The last thing Ethan Hayes remembered was the flashing lights of a speeding truck. His instincts had screamed at him to move, but the collision was inevitable. Pain erupted through his body, and then—nothing.

Darkness enveloped him, an abyss so deep it felt like eternity. But suddenly, a voice echoed in the void.

"Welcome, O Divine One."

Ethan's eyes snapped open. He found himself floating in a vast cosmos, surrounded by swirling galaxies and glowing stars. His body felt weightless, yet an overwhelming power surged through him.

"Where am I?" he muttered, his voice echoing through the void.

A luminous figure materialized before him, draped in robes that shimmered like the night sky. An ethereal presence surrounded it, exuding authority and wisdom.

"You have been chosen to ascend," the figure intoned. "Your soul has been granted divinity. You are now the Supreme Deity of a newly formed world."

Ethan blinked. "Wait, what? I was just hit by a truck, and now you're telling me I'm a god? This has to be a dream."

The celestial being extended a hand, and in an instant, knowledge flooded Ethan's mind—memories of the world he was bound to rule, its people, its landscapes, and the mystical energy that governed it.

The world was called Xirath, a vast planet teeming with martial sects, powerful beasts, and cultivators who sought immortality through spiritual energy known as Qi. Here, the strong reigned supreme, and the weak perished.

"Xirath is your domain," the figure continued. "It is still in its infancy, but under your rule, it will thrive… or perish."

Ethan took a deep breath. "So, I really am a god now? What does that even mean?"

The celestial being gestured, and suddenly, Ethan's vision changed. He saw a breathtaking land beneath him—towering mountains that pierced the clouds, sprawling forests filled with mythical creatures, and rivers glowing with ethereal light. Cities dotted the landscape, some grand and majestic, while others were mere settlements struggling to survive.

A system interface appeared before him, akin to a game HUD.

[Divine Authority Activated]

[Name: Ethan Hayes]

[Title: Supreme Deity of Xirath]

[Divine Powers: Creation, Destruction, Blessing, Punishment]

Ethan's heart pounded. "I can shape this world? Change its fate?"

"Yes," the celestial figure confirmed. "Your will shall dictate its destiny. You are its god."

Ethan's consciousness descended upon a vast temple nestled within a valley. The temple was a towering structure of white jade, adorned with ancient carvings of dragons and phoenixes. Inside, hundreds of robed individuals knelt in reverence before a colossal golden statue—his statue.

A young woman, clad in silver robes, raised her head. Her eyes were a striking shade of violet, filled with intelligence and awe.

"The prophecy has come true! The Supreme Deity has awakened!" she proclaimed.

The gathered disciples gasped. Murmurs spread like wildfire. "The god of Xirath… has returned?"

Ethan materialized before them, clad in divine robes that manifested instinctively. A hush fell over the temple.

The young woman stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Oh, Supreme One, I am Anna, High Priestess of the Celestial Order. We have awaited your return for ages."

Ethan hesitated. He had never ruled anything in his life, let alone an entire world. But he couldn't show uncertainty now.

"Rise, Anna. Tell me of the world's current state."

She lifted her head, her expression solemn. "The balance of Xirath is in turmoil. The demonic sects grow bolder, the spirit beasts become more ferocious, and the mortal kingdoms wage war endlessly. Without divine intervention, this world will collapse into chaos."

Ethan exhaled slowly. "Then we must act."

A deep voice echoed from the entrance. "Hah! Divine intervention? Do not joke, High Priestess."

A muscular man clad in crimson armor strode into the temple, his aura oppressive. His long silver hair flowed behind him, and a greatsword hung from his back.

"Who is this pretender?" the man sneered. "I, General Garen, have protected this land with my blade. Do not expect me to bow to some self-proclaimed god."

Ethan studied the warrior. The system displayed his stats:

[Cultivation Rank: Heavenly Ascendant]—one of the highest levels achievable.

Ethan smirked. "If I am a pretender, then test me."

Garen's eyes narrowed. "Very well." He drew his sword, its blade crackling with Qi-infused lightning. The air grew heavy with power.

Anna gasped. "My lord, he is one of the strongest cultivators alive!"

Ethan raised a hand. "Then it will be an interesting challenge."

A single thought activated his divine power. The temple trembled as golden light radiated from his body. Garen's sword shattered mid-swing, the sheer force sending him crashing into the marble floor.

Silence.

The great general, feared across the land, struggled to rise, his body shaking. "Impossible…"

Ethan stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "I am not here to ask for obedience. I am here to restore order. You may choose to follow… or resist."

Garen clenched his fists, then took a deep breath. Slowly, he lowered his head in submission. "I acknowledge your power, Supreme Deity."

A notification appeared in Ethan's vision:

[First Follower Acquired: Garen, Heavenly Ascendant General]

Ethan smiled inwardly. This is just the beginning.

High above Xirath, unseen eyes watched the unfolding events. Shadows whispered amongst themselves.

"The god has returned… but will he be a savior or a tyrant?"

Only time would tell.