The sun cast its golden rays upon Ecliptarius, illuminating the grand Council Chamber where Maxmillian sat beside Seraphina. The chamber, adorned with intricate tapestries and towering columns, echoed with the murmurs of anticipation.
Maxmillian turned to Lucian, his voice steady, "Then, are we to summon all guild members here as subordinates?"
Lucian nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, but not hastily. They are not yet prepared to confront such formidable powers."
Seraphina, resting her chin on her hand, mused, "So, you're suggesting we train them to attain immortality?"
Lucian offered a slight smile. "In a manner of speaking."
Selene interjected, "And how do you propose we achieve this?"
Lucian replied, "We shall train only those we trust implicitly. The rest will remain within the matrix."
Maxmillian leaned back, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "It's been 25 years since you departed. Manipulating them won't pose a significant challenge. They still believe you're training in a hidden sanctuary."
Seraphina's gaze softened. "My child, Lucian, let's set aside these discussions. Tell me about your years away."
Lucian smirked. "Much has transpired in the past 60 years, Mother. There's much to share, but first..."
Suddenly, a dark figure emerged beside Lucian. It was Nyxaria, a maid and the junior of the previous assistant to the God of Darkness.
Nyxaria bowed gracefully. "My Lord, what are your orders?"
Lucian waved his hand slightly, and a parchment inscribed with golden words materialized in Nyxaria's grasp. "Take this. Summon them in my name."
Nyxaria nodded. "As you wish, my Lord."
Meanwhile, in Arcadia
The Rutherford family had risen to prominence, becoming a leading noble house independent of the king's influence. Allied with numerous elite noble families, they wielded considerable power.
Mangus Rutherford, the Grandmaster swordsman known as the King of Nobles and Aristocracy, held sway over decisions that even the King of Arcadia hesitated to oppose, lest it disrupt the kingdom's economy.
Cadrina Rutherford, dubbed the Queen of Magicians, headed all magic towers. Her influence was pivotal in maintaining the balance between the continents of Solmaras and Arcadia.
In the Rutherford estate, Mangus sat on a luxurious sofa, swirling a glass of wine. "The days are dragging, Cadrina."
Cadrina, a 9th-class magician, responded, "Indeed. He hasn't visited us yet."
Suddenly, Nyxaria emerged from a portal. "I greet you, Rutherfords."
Mangus's expression turned stern, one hand on his wine, the other on his sword. "Who are you?"
Nyxaria bowed. "I am the maid of the God of Darkness."
Mangus raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
Cadrina's eyes widened. "You mean... Lucian?"
Nyxaria nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Mangus leaned forward. "Where is he?"
Nyxaria gestured, and a portal opened beside her. "My Lord has summoned you, Patriarch."
Mangus and Cadrina stepped through the portal, emerging into a breathtaking realm.
The Realm Beyond
They found themselves in a realm of ethereal beauty. Towering crystalline structures shimmered under a sky painted with hues of violet and gold. Lush gardens with flora unknown to the mortal world stretched as far as the eye could see, and the air was filled with the harmonious melodies of unseen choirs.
A voice called out, "You're here too, older sister."
Cadrina turned to see Celestina Valtorin, the mastermind of Arcadia, approaching. Under her leadership, Arcadia had triumphed in numerous wars, always emerging victorious.
"I am well, Celestina," Cadrina replied. "So, Lucian has summoned everyone."
As they conversed, other notable figures arrived:
Elias Draxen: Renowned for her defensive magic and healing prowess. During the war age, she shielded an entire city from magical flares.
Isolde Valmont: Known as the King of Glaciers. A 7th-class mage capable of wielding 9th-class ice magic, powerful enough to obliterate a village with a single spell.
Viker Ardent: The magic swordsman specializing in lightning. A 3rd-rank Sword Grandmaster, he infused his sword with lightning mana, delivering overwhelming strikes.
Maximus Ravenshade: The Scorching Sunblade, a 2nd-rank Sword Master, known for his fiery techniques.
Despite their youthful appearances, all were in their early 30s, while Mangus and Cadrina were notably older.
Nyxaria guided them through the opulent mansion, its decorations surpassing even the palaces of Arcadia.
"Please, enter. My Lord awaits you inside," she announced.
Mangus opened the grand doors to find Lucian seated beside a regal lady at a rectangular table.
"How are you, brother? It's been a long time," Mangus greeted.
Lucian smiled. "As always, Mangus."
Cadrina took a seat. "And who is this beside you, Lucian?"
Lucian introduced her, "She is my wife, Selene Blackthrone."
While everyone was aware of Lucian's marital status, they exchanged glances with Celestina.
Cadrina offered a polite smile. "I am Cadrina Rutherford, Lucian's elder sibling from Arcadia."
Selene responded warmly, "Pleasure to meet you."
The atmosphere grew tense with the presence of both Selene and Celestina, but more surprises awaited.
The Arrival of the Martial Elite
Cho Ha-Jin, the Crimson Lotus Empress and current Matriarch of the Heavenly Demon Cult, entered the room. Under her leadership, both orthodox and unorthodox factions, including the Iroclade Tyrant, followed her command. She had ascended to the Life and Death realm.
Accompanying her were:
Seo Hwanjin: The Demon Sage of Azure, renowned for his intellect.
Baek Hyeon-Wu: The Eclipse Blade, known for his precision.
Yi Kyung-Jae: The Ghost Hand Executioner, master of claw techniques.
They bowed in unison. "We greet you, Heavenly Demon Lord."
Lucian gestured for them to rise. "No need for formalities."
Cho Ha-Jin's gaze shifted to Selene. "May I know your name, Lady?"
Selene replied with a poised smile, "I am Selene Blackthrone, Lucian's wife."
Cho Ha-Jin's eyes widened. "You mean our Lord?"
Lucian interjected, "Is there a problem?"
Cho Ha-Jin quickly composed herself. "No, my Lord."
Cadrina leaned towards Lucian. "Who are they?"
Lucian explained, "She is the Matriarch of the Heavenly Demon Cult from the martial arts universe."
Mangus extended a hand. "I am Mangus Rutherford. A pleasure to meet you."
Cho Ha-Jin nodded. "Likewise."
Maximus whispered, "The third one."
Elias playfully covered his mouth, whispering telepathically, "Do you have a death wish, Maximus?"
Celestina addressed Lucian, "Did you also deceive the world into believing you were dead?"
Cho Ha-Jin, with a stern expression, declared, "Everyone knows of our Lord's divine status."
Cadrina added, "But Lucian, tales of your death have permeated our world's core."
In Arcadian history, it was recorded that Lucian perished at the hands of an unidentified being seeking a hidden artifact. His legend of sacrificing himself to save the Grand Academy remained alive.
Lucian turned to Cho Ha-Jin. "Have you brought all the martial artists?"
Cho Ha-Jin responded, "My Lord, all members of the Heavenly Demon Cult are present. Only the patriarchs and top martial artists from other factions have been allowed entry."
Lucian nodded. "That's acceptable. Allow them all to enter."
Before Cho Ha-Jin could respond, the room's doors opened.
The Divine and the Demonic
Two contrasting figures entered:
Saintess Victoria: The face of the Holy Kingdom Zenithia, a legendary figure among mortals.
Demon King Azrath: The ruler of Nyzareth and master of all demons.
Victoria bowed gracefully. "I greet you, God of Darkness."
Everyone turned to Celestina, surprise evident in their eyes.
Selene nudged Lucian, whispering telepathically, "Are we expanding your power or your harem?"
Lucian whispered back, "I don't know; they just appear like summoned mobs."
Selene replied, "We'll discuss this later."
Azrath stepped forward. "I greet you, my Lord."
Lucian gestured for them to sit. "I trust all is well in your realms?"
Azrath responded, "Yes, my Lord. What could possibly go awry when you wield your authority?"
Lucian sensed Azrath's power had grown immensely; mortals shouldn't perceive barriers beyond planets.
Lucian addressed the assembly, "I have summoned you all for a significant purpose. As you're aware, we've opposed the authority of many gods, including the God of Light. You must have an inkling of our next course of action."
Mangus spoke first, "To wage a full-fledged war?"
Cadrina cautioned, "I don't believe Lucian intends for us to sacrifice our lives in vain."
Victoria offered, "To amass power here by linking our universes?"
Lucian confirmed, "Correct. In the future, this place will become the
center of the multiverse. That is the true intent behind Ecliptarius—beyond armies, beyond politics. The system of gods is rotten to its core. It has changed so drastically, it can no longer be compared to what it once was during the Age of Trinal Dawn."
Victoria tilted her head, her golden hair catching the celestial light. "That means… the gods were not like this in ancient times?"
Lucian's expression grew distant, his voice dipping into the gravity of remembrance.
"In the past, we lived in peace and harmony. There was no concept of wealth, no currency, no need for it. The gods—regardless of their nature, good or evil—respected each other. There was nothing they could not create or replicate, so possessions held no value. The only currency we recognized… was respect.
"If someone needed something, it was given. If we wanted something, we asked. But only those with a respectable soul were given freely. No manipulation, no bargaining—just mutual acknowledgment of worth. Currency, as it exists now, is a mask… one that cloaks greed behind the illusion of intention. Whether one's goals are noble or wicked, if they possess enough wealth, they can bend the rules. And that—" his gaze darkened, "—that goes against the law of nature. Currency divides. The poor remain shackled, the rich ascend unchecked. But it is not inequality that corrupted the divine order. It was greed… that destroyed nature."
A tense silence settled across the room before Cadrina finally asked, "Then what caused the gods to abandon that system?"
Lucian folded his arms, his aura intensifying.
"In that time, only two races walked the divine halls—Gods and Dragons. We spent our eternity experimenting with powers, merging divinity and elemental force. The results were planets—some barren, some wondrous. Eventually, life emerged. Earth was among the first to nurture it. We watched from afar, marveled at their growth like proud parents… until some gods deviated.
"They began harvesting souls—of humans, beasts, lower beings. What started as curiosity became obsession. Souls became commodities. Many of us, including the higher gods and myself, rejected this. We struck down those who used souls as currency. But not all agreed. Countless middle and lower gods… and nearly half the dragons—chose to continue.
"In response, we declared the Uttermost Silence—a divine edict where all decisions fell solely to higher gods. For a time, it worked. Until the betrayal."
Victoria's eyes narrowed. "The God of Light…"
Lucian nodded slowly. "He abandoned morality… and sided with them."
The room seemed to freeze. Every heartbeat was like thunder.
Victoria whispered, "Then… are demons and evils just tools forged by gods?"
Lucian leaned forward, the shadows gathering behind his back.
"Where there is light… there is always shadow. Demons, evils, darkness—they were not created. They existed, as fundamental truths of balance. In the old times, even the so-called 'evil' entities upheld their own code, their own honor. But the God of Light… he twisted that.
"He needed justification. A reason to wage divine war. So he manipulated records across the multiverse, rewriting history. He implanted false scriptures, raised temples in his image, and taught that all opposition to his light was sin. Sacrifices were made. Blood was spilled. Not in darkness, but in the name of light."
The room felt heavy with truth. Mangus clenched his fist. Cadrina closed her eyes, breathing slowly. Even Selene, usually calm, looked shaken.
Lucian stood, his voice now resolute.
"They use prayer to amplify their reach. They instill fear to ensure obedience. They steal power in the name of holiness. But we… we will break this cycle."
He raised his hand, and the room stirred with energy—divine and infernal alike, resonating as one.
"This time, we are the judges."