Kritos slowly opened his eyes.
An endless white space stretched in every direction. There were no walls, no ceiling, and no ground—only an infinite world of pure white.
Standing before him was a breathtaking woman with long crimson hair that flowed like silk. Her emerald-green eyes shimmered with divine elegance, and a gentle smile rested upon her face. She radiated an aura of peace that seemed capable of calming even the fiercest storm.
Her soft voice echoed through the endless void.
"Let me introduce myself. I am Alora, the Goddess of Earth. Welcome to my divine domain."
Kritos narrowed his eyes.
"So... this is the afterlife?"
Alora chuckled softly.
"No. This isn't the afterlife."
His eyes widened.
"You... read my mind?"
She sighed dramatically before placing a hand on her forehead.
"Are you really that dense? I just told you I'm a goddess. Reading a mortal's thoughts is effortless."
She waved her hand dismissively.
"Now, let's get to the important part."
Her expression became serious.
"The gods have decided to give you another chance."
"A chance?"
"You will be reborn."
"..."
"You may live however you wish."
Kritos stared at her for a long moment before speaking.
"Why would the gods allow someone like me to return?"
His voice remained calm.
"I was the Demon King."
"I only brought darkness wherever I went."
Alora shrugged.
"I don't care what you do."
Without warning—
Shing!
Kritos drew his sword and pointed its tip directly at her throat.
Instead of panicking...
Alora smiled.
"What exactly are you trying to accomplish?"
"Do you believe that blade can kill me?"
Kritos smiled coldly.
"Powerful mortals can kill gods."
"That's simply the law of nature."
He lowered his voice.
"I may not be strong enough right now..."
"...but you won't kill me."
Her smile faded.
"Because all of you need something from me."
Silence filled the divine realm.
"You need me alive."
A frightening smile spread across Kritos' face.
Alora's expression darkened.
"You insolent little ant..."
A terrifying pressure burst from her body, causing the entire divine realm to tremble.
Yet Kritos didn't move.
Not even an inch.
After a few moments, Alora withdrew her aura and took a deep breath.
"I'll ask you one question."
"Answer honestly."
Kritos laughed.
"You can read my thoughts."
"So lying would be pointless."
"...True."
She looked directly into his eyes.
"Do you believe in fate?"
"...Fate?"
Kritos let out a quiet scoff.
"Fate is nothing more than a story humans created because they're afraid of the gods."
"I don't believe in it."
Alora silently stared into his eyes.
She was reading every thought within his mind.
"...He's telling the truth."
She whispered almost unconsciously,
"Then... why did he choose you...?"
Kritos frowned.
"He?"
"Who are you talking about?"
Alora immediately looked away.
"That's none of your business."
A magic circle appeared beneath Kritos.
"Go."
The ground vanished beneath his feet.
His body fell into the endless light.
...
Far above the mortal world...
A magnificent garden floated among the clouds.
A tea party was underway.
Five gods sat around a marble table.
Alora rested her chin on one hand.
"That little demon was unbelievably annoying."
"I wanted to kill him."
Beside her sat Valdris, the God of War.
A tall, muscular man with bronze skin, short black hair, and crimson eyes. Countless battle scars covered his body despite his immortality, and heavy crimson armor rested upon his shoulders.
He calmly sipped his tea.
"We can't touch him."
"If we interfere now, it'll be considered a rebellion."
"And he'll kill us."
Across from him sat Nerissa, the Goddess of the Ocean.
She possessed long sapphire-blue hair that flowed like water itself, pale skin, and deep blue eyes that resembled the endless sea.
A mysterious smile appeared on her lips.
"Don't worry."
"Our project..."
"...Kenton..."
"...will soon be complete."
A chilling smile spread across her face.
The other gods exchanged knowing glances before smiling as well.
Alora slowly placed her teacup onto the table.
"Soon..."
"...this will all come to an end."
...
The scene changed.
Deep within a palace swallowed by darkness...
A lone man sat upon a magnificent throne.
His face remained hidden beneath shadows.
His mere presence made the surrounding darkness seem alive.
A subordinate knelt before him.
The man had short green hair and the physique of a veteran warrior who had survived countless wars.
His expression was emotionless.
"My Lord..."
"The gods believe their secret plan will defeat you."
"They truly believe they can hide it from you."
The mysterious man let out a faint laugh.
"Fools."
"Everything is unfolding exactly as I planned."
The subordinate lowered his head.
"They also intend to use that little demon for their plan."
The room instantly fell silent.
An unimaginable aura exploded from the throne.
The pressure was so overwhelming that the warrior coughed violently, blood spilling from his mouth.
The mysterious man spoke in a cold voice.
"...Do not call him..."
"...a little demon."
The aura disappeared as suddenly as it had appeared.
Silence returned.
The man slowly leaned back against his throne.
A faint smile appeared beneath the shadows.
"Now..."
"...let us begin our mission."
End of Chapter 2