God Aleph continued with a solemn tone.
"Luck, talent, or sheer hard work alone won't suffice. If mere diligence guaranteed success in this boundless cosmos, every hard worker would be a victor. And almost everyone would be working hard because who doesn't want to win in their life?
But reality dictates otherwise. Many diligent individuals remain ensnared by their fates because they excel solely in diligence. The same principle applies to luck and talent.
However, the right mindset can shatter these constraints. It's about knowing when to toil tirelessly and when to work intelligently. It's about possessing the insight to discern what must take precedence on your path to success. This kind of vision can only be cultivated through the right mindset," the fallen god stated earnestly.
Eren listened attentively to Aleph's words, feeling his perspective broaden as he absorbed the fallen god's teachings. Although he was familiar with much of what Aleph was conveying, the fallen god's explanation offered new insights based on his past experiences.
'Anything and anyone I encounter can turn into a blessing or curse depending upon how I deal with them,' Eren quietly murmured to himself, pondering Aleph's wisdom. In his mind, images of Eliza and other significant figures from his life flashed, prompting him to heed Aleph's counsel and stop viewing individuals through the lens of blessings or curses.
Eren then expressed his gratitude with a respectful bow. Aleph acknowledged the gesture before continuing with his advice.
"Now, as for the guidance I wish to impart," Aleph began, "it's quite straightforward. Eren, you've inherited my legacy through a series of unique coincidences. As such, what you possess differs significantly from what I had envisioned for my true heir. Your Elder Ichor bloodline bears resemblances to mine, yet it has developed distinct attributes in your case. What I want you to focus on is refining your bloodline and establishing Edicts over the Elements."
'Establishing Edicts over the Elements?' Eren echoed thoughtfully. He fixed his gaze upon the fallen god, seeking further clarification. "Could you please elaborate?" he inquired. Aleph paused briefly before explaining.
"Simply put, Eren, your Elder Ichor bloodline encompasses two facets. The first aspect originates from me and my mastery of the Elements. The second facet belongs to the artificial demon beast from which you inherited the bloodline. This aspect is tied to Echidna, the very first fiend I created using my bloodline," Aleph disclosed, a subtle smile gracing his features, seemingly enjoying Eren's surprised expressions.
***
Eren's eyes were fixed on the motionless form of the horned goddess with blue skin, his expression a mixture of astonishment and curiosity. In the stagnant world, she stood like a statue, granting Eren the opportunity to study her more closely. He recalled that she had been referred to as Echidna by the other gods when he delved into Aleph's memories.
"How is Goddess Echidna connected to Reen, God Aleph?" Eren inquired, his eyes fixed on Aleph, awaiting an explanation.
This was a significant discovery for him, and he was determined to gather as much information as possible before finalizing his plans for the conclusion of the Lazarus Project.
Aleph met Eren's gaze with patience, then began to shed light on the mysterious connection. "It all starts with the artificial slime," he began. "Or, to be more precise, what your demon beast companion, Reen, represents. Reen was initially conceived to serve as a vessel for a summoned demon, but what the creators inadvertently achieved was something far different from their intentions.
Hehe. It's often said that many inventions in this boundless cosmos emerge as a result of accidents. This was one of those cases."
The fallen god continued, revealing the intriguing backstory that nobody in Anfang was aware of.
"The creators of the artificial demon beast were unaware that they were, in fact, crafting what is commonly referred to as Echidna's Placenta—an amorphous substance that Echidna manifested using her powers to give rise to various races.
Or perhaps, the research related to the creation of the artificial demon beast was meant to be this way? After all, Samael was crazy to obtain my powers at any cost even during my time. Um… I am not going to bother about this. I'll let you find out the truth yourself.
Anyway… Let's focus on the things at hand. Echidna's Placenta is an Existential Concept, meaning it exists across various worlds within the boundless cosmos. These researchers managed to synthesize this Existential Concept in its most primal form, which allowed them to birth Reen using my blood as a crucial component. After all, Echidna herself was initially created from a drop of my blood."
Continuing his explanation, Aleph illuminated the wider significance of their discussion.
"The races that Echidna forged using her Existential Concept are now recognized as the Children of Echidna. This is why you possess the ability to transform into what is commonly referred to as 'monsters' through the shape-shifting powers of your bloodline," Aleph explained.
He further emphasized the lineage's origin.
"The lineage ultimately originates from me and my bloodline. However, your acquisition of it through Echidna's Existential Concept has naturally inclined you to favor one aspect of the bloodline while unintentionally overlooking a fundamental aspect, the aspect associated with me.
What my bloodline grants is not limited to the affinity with the myriad elements. It grants you the ability to establish complete control over them."
Aleph pointed out the unique nature of Eren's abilities. "Neither I nor my bloodline were known for shapeshifting abilities. Not really. No Elder Seed who has harnessed my bloodline possesses such capabilities. This is something entirely unique to you."
The fallen god continued with a sense of purpose.
"That said, it's fine to develop the bloodline abilities linked to Echidna. After all, it gives you an advantage over your enemies and also shields you from most prophetic visions. However, as my true heir, I want you to also focus on the core aspect of Elder Ichor—establishing Edicts over the Elements.
I had dominion over all the elements found within the boundless cosmos. It would be a profound loss if you, as my true heir and son, didn't inherit that legacy from me."
With this, Aleph concluded his revelation, ensuring Eren grasped the significance of his dual inheritance and the responsibilities it entailed. Eren listened with rapt attention, understanding the weight of the path that lay ahead.
