The world was in turmoil. The stars shone brighter than ever, as if announcing a terrible truth. For centuries, men had told stories of gods, of immortal beings ruling the heavens and the underworld. But what few knew was that these tales were not mere myths. The gods existed, and their patience with humanity was coming to an end.

On the heights of Olympus, Zeus, king of the Greek gods, called a meeting. Around him sat the most powerful of the immortals: Thor, Anubis, Shiva, Amaterasu and others.

"My brothers and sisters, mortals have forgotten their place," thundered Zeus, his sceptre charged with lightning. "They dare to defy our laws, to build machines to match our power. It's time to remind them who is master of this world."

Thor banged his hammer on the ground, emitting a roar that made the assembly tremble.

"The solution is simple: destroy their cities and burn their armies.

But Amaterasu, radiant and calm, intervened:

"No. If we do that, we'll be proving that we're no better than them. Justice must prevail. A tournament will decide their fate.

Shiva, who had been sitting in silence until then, opened his eyes, shining with a divine light.

"A tournament... Yes. Destruction or redemption, let them prove their worth. We will choose our champions, and they theirs."

Zeus, though reluctant, accepted the idea. And so the gods agreed: a twelve-round tournament would determine the fate of humanity.

Meanwhile, on Earth, strange things were happening. Storms erupted without warning, ancient statues wept tears of blood, and whispers echoed in the dreams of men. Among them, Alexander the Great, although dead for centuries, was resurrected by a mysterious force.

He stood on a lonely plain, shining in his armour and holding a sword. Around him, other figures appeared, summoned by a higher will:

Joan of Arc, wearing the armour blessed by her divine visions.

Sun Tzu, the master of strategy, calmly observing.

Spartacus, the gladiator, clenching his fists with iron determination.

Mulan, ready to prove that bravery knows no gender and no boundaries.

A voice echoed through the air, deep and solemn:

"Men and women of legend, you have been chosen to defend the honour of humanity. Prepare yourselves, for the gods themselves will be your adversaries.

In a clearing bathed in golden light, the humans gathered for the first time. Alexander, as the natural leader, spoke:

"We are facing a battle that few would have imagined. But remember: it's not just our survival that's at stake, it's that of all the generations to come."

Joan d'Arc stepped forward, raising her sword.

"God guides us. No matter how powerful they are, our faith will make us invincible."

Spartacus, more pragmatic, sneered:

"Faith is a weapon, yes. But without strategy and strength, it is worthless. Sun Tzu, do you have any ideas?"

The Chinese strategist smiled discreetly.

"The first rule is simple: know your enemy. Before raising our swords, we must understand how the gods think and act.

As the champions planned their approach, a bolt of lightning ripped through the sky. Zeus himself appeared, accompanied by Thor. Their arrival caused the surrounding trees to bend, as if nature were bowing before them.

"Mortals," declared Zeus in a thunderous voice, "prepare yourselves. Your days are numbered. The first battle will take place tomorrow, on the banks of the Styx.

Thor added with a cruel smile:

"Bring your best warrior. We'll make an example of him.

The gods disappeared in a flash of light, leaving the humans to face the immensity of their task.

That night, the humans gathered around a fire. Mulan broke the silence:

"We cannot face them as mere soldiers. We have to be united and weigh up every decision.

Alexander nodded.

"The first battle will decide our morale. Spartacus, you will be our first champion. Your experience in the arena gives you an advantage."

Spartacus straightened up, a determined glint in his eyes.

"Very well. If I am to die, it will be fighting for humanity."

The first battle was about to begin. The River Styx, the river of lost souls, awaited the clash between the human gladiator and the first god to enter the arena.