Everyone turned to Ajak, standing at the center of the chamber. As Prime Eternal and spiritual leader of the Eternals, she held the wisdom of eons. She was no warrior—her combat power was minimal—but her insight and healing powers made her the gods' chosen envoy.
Her gaze swept slowly across every Eternal present, her eyes heavy with the weight of what she was about to say.
After a long, suffocating silence, she finally spoke, her voice calm but firm.
"In seven days… the Celestial will awaken."
The room fell deathly still.
The Celestials—those divine creators—were their gods, the beings they had been forged to serve. To hear one would rise so soon shook the core of their belief.
But Ajak's next words struck like thunder across still waters.
"The Celestials could have simply resurrected without telling us anything. But this time… they chose transparency."
There was sorrow in her voice—quiet, but unmistakable.
"Because not long ago… one of our own—a Celestial—was slain. An unprecedented massacre occurred in a distant corner of the multiverse."
Shock rippled through the chamber like a psychic blast. The Celestials, slain? It defied every truth they'd known. Celestials were omnipotent, inviolable. Who—or what—could possibly kill one?
Ikaris, already tense, snapped to his feet. His voice trembled with disbelief.
"Impossible! The gods are invincible! No human could kill a Celestial!"
Ajak turned toward him, her eyes full of regret and sorrow.
"It happened, Ikaris. That's why they came to us now. They fear another 'godslayer' will rise. That's why they want us to ensure the manifestation completes safely. They need us to guard the birthing process of Tiamut... and keep the enemy at bay."
She looked around again, her voice taking on an edge of solemnity.
"This is our burden. Our mission. As children of the Celestials."
Sersi's expression darkened. She could no longer stay silent.
"Ajak... are you saying we're meant to assist the Celestials in destroying Earth? You want us to stand by and let this planet die?"
Ajak's smile was gentle, touched by centuries of love and sorrow. She didn't answer directly, but her voice was thick with emotion.
"I've walked this world for thousands of years. I've seen the rivers flow, the cities rise, the people laugh and suffer. This planet is... unique."
"Even if the gods claim they will rebuild Earth after resurrection, it will never again be this Earth. Not the Earth we knew. Not the Earth that holds our memories."
She turned toward all of them, her voice now steady and resolute.
"We cannot allow Earth to be destroyed. We must stop the Celestials. That's why I sent Gilgamesh to join the Illuminati. With their help, and with our own strength, we might stand a chance. That's why I summoned all of you."
The room grew tense. Weapons hadn't yet been drawn, but power crackled in the air.
Then Ikaris slammed his hand against the stone table, his face contorted in fury.
"Ajak! Are you betraying Arishem? Are you turning your back on the gods?"
His voice was venom, and before anyone could react—beams of cosmic energy blazed from his eyes.
Ajak didn't flinch. But Makkari, the speedster, launched into action. She blurred forward, snatching Ajak away from the blast path and spinning midair to redirect their trajectory.
The laser struck the wall, carving a blackened crater and leaving behind a foul scorched stench.
Sersi, Thena, and the rest of the Eternals sprang to life. Energy swords activated, matter manipulation swirled in the air, and plasma projectors began to hum.
Sersi's voice cracked with anger.
"Ikaris! You've lost your mind! You're going to kill us—for the sake of those gods?!"
Ikaris stood firm, defiant. Behind him, Sprite and Kingo appeared, their presence signaling unwavering support.
Thena tried to reason with them, her voice firm but pleading.
"Sprite… the creatures of Earth deserve to live. Are you really willing to kill them for this so-called 'divine plan'?"
But Sprite's gaze was cold. Her voice was chilling.
"The will of the Celestials is absolute. These mortals are just insects. Their lives are insignificant."
Kingo shrugged beside her, his usual smirk absent.
"I don't care if we follow the Celestials or not. But I'm not joining your rebellion, either. I'm not dying for a lost cause."
The standoff escalated. Weapons were raised. One wrong word could start a war.
Ajak stood again, her voice rising over the chaos.
"Enough! We cannot fall into infighting!"
Her tone was quiet, yet filled with unshakable authority.
She turned to Ikaris, her expression softening.
"Ikaris… we've misunderstood each other. Let's talk alone. Please."
She walked calmly toward the exit.
But she did not see the hatred and frustration burning in Ikaris' eyes behind her.
The Eternals began splitting down the middle—those who wished to stop the Celestials, and those ready to obey their creators.
The atmosphere turned leaden. Every breath felt heavier than the last.
Sersi watched in silence, her heart cracking.
She had once believed the Eternals were unshakable. But now she saw them fractured—brothers and sisters torn apart by purpose and belief.
Time crawled by.
One hour passed. Then two.
Neither Ajak nor Ikaris returned.
Makkari could wait no longer. Without a word, she darted out of the chamber.
Minutes later, she returned—carrying Ajak's lifeless body in her arms.
The silence was absolute.
"How could this happen...?"
"Who...?"
No one noticed that Sprite and Kingo had already vanished.
---------
🎇🎇 Check out new Fanfiction 🎇🎇
🎊 Naruto : Tsunade You're Really Drunk 🎊
---------
Bonus Chapter - 150 Power Stones
2nd Bonus Chapter - 300 Power Stones
---------------
📚 Enjoying the Story? Get Ahead Now!
Can't wait for the next twist or epic moment?
Join my Patreon and unlock 40+ advanced chapters—read ahead of everyone else! 🔥
👉 https://www.patreon.com/UK21
Your support means the world to me—thank you so much! 💖
-------------