The heavens darkened.
Not from storm or nightfall — but from divinity itself.
A single golden rift opened across the sky, so vast it eclipsed the sun. From within came the sound of thirteen trumpets, each tone resonating across the continents. Mountains bowed. Oceans trembled. Every living being — mortal, beast, spirit, or god — felt the weight of the presence that emerged.
"He's coming…" Celestia whispered, her voice trembling.
Arden stood upon the battlements of Wolf Fang Citadel, his cloak fluttering in the wind, eyes fixed on the radiant chasm in the sky. His hand tightened around Heavenbreaker, feeling the air thicken with oppressive energy.
"So this is the Emperor of Heaven…"
The air shimmered as the rift widened.
Then—
A figure descended, wrapped in twelve colossal wings that blazed like suns. His armor was woven from starlight, his crown forged of halos. His eyes were endless — galaxies spiraling in their depths.
"I am Seraphion," he declared, his voice both serene and apocalyptic. "Emperor of the Divine Realm, Arbiter of Light."
Every angel, even the fallen remnants on the battlefield, bowed instinctively. Even Celestia flinched, her wings twitching under the crushing divine aura.
But Arden did not bow.
He met the Emperor's gaze directly — calm, unwavering.
"And I am Arden of the North. King of mortals. Slayer of your first army."
Gasps rippled through the heavens themselves.
For a mere mortal to speak thus… was blasphemy incarnate.
The Emperor descended slowly, his feet touching the scorched snow. The ground crystallized beneath him — not from ice, but condensed divine energy.
He regarded Arden in silence for a long moment.
"You have my attention," Seraphion said finally. "Tell me, mortal flame — what drives you to defy Heaven itself?"
Arden's voice was steady.
"Because Heaven forgot what it means to be human."
He took a step forward, flames rippling around his boots.
"You claim righteousness, yet slaughter innocents. You preach purity, yet fear those who surpass your control."
A faint smile crossed the Emperor's perfect face.
"So you believe you've surpassed us?"
Arden raised his sword. "I don't need to believe it."
His aura erupted — a column of crimson-gold fire soaring into the sky. The snow melted in waves. Celestia, Ryn, and the others fell back from the sheer force.
Even the Emperor's expression faltered — ever so slightly.
"The Flame of Origin…" he murmured. "So it was reborn in a human after all."
The air split apart as Seraphion drew his blade — a sword made entirely of divine law, its edge so sharp it severed the light around it.
"Very well, mortal king. Show me your defiance."
Arden grinned, lowering his stance. "Gladly."
The two vanished.
The next instant, the world screamed.
A flash — and mountains in the distance crumbled. A shockwave tore across the battlefield, flattening ruins and throwing soldiers into the air. The very sky twisted as their blows collided.
Arden swung Heavenbreaker, unleashing a crescent of pure flame. The Emperor countered with a sweep of light, the two forces colliding and annihilating each other.
"Impressive," Seraphion said calmly. "But you fight as one who clings to rage. Fire without purpose burns its wielder."
"Then watch me burn everything in my way!" Arden shouted.
He struck again — a downward slash that split the air, sending magma erupting from the ground.
Seraphion raised a hand, blocking it effortlessly. A thousand divine runes glowed across his armor.
"Your strength is mortal. Your defiance—temporary."
But as their blades locked, Seraphion's eyes narrowed.
There, deep within Arden's soul, something pulsed — not merely human, not even divine.
A primordial rhythm.
Older than Heaven itself.
"Impossible…" the Emperor breathed. "That energy—where did you obtain it?"
Arden smirked. "You mean this?"
He let his control slip. The air erupted with raw, golden fire — ancient, wild, alive.
"It wasn't given to me," he said. "It remembered me."
Seraphion's expression darkened. "Then you are not just mortal…"
Their blades met again — but this time, the Emperor was pushed back.
Celestia and the others watched from afar, shielding their eyes from the light.
"His power… it's evolving again," Ryn muttered, sweat dripping down her forehead.
"No," Celestia said softly. "It's awakening. The flame inside him—it's not of this world. Not even of Heaven."
Lightning struck across the clouds as the two combatants clashed again and again, each strike shattering reality.
Finally, the Emperor extended his palm.
"Enough."
A burst of divine energy erupted, swallowing the world in white.
When the light cleared, Arden stood half-kneeling, his cloak torn, one hand gripping his sword to stay upright. His aura flickered violently.
"You fight well," Seraphion said, his tone almost gentle. "But you are not yet ready to face me."
Arden spat blood, but smiled.
"Then I'll keep fighting until I am."
Seraphion raised his hand again — but then paused. His gaze drifted toward the horizon.
The ground trembled. From the depths of the frozen plains, a pulse of energy answered Arden's.
A colossal shadow rose — ancient, serpentine, wreathed in golden flame.
"The Northern Guardian…" Celestia whispered. "It's awakening too!"
Seraphion stepped back, his wings spreading in alarm.
"That seal was broken… by him?"
Arden stood, his eyes glowing gold. The dragon's roar echoed through the skies — a sound that shook the heavens themselves.
"Heaven has its armies," Arden said quietly. "But the North has me."
The Emperor vanished into light, retreating to the heavens. But his voice lingered.
"Enjoy your fleeting victories, Mortal King. When I return… it will be with the Seven Thrones."
As silence fell, Arden lowered his blade, exhaustion finally washing over him.
Celestia landed beside him, her expression filled with awe and worry.
"You've forced the Emperor to retreat," she said. "But the war has just begun."
Arden's eyes turned toward the horizon, where the dragon circled above the frozen mountains.
"Then let the war continue."