POV Narrator:

The last months go by, one at a time, an invisible tension slowly settling into the world’s surroundings. Gradually, a full year has come and gone since Zohn’s timely awakening. A sense of expectation permeates the air, unbeknown to those below.

In the island’s surroundings, beyond the sight of mortal eyes, the Gods gather in their full numbers. Their mere presence disturbing the surrounding space. Each of their aura’s unique from one another. In absolute silence, they hover in the air, seemingly waiting for some signal.

On the island below, Zohn’s robed figure stands motionless; his face betraying any emotion. “Seems like I wasn’t being paranoid, they’ve really arrived. A full year has passed since then, but haven't wasted the time they’ve provided to me. My preparations are complete, but I pray they aren’t needed. I’ve prepared all I can, but nothing is for granted. I’ll fight until my last breath Col, whether I win or lose, it doesn’t matter.” Zohn’s thoughts turn resolute.

In a powerful tone, Zohn commands, “Achous, go and take shelter in my home. The eve of battle nears, and I won’t necessarily be able to protect everyone.”. Zohn doesn’t turn his face, as he commands Achous; his gaze remains fixed on the sky surrounding the island.

In the sky, a voice, originating from nowhere, breaks the absolute silence surrounding the Gods, “Erath, go and destroy the island below. You don’t need to hold back, make sure nothing remains intact.”.

Among the other motionless Gods, Erath’s dull eyes light up like miniature suns. A terrifying smile spreads across his broad face. Without delay, he shouts in excitement, “Finally, I can properly unleash my powers. This is going to be a magnificent prelude to my Age of fire and destruction.”.

A hushed snicker follows Erath’s bold declaration, but he ignores it. Erath moves closer towards the island, a mere kilometre away. He quickly moulds the power that he has gathered this past year; in front of him, a giant ball of fire grows into existence, it’s size dwarfing everything in the surroundings. With a mighty push, it flies directly towards the island below.

Zohn’s gaze locks onto the approaching ball of fire, a deep frown carves itself into his forehead. “Is this really their level of attacking power?” he wonders, somewhat baffled. In his hands, his spear takes form, a strange power radiating from it. Almost effortlessly, Zohn shoots towards the ball of fire, spear in hand. On approach, Zohn’s ethereal from appears again. Strangely, no golden shield appears to defend Col.

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A mere grain of sand, compared to the ball of fire’s looming size, Zohn attacks. Zohn’s spirit essence erupts as he collides with the ball of fire. Followed by a deafening boom, the ball of fire implodes. Out of thin air, Zohn reappears on the island, looking no different than before.

In the sky, Erath’s eyes widen in shock, his mouth slightly hanging open. Fury erupts in Erath’s heart as he shouts, “That was merely a warmup, let's see how you handle my next attack!”. “Enough, Erath; return.” A voice calmly commands. A thought of protest flashes in Erath’s mind, but he quickly suppresses it; not even he’s mad enough to disobey an order from him.

Among the Gods, the voice sounds again, “The probing has gone as expected. This proves that we can’t let that being remain alive any longer, else he might interfere with the designs. It’s pointless to send someone else, so we’ll end this in one attack. Everyone, lend me your power!”.

As he commands, the voice contemplates, “I still can’t understand why this being is so powerful, we’ve deliberately made it close to impossible for any being to be able to reach anything near this level of power. Furthermore, this being managed to survive the cycle of ages, it should be physically impossible! One unexplainable mystery after another… Soon I’ll have my answers and order will be restored.”.

In the sky, a shocking amount of elemental essence gathers. Unified by a single entity, the different elements of elemental essences combine into one horrifying attack. Around it, the air fluctuates, and space distorts; the power reaching an unprecedented peak.

On the island, Zohn’s expression turns grim, he knows that he won’t be able to stop this attack. A low whisper escapes his mouth, “I’m sorry Col, I hope you’ll understand... eventually”. Silently, Zohn’s figure fades into thin air and reappears within his courtyard. A long sigh escapes Zohn’s throat, but his expression remains resolute.

A serene expression covers Zohn’s aged face. In the sky, he can feel their attack’s power increasing, but his expression remains serene. From Zohn, a wave of elemental essence floods into the floor below, draining Zohn completely. “I’ve broken my vow. I couldn’t protect you Col; now, there’s only one thing left for me to do… I hope we’ll meet again Col, my dearest companion.” Zohn says weakly as he collapses on the granite floor.

In the sky, the Gods stare in awe at the gathering Elemental essence. One of them subconsciously blurts out, “Nothing will be able to withstand this, not even us. In five minutes, nothing will be left of the island below and the strange being protecting it.”. Suddenly, their attention turns towards a sound below. Akin to a loud roar, it fills the surroundings, stunning everyone. Bewilderment fills a God’s mind as he asks in shock, “What was that?!”.

Down below, the ocean shakes violently; enormous waves crash into each other with terrifying force. Like an enormous sea behemoth lurking beneath the ocean, a deep, dark shadow lifts from the ocean floor. Suddenly, a booming, rumbling voice crack through the air, “What a nice nap.”.