Somewhere in a higher dimension—
A realm, unknowable to mortal minds, now bore the scars of a cosmic battle. The very fabric of existence had been torn asunder, and at its heart stood a single, chained figure.
He hung suspended in silence. His form flickered—not from weakness, nor death, but from the divine chains that bound him. Sealing him. Suppressing him.
To the untrained eye, he may have looked defeated.
But the truth was far more terrifying.
Surrounding him stood six other beings—cosmic entities of immeasurable might. Each held a glowing chain tethered to the prisoner. Their faces were pale, their breaths ragged, and their bodies bore wounds speaking how tragic the battle must have been. The silence between them throbbed like a wound left open.
They had won. But at what cost?
"Give up!" one of them snarled, his voice shaking the void.
The prisoner lifted his head. A slow, cruel smile unfurled on his lips—one that knew no fear, only certainty.
"You've barely managed to seal me," he whispered, voice like thunder soaked in poison. "And already you celebrate as if this game is over? No… it is you who should give up this delusion."
His leaned forward, eyes gleaming like twin abysses.
"This seal—will break. Sooner than you think. And when it does… do you truly believe you'll be able to stop me again?"
"Hmph," another of the six growled. "Before that day comes, we'll find someone—someone worthy—to replace you."
That earned a low chuckle. Cold. Inevitable.
"Oh, how delightful," the prisoner said. "But let me give you a prophecy…"
His smile widened, chains groaning under divine pressure.
"I won't escape because the seal fails. No. One of you… will set me free."
A flash.
The chains wrapped around him and he was gone.
Silence fell.
The six beings, though momentarily relieved, exchanged wary glances. But none dared speak.
Because though the battle was won…
The game was far from over.