A thousand years ago, when the gods invaded Earth in search of the Jewel of Creation, the world trembled. Humans and demons stood united, battling side by side—but even their combined might couldn't stop the divine forces. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, a dark veil blanketed the sky. The arrogant gods, so certain of their victory, were suddenly gripped by fear. Even the God of Death, a being of immense power, found himself bowing under the overwhelming pressure of an unknown force.
In the peaceful Kingdom of Peace, Miko gently closed the ancient tome she had been reading. "So that's the story of the war that happened a thousand years ago," she said, her voice calm.
"Mom," asked Lily, eyes wide with curiosity, "who was that god? Can you please tell me the whole story?"
Miko smiled. "Okay, but let the others gather first."
"Okay, Mom," Lily said with excitement, running off to call the others.
Two hours later, with everyone seated around a fire in the courtyard, Miko began. "So let's begin the story of the god who fought other gods—for justice."
A thousand years prior, six great kingdoms thrived in harmony: the Kingdom of Peace, known for its serenity; the Kingdom of Wealth, overflowing with riches; the Kingdom of Talent, filled with unmatched skills and intellect; the Kingdom of Creation, also known as the Kingdom of War, the strongest of all; the Kingdom of Agriculture, which fed the lands; and the Kingdom of Justice, the most secure and lawful realm. But when the gods came down from the heavens, desiring the Jewel of Creation, their wrath shattered this peace. Many kingdoms were destroyed. Ironically, the gods most worshipped—the Goddess of Justice and the Goddess of Nature—were the ones who led humanity to ruin.
In the present, Miko stood before an ancient temple, her hands trembling as she clasped them in prayer. "Oh god, please help us," she whispered, voice full of desperation. "The other gods have attacked. We have no choice but to come here. Help us, in the name of justice—bring justice to humankind."
Aurthur, standing behind her, looked away bitterly. "There's no use," he muttered. "The gods won't help us."
Just then, a cold voice echoed through the temple. "There's no use in praying… because your end is here." It was the God of Death. His presence alone sucked the warmth from the air.
"Give us the Jewel of Life," commanded the God of War, stepping forward with a brutal glare.
Miko clenched her fists. "You gods have power and authority—why do you even need this jewel?"
Death sneered. "A mere mortal dares to question us?"
Silently, both Aurthur and Myu whispered a desperate plea in their hearts. Please… God of Darkness. You are the only one who never sided with the others. Please… save our kind.
Suddenly, the sky blackened. A suffocating aura cloaked the world. Death's confident posture faltered. "Shadow…" he gasped. "So you're awakened now."
"Leave this place!" shouted War. "You forgot what Justice did to you!"
But the God of Darkness, known as Shadow, remained silent. He didn't need to speak.
Instead, a voice emerged from the darkness, not from Shadow himself, but from his soul-bound companion—the Whisper of Darkness. "You two are just gods of death and war—and still you dare to come here?"
Death bristled. "You have no power, no authority, and yet you still think you can defeat us?"
In that moment, the very air around the temple tightened. A crushing pressure spread as Shadow raised his head.
"Awaken," came the whisper from his soul.
Death's voice trembled. "You've… unlocked your first form?"
War stepped forward, unfazed. "Why are you afraid, Death? We just need to kill him!" He lunged at Shadow, charging with divine fury.
But in an instant, a sound like thunder cracked through the temple. A single slash—and the God of War's head hit the ground.
Miko gasped, her eyes wide. The God of Darkness stood there, his dark blade still humming. He, the silent protector, had just killed one of the most powerful gods.
"You dare to kill him?" Death roared. "Have you forgotten what Justice did to you?"
Shadow remained silent.
The Whisper spoke in his place. "This time, even Justice can't save you, Death."
"You're only in your first form—and you still dare to speak back to me?" Death shouted, lunging forward with his death scythe. Shadow blocked it with ease. Death summoned undead souls to his aid—but even the spirits recoiled, afraid of the darkness that radiated from Shadow's body.
Realizing he was outmatched, Death took a step back. He didn't waste another second. Using a secret divine technique, he teleported away to warn Justice herself.
With Death gone, Shadow turned his gaze to the battlefield. The demons, who had been battered and broken moments ago, suddenly rose with renewed strength. Their wounds healed, their power returned. The gods' army, once victorious, now panicked and began to flee.
Miko and Aurthur, still trembling, dropped to their knees. "Thank you," they whispered. "Thank you for protecting us."
The Whisper's voice was urgent. "We don't have time to waste. Let's go to your base. He needs to see the world—and prepare for war."
Miko and Aurthur nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Call him Shadow," the Whisper added.
They bowed. "Okay… Shadow."
To Be Continued