Solo Leveling: The Divine Triad (narrative)

Chapter 454: The Divine Decree of Mortality

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The Divine Blessings Continue

Under the radiant leadership of Sung Jin-Woo, the Divine Triad — composed of Sung Jin-Woo, Ashborn, and Sung Su-Ho — continued their unwavering efforts to bless and uplift their followers, worshippers, and priests across the vast multiverse.

Their blessings manifested as unparalleled boons: physical strength, heightened intelligence, and spiritual enlightenment. Mortals who dedicated themselves to worship and righteous living found their lives transformed by divine grace. Priests wielded powerful miracles, healing the sick and protecting their communities, while devout followers were guided toward paths of prosperity and wisdom.

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The Saints of the Mundane Realms

At times, Gabriel, the revered archangel, was dispatched by Sung Jin-Woo to visit chosen saints on the mundane realms. These saints, mortals of extraordinary virtue, were handpicked by the Divine Triad for their unwavering faith and deeds of compassion.

When Gabriel descended, his presence illuminated the skies, and the chosen saints knelt in awe. They were bestowed with enormous power and strength, granting them the ability to perform divine miracles and protect their people from threats both mundane and supernatural.

Yet, despite their extraordinary gifts, the saints remained mortal—a decree from the Divine Triad that even the most faithful could not escape.

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The End of Immortality

A monumental proclamation echoed across the multiverse:

"From this day forth, the era of mortal immortality is over. No being, save for those chosen by the Divine Triad, shall remain ageless. All high rankers who once possessed eternal life shall now experience the natural passage of time."

This decree, issued by Sung Jin-Woo himself, marked a turning point in the cosmic order.

The immortals who had walked the realms for centuries, their bodies untouched by age, began to change. Their hair grayed, their skin wrinkled, and their vitality waned. They were no longer immune to the passage of time. They would live longer than ordinary mortals, but death by old age was now inevitable.

Only a select few were exempt from this divine decree:

The Divine Triad themselves

The Nine Divine Dragons

The Sung Clan

The Divine Triad's loyal troops, including archangels, dark archangels, Arch-Celestials, Arch-Dragons, apostles of God, dark apostles, heavenly soldiers, dark heavenly soldiers, shadow lords, fiery dragon lords, and shadow soldiers

These beings remained untouched by mortality, their immortality preserved by divine will.

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A New Testament

The Divine Triad revoked the ancient testament that granted immortality to high-ranking beings. Sung Jin-Woo's voice resonated across the cosmos:

"Immortality breeds arrogance and stagnation. Mortality fosters growth, humility, and the pursuit of true virtue. Only those who ascend to the Heavenly Realm through righteous deeds and unwavering loyalty shall be spared the touch of time."

This new testament emphasized balance and justice. It reminded all beings that life was a journey of growth, learning, and redemption, not a stagnant existence devoid of purpose.

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The Path of Judgment

As mortals aged and faced the inevitability of death, their souls were subject to divine judgment.

Good Souls: Those who led lives of kindness, compassion, and virtue were immediately resurrected and sent to Elysium, where they enjoyed eternal peace and fulfillment.

Bad Souls: Those who had committed sins were sent to the Netherworld, where they endured punishment under the watchful eyes of Amenadiel and the dark angels.

However, even for sinners, redemption was possible. After serving their punishment, they could ascend to the lower levels of Elysium, where their existence, though humble, was still far more blessed than their mortal lives had ever been.

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A New Era Dawns

The multiverse adjusted to this profound change. Mortals, once complacent in their perceived immortality, now embraced their finite existence with renewed purpose. They strove to live virtuous lives, knowing that their deeds would determine their fate in the afterlife.

Communities flourished under the guidance of the saints, and the mundane realms experienced an era of unprecedented growth and harmony. The fear of aging and death was tempered by the promise of Elysium for those who walked the path of righteousness.

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The Divine Triad's Wisdom

Sung Jin-Woo, observing the multiverse from his throne in the Godverse, spoke to Ashborn and Sung Su-Ho:

"Mortality is not a curse but a gift. It reminds them to cherish every moment, to strive for greatness, and to seek redemption. We have restored balance to the cosmos."

Ashborn nodded, his celestial wings shimmering. "They will grow stronger through this journey. And those who truly ascend will find a place among us."

Sung Su-Ho added with a determined gaze, "And those who falter will have the chance to redeem themselves. Balance, justice, and hope—this is our legacy."

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Eternal Vigilance

The Divine Triad continued to watch over creation, their blessings and guidance shaping the destiny of countless souls. The saints, priests, and followers carried their divine light into every corner of the multiverse, ensuring that the legacy of Sung Jin-Woo and his companions would endure for eternity.

And so, a new era dawned—one where life, death, and redemption formed the pillars of a just and harmonious existence.