The Celestial Realm churned with creation and destruction, a vast expanse where galaxies spun into existence like threads in an infinite loom. Stars ignited in fiery bursts, their brilliance brief but blinding, while ancient planets collided in silent cataclysms, scattering cosmic dust across the void. Worlds were born and died in cycles too immense for mortal comprehension, each one a testament to the boundless possibilities—and cruelties—of existence.
Amidst this eternal dance floated a fragment of rock, impossibly smooth and flat, defying the chaos around it. Upon its surface rose a castle of impossible angles and shimmering spires, as though plucked from the fever dream of some divine architect. Within its halls, three figures sat at a table so massive it seemed carved from the bones of forgotten gods. The weight of their presence pressed against the ethereal beauty surrounding them, a stark reminder that even perfection could be marred by discord.
At the center of the table sat the Goddess of Life, Lautnia. Her hair cascaded like spun moonlight, framing a face of delicate perfection. Yet her eyes, once vibrant with the hues of summer skies, now dimmed under the shadow of sorrow. She spoke softly, her voice a melody that carried both grace and weariness.
"Must we continue this tiresome debate, brother?" she sighed, her gaze shifting to the towering figure across from her. "My humans are fledglings, still learning, still growing. They pose no threat to your demons."
The Demon King leaned back in his chair, his aura crackling with barely contained rage. Though humanoid in form, subtle reptilian features betrayed his demonic heritage: iridescent scales glinted beneath his skin, and a thick tail flicked restlessly behind him. His crimson eyes burned with cold fire, their serpentine pupils unnervingly still. Handsome despite his monstrous traits, his expression twisted into a sneer.
"Fledglings?" he growled, his voice reverberating through the hall like distant thunder. "They breed like vermin, encroaching upon our lands, hunting our beasts, desecrating our sacred grounds. And you call them harmless?"
"They strive to improve," Lautnia countered, her voice unwavering despite the tremor within. "To build, to create, to dream of a better world. Can your demons claim such ambition? Or do they wallow in stagnation, content with their darkness?"
Between them, Reigen lounged with feigned indifference, a smirk playing on his lips. He maintained a human form, though faint, iridescent scales peeked through the fabric of his impeccably tailored suit. Sharp, elongated fangs protruded slightly from his mouth, lending his smile a predatory edge. He tapped a scaled finger on the table, the sound echoing strangely in the cavernous hall.
"Oh, come now, sister," he drawled, his voice dripping with mockery. "Admit it. Your humans are… aesthetically challenged. Compare them to the elegance of the elves, the stoic strength of the dwarves, or even the majestic might of the dragons—before He saw fit to erase them."
"The dragons sought power beyond their station," Lautnia reminded him, her voice laced with warning. "Their ambition led to their downfall. Let that be a lesson to all."
"A lesson in tyranny," Reigen muttered under his breath, his eyes glinting with malice.
The Demon King seized upon the distraction, slamming his fist against the table. The impact shook the foundations of the castle, sending ripples through the air itself.
"Enough!" he roared, centuries of resentment boiling over. "She never loved me. Never accepted me. And now she favors these… these humans over her own kin!"
He rose to his feet, his towering form radiating menace. "This ends now. My people will no longer tolerate their transgressions. They will receive no aid, no quarter. Let them face the consequences of their actions alone."
With that, he turned and strode from the hall, his final words echoing in the stunned silence.
"Consider this war."
Lautnia reached out, her voice trembling. "Brother, wait! Please, let us talk—"
But he was gone.
The simmering tension had finally boiled over, spilling into open conflict. Lautnia rounded on Reigen, her eyes blazing with fury.
"You… you did this! You manipulated him! Why?"
Reigen simply shrugged, a smug smile playing on his lips. For a moment, he allowed himself the satisfaction of private triumph. Soon, he thought, his gaze hardening. Soon I will have my revenge. He took my children. I will take his world.
Time passed, measured not in days or years but in the endless march of celestial bodies. Despair crept into Lautnia's heart as reports of devastation reached her ears. Human settlements crumbled beneath the relentless onslaught of the Demon King's legions. Entire villages were razed, their inhabitants slaughtered or driven to ruin.
Her attempts to reconcile with her brother met only cold silence. There was only one path left—a desperate gamble.
Inside the castle, she stood before an ancient altar, its surface etched with runes that pulsed faintly with otherworldly light. Whispers of arcane power filled the air, swirling around her like a gathering storm. The scent of ozone mingled with the sweet fragrance of incense, creating a heady, intoxicating aroma.
She began to weave her spell, her hands moving in intricate patterns as raw magical energy coalesced before her. The air crackled and hummed, reality bending and warping under her will. Sweat beaded on her brow, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The strain was immense, pushing her to the limits of her power.
And yet, she pressed on.
With a final surge of energy, she uttered the incantation, the words reversing themselves as they echoed through the Celestial Realm:
".sthgieh taerg fo eno ,dlrow rehtona morf relovarT"
The altar erupted in a blinding flash of light, and a wave of energy rippled outward, reaching across the infinite expanse of the multiverse. It searched for those who would answer her call—for souls brimming with untapped potential, with the strength and courage she so desperately needed.
But as the light faded, doubt gnawed at her. Had she done enough? Or had she merely set another tragedy in motion?