Throne of Gods | By Nero

Leo sat on the edge of his bed, reflecting on the fourteen months he had spent in this world. It was December now, and in just one month, he would turn sixteen. The weight of his old life—the struggles and sorrows tied to his family—felt distant, almost like a faded memory. Although his attachment to his new family had grown stronger, he hadn't forgotten his original world. Discovering how he ended up here and why was still a priority.

He clenched his left hand into a fist, feeling the strength he had built. Over the past nine months, he had taken multiple exams to advance his rank and had already reached E+. His physical strength score had increased from 95 to 205, and his mana reserves had climbed past 300. Alongside his growth, he had expanded his magical abilities. In addition to Light Ball, Telepathy, Illusion, False Power, Telekinesis, False Aura, and Calm, he had recently mastered new spells like Fear, Courage, False Image, and Blur. Each spell was minor, but Leo understood the importance of starting small to achieve his larger goals.

his ambition to reach D- rank before his sixteenth birthday was still within reach. With the next exam just a week away, his progress had ignited a spark within the association. Driven by Leo's rapid advancement, others had pushed themselves too—Frank and Gery had both reached E+ a few months back, Albert and Wina had advanced to D-, and now Albert and Peter planned to join Leo for the upcoming exam. Albert aimed for D rank, while Peter was aiming for D-. Liamond had now achieved the rank of C- Priest, a notable accomplishment.

Taking a deep breath, Leo stood up to begin his morning exercise.

Over the past year, Leo had completed a handful of missions, most of which were routine and uneventful. The only one that stood out was an escort mission where he, a team of city police officers, and fellow paladins from other headquarters accompanied a noble to a nearby small city. Although there had been no confrontations, the trip had allowed Leo to witness the world beyond the city walls once again. During the journey, he had even noted a cluster of abandoned houses on the outskirts of the city—potential hideouts should he ever need a secluded place for secret activities.

Leo fastened the weighted bracelets around his wrists and activated them. Immediately, sweat began to bead on his forehead. After using thirty-pound bracelets for a month or two, he had upgraded to forty pounds, yet even after seven months, they remained a challenge. It felt as though his body was straining to generate the additional muscle mass he needed.

Outside, the chill was palpable; each breath he exhaled formed a visible cloud in the icy air. The sunlight barely reached the shaded areas, where remnants of snow lingered, painting the ground with patches of white. 

Half an hour later, Leo returned, showered, changed into fresh clothes, and made his way to the kitchen.

"Good morning," he said, settling at the table with his ancient elven language book in hand. He had already finished most of the volumes in his collection, such as 5 Steps into Magic and Creatures of the Night. Even after his promotion to E+ rank, he had worked through many of the library's tomes, but most of them had proven repetitive and lacking new insights.

One book, Red Moon, remained unread. Its classification was higher than his current rank, and he couldn't risk exposing himself to potential corruption. What puzzled him, however, was that the knowledge he had acquired at the secret meetings hadn't tainted his soul in any way. After some thought, Leo theorized that the meeting site itself might have protective properties shielding him from corruption. He had subtly questioned Samuel about it, but as expected, Samuel—who was only rank G—had no answers. 

"Good morning, sweetie," Lisa said with a warm smile, her hands deftly moving as she prepared breakfast. The soft clinking of dishes and the sizzle of food filled the cozy kitchen, creating a familiar morning ambiance.

Leo had begun to act more like his true self, no longer suppressing the traits and habits that defined who he was before arriving in this world. His family had come to terms with the fact that, despite his youthful body, he possessed the demeanor and insights of a grown man. The initial confusion and cautious glances had gradually faded, replaced by understanding and subtle admiration.

While studying his ancient elven language book, Leo paused at the word for "vampire." In elvish, The unfamiliar term triggered memories of the texts he had read before. In Creatures of the Night and other reference books, he had learned that vampires shared many characteristics with blood fiends. Their physical strength increased similarly, but their mana reserves grew at an even greater rate than those of blood fiends. One peculiar fact stood out: the eyes of vampires turned an unmistakable shade of blue, a clear mark of their identity.

Leo also recalled that vampires could wield blood magic, a formidable power that allowed them to use their own blood—or that of others—as a source for casting spells. Though not immortal, these creatures had lifespans far exceeding those of ordinary humans. For every 90 years a human might live, a vampire could endure for a millennium. Yet, such longevity came with a dreadful price: an insatiable thirst for blood that grew stronger with time. Left unchecked, this relentless craving could corrupt their souls, eventually transforming them into blood fiends or even more terrifying creatures driven solely by primal hunger. 

A glimmer of curiosity crossed Leo's mind. If a vampire managed to resist this insatiable craving, they could evolve into what was known as a higher vampire. However, Leo had been unable to uncover any substantial information about these higher beings or how long a vampire needed to endure before achieving such a state.

Lost in thought, Leo's focus shifted when he heard the creak of the floorboards as Rosie stepped out of her room and made her way to the bathroom. Her small, sleepy face was framed by hair that stuck out in wild, tousled waves, evidence of a restless night. A few months had passed since she celebrated her 12th birthday. Her birthday fell in the same month as their mother's, so they celebrated both on the same day. The house had been filled with laughter and the glow of shared stories, with the scent of fresh-baked treats lingering well into the night.

Leo's mind wandered to his recent accomplishments. Between attending the secret meetings, fulfilling his missions and earning his new salary of 9 gold coins per month, he had amassed a considerable amount of wealth. Even after splurging on two elegant and costly dresses for their joint birthday celebration—gifts that had lit up both Rosie's and their mother's eyes—he still had 120 gold coins left, a fortune by most standards.

After finishing his breakfast and expressing his gratitude to his mother, Leo headed to the association. He changed into his training attire and made his way to the practice grounds. With Rorin away on another mission, Leo resumed his rigorous practice sessions with Faleria. Now that the exam was only a week away, Faleria's training had become even more intense and unforgiving. Despite a year of dedicated practice, Leo was still no match for her, often leaving their sessions battered and covered in bruises.

his lessons with Lavi were temporarily on hold, as they had exhausted all the things that Leo could currently learn. With the break in formal instruction, Leo spent most of his time immersed in the library, poring over texts in search of any knowledge that could aid him.

Through countless hours of training, Leo had become much more proficient in telekinesis. To push himself toward complete mastery, he now used the spell to return books to their original places on the library shelves. Each subtle flick of his fingers directed the books with precise control, ensuring they slid neatly into place without a sound. 

After that, Leo strapped on his armor, securing each piece with practiced efficiency before stepping outside. There, Aldred, Edric, and Walden were waiting for him, their postures relaxed but alert. Over the past months, the four of them had spent countless hours together, patrolling, training, and facing challenges side by side. The camaraderie they shared had grown naturally, so much so that except when protocol demanded otherwise, they interacted more like close friends than colleagues. 

Aside from Sundays, which were reserved for the secret meetings, the other days followed a predictable routine. But every week on Saturday, Leo felt a surge of anticipation for what the next day would bring. These meetings were invaluable, offering him insights he couldn't find anywhere else. Through them, he had learned that an entire world existed beyond the Shadow Wall. He had also come to understand that each country had its own unique system of governance.

In the Kingdom of Magic, power was concentrated within the Circle of Ten Archmages who ruled with absolute authority. In the northern kingdom, the king held the highest position, supported by an archmage as his chief advisor and a council of dukes, each overseeing their own territories and wielding influence over the kingdom's affairs. The Light Kingdom operated differently; here, the Pope held the final say, with bishops who, much like the dukes, governed individual regions under his command. To the south, beyond the reach of these structured realms was a vast expanse controlled by a coalition of criminals and pirates who answered to none of the three kingdoms.

From the book he had received from Mr. Light, he also learned about a creature similar to the kraken that once roamed the vast ocean depths. The Morlocks revered this being as a god and called it Osara. The book spoke of its immense size, with tentacles so long they could encircle entire ships and drag them into the abyss. According to the people at the meeting, no intelligent creature, such as humans, had ever seen Osara and lived to recount the experience. Any encounter with it ended in complete obliteration, leaving no survivors to document its existence. This was why there were no mentions of it in any known tomes or records—only whispers and fragmented myths passed down in secrecy. 

Today was Saturday, and Leo's anticipation for tomorrow's secret meeting fueled him throughout the day. With that excitement, he completed his tasks and training, ending the day feeling accomplished. 

…

In the unending darkness, a group of robed figures moved with deliberate precision, their faces obscured by wide-brimmed hats that cast deep shadows over their features. The cavern buzzed with a mix of whispers and the faint rustle of fabric as they worked on the ancient ritual, each figure focused on their task as though their very lives depended on it. At the rear of the chamber stood a tall, imposing man, his eyes glinting with anticipation as he surveyed the scene. 

Moments later, a second figure approached him, bowing low before daring to speak. "Lord Desimus, we have finally opened the tome."

Iralian's heart quickened, though his expression remained controlled. He had dedicated most of his life to this moment, sacrificing countless years and resources to achieve it. Now, after decades of relentless effort, he was on the cusp of claiming what he had long sought.

A wicked grin tugged at his lips. "What of the group they sent after us?" he asked, his voice a blend of curiosity and contempt.

"With the power of darkness, our men managed to hold them off for now. They won't reach us in time."

Iralian's eyes narrowed as he nodded. "Then let's move quickly."

The assembly fell into formation, following him through the newly revealed entrance of the cavern. The narrow path twisted and descended into the heart of the mountains, where the air grew colder and heavier. Eventually, they emerged into a vast expanse shrouded in even deeper shadows where only faint echoes broke the silence.

At the center of this desolate space loomed an immense sphere forged from the void itself, pulsating with an otherworldly energy. The sphere was as towering as the encircling mountains, its presence oppressive and magnificent. Five beams of dark, shimmering energy radiated outward from the sphere, connecting to five monolithic towers that jutted into the sky like sentinels.

Iralian took a long, measured breath. The air thrummed with raw, arcane power, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. Finally, he broke the silence, his tone laced with urgency and the weight of consequence.

"Begin the preparations," he commanded, eyes hardening as he looked at each robed figure. "Failure is not an option. You all know what fate awaits us if we fall short."

For a moment, fear flickered across everyone's faces, a silent acknowledgment of the stakes. They quickly divided into six groups, each consisting of at least ten members. Five groups moved toward the towering pillars, their movements precise and urgent, while the sixth, including Iralian himself, remained at the center by the void sphere. This group began the intricate preparations needed to achieve their goal, their hands working methodically despite the weight of apprehension that hung in the air. 

Once he confirmed everything was in order, Iralian closed his eyes, drawing in a deep breath. When he opened them, he was standing in an otherworldly realm where colossal pillars loomed, their tops disappearing into an abyss of darkness, as if the sky itself had no end. Between the pillars, shadows writhed, a darkness so dense it seemed capable of consuming anything that dared approach.

Beside him stood two figures. One was a woman garbed in a pristine white robe, her presence exuding an icy aura that seemed colder than any winter frost. The other was a man seated on a massive stone chair, shrouded in shadow, his posture regal and unyielding, like that of a deity watching over his domain.

"We have successfully opened the tome," Iralian announced, his voice echoing through the space. "In less than a year, we will break open the cage."

He turned his gaze to the woman in white. "I trust you are prepared."

The woman's expression remained unchanged. She did not respond but met his stare with an unsettling silence, her eyes as frigid and unfeeling as her aura.

"Each of you will focus on your own task. I will make the contact," the man on the chair commanded, his voice resonating from every direction, deep and authoritative as if the very air carried his words.

Without a word, both Iralian and the woman vanished into the shadows, leaving only the echo of their departure behind.

Moments later, the imposing figure rose from the stone chair, his movements slow and deliberate. He took a few measured steps forward and lowered himself onto one knee. The ground trembled beneath him, and the colossal pillars quivered, as though the entire realm itself was compelled to bow in reverence.

"Lord of Darkness, Watcher of the Endless Void, Mad God who delights in all that is and all that will be, hear our call and grant us your gaze." 

The ground shook violently, as if a powerful force had been released from deep within. The thick shadows that once devoured all light without hesitation now trembled as if gripped by fear. The darkness that had always seemed unyielding drew back, as though it sensed an approaching threat. The rumbling intensified, sending deep resonant vibrations through the floor and walls making even the air feel heavy and alive with tension. Dust and loose stones fell from above, adding to the chaos. After what felt like an unending moment, the tremors halted abruptly leaving an oppressive silence and a faint sense of something vast and watching. 

The man remained on one knee, motionless, his head bowed in submission. Beads of cold sweat traced paths down his temples, but he did not dare to look up or shift. His breath came shallow, barely moving his chest as if the act of breathing itself might be an affront.

Suddenly, a sharp, splintering noise like shattering glass pierced the silence. Half of the vast, enigmatic chamber cracked and broke apart, vanishing into an endless abyss. The splinters of the broken darkness dissolved as they fell, disappearing into the boundless void that replaced the fractured space. The void, an expanse so absolute it defied comprehension, yawned open, vast and hungry.

No words were spoken, but an overwhelming presence descended upon the man. It was suffocating, an intangible weight that pressed against his very soul. He could feel it—an ancient, omnipotent gaze upon him, cold and knowing. The gaze of the god he had invoked now bore down with a scrutiny so powerful it seemed to strip away layers of his being, examining every hidden corner of his existence.

"My lord, everything is proceeding as planned. Soon, the beast will be free again." Despite the pressure surrounding him, his voice remained steady.

A low hissing sound resonated, and once more, the ground quaked with renewed intensity.

"Good. Complete this, and you shall receive your reward," the voice paused, an ominous silence filling the space. "But fail, and you will face unending torment in the Labyrinth of Eternal Madness."

A chilling laughter echoed throughout the place, a sound so terrifying that, if heard by an ordinary person, would reduce them to dust.

As the laughter faded, the void that had consumed half the realm began to recede, and the familiar darkness and towering pillars returned to fill the space once more.

The figure envelop in darkness, slowly lifted his head, realizing that the presence of the mad god had vanished.