Isaac’s expression changed slightly.
"Previous System?" he asked.
"Yes. Each world has a basic System. Ours used to show basic stats and some other information about oneself, but it did not help anyone to level up or gain abilities through it. It is simply there to give people a way to check their own capabilities," Goddess Ruth explained.
She paused, then added, "The War God destroyed it."
Isaac sat there in silence for several minutes as he tried to process the sheer implications of what he had just heard. He had always known the War God was extraordinary because almost everyone who spoke about him seemed to have some story that made him sound even more ridiculous than the last, but destroying something that existed across entire world was on a completely different level. That was not something a normal person could even imagine doing.
"You don’t have to compare yourself with him. He had Ouroboros, and that was an advantage that nobody else could compete with. Also, you... never mind. Let us focus on our conversation, shall we? It is already taking a considerable amount of Faith to keep the two of you here," Goddess Sylvie said after giving him some time.
Isaac nodded. She was right, after all. Whatever the War God had accomplished belonged to the past, and Isaac had no reason to measure himself against someone who had completely different circumstances and advantages. This world was different, he was different, and even if he was the War God’s son, that did not mean he had to follow the same path.
His greatest advantage was still his Bonded Blessing System, and he had no idea where that path would eventually lead him. There was no point in worrying about what someone else had achieved when he had barely begun his own journey.
"So, why are you okay with me becoming your Chosen? If what Goddess Ruth said is true, then you seem to be his wife. Wouldn’t you dislike me because I am his son?" Isaac asked.
"I do not dislike you. I have been searching for you for a very long time, Isaac, and you are the only person who can potentially help me find him. Even if you cannot do that, your Talent alone means you can help save countless people, so I have no reason to turn against you simply because of who your father is," Goddess Sylvie replied.
She paused briefly before continuing. "As for disliking you, the War God’s reincarnation was different from the reincarnations of most other Gods. He most likely did not possess the memories of his previous life, so it would make sense that he eventually married someone else. I cannot blame you for something that happened because of circumstances you had no control over."
Isaac frowned as he thought about her words. Something did not quite add up, because if the War God truly had no memories of his previous life, then how had he made a contract with the Grim Reapers to revive Isaac if he died? That should not have been possible if the War God had genuinely forgotten everything from his previous existence.
Either Goddess Sylvie was hiding something from him, or she genuinely did not know about that particular matter. Neither possibility was particularly reassuring, but Isaac did not have enough information to determine which one was true.
"Will you become my Chosen?" Goddess Sylvie asked, drawing Isaac’s attention back to her.
Isaac remained silent for a moment before shaking his head. "I apologize, Goddess, but my answer is no."
He could feel a faint connection to the passage that had brought him and Selene here. He was not strong enough for him to understand its structure completely, but it was enough for him to know that the connection existed. If Goddess Sylvie became angry because of his refusal, Isaac was prepared to use Spatial Lock with his evolved Aura and forcibly cut that connection.
The moment the passage was severed, the System should send him and Selene back automatically. It was not a perfect plan, but it was the best option he had if the situation suddenly turned against him.
Contrary to his expectations, however, Goddess Sylvie simply sighed. "Fine."
Isaac blinked and looked toward her. "You aren’t angry?"
"I expected you to refuse. I simply wanted to try anyway. There was no harm in asking, and I would have regretted it if I had not at least brought this up," Goddess Sylvie said.
Isaac relaxed slightly. At least she was not going to force the matter, which meant he did not need to risk cutting the passage and potentially causing an unnecessary conflict with a Goddess.
"Anyway, since you are not going to become my Chosen, I cannot give you anything," Goddess Sylvie continued. "If I do, the System will interfere. I will just give you one warning. Florathi—"
Her voice suddenly cut off, and blue electricity flickered around her body. The words that followed were nothing more than distorted sounds before disappearing completely.
Isaac immediately understood what had happened. The System had interfered, which meant there were still limits to what Goddess Sylvie could reveal to them. It seemed the System was willing to tolerate them using Selene’s ability for a reverse summoning, but giving Isaac too much information was apparently something it would not allow.
Goddess Sylvie sighed as she looked toward Isaac. "Seems like I cannot even tell you that. Fine. You should be able to find the information yourself once you go to the Florathi Kingdom."
Isaac nodded.
Goddess Sylvie then added, "And there is one more thing you should remember. Do not tell Sera that you are his son. It will... not end well."
"What do you mean?" Isaac frowned.
"Sera already thinks you are either his son, or descendant. That is fine. However, if she confirms that you are his son, things will become dicey. At best, you will die. At worst, your Sector will be destroyed," Goddess Sylvie said.
Isaac’s eyes constricted to the size of a needle.
The Goddess added, "Sera is not an enemy. You can trust her as someone who will always have your back. It’s just... the circumstances are complicated. So, under no circumstances, let her know you are his child."