The winds of the Imperial Capital shifted.
Not a natural wind, but a subtle ripple in reality—like the world itself sensing an intrusion.
Outside the city walls, farmers and soldiers alike shivered, instinctively dropping to their knees. The air was heavy, thick with authority they couldn't comprehend.
---
Aurelius Valen stood atop the palace's obsidian platform, gazing at the horizon.
"They are here," he said calmly.
A guardian beside him whispered, tense:
"Divine presence… approaching from the north. Strong. Different from any envoy before."
Aurelius nodded.
"Then let us greet them properly."
---
Far away, the source of the pressure became visible.
A golden column of light pierced the clouds, glowing with an intensity that made mountains tremble. Within it, a figure emerged—radiant, terrifying, and calm.
A Divine Envoy.
Wings of pure light unfurled from their back, feathers sharper than blades. Their eyes burned with both judgement and curiosity.
"I am Lysara, messenger of the Heavens," the envoy declared, voice echoing across the land and reverberating in the minds of men.
"The World Emperor Aurelius Valen has overstepped. The balance must be restored."
---
The Imperial Legions prepared, but Aurelius did not move.
He walked slowly to the front of the platform, black-and-gold cloak flowing behind him. The air around him shimmered with the raw force of the World Authority.
"I am Aurelius Valen," he said.
"The balance is mine to protect, not yours to dictate. Leave now, or you will witness what defiance costs."
The envoy tilted their head, intrigued.
"You are… bold. Few mortals speak like this. Few survive."
Aurelius's gaze sharpened.
"I do not speak like a mortal. I act as the Emperor of the World."
---
The ground quaked violently. Soldiers and villagers alike were thrown off their feet.
Aurelius raised his hand.
"The moment you strike, I will strike back—not just at you, but at every force that dares oppose this world."
The golden light wavered. Lysara's wings flared, casting shadows that stretched across the city like claws.
"I will warn you," Lysara said.
"The gods are patient, but patience has limits. Step too far, and even your World Authority will crumble."
Aurelius's lips curved slightly.
"Then let the limit come. I will break it."
---
Above, in the heavens, other gods watched silently.
Whispers of surprise, intrigue, and hidden fear spread across the divine thrones.
The World Emperor was no longer just a human.
He was a force even the gods had to acknowledge.
And the first test of heaven had only just begun.
This was only the beginning.