The Conclave of Gods
A column of divine light cut across the sky like a sword forged by the heavens, marking Ray's departure from the mortal world. In an instant, he transcended realms, leaving behind clouds and mountains, forests and cities, until the mortal plane was but a whisper. When the brilliance faded, Ray found himself standing at the center of the Celestial Hall—an expansive, radiant palace suspended in the infinite void of the divine realm.
The air shimmered with divine energy, and the floor beneath his feet was crafted from celestial crystal, etched with ancient runes that pulsed with primordial power. Pillars as tall as mountains ringed the hall, each inscribed with symbols of different gods and realms.
Seated in a massive circular formation were the deities of countless domains, each cloaked in an aura befitting their nature. The atmosphere was thick with tension and divine majesty.
The God of Flame, Solarius, radiated searing heat, his body a living inferno as he sat upon a throne sculpted from obsidian and fire. He ruled the Realm of Eternal Embers.
Beside him sat the serene and graceful Goddess of Life, Elaria, adorned in robes woven from vines and blooming flowers. She nurtured the World Tree, the source of all natural life across realms.
Then came the towering God of War, Barok, clad in golden armor stained with divine blood. His voice rumbled like thunder, and he protected the Battlefield of Valor, a world locked in eternal battle.
There were others: the silent Watcher of Time, Chronalis, who neither blinked nor breathed, watching all timelines converge; the twin Gods of Chaos and Order, seated on opposite ends of the circle; the Moon Priestess, Lunaya, who sang to guide lost souls; and even the slumbering Sea Monarch, Tideon, whose body flowed like a shifting ocean.
Ray stood at the center, hands in his cloak, looking unimpressed.
A moment of silence passed as he gazed around.
"So, this is what passes for a divine gathering these days?" he murmured.
All present turned their gazes toward him—some with awe, others with unease. Among gods, Ray was an enigma. Stronger than them all, yet detached, disinterested. He didn't demand worship, didn't rule a realm, and most of all, he didn't care for politics.
Solarius rose, flames licking at his shoulders.
"Ray, your presence here is both unexpected and necessary. The ancient threat we once defeated—it alive again. Its mana is spreading again and causing corrupted land."
Chronalis added, voice echoing as if across time itself. "We have all felt it."
Elaria placed her hand over her heart. "Even the roots of the World Tree tremble."
Barok growled. "We need to act. Now. Train, strengthen, and make a plan. Or the world will be destroyed."
Ray sighed. He turned his back slightly, looking up at the dome of stars that covered the hall.
"I won't interfere," he said, his voice calm and unwavering. "As long as no one disturbs my sleep."
A stunned silence fell.
Solarius' flames crackled louder. "You'd sit and watch? While the world itself is being destroyed again?"
Ray glanced at him, unbothered. "I've already killed it once. If it finds its way back, maybe it deserves another chance to be erased. But unless it steps foot near my house… it's not my concern."
His words rippled across the chamber, unsettling many.
High above, seated near the firmament, three gods observed closely.
The God of Mind, Veyrion, whose eyes glowed with unreadable intellect, narrowed his gaze.
The Blade Matron, Serithia, whose entire body was forged from celestial steel, leaned forward, a smirk tugging at her lips.
And the Veiled Oracle, silent and shrouded in shadows, tilted her head, lips moving without sound.
They did not believe Ray. Not for a moment.
"He's lying," Veyrion whispered to Serithia through thought.
"Or waiting," she replied, fingers resting on the hilt of her divine blade. "He'll act. When it matters most."
Below, Ray stood still, but inwardly, his thoughts churned.
Do I really want to go through it again? The wars, the destruction, the screaming of gods and mortals ? Do I have the right to kill them all again?
He thought back to that moment—standing alone on the battlefield of stars, with nothing left but ash and regret.
The gathering continued. Gods proposed battle plans, realms to fortify, avatars to awaken, and relics to retrieve. But no matter how grand their plans were, the truth was clear:
None of them were strong enough to stop what was coming. Not without Ray.
And Ray? He said nothing more. Simply turned away, letting their voices blur into meaningless noise.
Still, a storm was brewing. Not just in the heavens—but inside him.
Because despite his words, Ray knew something:
If it returns... I may be the only one left who can end it for good.
And this time, it may cost even more than before.