A Declaration of War

Su Chen and his past self stood motionless, golden flames flickering around them.

His reflection smirked, tilting its spear. "You've changed," it said, voice dripping with mockery. "But are you truly strong enough to lead humanity?"

Su Chen tightened his grip. He wasn't going to waste time talking.

BOOM!

He lunged forward, spear thrusting with the force of a collapsing star. His past self mirrored the attack, and—

CRACK!

The impact shattered the ground beneath them. Divine energy rippled outward, forming a shockwave that sent the remaining illusionary warriors flying.

This was it.

The final test.

---

Breaking the Illusion

The two figures clashed again and again, each strike faster, stronger, more ruthless. Sparks of golden energy burst into the air.

His past self fought like a demon—without hesitation, without mercy.

But Su Chen was different now.

He had learned. He had grown.

And unlike before… he had no doubts.

CLANG! Su Chen's spear slammed into his reflection's weapon, locking them together. Their eyes met—one filled with lingering regret, the other burning with determination.

The past Su Chen smirked. "You're not the same man who died back then."

Su Chen pushed forward, his voice like steel. "No. I'm stronger."

BOOM!

A wave of golden energy erupted from his body, swallowing his reflection whole. The illusion wavered—

And shattered.

The golden arena collapsed. The trial was over.

---

The Gods' Message

The moment Su Chen opened his eyes, he was back on the battlefield. His army stood in stunned silence, staring at the sky.

The gods had arrived.

A vast projection of ten divine figures loomed above them, their celestial forms glowing with divine power. Their gazes bore into the mortals below.

One god, wrapped in swirling storm clouds, stepped forward. His voice shook the heavens.

"Mortal Su Chen. You have passed our trial. But your defiance ends here."

Another god, wreathed in golden fire, spoke next.

"We shall descend in 15 days. Prepare yourself… if you can."

Their voices merged into a terrifying chorus, a divine decree that echoed across the entire world.

"Fifteen days from now, we will claim Blue Star. Bow… or perish."

Then, just as suddenly as they appeared—they vanished.

---

The War Begins

The battlefield was silent. The weight of their words hung heavy in the air.

Then—

"FIFTEEN DAYS?!"

A soldier gasped, breaking the silence. The realization hit like a tidal wave. They had almost no time.

Some paled in fear. Others clenched their fists, eyes burning with resolve.

But Su Chen?

He simply looked up at the sky where the gods had disappeared, his expression unreadable.

Then, a small smirk played at his lips. "Fifteen days?" he murmured.

"That's more than enough time."

His voice was quiet—but carried absolute confidence.

The gods thought they were the ones declaring war.

They had no idea what was coming for them.