Prologue: The Celestial Games
High above the stars, beyond what humans could see or imagine, the Celestials watched. They were powerful, timeless beings who had shaped the universe itself. But after countless ages, they had grown bored.
"We've seen everything," one of them sighed. "Wars, love, empires rising and falling. It's all the same."
"Then let's make things interesting," another said, a spark of mischief in their voice.
"How?"
"A game," the oldest among them suggested. "We set challenges for the humans. Test their minds, their strength, their will. Push them beyond their limits."
"And what happens if they fail?"
The oldest Celestial smiled. "Then they don't deserve to live."
The others considered this, then nodded in agreement.
And so, without warning, the rules of the world began to change. The game had begun, and humanity had no choice but to play.