image [https://i.imgur.com/CZPEvnb.jpeg]

…And they’ll keep pressing forward, for that is His nature and Her curse.

Chapter 1

It Starts Like This: Part 1

The Celestial War: No one remember when it truly began, but many believe it was at the dawn of The Second Age. After saving the world from the destruction of the moon, the three celestials, Sedna, Mother of the Deep, Orcus, Lord of Order, and Eris, The Unfettered, have fought for control over the world.

As the three God-like beings battle in the heavens, their followers wage wars across the Shatter Realm, a great continent broken into three religious factions.

The war would’ve continued forever, the three deities forever stuck in a perpetual stalemate. But the intervention of a single man consumed by unchecked ambition would change the very direction of this endless war.

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“Quickly! Reload the cannons! We can’t let these savages reach the holy land!” One of the sailors screamed. His voice was nearly drowned out by the heavy thunderstorm and the waves that slammed into them threatening to capsize their ships.

But the turbulent weather might as well be a mere breeze to the children of the deep, for they were natural-born sailors blessed by the goddess of water herself. Even in the Harshes of weather, the Hallow Sea aided them while sinking boats opposing Sedna. For centuries, this is how the sailors defended the holy land, Adlivun, until now.

The opposition repeatedly fired their cannons, and the cacophony of noise drowned out the roaring storm. The sailors return fire easily hitting their marks. But the sailors weren’t facing just a few ships, they were up against an armada. The destruction of a few boats barely deters the invaders as they were quickly replaced by another. Even with the sea assisting the sailors and swallowing the enemy ships, the invaders continue their relentless assault.

Fear begins to swell in the courageous children of Sedna. Most attackers would’ve begun to flee at this point, but it seemed that every ship the invaders lost only made them more ferocious. They found themselves wondering where their suicidal confidence was coming from. Their answer came in a horrifying form.

The first to notice it was the captain of a ship. As he was shouting orders at his crew, he caught a glimpse of something dark flying past him. At first, he thought it was just a cannonball whizzing by until he heard his men scream. One by one sailors were snatched off the ship by a large, winged beast. His face pales when he notices the dark red scales on the creature. “No, that can’t be possible.” He blinked rapidly, expecting the illusion to vanish, yet it persisted. Before his very eyes, he witnessed a mythical creature that was said to have been wiped out during the calamity that ended the First Age. “Dragon!” The captain cried in horror as he watched his men being carried off into the night. A flash of lightning revealed they were being taken to a mountain- no it wasn’t a mountain, it was moving- worse it had teeth.

The mountain-sized beast opens its mouth wide. A bright radiated light formed deep within the creature’s throat illuminating the obsidian-scale beast. With a roar the creature spewed out the light, splitting the sea and eradicating half of Sedna’s fleet.

A thunderous beat came from the remaining ships as they repeatedly fired their cannons at the beast. The creature continued to march forward not even noticing their pitiful attacks.

Dragons dove from the sky breathing a cloud of fire that engulfed dozens more ships. The sailors’ screams echo across the sea as they are either incinerated or carried away by the dragons.

“Retreat!” One of the sailors cried as what remained of the fleet began to slowly turn, fleeing to their holy land.

The massive beast opens its mouth again, preparing to fire another radiant beam at the retreating fleet.

“That’s enough.” It was a soft voice, barely audible. But it manages to get the creature’s attention. The massive beast turns towards the armada. It leans its enormous head towards the lone ship that sails towards it. The crew onboard pounded their fists against their chest and kneeled in reverence to their emperor who stepped onto the deck. His presence was as heavy as the beast that towered over all of them.

The creature focused its silted pupils on their king. The emperor was a man that looked to be someone in his late forties or early fifties. A golden crown adorned with a dozen colorful gems rested on the tops of his head. On his hip rested a long sword sheathed in a fine black scabbard with an intricate gold design outlining the edges. But what stood out most wasn’t the opulent jewels on his person or even his imposing stature, it was his eyes that glowed a deep scarlet.

[Abaddon, why do you stop me? You promise me a feast.] The beast spoke loudly in everyone’s mind. The crew clutches their heads in pain. While Abaddon looked up at the creature, annoyed.

“Are you truly content with eating cowards? If you want a true feast then let them flee, let them lead us back to their holy land where their God resides.”

The creature hungrily gazes at everyone onboard for a moment that seems to last an eternity. And then, almost reluctantly, move out of the fleet’s paths.

[Fine, but do not forget the oath.] The creature whispers in the emperor’s mind.

“How could I forget?” Abaddon mumbled as he traced the dragon tattoo on the back of his neck.

The weather grew more turbulent as the emperor chased after what remained of Sedna’s fleet. The heavy rain pelted the crew weighing down their clothes, the wind howled, ripping apart anything that wasn’t tied, and the waves snatched anyone who was unsteady on their feet.

“Steel yourself, men!” Abaddon shouted. "For the sea itself worships our enemy, it’ll do everything in its power to stop us. But we are warriors of Ayon, conquerors of the Shatter Realm! Mere water won’t defeat us, will it?!”

“No sir!” Abaddon’s men shouted in unison.

“Then follow me! I’ll lead all of you to glory as I’ve always done!” Abaddon’s soldiers roared, emboldened by their Emperor’s words.

[Humans. Always so eager to throw their life away for someone else’s ambition] The beast’s cackling echoes in Abaddon’s head. [Since your men are in a rush to die, perhaps you can offer me some of them as a snack.]

Abaddon ignored the beast. His attention focused beyond the fleeing fleet. He felt it before he saw it: Adlivun.

An island shrouded in shadow. To everyone else it looked like a normal island, but Abaddon’s crimson eyes could see it. An invisible, formless energy known as magic surrounds the island.

“So, this is Sedna’s elusive holy land.” The wide smile on the king’s face quickly vanishes when he notices the fleet stop fleeing. The remaining ships formed a line creating a blockade to impede the invaders.

The wind suddenly died down, and the rushing water ceased entirely, causing the entire fleet to halt in place. A young demure-looking woman with long blonde hair that cascaded down her back, stepped off a boat and walked on the surface of the sea.

“My name is Arna, Emissary of the Deep.” Her voice boomed across the sea. “Heed this warning Abaddon, turn back now or face Sedna’s wrath."

Abaddon raises an eyebrow at the mention of his name.

“You seem surprised that I know your name. Reclusive as we might be, we’re aware of your exploits. Abaddon, the Mad Emperor. And that creature following you is Typhon, Father of Dragons."

The children of Sedna whisper amongst themselves, fear evident in their voices. Every single one of them heard tales of the madman who not only refused to join a side in the Celestial War but even indiscriminately attacked the worshipper as he expanded his empire.

Abaddon tilted his head. “Mad Emperor? Is that what everyone is calling me now?”

“Only a madman would ally himself with a man-eating beast and declare war on all three celestials.

“You call me mad but I’m merely seeking a legacy like all good men strive for.”

“You’ve conquered over half the continent. Men, women, and children tremble at the mention of your name. For better or worse history will remember your name. Isn’t that enough?”

“That’s the question, isn't it When should one be satisfied?” Abaddon’s gaze became distant as he thought back to all his battles, to everything that led him to this moment. “I have felled nations, slept with the finest women, and defeated the strongest of warriors. Those who hear my name either coward in fear or kneel in reverence. I suppose I should be content with this, but I’m not. No, I want something more than land, and gold. Something no men had ever conquered! I desire the stars themselves! So, call your gods! so that I, Abaddon, may spread my glory to the heavens!”

Abaddon’s words reverberated across the sea. The Children of the Deep stood in silence, baffled by what they heard.

“You, truly are mad.” Arna’s body trembled with rage. The water trembled as if the sea itself was responding to her anger.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Abaddon instinctively bent his knees. He could feel something big was coming. A smirk spread across the emperor’s face as he placed a hand on the hilt of his sheathed sword.

“Men!” Abaddon shouted. Before he could finish speaking. A massive tentacle bursts out of the water and lunges at Abaddon.

[That human is mine to devour.] Typhon grabbed the tentacle with deft speed that betrayed its enormous size. The slimy appendage wrapped itself around the scaly giant attempting to pull it under.

In an instant, the still sea turned into a deep undulating valley. Lightning raced down the sky, striking the dragons, waves swallowed ships whole, and tentacles pulled any ships close to them into the depths.

“Push towards the beach!" Abaddon yelled as loud as possible.

“I won’t let that happen!” Arna snap. A jet of water erupted under her feet launching her in the air. With cat-like agility, she spun her body around landing on the deck of Abaddon’s ship.

Another wave slammed into the ship knocking the soldiers off their feet. Arna took advantage of the situation and dashed towards the emperor. The puddles on the ship gathered in the palm of her hand. Twisting until it took the shape of a spear. Still struggling to get to his feet, Abaddon threw his hand in front to shield himself. The spear of water pierces his hand. Arna gritted her teeth as she tried to pull her weapon free, but Abaddon grabbed the weapon with his wounded hand. Arna’s eyes widened as her water spear froze and snapped in Abaddon’s grip.

“Why so surprised? If you know who I am, you should know I’m a mage. A very powerful one at that.” Abaddon threw a right hook aim at Arna’s head. Seawater rushes onto the deck of the ship to intercept Abaddon’s attack.

Abaddon’s eyes shimmered and the stream of water froze. Abaddon’s fist easily broke through the ice wall and continued towards Arna. She raised her arms just in time to block his attack. The force of the inhuman blow lifted her up off his feet and sent her flying off the ship into the sea.

“What remains of the Sedna’s fleet fires at the armada. The bombardment ripped into Abaddon’s ship “We need to retreat, our ship isn’t going to “ Before the coward could finish speaking Abaddon threw the soldier overboard. “I have no use for cowards. Only men who relish a challenge.” Abaddon pointed directly at the island and shouted “Full speed ahead! If our ships give out on us, then we’ll just steal there’s!”

“Full speed ahead!” The crew echoed their emperor’s words until everyone in the fleet could hear his command.

The cannons continue to rip apart Abaddon’s fleet as they bravely sail towards the blockade.

Abaddon took a step back and darted towards the bow of the ship. He leaped in the air at the same time his ship collided with the blockade. The impact sent him flying directly into the center of the enemy’s boat. Behind him, he could hear screaming and the ships colliding with each other.

Abaddon didn’t bother to look back to see how many of his people made it. He darted ahead towards a mage casting a spell. Abaddon grabbed the mage’s throat and easily crushed it with one hand. He threw the mage into the sea and dashed across the ship. Blood and limbs flew across the boat as Abaddon used his preternatural strength to rip apart anyone foolish enough to get in his way. In seconds, Abaddon found himself already on the other side of the ship leaping into the air and landing in shallow water.

Before Abaddon stood Sedna’s holy land: Adlivun, already in flames. Dragons swoop down breathing fire across the beach. Sedna’s troops retaliated by firing their arrows and cannons at the flying beasts.

“Shouldn’t you help them?” Abaddon turned to the five hooded figures approaching him. “I’m assuming you guys are the strongest here. If not, then bring them, for they’re the only chance you have at stopping me.”

Typhon let out a deafening roar as he ripped the tentacles off its body. The sea roared back. A dozen more tendrils emerge from the depths. They clung onto Typhon’s body attempting to pull him under.

“Typhon groans in pain as his back splits open. Large jet-black wings emerge from his back. With one flapped from its newly formed wings, the mountain-sized beast rose out of the sea tearing itself free from the tentacles.

Typhon fired another radiant blast directly at the sea, disintegrating the appendages below.

The sea trembled as something massive below screamed in pain. The head of a great serpent burst out of the water. Enrage, the serpent grabbed Typhon with one of its tentacles and slammed it into the water.

While the Titans wrestled in the sea, lightning raced down from the sky, striking enemies and allies alike. While zigzagging across the beach, Abaddon hurls a ball of fire at one of the mages casting lightning. Immediately after the flames left his hand, the emperor pointed his finger at two other mages, firing a beam of magic at the mages. The mages dived out of the beam path that continued unimpeded towards the sea, incidentally, slicing one of the tentacles wrapped around Typhon’s neck.

[I don’t need your help!] Typhon growls in Abaddon’s mind.

“I wasn’t trying to hel-“Before he could finish speaking, Abaddon noticed a glint in his peripheral. He leans backward, narrowly avoiding the blade aimed at his throat. The swordsman stepped forward as he tried to catch the emperor with a return swing. Abaddon grabbed the blade and threw a punch at the swordsman’s abdomen. An ally mage quickly created a wall of light in front of the swordsman, but Abaddon’s fist easily broke through the barrier and continued toward the swordsman. The swordsman released his blade and threw himself backward to avoid the deadly blow.

“You guys are kind of a disappointment,” Abaddon said as he causally examined the sword before stabbing it into the ground, daring the swordsman to reclaim his weapon. “I expected more from the mages that guard this holy land. Is this how far your faith goes? Or is your God weaker than I thought?”

The mages clench their teeth to hold back their growing fury. Abaddon cocked his head in surprise no one rushed him for mocking their god. “I guess some zealots can think rationally. But...” Abaddon’s voice trails off. He glanced behind him, observing the battle between his men who managed to make it to the beach, and Sedna’s soldier. “But do you think this is the time to be patient? From the looks of it, I’m winning. And surely, I don’t need to tell you what happens when invaders reach your home.”

“That won’t happen!” The swordsman dashes toward the Mad Emperor, who holds his arms out like he is going to embrace an old friend.

A mage fires a magical energy bolt at the Mad Emperor. Abaddon’s eyes glow faintly as he turns his attention to the incoming spell. He grabbed the bolt of energy with his bare hand and flung it back towards the caster. The spell slammed into the utterly shocked mage, caving his chest in.

The swordsman clenches his teeth and continues to charge at Abaddon, and in one swift motion, he pulls his sword out of the sand and swings it at Abaddon, who easily sidesteps it. The swordsman unleashed a flurry of slash at the Mad Emperor who casually evaded every attack.

“You’re getting closer.” Abaddon tease.

“Shut up!” The swordsman angrily raises his blade over his head. Abaddon took advantage of the momentary gap in the swordsman’s defense and struck him in the face with a jab. The swordsman staggers backward, dazed. Before he could recover from the blow, Abaddon threw another punch which sank into the man’s stomach. The swordsman hunches forward, his face falling into an uppercut. Blood and teeth flew in the air as Abaddon continued striking the swordsman’s face with sadistic glee. The three other mages rush to the swordsman’s aid. Abaddon grabbed the now unconscious man by the neck and threw him into the sea.

The three mages rushed to their friend's aid. Abaddon chuckled at the fools for dropping their guard. While they were busy helping their friend Abaddon prepared a spell.

The earth shook as Typhon crashed onto the beach crushing the four mages before Abaddon could finish them off. Several tentacles ripped into Typhon’s body while the sea serpent dug its fangs into the beast.

“Now that looks more fun.” Abaddon approached the two titans. “Need any help?”

[No! This is my meal!] Typhon shouted in Abaddon’s mind. Typhon opens his mouth to bite the serpent but one of its tentacles impales its jaw.

“Are you sure you don’t want my help?”

“!!!” Typhon lets out a frustrated roar piercing through the sky, and cracking the air. Two large black claws emerge through the crack, widening it just enough so the full-fledged dragon can escape. The newly formed dragon breathed a gout of fire on the sea serpent.

The serpents flail around to rid themselves of the flame. Typhon slammed its body into the creature pushing it back into the sea.

Abaddon glanced back at the battle on the beach, silently debating whether to assist his men or Typhon. Before he could come to a decision, a faint whisper caught his attention.

In the distance, he spotted Arna, hands clasped in prayer.

“Oh, you’re still alive?” Arna continues her chant, ignoring Abaddon. “May you find rest and the Deep One’s embrace,” she muttered. The sea rose, becoming a wall of water that swallowed everything in its path, including Typhon and the sea serpent. Abaddon quickly raised his hand creating a dome of light around himself. The tsunami slams onto the beach, consuming everything as it travels inland.

The waves shove Abaddon through multiple trees while continuously pounding on the barrier that protected him. The smirk on Abaddon’s face slowly became a strained smile as cracks formed on his shield.”

“This seemed like the perfect time to use it.” Abaddon unsheathed his sword. A starry night sky reflected off the surface of the blade.

I call it Stargazer! The words of an eccentric blacksmith echo in Abaddon’s mind. A perfect weapon for a man who gazes at the stars and only sees more worlds waiting to be conquered.

“I suppose before I can challenge the stars, I need to conquer the seas first.” The sword gave off a deep purplish glow as Abaddon channeled his mana into his blade. While Abaddon prepared his decisive blow, Typhon was dragged deep into the water. The serpent pulled Typhon towards a nest of baby serpents. They hungrily snapped their teeth waiting for their mother to feed them.

[You intend to feed me to your children?] Typhon cackles, it come out in bubbles.

[I’m the devourer! And all of you are my lunch!] Typhon opens his mouth wide. Inhaling a large quality of water while a dazzling light builds deep within his throat.

At the same time, both Abaddon and Typhon unleash their attacks. Abaddon swung his sword releasing a crescent iridescent light that cut through waves as it flew towards its target while Typhon's beam swallowed the sea serpents and everything in its path.

The rushing water slowed and then eventually came to a halt. Abaddon burst out of the water gasping for air.

“Not a bad weapon.” Abaddon raises the blade in the air. He sighed in admiration as he gazed at the starry sky embedded in the blade.

[Human, you’re still alive.]

Abaddon dropped his weapon startled by the voice in his head. The sea trembles as a black mountain bursts out of the water.

[I’m glad you’re well. Only I’m allowed to devour you.]

“I’m surprised you’re alright. You looked like you were struggling back there.”

Typhon snorts at Abaddon’s comment.

[Barely an appetizer.]

“Well, if you desire something more filling. Then follow me. A feast awaits us further inland.”

Typhon's mouth opened slightly, revealing his teeth. Abaddon assumed it was the creature’s weird attempt at smiling.

A soft sapphire light broke through the storm clouds, enveloping a body floating in the water. Blood pouring out of the deep gash in her chest, Arna weakly raises her hand towards the blue planet in the center of the sky.

“Aw, Lady Sedna. I knew you wouldn’t abandon me.” Tears welled in her eyes as she stretched her arm, desperate to touch the Celestial that seemed to be at the tip of her finger. “Please, let me sink into the deepest, darkest depth of the sea, where I can rest forever in your loving embrace.” Arna’s arm falls back to her side. Wearing a content smile, she begins to sink into the depths.

Typhon scoops Abaddon out of the sea. His eyes locked on the celestial body, ready to pounce. “So, you finally decided to show up, Sedna?” Abaddon shouted at the heavens. “And all it took is for me to burn your hallow ground.

[She’s not the only one we need to worry about] Typhon looked behind to see a scarlet planet covering the entirety of the eastward sky. The Celestial body bathes all that lay east in a deep red light.

“Is that Orcus?” Shock, Abaddon backs away but stops when he notices another presence behind him. An emerald-green planet hung in the west, casting an Emerald glow on all in its domain.

Sedna, Mother of the Deep; Orcus, Lord of Order, and Eris, the unfettered. The three celestials, who had been at war since time immemorial, now stood side by side, looking down at the human and beast that dared to defy them.

[Abaddon, You and everything you build ends here.]

The air shook as thousands of indistinguishable voices bombarded Abaddon’s mind. Most would’ve gone mad or fallen on their knees in fear or awe. But Typhon and Abaddon cackle loudly, their eyes filled with ambition and hunger.

“And here I thought I would have to burn down half the world to get your attention. I guess you all finally realize I’m the true ruler of this world!”

Typhon hungrily gazes at the sky [Human, is this the feast you promise me?]

“Indeed, my friend. Everything we desire is right in front of us! The age of celestial ends here!”