[Hidden Realm – The Shattered Mirror]
Far beneath the known layers of reality, in a realm unseen by even the goddesses, seven divine thrones floated above a pool of liquid stars.
These were not the thrones of the goddesses, nor of Ash.
They belonged to the Exiled Ones—gods who had once served under Ash during the first age, but were banished for seeking control over creation itself.
Bhayanak, the God of Fear
Kaalketu, Lord of Plague and Silence
Nayantri, Goddess of Illusions and Memory
Raktavarna, the Blood Architect
Varnesh, the Deceiver of Time
Saumitra, the False Healer
And their leader: Adityan, once Ash's closest friend, now known as The God of Broken Light
They had watched silently as Ash returned. As the heroes rose. As the goddesses rebelled.
Now, they stirred.
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[Adityan's Throne]
> "He returns," Adityan murmured, eyes glowing with fractured starlight. "And the children dare defy him."
Raktavarna hissed, "The goddesses grow bold, using mortals as shields."
Bhayanak's voice echoed, "The Supreme Being walks the path to madness again. Last time, he chose mercy. This time, we see wrath."
Kaalketu cracked his fingers, each joint spilling black mist. "So… we act?"
Adityan raised his hand. The mirror pool showed Ash sitting alone in his palace, silent, distant… wounded.
> "We do not stop him. Nor do we save him."
> "We use the storm to rise."
---
[A Deal in the Dark]
Far from the divine plane, a new hero arrived—Reyansh, a young noble gifted in spirit-walking, once loyal to the goddess of water.
He had been approached by Nayantri in a dream, offered knowledge… and revenge.
> "Fight with them," she whispered, "but not for them."
> "When the moment comes, let Ash fall—and take his place."
And Reyansh opened his eyes, carrying secrets no mortal should.
---
[Ash – Throne of the End]
Deep within his soul, Ash paused.
He felt something.
A ripple… unnatural.
> "So, you crawl back, Adityan."
He stood and gazed at the stars.
> "If you interfere again… I will end you. Friend or not."
But doubt lingered in his heart.
And the crack in his will widened.
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