The Gathering Storm

The sky wept gold.

The rift above them pulsed, divine light spilling through its edges like the cracks of a breaking world. And from its depths, something stirred.

Something vast.

Something angry.

Aaron stood his ground, his golden aura still flickering from his battle against the Lesser God of Judgment. His body ached, his muscles burned, but his will remained unbroken. He had challenged heaven itself—

And now, heaven was answering.

A Divine Omen

Selene clutched the hilt of her sword, her eyes locked on the sky. "They're sending someone," she whispered.

Orin Varyx crossed his arms. "More like they're deciding who to send." He clicked his tongue. "They underestimated you once, kid. That won't happen again."

Aaron exhaled, his breath steady. "Let them take their time," he muttered. "I'm not going anywhere."

But deep inside, even he could feel it.

Something had shifted.

The battle against the Lesser God had been one thing. That had been a test. A warning.

But now—

The gods would send war.

The Voice of the Divine

Suddenly, the air itself rippled. A pressure descended upon them, heavier than mountains, colder than the void.

Then—a voice.

It was not loud.

It did not need to be.

"Aaron Vale."

Aaron's golden eyes narrowed. "I'm listening."

The voice carried no emotion. No anger. No malice. Just certainty.

"You have done the impossible. A mortal has slain a god. This is a crime that cannot be ignored."

Orin chuckled under his breath. "Here comes the part where they threaten to erase you."

"The laws of the divine are absolute."

Aaron flexed his fingers. "And yet, here I am."

A pause.

Then—

"For now."

The golden rift flared, expanding wider, revealing glimpses of the realm beyond. Aaron caught sight of towering citadels, endless skies, and beings of pure divinity gathering in silence.

Watching.

Waiting.

"You have set a war into motion, Forgotten Sovereign."

Aaron grinned. "Good."

"Prepare yourself."

The rift snapped shut.

And for the first time in hours, the world fell silent.

The Calm Before the Storm

Aaron exhaled, rolling his shoulders. His golden aura slowly settled, fading into a dim glow.

Selene let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "That… wasn't what I expected."

Orin smirked. "They're buying time." He turned to Aaron. "They're gathering their best. And when they come back…"

Aaron's grin widened. "I'll be ready."

The war had only just begun.