The newborn kingdom pulsed with life Towers stretched higher each day rivers carved deeper paths and forests of crystal grew where there had once been void The land itself bent under Ryo's law reshaping to match his will.
From his throne Ryo watched it all with cold satisfaction.
Ryo: A kingdom that rises without limit A throne no one can touch This is only the beginning.
The people bowed deeply whenever his gaze swept across them their voices rising in unison.
People: Hail Ryo! Hail the Eternal King!
Their faith their voices their every breath fueled him The empire itself had become an extension of his strength.
The Warning
The Child sat at the throne's steps his toy dangling loosely from his hand His eyes were hollow yet sharp
Child: They're coming sooner than expected They've sent a messenger He doesn't speak for himself He speaks for something far greater.
Serath tensed immediately his fists clenching.
Serath: "Another king?"
The Child shook his head slowly.
Child: No Not a king A shadow of a voice A test of fear.
The Arrival
The sky above the newborn world tore open A single figure descended faceless formless wrapped in cloaks of darkness that stretched across the horizon The air grew cold The people shivered, though they did not run Their marks burned brighter binding them closer to Ryo.
Messenger: Ryo… your throne shines too brightly You were not meant to exist.
The voice was layered like countless beings speaking in unison The weight of entire dead universes pressed against the empire Buildings cracked Rivers froze Even the wolf growled low its golden fur bristling.
But Ryo remained still his eyes sharp with amusement.
Ryo: Not meant to exist? Then why am I here? Why do I sit where no one else dares?
The Messenger trembled slightly its shadow writhing.
Messenger: Because the higher ones allow it. Step down or be erased.
The King's Defiance
The crowd looked to their king fear tightening their throats Serath stepped forward fists blazing.
Serath: Lord Ryo say the word and I'll crush this phantom!
Ryo raised a hand silencing him He stood from his throne the law of the kingdom vibrating through the air like thunder
Ryo: You think I bend to voices hiding in the dark? No I bend nothing Everything bends to me.
He took a single step forward The ground cracked The sky screamed The Messenger's cloak shredded, dissolving into ash as the full weight of Ryo's presence fell upon it.
Messenger: impossible… you are not bound by the higher ones… you are
Its voice collapsed erased before the word could finish Silence fell.
The Declaration
Ryo sat back upon his throne his voice echoing across the empire
Ryo: Let them send messengers Let them send armies Let them send gods Every one of them will kneel or vanish.
The people erupted in cheers Serath dropped to one knee his fire blazing higher The wolf howled its golden light piercing the dark sky.
The Child only smiled faintly whispering under his breath
Child: And now they know you cannot be touched.