In a dimension hidden from the rest of the Universe.
A man sat in a throne room at the heart of a large castle. Like the castle itself, the throne wasn't ostentatious. They were built specifically for their purpose. The castle was only large because of the force that answered to the man while the throne was only big enough for him to sit on it, nothing more.
There was no need for the man to show off. His Identity spoke volumes for itself.
The man was the Overlord of Time and Space. The strongest being in the Universe and the commander of its collective fighting force.
No one remembered his true name anymore. Even he may have forgotten. Everyone only calls him by this title, with fear, awe and respect in their tone.
This man led the Universe through the last Era War. One so brutal that only one in a tenth of every creature survived. Let it be known that this stat includes even beings like insects which naturally have a large population. The gruesomeness of the war can be imagined.
And yet, this number wouldn't have survived if it weren't for the man.
*
The Overlord reminisced about the Era War, and the time that came before it. Unlike other survivors of the Era War, the Overlord didn't celebrate the victory.
In his heart, he wondered, was a pyrrhic victory still a victory?
The Universe had lost many of its strongest beings, their forces and their inheritances.
This powerful man and leader thought into the future. Could the Universe pick itself up, regrow and survive the next Era War?
His gaze trembled.
He stood to his feet. His vision peered through the expanse of his castle. All he saw was a still, deserted place, and a shadow of its former self.
Every member of his force had paid the ultimate sacrifice so that they could win the war. But now that they've won it, the Overlord couldn't help but wonder if it was worth it.
No. It had to be worth it!
The three-metre giant with an ordinary face, even by human standards, worked out of the throne room. His gait radiating power. His eyes shining a golden splendour. He had made a decision, one which the Realm of Laws had ruled as madness.
However, the man felt he had to try. He had to make sure the Universe had the strength to fight the next Era War. He had to make sure everyone sacrifice wasn't in vain.
He left the Space of his castle and returned to the real world. He stood in the starry expanse of Outer Space.
He gathered his nigh-invincible power to his golden-lustred eyes as they pierced through Space-time itself in search of an answer… a hope for victory.
Timeline after timeline, the Overlord's countenance continued to fall.
Then, two entities appeared behind him.
An ever-flowing golden River, large enough to be an Ocean yet, all being viewed it as a River, as if by some mystical rule. Each drop of water in the river contains an ever-changing story… history.
A massive void, one which seemed to be ever-expanding yet remaining still. Deep within the void one could see countless worlds, forming and collapsing.
These two were the manifestations of the Laws that were the strongest supporters of the Overlord.
The River of Time and Void of Space.
*
"That is enough. There are things even you cannot do. Everything must have a beginning and an end." An ageless voice from the River said.
"You have reached the pinnacle… the door that everyone seeks. All you have to do is step beyond. Why throw everything away now?" A cold voice asked from within the void.
"I was a child, who never knew his mother... A son, who watched his father die needlessly because he tried to do the right thing... A brother, who was a disappointment and worry and eventually caused the death of his sibling... A husband, to a woman so magnificent he clearly didn't deserve her, only to have her stripped from him at their happiest hour. A father, who never got a chance to see his child."
A tear fell from the man's eye.
His finger held the tear in shock. When was the last time he experienced a tear. Shaking his head, he continued, "I was a soldier, in a losing army... A friend, to people who wanted to change the world for the better, only to find out that the world didn't want them... A leader to a team with lofty goals and ambition, only for it to be crushed by its goals... A General of an armada which gave EVERYTHING it had to protect what's left you see."
"I am a man who has shouldered a myriad of identities which have brought me to this point… You are right… I stand at the pinnacle of power, but what is the point of standing at the top when there's no one to enjoy the view with you. What is the point of walking through the door when everything I've sacrificed for, will vanish in the next Era War without the ability to fight.
"You see… Everything I have left is meaningless. So, I will cling to the singular goal that has kept me alive till now.
"I AM THE INHERITOR. THE OVERLORD. THE PROTECTOR OF THIS UNIVERSE. AND PROTECT IT. I SHALL!"
The vow of the Overlord spread throughout the Universe. Every being from the most intelligent of races to more feral of beast and the most insignificant of cells heard it.
This was an Overlord's vow, no one dared disregard it.
"Did you see a path?" Time's cold voice sounded.
"No! However, as you said, I have reached the pinnacle." The Overlord smiled. "You know I didn't reach were I am, waiting for opportunities. I created them! Likewise, if there's an opportunity to change this course of damnation, I shall create it myself. But I will need help."
The Overlord's gaze shifted to the surrounding.
"So, will you help me?" He asked as three more entities joined them.
[A.N: Please, don't forget to leave a review of the work to encourage me. Your opinion matters to me. Also, don't forget to vote and support the book.]