The battlefield was silent now Dust hung in the air where the Forgotten Kings had fallen their screams still echoing in memory The newborn people gathered wounded yet unbroken their eyes fixed on the throne that floated above all.
They bowed as one.
People: Hail Ryo! Hail the Eternal King!
Ryo sat upon his throne chin resting on his hand his gaze sweeping the crowd Their faith fed the air itself the very law of his kingdom grew thicker harder more absolute.
Ryo: You've proven yourselves You are not merely creations… you are mine.
At his words light bloomed across the people The mark of his law burned brighter on their skin binding them closer to him In return their strength doubled They felt unbreakable.
Serath's Resolve
Serath stood before the throne his body trembling from exhaustion He clenched his fists bowing low
Serath: Lord Ryo… I fought as your weapon but I was not strong enough Next time I will crush enemies before they ever reach you.
Ryo's lips curved into a faint smirk.
Ryo: Good Keep that hunger In my kingdom weakness doesn't exist.
For the first time Serath smiled The fire in his fists flared brighter than ever.
The Great Wolf
The wolf no longer a pup lay at the foot of the throne its fur glowing faintly with shadows of gold It lifted its head howling into the sky The sound echoed across the newborn empire a declaration: this land was protected and any invader would be torn apart.
The people whispered among themselves giving it a name.
People: Fenrir… the Wolf of the King.
The Child Speaks
Amid the celebration the Child sat on the edge of the throne's steps playing with his broken toy For once he lifted his gaze directly at Ryo His voice was quiet but it cut through the cheers.
Child: This was only a test The ones who erased those kings… they were watching you And now they know you exist.
The crowd stilled Serath froze Even the great wolf lowered its head.
Ryo leaned forward eyes narrowing with amusement.
Ryo: Good Let them watch Let them send more.
Child: They won't send kings next time They'll send something worse.
Ryo laughed the sound booming across the empire.
Ryo: Perfect.
The Kingdom Rises
In the days that followed the empire grew. Towers of light rose from the ground forged by the will of his people Rivers flowed where there had been nothing An entire world began to shape itself around his throne powered by belief and bound by his absolute law.
And at its heart sat Ryo a god king on his throne waiting for the next enemy who dared to challenge him.