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Scarlet Dragon King – Chapter 9 (Part II): The Gods Who Whisper War

The air in the celestial chamber thickened. Not with magic. Not with power.

With fear.

Eric Aivor's name had never been spoken aloud so many times by so many gods.

And still—his throne, a glowing crimson seat of dragonfire, remained empty.

Zeus, crackling with stormlight, stood next. "He has not declared war… yet. But when one man unites goddesses from every corner of existence, he doesn't need to raise a sword. His very breath changes fate."

Athena crossed her arms. "He isn't leading a rebellion—he is the rebellion. One that doesn't kneel to Olympus, Heaven, or even Chaos."

Michael remained silent—his hands clasped in thought.

But Amaterasu stood tall.

"Then what would you do?" she asked. "Strike down a man for love? Burn his lovers for defying the heavens?"

Zeus's reply was sharp. "Before he becomes a threat, yes."

Odin raised a hand—finally speaking again.

"The boy's bloodline is not divine. Not even draconic in origin. He made his power. That's what frightens you, isn't it? That he walks among gods... but was never born of them."

"He is unnatural," Athena hissed. "Even the Sacred Gears cannot explain him."

"And yet," said Nyx, gliding forward, "he has not destroyed us. Not once. Even with Death at his side, he has not claimed a single realm."

"Give him time," Loki chuckled darkly.

Michael finally spoke again.

"He must be tested."

That drew everyone's gaze.

Odin raised an eyebrow. "Tested?"

Michael nodded, golden wings folded behind him.

"If he is truly a force of balance… then let him prove it. We shall construct a Trial—a divine crucible, overseen by neutral entities. Let him and his… harem… face judgment through fire, spirit, and truth."

Zeus scoffed. "You'd let him survive?"

"I would let truth decide," Michael replied. "If he fails… we act. If he endures… then perhaps Heaven itself must change."

A hush fell.

Then, unexpectedly—Amaterasu nodded.

"I will contribute to the trial. But I will also stand as witness to its fairness."

Nyx smiled with eerie calm. "And I shall watch… from the shadows. The Void remembers everything."

The summit slowly began to fade—thrones vanishing, gods returning to their realms.

But a message had been sent to the cosmos:

> The Scarlet Dragon King would be tested. And if he failed... he would be erased.