Hephaestus: By our very natures, we must oppose each other. I exist to create, to build, to aid prosperity. He exists to destroy, to wage war, to spread strife wherever he goes. I can no sooner alter my nature than a fish could choose to live on land. It is the same for Nergal.
Axikasha: Maybe mortals don't have it so bad after all. At least we're free to choose what cause we serve. What good are the powers of a god if you can't even control your own destiny?
Hephaestus: I cannot control my nature, nor would there be any point in denying who—or what—I am. That does not mean I cannot control my actions. I do the best with what I have been given, and the choices I make are my own.
Axikasha: Maybe mortals don't have it so bad after all. At least we're free to choose what cause we serve. What good are the powers of a god if you can't even control your own destiny?
Hephaestus: I cannot control my nature, nor would there be any point in denying who—or what—I am. That does not mean I cannot control my actions. I do the best with what I have been given, and the choices I make are my own.
"Look yonder, at your butcher gods. Ten thousand men and women lie dead at their feet. Bask in their efficacy! Are they not spectacular at turning men into ghosts? Behold! The awesome fires of god. The limitless power of pure creation itself. Look carefully! Observe how it is used for the same purpose a man might use a particularly sharp rock."
— Meti ten Ryo, Kill Six Billion Demons
