Stingsman and the Trials of the Gods

This is a continuation of the story about my character, Stingsman. It also features a new design for his costume and helmet. Here’s the next chapter of his journey: “Stingsman and the Trials of the Gods.”

Stingsman and the Supreme Scientist were heading toward the Great Temple of Mars when they noticed a portal opening in the distance. The Scientist turned to Stingsman and said:

— My Emperor, I urge you to step through the portal. You are about to meet the gods of Mars.

Stingsman, ever calm and collected, replied:

— Alright, but you’re coming with me.

The Scientist nodded respectfully:

— As you wish, my Emperor.

Together, they stepped into the shimmering portal. Stingsman found himself surrounded by a sea of stars, their light dancing and shimmering all around. Moments later, they appeared in a mysterious realm. Still in awe, Stingsman asked:

— What was that? I saw so many stars… They seemed to be shimmering!

The Supreme Scientist explained:

— My Emperor, you have entered a place beyond space and time. The stars you saw were part of the journey here, and their shimmer reflected the nature of your travel.

Satisfied with the explanation, Stingsman replied:

— Alright, thanks for clarifying. So, where do we go now?

The Scientist gestured forward:

— Follow me.

They walked through a strange world filled with statues and bathed in blue light. Eventually, they reached a massive door. The Scientist turned to Stingsman:

— Place your hand on the door.

When Stingsman complied, the door lit up with a brilliant golden glow and opened. Inside, they found themselves in a grand hall, bathed in soft blue and white light. The gods of Mars stood before them, their presence awe-inspiring.

One of the gods, named Merinius, spoke:

— Welcome, chosen one. You are now the Emperor of Mars. Or should I call you by your name, Henry?

Stingsman, stunned, responded:

— How do you know my name? Yes, you’re a god, but still, how?

Merinius smiled warmly:

— I know everything about you, Henry. My brothers and I were the ones who granted you your powers. Remember who you are.

At that moment, Stingsman’s eyes glowed with a radiant golden light, and he fell into a deep sleep. In his dream, he remembered his true identity: Henry Campbell.

In his youth, Henry was often teased for his calm demeanor, but he was incredibly intelligent. He dreamed of becoming an archaeologist and making a discovery that would change the world. After graduating with honors, Henry embarked on numerous expeditions but achieved little success.

One day, during an expedition in Africa, he discovered a cave with mysterious glowing symbols. Driven by curiosity, he decided to explore it, unaware that it would change his life forever. When the cave entrance collapsed, Henry was trapped with no way out.

In the cave, he encountered a being named Marogulus.

— Welcome, earthling, — Marogulus said. — You must prove yourself worthy of Mars’s gifts.

Henry, unimpressed, replied:

— Why would I want your gifts if they’re worthless? I’m not here to prove anything.

Marogulus smirked:

— These gifts are far more valuable than your earthly riches. You have no choice: either you die of hunger here or by my hand. Choose.

Henry reluctantly asked:

— Fine. How can I prove my worth?

Marogulus explained:

— You will fight me in your mind. If you win, I will grant you five gifts. If you lose, you die. Understood?

Intrigued, Henry replied:

— Alright, let’s do this.

Unaware of the challenge ahead, Henry entered a deep trance. In his vision, he found himself in a temple with bright orange sand beneath his feet. The temple resembled ancient Greek structures. Before him appeared a copy of himself with glowing blue eyes.

— Are you ready to face me? — the figure asked.

Henry, puzzled, replied:

— What weapons are we using?

The figure laughed:

— We’re playing chess. You thought we’d fight with swords? That’s outdated.

Relieved, Henry responded:

— Phew, I know how to play chess.

A board appeared before them, its pieces shimmering like stars.

— Let’s begin, — Marogulus said, making the first move. The game started slowly, each player analyzing their opponent. But soon, Marogulus set a cunning trap, leaving Henry with limited options. As the pressure mounted, Henry began recalling the previous moves and developed a new strategy. Using this, he delivered a checkmate.

— How did you beat me? That’s nearly impossible! — Marogulus exclaimed.

Henry calmly replied:

— You see, most people don’t reflect on their opponent’s strategy when losing. I used that to predict your moves and counter them.

Impressed, Marogulus said:

— Bravo, Henry. You’ve achieved what few humans can. Congratulations; you will now receive Mars’s blessings.

Thunder roared in the sky as Marogulus grabbed a golden lightning bolt and hurled it at Henry. A surge of pain coursed through him as he saw five celestial beings gazing at him. His veins glowed with golden liquid as the beings declared:

— Marsi-Delaris.

Henry woke up in the cave, forever changed.

This is part of the ongoing story, which will be fully revealed in my upcoming book.