The sky over Atherion trembled as a rift of pure light tore open above the Horizon Gate.
From its brilliance stepped the first god — Kaivara, the God of Creation. His presence rolled over the city like a tidal wave, and every living being felt the pull to kneel. His aura was endless, stretching far beyond what the eye could see.
Then came the second — Eryon, the God of Reality. The air around him seemed sharper, heavier, and every color in the world burned brighter under his gaze.
The aura of both deities merged, saturating the air until breathing felt like drinking lightning. Even Rudraen, hardened by centuries of battle, clenched his fists to steady himself.
"Infinite… their power is truly infinite," he murmured.
But then his eyes flicked toward the side — to Ariv, who stood with Rohit near the courtyard.
Something strange was happening.
Ariv's aura had ignited the moment the gods arrived, unbidden, flaring with a presence that should have been impossible for a mortal. It wasn't as vast as the gods', but it was dangerously close.
Rudraen's voice dropped to a whisper. "Why… does his feel almost the same?"
Ariv met his gaze, his expression unreadable. "You told me there were three gods, Rudraen…" He looked toward the Horizon Gate, where only Kaivara and Eryon stood in the light. "But I see only two."
Rudraen froze, the words catching in his throat.
And then — the light above the gate flickered once, and vanished.
The chapter ended with the unspoken question hanging heavy in the air.