Chapter 28: The voice

Liam opened the Planetary Archive and entered a keyword into the search function, filtering the enormous amount of information until Odir’s records appeared before him.

As he read through the archive, Liam’s expression gradually changed, because the history recorded within it was far more extensive than he had initially expected. Odir had successfully guided his people through their earliest stages of development, eventually reaching a settlement of more than a hundred individuals.

He was credited with discovering farming and later gave the settlement its official name, Riversian, a name that would eventually become deeply associated with the history of the lizardmen.

Odir also became the first individual recorded to have more than a hundred descendants, creating a bloodline that would continue spreading across generations.

During one of Zillagod’s invasions, Odir personally slew one of the giant beasts, earning a place in the history of his race as a warrior capable of defeating creatures that most could only flee from.

As the years continued, his influence expanded throughout the continent, eventually earning him the title of The Ruler after he came to lead more than three thousand lizardmen. He was also remembered as the first individual to formally introduce bartering among his people, establishing one of the earliest systems of organized exchange.

When Odir finally died of old age, his funeral became an enormous historical event, attended by more than three thousand lizardmen and another two thousand individuals from various other races who had come to honor the life he had lived.

"Odir really did live his life to the fullest."

Liam closed the archive after reading the final records, his thoughts lingering on everything he had just learned.

Odir had not merely survived for centuries. He had spent those centuries building something, discovering things, leading people, raising generations of descendants, and leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond his own race.

Even more surprising was the fact that he had personally slain one of Zillagod’s kind during an invasion, something Liam had certainly not expected to find in his records.

"He even killed one of the Zillagods? That’s impressive."

Liam closed the System UI and returned his attention to Odir, who had been patiently standing in the center of the chamber throughout the entire process. The lizardman had not interrupted him once, apparently content to wait until the Entity was ready to speak.

Liam found that restraint somewhat surprising, especially after the emotional conversation they had just shared. He leaned forward slightly from his throne before finally addressing him.

"Odir."

The response came almost immediately. "Yes, Entity?"

"Do you know why you are here?"

Odir paused for a moment before shaking his head.

"I do not."

Liam leaned back into the throne while considering his answer.

He had created the entire council space, yet he still had not settled on a proper name for the organization itself. He wanted something grand enough to reflect what it would eventually become, something that would make the representatives understand that they were not merely gathered together for casual discussions.

He thought for several seconds before finally finding the name.

"Pantheon of Races."

Liam allowed the words to settle within the chamber before continuing.

"This place is called the Pantheon of Races. It is a place where the voices of different races shall gather, where their representatives may speak for their people, preserve their achievements, and ensure that their civilizations are not forgotten."

He looked directly at Odir. "And you, Odir, will be the Pantheon of the Lizardmen."

Odir’s eyes widened slightly as he absorbed the meaning behind the declaration. The title carried a weight that was difficult to ignore.

He had once been a warrior, then a leader, then the ruler of thousands, but now the Entity was placing another responsibility upon him, one that seemed to extend beyond his own lifetime and even beyond the boundaries of his race.

"The Pantheon of the Lizardmen..."

Odir considered the title for only a moment before asking his next question.

"So what exactly am I meant to do here?"

Liam stared at him for a brief moment.

He had expected Odir to require more explanation, perhaps even struggle to understand the strange situation he had suddenly been placed in. Instead, the lizardman had adapted almost immediately and was already asking about his responsibilities.

"You adjusted quickly."

Odir gave a small nod. "Refusal is hardly an answer when standing before a god."

This guy is smart.

He had barely explained anything, yet Odir had already understood that whatever role he was being offered carried importance. Liam leaned back and briefly closed his eyes before opening the System within his mind.

"I can give a portion of my omnipotence to these creatures here, right?"

The response arrived without hesitation.

[You would not be omnipotent if you were incapable of doing so.]

Liam remained silent for a moment.

"Dammit. You’re smart too."

He returned his attention to Odir and began explaining the true purpose of the Pantheon.

"You will be granted a portion of my power, though it will not allow you to interfere directly with the world. Through this power, you will be able to observe your race from beyond the boundaries of the physical world, seeing their civilizations, their struggles, their accomplishments, and the paths they choose to take. You will witness everything, yet you will not be permitted to directly alter the world or interfere with the lives of those within it."

Liam’s voice became more solemn as he continued, making the purpose of the council clear.

"You are here to represent them."

Odir listened without moving as Liam explained the responsibility that had been placed upon him.

The Pantheon would allow its members to observe their respective races and understand their development from a perspective far beyond that of ordinary mortals, but the representatives themselves would remain separate from the world they watched. Their purpose was not to become unseen rulers controlling every decision, but to serve as voices for their people within a greater council.

"You are the representative of the Lizardmen. When the Pantheon gathers, you will speak for your race. You will bring their concerns, their achievements, their discoveries, and their struggles before the others. You will ensure that their voice is heard even when you can no longer walk among them."

Liam slowly looked around the enormous council chamber, imagining the empty seats eventually being filled by representatives from countless civilizations.

"And you will not be alone."

He pointed toward the remaining seats.

"As time passes, I will summon more representatives from other races. Each one will be given the same responsibility you have been given, and together, you will form the Pantheon of Races."