The world changed the moment the sky screamed.
High above the Imperial Capital, the clouds twisted unnaturally, forming a massive circular rift—as if the heavens themselves had opened an eye. The air grew heavy, pressing down on every living being.
Soldiers dropped to one knee.
Mages felt their mana freeze.
Even monsters hiding in the depths of the land trembled.
Aurelius Valen stood alone on the highest tower of the palace, his black imperial cloak fluttering violently.
"So… heaven finally noticed," he murmured.
For years, the gods had watched in silence. A human emperor growing too strong. A mortal will that refused to bow. A world slowly slipping from divine control.
And now, they responded.
From the rift, golden light descended—not as warmth, but as judgment. A figure stepped forth, humanoid yet unmistakably divine. Wings of condensed light spread behind its back, and its gaze carried absolute arrogance.
"Human Emperor," the being spoke, voice echoing across the capital without effort.
"You have exceeded the authority granted to your race."
The people screamed.
The nobles panicked.
Some even began to pray.
Aurelius did none of that.
He smiled.
"Authority?" he replied calmly.
"This world survives because I protect it. Not because you allow it."
The divine envoy's eyes narrowed.
"You challenge the heavens?"
Aurelius raised his hand. The air shattered as imperial aura erupted, black and crimson intertwining like a living storm. The tower beneath his feet cracked, unable to withstand his presence.
"I don't challenge the heavens," Aurelius said softly.
"I replace them."
The sky trembled.
Far beyond the mortal realm, thrones began to stir. Gods who had slept for centuries opened their eyes—some in anger, some in interest.
And somewhere deeper still…
the strongest beings of other races smiled.
The war for the world had truly begun.
To be continued…