Before the first star was born, before the first sun rose, the Celestials had already begun their work. Arishem, the Prime Celestial, watched over the cosmos, a being of unimaginable power and wisdom. The Celestials, cosmic architects, sowed the seeds of life across the universe, each one destined to trigger the birth of a new Celestial in an event known as the Emergence.
But this event, which could reshape entire galaxies, required one thing: the world had to evolve. It needed to grow, to advance, and to become a beacon of life capable of carrying the weight of a new god. However, such a process would not unfold without a challenge. A threat to the cosmic balance stood in the way—the Deviants.
The Deviants, ancient and predatory, fed on the energy of intelligent species. They were relentless in their quest to prevent the Emergence. To protect the seed of Earth and ensure its survival, Arishem dispatched a group of Eternals to Earth. Immortal beings created to guard the planet's future and ensure humanity's growth toward enlightenment.
Their mission was simple: protect the humans from the Deviants and guide their evolution to the point where the Emergence could take place. But the Deviants were far more cunning than anticipated. They adapted quickly, learning the ways of the humans, growing in strength, and eventually destroying the Eternals.
Altrez, the Eternal of Knowledge, the greatest of them all, was meant to guide humanity into an era of unimaginable progress. He was the key to unlocking new inventions, new technologies, and the cosmic energy necessary to make Earth thrive. With his death, the light of knowledge was extinguished.
Humanity was left in the dark.
And yet, Arishem did not intervene. The Prime Celestial did not rush to save Earth, instead choosing to watch from his distant vantage point. The Eternals were gone, and mankind was left to fend for itself.
Arishem, ever the judge, whispered his judgment across the cosmos:
"If this species endures, then the Emergence shall be spared. Let them prove their worth. Let them stand and fight… or fall."
The trial had begun
In the absence of divine protection, humanity had no choice but to rely on their own ingenuity. Across the continents, nations—still in their primitive stages—began to formulate plans to protect themselves from the Deviants. Yet, none of their efforts were enough.
In the East, a great stone wall was built—a monument to human determination. Rising high above the land, it stretched for miles, a defensive barrier designed to protect against the relentless onslaught of Deviants. Watchtowers were erected, and signal fires lit the night sky. Spears and arrows met talons and claws, but no matter how many were slain, the Deviants adapted. Some climbed the wall. Others tunneled beneath it. Some flew above, making the wall nothing more than a brief moment of hope, eventually shattered.
In the West, another kingdom of men, known for their mastery of metalwork, crafted great swords, shields, and armor. They forged weapons not only for war but for survival. The warriors of this land trained for endless battles, honing their bodies and minds in the art of combat. Yet, the Deviants were relentless—tougher than any iron and faster than the human eye could track. Even the finest armor cracked under their assault.
In the desert plains of another ancient civilization, a society turned to the stars for guidance. Great pyramids rose from the earth, structures that were meant to last for eternity. Beneath these pyramids, entire communities sealed themselves off from the outside world, hoping isolation would protect them. But the Deviants waited. They were patient. They could afford time. And when the humans grew desperate enough, the Deviants struck.
Elsewhere, hidden deep in the mountains, groups of monks practiced ancient arts of inner peace and balance. They believed that strength did not come from the body, but from the soul. They meditated and trained in the hopes of finding the true path to survival. Their spirits were strong, and for a time, the Deviants could not touch them. But in the end, the Deviants adapted once again. The monks' serenity was no match for the relentless hunger of the Deviants.
And so, the humans fought.
In every corner of the world, from ancient empires to isolated villages, mankind fought for survival. They struggled, they bled, and they died. But they did not give up.
Arishem continued to watch. He watched as civilizations rose, only to fall. He observed the strength of humanity, their creativity, their resilience. But he also saw their flaws, their weaknesses, their inability to truly face the threat of the Deviants without divine aid.
In the quiet of his cosmic throne, Arishem pondered:
"If they can endure this trial, then they are worthy. If they cannot… then the Emergence shall not occur. And Earth shall fall into the darkness."
As the worlds spun and the years passed, Arishem's judgment drew closer. The Emergence—if it was to happen—depended on the survival of one fragile species.
But there was one thing that Arishem had not anticipated. A force, Earth-born, one that could change the course of history. A new power was awakening from the very core of the planet. Not Celestial. Not Deviant.
But something... entirely different.