The chambers of Zeno's palace gleamed with divine radiance as the Omni-King observed the work Caelix had accomplished across Universes 1 to 10. The results were undeniable—order restored, themes realized, and mortal levels climbing steadily. Even the Grand Priest, stoic and ever-measured, offered a rare nod of approval.
"Caelix," Zeno said, his voice uncharacteristically steady, "you've done well. You deserve a break."
Caelix raised an eyebrow but bowed in respect. "Thank you, Zeno-sama. However, I assume this isn't merely a reward?"
Zeno chuckled, his childlike demeanor flickering back momentarily. "Nope! There's still work to do. Train the destroyers and their counterparts for Universes 4 through 10. We've found candidates!"
Before Caelix could respond, a scroll appeared in his hand, detailing the names of the Destroyers-to-be: Quitela, Arak, Champa, Liquiir, Sidra, and Rumsshi. It was his task to ensure they understood their roles and themes.
Universe 4 (Quitela): He found Quitela in the shadows of a dense, labyrinthine jungle, where the cunning rodent-like being had outwitted a band of marauding invaders single-handedly. His intelligence and craftiness impressed Caelix, though Quitela's sharp tongue promised challenges ahead.
Universe 5 (Arak): Arak, a gentle giant who lived in a monastic enclave, initially declined the role, fearing it would compromise his peaceful philosophy. Caelix convinced him by explaining that destruction, when wielded wisely, was a means to sustain balance.
Universe 6 (Champa): Champa, a larger-than-life figure with an insatiable appetite for food and glory, reluctantly agreed after Caelix promised he could redefine Universe 6's cunning nature in his own way.
Universe 8 (Liquiir): In a battlefield littered with defeated enemies, Liquiir, a humanoid fox warrior, stood victorious. His raw strength and loyalty to his comrades made him an ideal candidate.
Universe 9 (Sidra): Sidra was a soft-spoken, contemplative figure who had long wrestled with the morality of destruction. Caelix saw in him a kind heart that could bring balance to Universe 9's chaotic joy.
Universe 10 (Rumsshi): The boisterous Rumsshi was found among the remnants of an ancient ruin, his thunderous strength matched only by his fervor for preserving dreams and imagination.
With his candidates gathered, Caelix brought them to Zeno's palace for their training.
As they entered the grand chamber, the Angels assigned to their respective universes stood waiting with serene poise, each accompanied by the Supreme Kai who would balance their destructive force with creation.
The Ritual of Deification began.
The candidates stepped forward, each holding a glowing egg in one hand and a sphere of Hakai energy in the other. The room dimmed as an otherworldly hum filled the space, the energy of the multiverse itself bending to infuse these beings with their divine roles. Their mortal forms were transformed: muscles honed, auras of destructive power ignited, and their appearances refined to reflect their new status as Gods of Destruction. The eggs in their hands hatched into radiant Supreme Kais, their partnership sealed by cosmic law.
Kuru (U4)
Ogma (U5)
Fuwa (U6)
Iru (U8)
Roh (U9)
Gowasu (U10)
The Angels approached their new Destroyers, their calm voices guiding them through the torrent of newfound power. Caelix watched closely, nodding as the ritual concluded and the room brightened again.
"Learn from the example of Caelix, the last of the first generation Destroyers. His wisdom and understanding of balance have brought restoration to the universes. Do not falter in your duties, for failure invites annihilation." The Grand Priest's voice rang out with an edge of power to it.
The Destroyers and Kais bowed deeply to Caelix, humbled by the weight of their responsibilities.
With the ritual complete, Caelix gathered the new Destroyers and Supreme Kais in smaller groups for their first lessons, while his clones took positions beside each pairing for individual guidance.
Universe 4: Quitela and Kuru
Caelix faced the sly Quitela, whose mischievous grin never left his face. "You think Destruction is a game, don't you?" Caelix said, his voice calm but firm.
"Maybe it is," Quitela replied, twirling a flicker of Hakai energy in his fingers.
Caelix snapped his fingers, and a massive illusion of a crumbling planet filled the room. "Look at this. Is this your idea of a game?" His voice dropped into a stern tone. "The lives you erase are not toys. Learn to destroy with purpose, or your reign will be short."
Kuru, the Supreme Kai, stepped forward. "Destruction and creation must work in harmony. Quitela, balance your power with understanding, and you'll achieve more than chaos."
Quitela huffed but nodded. "Fine, Sensei."
Universe 9: Sidra and Roh
Sidra, a gentle and hesitant figure, struggled with the nature of his role. "Destruction feels… wrong," he admitted, clutching his staff.
Caelix placed a hand on Sidra's shoulder. "It is wrong if done without purpose. But consider this: destruction clears the way for creation. Without an end, there can be no beginning."
Roh nodded. "You must understand the cycle, Sidra. Our roles are intertwined. Trust your instincts, and we will guide the universe together."
Universe 6: Champa and Fuwa
"Do I really have to do this?" Champa grumbled, leaning lazily against a pillar.
Caelix raised an eyebrow. "Do you want your universe to fall into ruin?"
Champa shrugged. "Not really, but—"
"Then focus," Caelix interrupted, conjuring a sphere of Hakai energy. "Destruction isn't about laziness or indulgence. It's about maintaining balance. If you don't take this seriously, your universe will collapse under its own weight."
In the Depths of the 0th Universe
The landscape of Universe 0 defied understanding, an expanse where time folded in on itself, and space churned like a living ocean. The terrain pulsed with an ever-shifting rhythm, weathered by torrents of energy that could rend galaxies asunder in an instant. Amid this incomprehensible realm, a being moved with unthinkable speed, its form a kaleidoscope of shapes, colors, and patterns that defied mortal perception.
It raced across this tumultuous expanse, weaving through storms of quantum shards and rivers of liquid void. The air hummed with an otherworldly vibration as it suddenly skidded to a halt, its countless limbs—or were they fractals?—reaching out toward the ground.
The being knelt.
"I feel it," it spoke, though its voice resonated like the echoes of collapsing stars. "A weak energy... from beyond the fracture. It is but cosmic rubble compared to us. Feeble. Insignificant."
The surrounding chaos trembled as another figure emerged from the shadows. This one was less a being and more a living absence, a shade of pure void that swirled with the cries of unmade dimensions. It gurgled and sputtered in a language no mortal tongue could articulate, yet its meaning reached the kneeling entity as clearly as thunder following lightning.
"Even cosmic rubble can coalesce into stars," the shade gurgled. "And stars, when they collapse, can wreak havoc beyond measure. We cannot ignore it."
The kneeling being's fractal-like form contorted, reflecting hesitation or perhaps fear. "He is still weak. We need not send our best."
The shade rumbled in agreement, its form dissolving into a torrent of writhing matter. Slowly, a single shape began to emerge from the torrent—a creature molded from the most insignificant fragments of the 0th Cosmos. It was frail compared to its brethren, yet still carried an aura that would eclipse the strongest beings of the known multiverse.
With an unintelligible series of guttural noises, the shade's form spoke again. "This shall suffice. Let us send one among the lesser ranks. It will be enough to extinguish this... rubble before it gathers mass."
The newly formed being shimmered with dark intent, its shape constantly shifting like a storm confined within a body. Without hesitation, it turned toward a rift—a jagged crack in the fabric of the cosmos that bled light and shadow in equal measure. The creature approached, its form condensing into something serpent-like.
As it reached the crack, it began to compress, twisting itself into the form of a worm. The rift seemed to sense its approach and widened, revealing a glimpse of the multiverse beyond. With an almost eager squirm, the worm disappeared into the fracture.
In the vast expanse of the multiverse, a faint ripple of energy disturbed the balance. The worm-like being reemerged in one of the 12 Universes, its form coiling and twisting as it adapted to this new realm. Though it was but a fragment of Universe 0's power, its mere presence sent subtle shockwaves through the fabric of reality.
Unseen and unnoticed, it began to move, its purpose singular:
To seek out the one called Caelix.
For even cosmic rubble, if left unchecked, could grow into a star. And stars, the beings of Universe 0 knew, had the potential to explode. Violently.