The air in the great hall of Olympus was thick with tension. The gods sat in contemplation, their divine minds searching for a way to control the rapidly changing world.
Zeus sat at the head of the assembly, his fingers tapping against the armrest of his throne. The fragments had given rise to new powers, new creatures, and new dangers. The mortal races were evolving beyond anything the gods had foreseen.
Zeus: "We must establish order before this world spirals beyond our grasp. If mortals continue to grow unchecked, they may reach heights even we cannot predict."
Hera nodded, her sharp gaze sweeping across the gathered gods.
Hera: "Then we must remind them of their place. If their strength continues to rise, they must know that it is only by our will that they stand above the weak."
Ares scoffed, leaning forward with a wicked grin.
Ares: "Simple. We throw them into endless war. Conflict breeds control. If they're too busy killing each other, they won't have time to challenge us."
Athena rolled her eyes.
Athena: "And let them destroy themselves? Foolish. If we let them waste their potential, what value do they hold to us?"
Poseidon leaned on his trident, speaking with a deep, rumbling voice.
Poseidon: "A better approach would be to create rulers among them—strong leaders chosen by us. We could bless kings and queens, giving them authority to guide their people. If they defy us, we take back our blessings."
The gods murmured in consideration, but no single idea stood above the rest.
Then, from his seat at the edge of the gathering, Hephaestus finally spoke.
Hephaestus: "There is a way."
The gods turned toward him, curiosity flickering in their eyes.
Hephaestus: "I have been studying these changes, observing how mortals adapt to their newfound potential."
He leaned forward, his expression thoughtful yet confident.
Hephaestus: "Normally, when mortals learn skills, their mastery fades with time if left unused. But now… their souls have changed. It is as if their very being remembers what they have learned. They no longer lose their skills, even if they stop practicing for years."
The gods listened in silence.
Hephaestus: "For example, a warrior who learns the sword will never lose his proficiency, no matter how long he is away from battle. A mage who studies magic will retain their knowledge, even if they stop casting spells for decades."
Apollo's golden eyes gleamed with curiosity.
Apollo: "So their souls have developed a form of… photographic memory?"
Hephaestus nodded.
Hephaestus: "Exactly. And this opens a door for us."
Zeus narrowed his eyes.
Zeus: "Speak."
The god of the forge leaned back, his hands clasped together.
Hephaestus: "I have created something—a system that will let mortals see their growth and potential. I call it 'Status.'"
The word hung in the air, foreign yet intriguing.
Hephaestus: "Through this system, we can allow mortals to view their own abilities, their strengths, their weaknesses. We can grant them the means to measure their own progress."
Aphrodite tilted her head.
Aphrodite: "And why would we do that? It sounds like you want them to become even stronger."
Hephaestus smirked.
Hephaestus: "Because it also allows us to control them."
Silence fell.
Hades was the first to break it.
Hades: "Go on."
Hephaestus continued.
Hephaestus: "If we introduce this Status system through churches, mortals will seek divine guidance to understand it. They will turn to us for knowledge, for blessings, for answers. They will worship us more fervently, for they will see their progress as a gift from the gods."
The realization dawned upon the Olympians.
Hephaestus: "Not only that… we can introduce blessings. If we choose specific mortals—heroes, kings, champions—we can grant them divine favor, giving them even greater strength. This will make them dependent on us."
Zeus leaned forward, his expression unreadable.
Zeus: "And if they defy us?"
Hephaestus gave a knowing smile.
Hephaestus: "Then we take back what we have given. We can revoke blessings, give curses to make it hard for them to improve. We will control the very foundation of their power."
The gods exchanged glances. This plan… it was brilliant. It did not seek to suppress mortals through war or fear—it made them willingly place their fates in divine hands.
Poseidon: "So you propose we build churches?"
Hephaestus: "Yes. Temples, shrines, academies—places where mortals can come to awaken their Status and receive our blessings."
Athena: "And through this… we guide them."
Zeus sat back, deep in thought. Then, slowly, he nodded.
Zeus: "Very well. Let it be done."
With those words, the world would forever change.
The Status System had been born.