Far beyond mortal skies—past clouds, past stars, past even the reach of ordinary gods—there existed a realm that did not belong to time as humans understood it.
The Divine Realm.
A place of endless radiance, where golden light flowed like rivers through the air and the very ground shone as if carved from living crystal. Vast floating platforms stretched across the heavens, connected by bridges of glowing energy. Choirs of angels stood in perfect formation, their wings folded neatly behind them, their armor shimmering with holy runes.
Thousands upon thousands of angels stood in disciplined rows—vertical lines, curved formations, and horizontal battalions—each one silent, unmoving, and alert.
At the very center of this celestial order stood a grand throne made of light itself.
Before it, one angel stepped forward.
His wings were larger than the rest, their feathers edged with silver flame. His armor bore the sigil of command, and the aura around him was so powerful that even the surrounding angels lowered their heads in respect.
This was Archangel Michael—the Chief Commander of the Heavenly Host.
He knelt before the throne, placing one hand over his chest.
"My Lord," he said solemnly, his voice echoing through the divine chamber.
"I bring a report."
The throne radiated a calm, immeasurable presence. A presence that felt neither warm nor cold, but absolute.
Michael lifted his head slightly.
"The unknown anomaly…" he continued. "The one that took mortal form sixteen years ago. Even as a human, it is developing at a terrifying rate. The infinite seal you placed upon it is… loosening. Slowly, but undeniably."
His wings trembled slightly.
"If this continues unchecked, it may grow into a threat that even Heaven will struggle to contain."
Silence followed.
Then, a voice—deep, calm, and carrying the weight of creation itself—spoke from the throne.
"Patience, Michael."
The Supreme Being did not rise. He did not move. Yet His presence filled the entire realm.
"This anomaly's origin lies beyond even my sight. It does not belong to my creations… nor to this dimension. That alone makes it dangerous—but also useful."
Michael clenched his fist.
"My Lord… if it continues to grow—"
"I know," the Supreme Being replied gently.
"That is why I will not act yet."
Michael looked up.
"Lucifer still moves in the dark. His influence spreads through the lower realms like a disease. This anomaly… may become the blade that stops him."
Michael hesitated.
"You intend to use it… against the Fallen One?"
"Perhaps," the Supreme Being said. "Or perhaps it will destroy us both. Either way, I will observe."
The throne's glow intensified.
"Do nothing, Michael. Watch. Wait."
Michael bowed deeply.
"…As you command, my Lord."
And with that, the angels remained still once more, as the heavens quietly turned their gaze toward a single mortal boy far below.
Far beneath Heaven…
Beyond the mortal world…
Deep inside a realm drowned in eternal twilight…
There existed the Dark Kingdom.
A place where light struggled to exist, where towering black structures rose like jagged mountains, and where the air itself felt heavy with ancient power.
Within Lucifer's vast palace, the grand hall lay mostly empty.
Huge pillars stretched toward a ceiling lost in shadow. Between those pillars, hidden within darkness, lurked ancient winged beasts and silent demonic guardians—creatures that had survived since before most worlds had even formed.
Through this hall walked a lone figure.
Liana.
One of Lucifer's most trusted attendants.
Her steps were light and graceful as she moved across the polished black floor, her eyes glimmering with curiosity. She stopped before the massive throne Lucifer often used when he was present, running her fingers lightly along its cold surface.
"Hm…" she murmured playfully. "You've been gone a while, my Lord."
Her gaze sharpened.
She closed her eyes.
And sensed him.
A faint ripple of dark power echoed somewhere deep within the palace.
"There you are…"
With a soft smile, her form dissolved into shadow.
Elsewhere in the palace…
In a chamber vast as a city library…
Rows upon rows of ancient books floated in the air, slowly turning their pages by unseen forces. Each one contained forbidden knowledge, histories of destroyed worlds, and secrets that even gods feared to read.
At the center of it all floated Lucifer.
His crimson eyes glowed faintly as he studied one of the books, his expression one of quiet interest.
Then—
A presence knelt behind him.
"Reporting, my Lord."
Lucifer did not turn.
"What is it, Sherach?" he asked calmly.
"If it is bad news, you will die. If it is good news, speak and leave."
The kneeling demon—Sherach Colt—felt cold sweat trickle down his back.
"Y-Yes, my Lord…"
He swallowed.
"It… it concerns the mortal anomaly you sensed sixteen years ago."
Lucifer's eyes paused on the page.
"…Continue."
Sherach forced himself to speak.
"The being once deemed insignificant has rapidly evolved. It has slain multiple demon sovereigns… and even low-tier demon kings."
Lucifer closed the book.
"And?"
"It has… reached what humans call SSS-rank."
Silence.
Then Lucifer chuckled.
"A mere SSS-rank?"
He smiled faintly. "Hardly a threat."
But his eyes glimmered with something else.
"Still… Heaven would not allow such a coincidence without reason."
At that moment, shadows shifted.
Liana appeared, stepping gracefully beside Sherach who bowed lightly.
"ohhh. What's with that face my Lord?" she said warmly. "You look unusually… entertained."
Lucifer turned slightly toward her.
"Perfect timing, Liana."
His smile widened.
"It seems Heaven has handed me a curious tool."
Sherach looked up.
"My Lord…?"
Lucifer's crimson eyes glowed brighter.
"That mortal… may be the key to regaining what was stolen from me."
Liana blinked in surprise.
"You mean your sealed power?"
"Exactly."
Lucifer's grin became sharp.
"If Heaven thinks it can use him… then I will use him first."
And deep in the darkness, both angels and demons unknowingly turned their attention to one boy.
Kaien Vlorian.
The anomaly born of the void.