I think our time is up. Dress back and be safe Maria-chan. We will see each other again, I am sure of it. and for the second one, the reason is that throughout human history, and especially in the modern day, men have always been obsessed with having material wealth because that would attract the most beautiful women and convince them to have his children. This mentality hasn't changed in tens of thousands of years, it has only increased. As such I, as the Devil Lord of Greed, and all the other goddesses whose dominion is material wealth are, to a minor extent, also fertility goddesses. As such what you are feeling right now is the desire to have children. And I also have an idea from whom".
Maria is clearly embarrassed from hearing that. But she muster her mental willpower to thank mammon for all the help she has given.
"Okay, and. . . thanks Mammon for all your help. Now, I think I have a better idea of what I want to do".
"*giggles* you are welcome. Now, go back to your friends, they are waiting you".
And with that Maria finish to redress and goes back to John and Lucifer. Half an hour later Mammon can see John's plane lifting itself into the sky.
She is observing it from the 100th floor of the building in the room dedicated to the Board of Directors.
"I think it has gone very well. Don't you think mother?". Another one of Mammon's daughters and chairman of the M-company, de facto a figurehead to cover for Mammon, talks from behind her. She is Mia one of Mammon fifty thousand daughters.
"Indeed. John as always is the perfect diplomat. Someone capable to handle every question asked in a way as to satisfy any possible question. Have you received any updates?".
"Yes, we have confirmed that all of John's factories all over the world have start to increase their production, especially on the military size. At the same time our contact in the US and NATO governments have confirmed that there is going to be an increase in both military production and military operations in all the hot zones of the war. At the same time we have information's, even if they are not reliable, that the Chinese government could be protecting some of the Therianthrope's army bases. Some of which could be of great strategic importance. But as I said, they are not reliable intel. It seems clear that war is coming, and it will be a big one at that".
"So it seems. So it seems". Mammon says with a low tone. She herself is not happy on how things have started to move recently. She would have loved a more peaceful time for a change in the Devil's leadership, but as the says goes beggars can't be choosers.
"Have we already received request for war time investments?" Mammon asks.
"No, but we expect them to arrive in the next 48 hours at max, and we have already various investment packages ready for it".
"Good, then be ready for it. for now we can only wait and hope that John and Lucifer to complete their mission before we have to see said money put to use".
Mammon says so, but her face betrays the fact that she herself doesn't quite believe in her own words. While she believes that John and Lucifer will be able to achieve their objective, she fears that it is too late to stop the war. In the end she can only hope that everything will come out for the better.
[Meanwhile in a Los Angels luxury hotel]
Astaroth, the Devil Lord of Melancholy, is currently observing the city of Los Angels from her suit on the highest floor of one of the most luxurious hotel in Los Angels. She is a girl 1.80 m tall dressed in a casual shirt that his at least two times her size with pink hairs curled into two buns from which come out two tails each. The shirt is so big as to cover the fact that she isn't wearing any shirts now, only her panties. The shirt is very monotone, a totally grey shirt with only the word melancholy in pink letters where her chest is. She has E-cup breasts.
Currently she is very much worried for the whole situation. This should have been her last city to complete her tour for the states. Up to this point it has been a success for her. The tour has bring her a lot of new followers both from the one that were present in the stadiums and the one following the even from their homes. This last one should have been the jewel on top of the crown of this tour. Instead, it has all become smoke.
First news about Lucifer going to challenge the various Devil Lords for the position of Leader. Then, not even a single day goes on that the Attack on Miami happens. It is a fortune that her last concert had already ended, so that she could go to Hell to help Belial and Satan to contain the mess of what was happening. in the end they were able to subdue the situation, but for her the problems didn't end there.
Instead when she returned on Earth her manager told her that her last concert would be changed. The plan is to use a song to honour the lost lives in Miami, like the U2 at the Super Bowl after the attack on the Twin Towers. Which means that the tour that was specifically made for her to gain followers was going to become something else entirely at the eleventh hour.
Even now she was feeling very bad and melancholy. The irony on obtaining power from your own misery would have not been lost on her, if she was not busy being depressed.
"I knew I would have find you in this situation". A female voices come from behind her, Astaroth immediately recognize the owner of said voices and her mood brights up immediately and she throws herself in the arms of the newcomers.
"Belial-sama!". Astaroth hugs Belial with all her body. Finally happy for her return from New York.
"*giggles* come on, I didn't go out for so long".
"Time is relative Belial-sama!". Astaroth says while pouting like a cute puppy looking straight in Belial's eyes. For a couple of minutes the two remain like that. The silence of the room only interrupted by the noise of the cars in the road below.
"How it went?". Astaroth asks in very low volume, like she is afraid of even asking the question.
"As I expected. Mammon will not support me in this fight, and Lucifer is almost certain that will take you as her next target. But besides that I have obtained a lot of info about John, that human I talked to you in Hell. If nothing else it seems the situation with our war against Heaven has stabilized. . . for now at least. Which brings me to the reason why I am here".
"they are going to challenge me". Interject Astaroth.
Belial nods. "Yes, they are coming here for two reasons. 1 you are the nearest ones, with Beelzebub being in France, Belphegor in Japan and Satan still busy with the gates of Hell. 2 you are de facto my only loyal ally which I can rely on. Both Beelzebub and Belphegor don't care of me remaining the leader, and Satan will fight Lucifer and John only out of her sense of duty and her desire to fight them. As such you are the last one I can rely on".
Astaroth is super happy to be told that her dear Belial needs her in such an important moment. "D-don't worry Belial-sama. I will beat all of them to dust be sure of it.
"*giggles* I know you will, I know you will". Belial says in soft and motherly tone while she gently pat Astaroth head. "But I am here to tell you not to do it".
"W-what?! Why?!". Astaroth is shocked by Belial request.
"Don't be mistaken. I still want you to fight them, but *sigh* I think Astaroth that it is time for me to step down. Outside of the fact that I was never able to obtain the full trust of the other Sins except you, the last days have highlighted my utterly failure as a leader in tackling this situation. Besides, I have too much skeletons in my wardrobe to continue doing so. So, I want to ask you to fight Lucifer for yourself in your own way, instead of fighting for me, someone without hope".
"No". is Astaroth only response.
"No?".
"I am too dumb to understand complicated things like politics and the needs for strong leadership, but there is one thing I know for sure. The only reason I am here is thanks to Belial-sama, thanks to her I am where I am standing now and not in some remote and desolated part of Hell crying while waiting for my death; so, if I need to have a reason to fight whatsoever against Lucifer is for her and her only". Astaroth says in a determined tone that brings a smile on Belial face.
"Thanks Astaroth, thanks a lot. Now…" Belial takes Astaroth in a bridal position. "I have been away for far too long, and I want to tell you about the interesting things I heard during my trip".
Astaroth nods with a smile and the two of them go inside Astaroth's room closing the door behind them for some *cough. . . cough* "girl talks". . . yep, totally only that, no naughty things involved. Only two very, VERY close friends talking between each other. . . the shameless moans coming out of the room which seems an awful lot like they are coming out of Astaroth's mouth are only a fickle of your imagination, they are not real. . . yep, absolutely not real
*visibly starts to sweats like a fountain while suspiciously looking away*
[Meanwhile at the reunion of all the world Pantheons on Mount Olympus]
Goll, Brunhilde, Maat and Athena have just returned to Mount Olympus, using Athena's chariot, to give the report on their encounter with Lucifer and John especially to the various leader reunited.
"Good to see that you have all come back safe and sound".
A male voice greets the recently arrived group. Goll is the first to react, running towards the origin of the voice.
"Big brother Heracles!" indeed the owner of the voice is Heracles. Mighty demigod and appointed God of Justice of the Greek Pantheon. He smiles back at Goll and hugs her when she literally throws herself at him.
"*chuckles* always the spunky one, aren't you Goll?".
Goll chuckles and nods in response. Brunhilde, Maat and Athena meanwhile have a more pondered response and al three of them give a respectful bow to him, which Heracles responds in the same way. He then says.
"I was asked to greet all of you when you would come back, and you could not have arrived at a better time. Honestly the Hall is becoming to itch for action for my own tastes".
"Oh my. We weren't going out for so long, and it has already become such a heated debate". Brunhilde says with her typical fake "disbelief" tone.
Heracles nods with a serious face. "Indeed. The Gods from the minor Pantheons are taking this situation very seriously, even too much I think. I fear they are letting fear and paranoia taking the better of them. Then again, they are the one who will most likely fall first in case God plans continue like this".
"It is a very unsettling thing to see, but it is something we had already account for". Athena says.
"For the moment we have to simply give the report and make sure it will calm down the more intransigent ones". Says Maat.
Heracles simply nods in response and then lead the four girls towards the Hall.
Said Hall is the ex-palace of the 12 Olympian Gods, were they usually resided together with the various heroes of Greek and roman legend alike. Because of the recent events, Hephestus has modified it into a Pantheon/Parliament style palace to allow for the gods from all over the world. At the centre of the Hall there is a long table where the leaders from all the majors Pantheon sit. Beings like Zeus, Odin, Ra, the Jade Emperor and so on.
All the other gods sits in a semicircle like standing that goes towards the roof, just like in a human Parliament. In front of the main gods Brunhilde, Maat and Athena are now standing ready to deliver their report and opinion on the situation, with Goll that left the group to go with her other sisters and Heracles that it is now with the rest of his Pantheon.
"While it hasn't been long since you have decided to undertake your mission to find out if the news of a potential common enemy to God could be made our ally, I must say that I am glad that you have returned as quickly as possible. Now, to all the gods in this hall! If you are ready then I believe we can start this session. This session will be in regard of a possible alliance with the fallen angel known as Lucifer, the self-proclaimed Devil Lord of Pride and the human known as John Rorschach. We will start by listening to the report made by the now present three representative from three different pantheon. Once all the voices will be heard we will decided if this alliance shall be taken into consideration and if so then how to proceed from then on. Now, with the power given to me as the Host of this palace and the ad-interim President of this assembly I declare this hall in session!".
And with that a small hammer pounded the wood desk in front of the god that has announced the start of the session. He is a man with white hair and well groomed white bear that gives the impression of the man being in his 60s or 70s. he is dressed in a regal white toga with strands of pure gold going all over it, a lightning bolt shaped brooch can be seen near his left shoulder. The idea of him being a frail old man is immediately shattered when you see his impressive muscles both in his arms and chest. Standing at a proud 2 m tall, he is Zeus. The chief god of the Greek Pantheon and he seriously hope that this alliance receive the green light, because the alternatives are one worse than the others.
END
A.N.
Hello everyone Ghostfire here.
Finally I have completed this chapter. On one note I am enthusiastic to announce that we have reached the 100.000 words on FFN.
Honestly this is quite the milestone for me, as it is less than a year since I started writing and I want to thank all of you readers for your supports and encouraging comments. As a writer, knowing that people like what you are writing is one hell of a boost.
Secondly, I will probably only release chapter 5 of breaking news to announce my new schedule before the end of the year, and then stop for Christmas and so on, as my recent exams have been good and I want to savour it, while also preparing for the ones that are coming. As such I don't think you will publish a lot of chapter before after the half of February, but I will see what I can do.
I would love for some reviews on Chapter 5 of breaking news, as it is going to show the definitive list of my next stories, as I have finally made up my mind on it.
Nevertheless, I want to stress out some important info on the story.
1 the various Gods: as some of you have already find out, some of the designs of the Gods will be taken from Record of Ragnarök, but some will be radically different, for example Zeus which is shown in his more "traditional" aspect . this is not only on the look side, but also in the personality side, as the gods in Transhumanist in hell don't want Humanity to end, as it will cause their inevitable death, and in general are more logical and understanding people then the petty and arrogant ones in Record of Ragnarök.
2 I don't plan nor want to insert too much of the Seven Virtues in this 1°Arc of the story outside of where it is necessary, as this arc is more concentrated on the mortal side of the conflict. The Seven Virtues will become more relevant in the 2° arc, as it will be Lucifer and John fighting against them all the way up to God itself.
Talking about stories, I will upload this story, once I have finished it on Ao3, reason being that I am messing around with various ai image generators, as I want the people who are going to read it to have a frame of reference of who I am talking about. This will also be relevant for all the other stories I plan to do which will be simultaneously upload both on FFN and AO3.
Anyway, this is all for today.
I wish all of you a god Christmas and we will see each other in the next chapter.