The Supreme Lord, gravely weakened from his battle with the Evil Supreme, felt the weight of his diminished power. The last, taunting words of his enemy echoed relentlessly in his mind. He knew that the Evil Supreme would one day return, stronger and more dangerous.
Determined to be prepared for that inevitable clash, he understood the need to recuperate. But first, he had to appoint someone capable as a temporary leader to oversee the Supreme Realm in his absence, ensuring stability until his strength was fully restored.
Hiller stood before a grand, polished mirror in the dressing chamber of the Celestial Palace, his reflection illuminated by the ethereal light of the realm. Attendants moved around him in silent reverence, arranging the silver ceremonial robes that draped over his shoulders, each fold precisely aligned, each symbol on the fabric a reminder of the legacy he was about to uphold. His long, silver hair flowed down his back, reaching his ankles, shimmering like threads of starlight.
This was not just another formal garment, it was the robe of the Supreme Leader, and wearing it signified an oath to defend the realm and its residents.
Aurora, one of Hiller's oldest friends and a fierce Guardian, stood nearby, watching him with a mix of pride and apprehension. As he adjusted the amulet hanging around his neck, a gift from his father, given when he was still young by Supreme Realm standards, Aurora stepped closer.
"Lord Hiller," she spoke softly, her voice a mix of formality and genuine warmth. "Are you ready?"
Hiller's gaze met hers in the mirror, his silver eyes steady. "I don't think anyone can ever truly be ready for something like this, Aurora," he replied quietly. "But I'll do my best. For my father, and for the realm."
She nodded, her expression both encouraging and solemn. She, too, knew the weight that would be placed on Hiller's shoulders after today, especially with the Supreme Lord withdrawing to recuperate. The recent battle with the Evil Supreme had drained his father's power immensely. He had sealed the Evil Supreme and his creatures within a rift, but not without paying a heavy price.
When the attendants finished their work, Hiller took a final, steadying breath and turned towards the Hall of Eternity, where the coronation ceremony would take place. His steps were firm, his posture tall and poised, each movement a testament to the training he had undergone for centuries.
As he made his way down the corridor toward the Hall of Eternity, the murmurs of Guardians, High Guardians, and celestial dignitaries from realms beyond filled the air, their voices woven with awe and anticipation. All had come to witness his coronation and to pledge their loyalty to a new era.
Inside the Hall, Guardians lined the aisles, their faces solemn. Some were Guardians he had trained alongside, others elders who had guided him when he was young. Hiller's gaze swept over each face, some held quiet pride, others nodded in acknowledgment, while some simply watched with unwavering reverence. There was a shared understanding here, a collective trust placed upon him. And he felt it like a weight, pressing yet invigorating.
At the heart of the hall stood his father, the Supreme Lord, his own silver hair gleaming even though he looked visibly weakened from his battle with the Evil Supreme. The scars of the recent conflict still marked his figure, but his gaze remained sharp, filled with wisdom and strength. In his hands, he held the Celestial Crown, forged from starlight and bound by ancient power. It was a symbol of the Supreme Throne, carrying with it the authority to protect and balance the realms.
Hiller reached the dais and, in a solemn gesture, knelt before his father, feeling the gravity of the moment settle over him. His father's voice, though quiet, carried the weight of centuries.
"My son, Hiller," he began, his voice resonant even through his weariness. "In my absence, you shall guide this realm. You shall protect the balance, defend the realms, and hold the Supreme Throne until I return." He paused, his gaze softening with a rare moment of vulnerability. "I trust you, my son. You are my legacy."
Lowering the crown onto Hiller's head, the Supreme Lord's hands lingered briefly on his son's shoulders. "Remember, Hiller, you are not alone. The Guardians are with you, and my guidance will always be here, even if unseen."
Hiller looked up, meeting his father's gaze. "I won't fail you, Father," he vowed, his voice steady. "I'll uphold everything you've built, and I'll protect this realm with all that I am."
The Supreme Lord nodded, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "I know you will, my son. You carry my legacy forward."
As the crown settled on Hiller's head, a surge of power filled him, binding him to the Supreme Throne and connecting him to the very essence of the realm. Celestial light radiated outward, illuminating the hall and spilling beyond, a signal to all that a new era had dawned. In a unified motion, the Guardians knelt, their heads bowed, silently pledging their loyalty to their new Supreme Leader.
When Hiller rose, he looked out over the sea of faces watching him. He could feel the weight of their trust, their belief in him. Taking a deep breath, he spoke with unwavering resolve.
"I vow to protect this realm, uphold its balance, and guard against any darkness that threatens it," Hiller declared, his voice carrying strength and humility. "Together, we will honor my father's legacy and ensure that no shadow shall fall upon our realm."
One by one, the Guardians rose, each face reflecting admiration and confidence in him. Aurora stepped forward first, placing a hand over her heart. "We stand with you, Supreme Leader," she said firmly, her voice resonant in the quiet hall. Others followed, some exchanging brief words of encouragement and loyalty with Hiller, each pledge reinforcing his resolve.
Hiller nodded as he absorbed each Guardian's silent oath. They were his strength, his allies, and with them, he felt a unity that anchored him.
The ceremony concluded, and slowly, the Guardians and dignitaries began to disperse, each returning to their duties with renewed purpose.
The High Guardians organized their teams, preparing to monitor the rift where the Evil Supreme was sealed, while others prepared to secure the boundaries and uphold the celestial wards. In a silent show of unity, they each bowed as they passed Hiller.
As the last of the Guardians left the hall, Hiller turned to face his father one final time. The Supreme Lord's face was softened by pride but shadowed with exhaustion. Hiller felt the weight of both relief and responsibility settling over him, knowing his father would soon leave to recover.
"Take care of the realm," his father murmured, his voice nearly a whisper, "and take care of yourself. I'll be watching from afar."
Hiller nodded, his throat tight with emotion. "Rest well, Father. When you return, the realm will be as you left it."