Lex's eyes adjusted to the brilliance of the portal as he stepped into the heart of heaven—the Celestial Capital. His breath caught in his throat, and for once, words failed him.
The city wasn't simply massive; it was transcendent. Floating islands spiraled upward into the endless expanse of a golden sky, each suspended by shimmering threads of energy that pulsed like veins in a living being. Roads paved with glowing starlight wove between towering structures carved from what looked like living crystal, shifting subtly in color and form as if the buildings themselves breathed.
At the center of it all stood the Ethereal Spire, a colossal tower that seemed to pierce through the heavens, its apex disappearing into the shimmering clouds. Pulsing waves of energy rippled outward from its base, a heartbeat of power that connected every corner of the city.
"Welcome to the Celestial Capital, my lord," said Lyra. She gestured grandly toward the city. "The heart of heaven, where the realms of gods converge."
Lex scratched the back of his head, taking it all in. "I don't know what I expected, but… yeah, this blows it out of the water."
"Your seat of power awaits," Lyra said, leading him forward.
As they walked along a bridge made of shimmering light, Lex's curiosity piqued at the variety of beings around him. The residents weren't all gods, as he'd assumed. Mortals, spirits, and ethereal creatures bustled about, each carrying an aura of purpose.
--
"Hold up," Lex said, stopping as a pair of towering, lion-headed beings passed by, their manes glowing faintly. They wore intricate golden armor and carried halberds radiating power. "Who are they?"
"The Aurelion Guard," Myra explained. "Heaven's elite protectors. They are chosen from mortals who prove themselves worthy, ascended into celestial forms."
Lex raised an eyebrow. "Wait, so mortals can level up into gods?"
"In a manner of speaking," Myra said. "The worthy are granted divine aspects, but true godhood is far more complex. Still, they're formidable allies and a vital part of heaven's defenses."
Lex nodded thoughtfully. "Good to know. And what about them?" He gestured to a group of robed figures hovering over an ornate fountain, their hands weaving glowing threads into intricate patterns.
"The Weavers of Fate," Myra said. "They maintain the Tapestry of Existence, ensuring the balance of destiny across all realms."
"Sounds like a stressful job," Lex muttered.
If all these existed in this realm, then he completely understand why the balance between the world would be broken if this realm was to ever collapse.
As they continued, the path widened into a sprawling plaza bustling with activity. Vendors called out from stalls that floated a few feet off the ground, hawking wares that shimmered with otherworldly energy.
Lex stopped at a stall where a grizzled merchant displayed an assortment of glowing artifacts.
"Care to take a look, Supreme One?" the merchant said with a bow, his voice gravelly but warm. "Artifacts of immense power, crafted from the heart of fallen stars."
Lex picked up a small orb that pulsed faintly in his hand. "What's this?"
"A Shard of Lumina, my lord," the merchant said eagerly. "It enhances the wielder's divine energy for a brief time, but beware—it exacts a toll on the user's mortal essence."
Lex set the orb down carefully. "Pass. I've got enough to figure out without turning into stardust."
Myra chuckled softly. "The Celestial Markets are renowned for their treasures, but their dangers are just as legendary."
---
After traversing the city, they arrived at the base of the Ethereal Spire, where an immense gateway awaited them. Its surface shimmered with celestial runes that shifted and rearranged themselves as Lex approached.
The gates parted with a soft hum, revealing a grand hall unlike anything Lex had ever seen. Columns of pure light stretched impossibly high, supporting a ceiling that seemed to reflect the cosmos itself. A vast throne carved from a single, glowing crystal dominated the center, its surface etched with intricate designs that pulsed faintly with energy.
"This is the Throne of Eternity," Lyra said, her voice reverent. "The seat of the Supreme Deity."
Lex approached cautiously, feeling the weight of its presence. He reached out a hand, hesitating as the throne seemed to hum in anticipation.
"Not yet," Lyra said gently. "The throne will accept you when you are ready. For now, there are more pressing matters to address."
Before Lex could respond, a deep, resonant voice filled the hall.
"Supreme One," it intoned, "the Council of Celestials awaits your presence."
Lex turned to see a glowing orb of light hovering nearby, its surface rippling like liquid gold.
"What's the Council of Celestials?" Lex asked, crossing his arms.
Lyra's expression darkened slightly. "They are the ruling body of heaven, composed of the most powerful and ancient gods. While you hold ultimate authority, they will test your resolve and judgment. Of course, you wield more power and authority than them, so it's up to you to decide to go or not, however, you would need their help. The Past Deity fell out with them, and it's a small reason why this sudden war has broken out."
Lex sighed. "Great. A trial by committee. Just what I needed."
As the orb beckoned him forward, Lex steeled himself. The journey was just beginning, and if this was the first step toward uniting heaven, he was determined to face it head-on—even if it meant butting heads with the most powerful beings in existence.
For now, though, he couldn't help but smirk. "Let's see how they handle a Supreme Deity who plays by his own rules."