All kings occupy thrones. But only the forgotten ones reign from silence.
Inscription under the Throne of Screaming Stars
The Void Academy wasn't as he had left it.
It was quieter. But not in peace. In anticipation.
As Azeroth returned through the Sundering Gate with his sister, Sylra concealed beneath his cloak, the thrones of the academy all faced him. Kings, warlords, monarchs, tyrants all those who had ridiculed him in the past now stood in awe. They could feel it.
He had changed.
No longer just a Voidwalker.
He was now Void-Touched Sovereign, half-man and half-storm.
Even that throne he never sat on fashioned from bones of fallen stars, bound together by chains of broken timelines vibrated. It beckoned.
The Throne of Screaming Stars.
No one had ever occupied the seat.
Because the ones who attempted. vanished.
Veyrith waited. His shining eyes focused on Sylra, then switched to Azeroth's arm now bearing three shining sigils: Survival, Command, and Verdict.
"You used Void Verdict," Veyrith said, voice smooth but with an edge.
"And yet, you remain whole. Interesting."
Azeroth moved forward.
I stood before the High Chancellor. I reclaimed my rightful place. I chose the Void, but not as a slave.
Veyrith nodded slowly.
"Then the throne will shortly test you."
Sylra clutched her brother's cloak more firmly.
"He doesn't have to prove anything."
The room was silent.
Kings who hadn't spoken in centuries leaned forward.
Azeroth came to her, and put a soft hand on her shoulder. "I must, Sylra. What lies ahead. will not simply disturb the Void."
Then, afterwards on the same day, Azeroth confronted the Throne of Screaming Stars within the arena of forgotten timelines.
It was enormous. A giant's throne, constructed of all material, known and unknown of bone, crystal, voidglass, antimatter, broken oaths, even time-worn truth. The memories of the multiverse swirled around it screaming, whispering, pleading.
No king had ever sat upon it.
None had survived it.
And yet, Azeroth stepped forward.
Veyrith cried out behind him.
"Sit, if you think you can conquer more than death."
But remember this: if you are not prepared, the throne will not kill you it will unwrite you.
Azeroth did not hesitate.
He placed Tenebrum next to him and sat.
The scream was immediate.
Not a sound but a memory ripped from the core of reality.
Azeroth's soul left his body.
[Spiritual Trial: Inside the Throne]
He was alone in a vast field beneath an empty sky. No light. No stars. Just him.
And a voice.
What is a king?
He turned.
Behind him was a vision of himself in gold and white, a radiant crown and soft eyes.
"A king brings hope," the figure said.
To his side, another version bloodstained, strewn with dead bodies, knife-like eyes.
No. A king does inspire fear.
And finally, behind them all, a third version. Silent. Crownless. Wearing robes of emptiness. No expression. No ego. Only
silence.
Himself.
He understood now.
The throne was not challenging his power.
It was testing his identity.
Would he be the Saviour King?
The Tyrant Monarch?
Or the Silent Shadow
He stepped into the middle. Between them.
I'm not your idea of royalty," he said to her.
"I am what is left when royals burn."
He tore the golden crown from the radiant version. Shattered the sword of the tyrant. Then faced the silent one and nodded.
I shall rule in silence."
Speak with actions.
And reign from the shadows."
The throne accepted him.
And the multiverse shifted.
Returning to the Void Academy
The moment he opened his eyes, the throne pulsed once. Again. Then the stars in the sky screamed as ancient runes inscribed themselves into the universe.
The academy walls trembled.
And the kings… knelt.
Even Kael'Ruin, even Queen Lirien, even the Laughing Prince.
Veyrith observed, his face unreadable.
You have done what none other could," he declared. "The throne has accepted you.".
I did not come to rule," declared Azeroth.
"Yet now, you must."
By the Void Realms.
The ripple spread.
Planets felt it.
Beasts of the Rift howled.
Even the Nameless Emperors themselves, these gods above gods, gazed toward the Academy.
The Crownless King had asserted a throne more ancient than existence.
And the real enemies had awakened.
Far away, in a citadel constructed from fallen time. A twelve-eyed being sporting a mask lit black sun candles.
The boy has sat," it breathed. "The balance is broken. Behind the curtain, another version of Azeroth was revealed. One born from what he could have been. An individual who walked the path of full Void Ascension. Then it's time," said the shadow twin.
"Let the king see his image."