Throughout the Varenthion empire, celebrations could be seen in this joyous moment. For a long time, the conflict between humans and demons has been slowly boiling over threatening to engulf the empire with flames of war.
But today, against the oncoming darkness, a beacon of hope was ignited. Four of them in fact. Four pillars of light arose from the four chosen avatars, reaching up to the sky. This occasion was meant to be a moment of clarity for humanity if it wasn't for what happened before the midnight chime.
The entire population of the Varenthion empire was looking forward to the birth of the avatars according to the prophecies. For both rich and poor alike, avatars are an object of worship revered on the same level as royalty. This fact alone creates hope as well as fear.
Imagine. If an avatar takes all of their privileges for granted and starts acting as they please? If a noble entitled brat gets chosen, he or she will actively suppress commoners and support nobles. The influence of gods runs deep through this world. No one possesses the authority to judge an avatar.
Most exceptional thinkers, oppressed commoners, and warriors who lacked the potential for great power realized this fact. But what can they do but go along with the flow? For them to have any chance of freedom to navigate their own futures, someone needed to emerge, carrying their will. Someone who was strong enough to oppose the divine will. As such, people have been waiting all this time for that person to emerge.
Any dissatisfaction they had did not matter. They were unable to voice their concerns and only could keep it to themselves. That way, they could at least preserve their lives, even if as slaves of unfairness. They had no choice but to endure, especially due to the rise of the latest powerhouse.
Following the death of Crown Prince Arden, Princess Reyna started asserting her dominance. Once gentle and idealistic princess started creating policies that dealt with all crime and injustice with a firm hand. Of course, her actions led to a massive drop in crime rates. But it also further tightened the lives of already oppressed people. She showed no trace of any flexibility, firmly separating the world into good and bad.
Under her principles, a thief will always be a thief, regardless of if it's a child who needs to satisfy their hunger or a man who stole precious gems. Whatever good intentions she had towards humanity and the need for justice, she did not realize that overwhelmed justice is no different than tyranny. Or maybe she just doesn't care.
But who could oppose her? The only other person who was worthy of sitting on the throne is dead. And even if he was alive, what could he do when she was backed by all four avatars? Today's event will solidify her strength, and people can only accept this outcome.
Everything worked out exactly as Reyna anticipated, except for the small incident which happened before midnight. A wave of emerald color mist swept through the entire empire. From those who got swept in that wave, a selected few started hearing a voice. The voice of a woman trembling with happiness. She whispered the following words,
The heir of flames, once cast aside,
Shall rise again as fate's denied.
An hour before the bells resound,
His strength reclaimed, his path unbound.
With all he was upon the line,
He dares to break fate's grand design.
Where crimson streets in ruin lie,
He'll face the Warborn, death drawn nigh.
Through sacrifice, the dark is torn,
From fire and ash, victory is born.
Beneath the stars, his voice takes flight
To claim a throne beyond all sight.
Before they could even understand the words, the world turned silent, as if nothing happened in the first place. Reyna did not waste any time. This incident will surely start creating cracks within people's devotion. She needed a big distraction to make people lose their awareness of what happened. She immediately contacted one of the seven Zeniths, Amelia Evernight.
Amelia Evernight possessed the unique ability to create portals utilizing specific conditions. With her help, Reyna prepared arrangements for all four avatars to arrive at Varenths. Reyna would introduce the four avatars at the same time from Varenthis in a big announcement, overshadowing what happened. Although there were doubts appearing within people, they gave their complete attention to this event which solidified the era of gods and their followers.
Currently, people can be seen gathered in front of the castle, hoping to catch a glimpse of the avatars. Princess Reyna stood high above on the balcony, introducing each person, their lineage, and their achievements. According to her preaching, each avatar looked like a hero straight out of a novel.
Avatar of flames, Thalia Ignisborn
Avatar of water, Sofia Valtair
Avatar of wind, Sylas Ventaryn and
Avatar of Earth, Darius Stonhelm
All four of them stood proudly, looking down at the people. And finally, by introducing them herself and speaking so familiarly, Reyna signified for the entire world to see that she is their ally.
In a proud voice, Reyna addressed the crowd,
"This day shall mark the beginning of a golden era. One where humanity had stood firm against the tides of injustice.
My people, for too long have you suffered at the whims of other races. Humanity was pushed to the brink through conflict. Other races have abandoned us to deal with the threat of demons alone. Our fight is our own, they say.
Humans, the least privileged race in this world. That fact alone is true. So what? We now possess the strength to reign as the most supreme race in this world with gods by our side. Demons are not a threat anymore, but a mere steppingstone for our race.
Tonight, I shall declare the beginning of the humanities stand against every other race in this world, starting with the demons. I shall declare that we will fight as humans and sacrifice our very lives for the sake of humanity and rip out the throats of people who boast of their racial superiority.
Her proud statement and charismatic aura sent ripples throughout the empire, forcing them to acknowledge her resolve despite how they personally felt.
Reyna had a satisfied look on her face. She lost the majority of her strength after the regression. But soon she will get it back. With her abilities and the newfound strength of avatars will pull the world in the correct direction. Avatars will become stronger than they were in the previous timeline. Vermaris is probably in ruins now. When that news is delivered, it will spark the animosity of people towards the demons, starting the war.
All of it was worth it. All the sacrifices she made, and the extreme methods she resolved will bore its fruit in the near future.
She once again raised her hand, a single gesture which silenced the people. She took a deep breath and was about to speak when a sudden commotion erupted among the people. People started shouting and pointed towards the sky.
The starry sky rippled as If a stone was thrown into still water. A scenery started appearing within the ripples. A scenery that became visible to all inhabitants of this world. It showed a city with parts of it engulfed in flames and ruin. Monsters could be seen crawling on the streets. Adventurers were driving the monsters away.
People were suddenly thrown into confusion seeing this. Some recognized the landmarks of Vermaris city. But no one was aware of this situation. A battle has occurred, rendering the city to this state and taking lives, but no announcement was made. No rescue attempts. Soon the commotion became a protest with speculation and questions.
Reyna did not know what to do. What the hell is this situation? Is someone deliberately screwing up her plans? She has not seen something like this in both of her lives.
Then the scenery zoomed towards a figure flying up above the sky. Two horns, white hair, and golden irises? That thing was definitely a demon. He had a proud and arrogant look.
"Humans are quite resilient, aren't they? You lot talk a big game. But have any of you ever resolved the issues in your own hearts? Oppression, the conflict between commoners and nobility, g reed, and pride. If it means benefitting their cause, a human will betray their lover.
Isn't that, right? Reyna? You did not hesitate to kill your brother and the man you loved. And now you are ruling over humanity. At least we demons have never turned on our own. Foolish rulers of humanity let Vermaris get destroyed so that they could start a war.
Well, even if they did interfere, nothing would change the outcome. After all, who can defeat me right now, The demon king himself? The only person who could do that was dead. Without Adrian, how will you survive?
Humanity, bear witness to the greatest tragedy of this era. Bare witness to the beginning of your end."
With that, Azrivel pointed his finger towards the city. Purple color energy swirled around his finger, slowly enlarging into a massive sphere. He hurled it toward the city. The sphere became huge enough to engulf the entire city. As it was just about to hit the city, the scenery paused.
Observers started shouting in panic. Some were crying and some were praying. Their loved ones within the city will die at this rate.
Reyna gritted her teeth. How is this possible? How does Azrivel remember the previous timeline? And how did he retain the strength in his prime?
The scenery changed once more. This time it showed the attack from a different perspective.
Everyone suddenly seized their voices. People started whispering in awe.
"Is that him?"
"Did he come back?"
"I thought he was injured or dead"
Some knelt instinctively. Others wept. The name lingered on every tongue, yet none dared speak it too soon, as if afraid the vision would vanish.
Thalia immediately ran forward with a bewildered look. Other Avatars were just as bewildered as she was. Darius started grinning. All of them knew who the man on the scene was.
He was walking slowly towards the attack. Slowly white flames engulfed him. Crimson flames swirled around him like a raging firestorm. It was like the flames were paying their respect to him. A crown made of white flames appeared on his head. He looked at the attack and smirked. He turned his gaze towards Azrivel and spoke.
"Since you went out of your way to prove a point, I shall respond in kind. Let me show you, the power of a monarch in prime."
Reyna, who was looking at this scene had an exhausted look on her face.
"You gotta be shitting me."