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[Celestial Realm – The Birth of a New Hero]
The divine hall trembled as radiant golden light gathered at its center. The gods stood in silence, their eyes fixed on the kneeling figure before them. His armor shimmered with celestial energy, his form sculpted to perfection by divine will.
The highest god raised his hand, his voice echoing across the heavens.
"Rise, Caelum Aurelius—the Hero chosen to erase the villain Leonhardt Valtara."
The figure slowly stood, his piercing blue eyes burning with unshakable conviction.
Caelum Aurelius.
The gods' last hope.
A deity with flowing silver hair stepped forward, her voice like a gentle breeze. "Caelum, you have been gifted power beyond mortals. Your strength surpasses even Rael Ascarion. You will succeed where he failed."
Caelum placed a hand over his heart, bowing deeply. "I exist only to fulfill the gods' will."
The golden-winged god smirked. "Then go, Hero. Descend upon the mortal world. Kill the villain and restore order."
With a flash of divine light—Caelum disappeared.
The gods watched as their new champion descended to the world below, a blazing comet cutting through the sky.
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[Valtara Fortress – Midnight]
Leonhardt stood alone on the highest balcony of his fortress, gazing at the stars. His crimson eyes reflected the celestial glow, but his smirk was laced with amusement.
Behind him, Celestia approached, her violet eyes gleaming mischievously. "Darling, I feel it~"
Leonhardt chuckled. "You're always quick to sense disturbances."
Celestia wrapped her arms around him from behind, pressing her cheek against his back. "The gods have sent their little pawn. A new Hero is coming."
Leonhardt's smirk widened. "Good."
Evelyn stepped onto the balcony, her expression conflicted. "Aren't you… worried?"
Leonhardt turned to her, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Worried?"
He took a step closer, his presence overwhelming. Evelyn instinctively shivered.
Leonhardt lifted her chin with a single finger. "Evelyn, tell me… who won last time?"
Evelyn's breath hitched. Memories of Rael's destruction, the Hero's humiliation, and her own corruption flashed in her mind.
Her lips parted. "…You did."
Leonhardt chuckled. "And I will win again."
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[Somewhere in the Kingdom – Caelum's Arrival]
A massive crater smoked in the middle of a ruined forest.
From within, Caelum Aurelius stepped forward, unscathed. His celestial armor gleamed under the moonlight, his golden spear radiating divine energy.
His summoned beast, Aetheris the Celestial Griffin, landed beside him, its wings releasing waves of holy light.
Caelum's gaze turned toward the distant fortress—Valtara Fortress.
His mission was clear.
Find Leonhardt Valtara. Kill him. Restore balance.
The gods' new game had begun.