"Don't act so surprised, people. You guys saw this coming." Alex said with a warm smile.
While some did expect Alex to eventually reach a high level, they didn't think it would be a literal god. Of course, there was nothing to compare to, but that was irrelevant.
"Take a seat," Alex gestured as a large round table formed in the void. Several chairs of the same design took form around the table.
"That's not right." Elina said with a small frown. "Your status is different from the rest of us. We're your vassals, and now that you've become a god, you shouldn't treat yourself as someone on our level."
The rest of the hunters nodded, the leaders included. They felt slightly uneasy seeing their 'master' take a chair like theirs.
"She has a point." Basso added. "Your seat should be grandeur, representing your status as a god." The others agreed with vehement nods.
"Very well," Alex accepted their suggestion, moulding his seat into something more exquisite and refined. The final result was a chair with a subtle glow that felt unreachable and divine, just like its maker.
That subtle energy around his chair was the unique signature of this universe. It stood above all else and was what instilled that feeling of worship in the hunters.
Alex was the first to take a seat, quickly followed by the hunters. The backdrop of stars and distant galaxies flickering with mesmerising lights gave the atmosphere a serene feeling of importance.
"Everyone gathered here has experienced many hardships and gone through a lot of pain. Pain that has shaped the kind of beings we are today." Alex began, his gaze roaming around the table. "We are stronger than our former selves, better than we were many years ago. And this… as a result of void creatures and the chaos they brought."
The hunters didn't know why Alex said what he said, but they felt every word of his touch them in ways they hadn't felt before.
It brought back the memories of the fights they had been in, the close calls that nearly claimed their lives and the decisions they made in order to get here.
"Prior to calling you here," Alex continued a moment later. "I closed all veil tears in this universe, got rid of the cosmic storms filled with void energy, save for a few. As for the void creatures left…
"I couldn't decide what to do with them. So I called you here to make that decision."
For several moments, the table was quiet as everyone thought about his words. Closing all veil tears was wonderful news. It meant no more damage to their universe.
And with cosmic storms that were still a danger outside the sphere of protection gone, hunters and explorers can continue what they do best without fear holding them back.
Naturally, this didn't completely eliminate the dangers of the universe. That was to be expected.
"Why bring this to us?" Hunter Zol voiced his thoughts, catching everyone's attention. "You could have done everything by yourself and no one would have voiced any complaints."
"That's exactly why I brought this issue to you." Alex stated. "I'm at a stage where I will not interfere with most things happening in the universe. Half of the purpose for which we were made has been achieved." His gaze briefly fell on the catwoman.
"The universe is now yours to explore to your heart's content." Alex continued. "And I can assure you, what you know of the universe barely covers 5% of all things."
"Then what will you be doing?" Basso asked curiously.
"My attention will now be focused outside." Alex answered. "We are not alone, and not many beings out there are willing to leave us in peace. That said, I will still be around, but only as a 'normal' person."
"..."
The hunters didn't know what to make of his words. It sounded like a goodbye and at the same time not. It was just confusing.
Such were the ways of a god. They never truly made sense.
"So what about the void creatures?" Elina asked. "What decision is it that you want us to make?"
"Aside from Cassandra, you all are still at the early levels of the Venerable stage." Alex replied, getting nods in return.
They knew exactly what that stage meant and an inherent understanding of its meaning came to mind.
At the Venerable stage or rather known as the S-Tier level, beings begin to sense the pieces of laws that made up their abilities.
Classified into three stages, the first stage was achieving the Venerable level itself. At the second level, a being had managed to grasp their laws, gradually increasing their understanding and applications.
Finally, the third stage was reaching a 25% understanding of their laws, a stage that pushes them to the Semi-Immortal Stage.
However, as vassals of a Veilwalker, they showed Semi-Immortal combat level prowess despite being 1st stage Venerables--with Zol at the 2nd stage. In other words, they were cheats.
"The universe has been reforged, becoming stronger than ever and will continue to grow and expand." He explained. "But the most powerful void creatures are already at the Semi-Immortal and Immortal stages. Do you want me to eliminate them or leave them sealed in special zones?"
The hunters immediately understood what he meant. With Alexander basically washing his hands off the affairs of the universe, it was left to them to fight the remaining creatures.
The question was: were they up for the challenge?
"Leave them." Basso said, his tone and expression serious. "From what I've gathered, your intention is to give humanity something to push them forward, to challenge themselves and grow stronger than ever."
Alex nodded.
"But aren't they powerful enough to tear new veils?" The catwoman asked, knowing how troublesome those creatures were. Then there were their black cores.
"No, not anymore." Alex shook his head. "I am the universe and the universe is me…In here, I am absolute; this is my domain."
As if to affirm his words, the universe shook slightly. It was barely noticeable but they sensed it all the same. It instilled a deeper sense of awe in their hearts.
"Then it's decided, Lord Alexander." Elina said, getting to her feet. "Leave the universe to us…" She gave a polite bow and the others quickly got up and did the same.
"A good choice."