Location: Astraeus Academy – Hall of Writs (Restricted Wing)
Kairo's boots echoed through the deserted marble corridor, each step heavier than the last. The Hall of Writs wasn't just restricted—it was sacred. Vaulted ceilings. Living flame torches. Every inch carved with divine law, pulsing with holy energy that practically screamed "You don't belong here."
Too bad.
He wasn't in the mood to belong.
"You sure about this?" Serin's voice crackled in his comm-link. "That's centuries of divine history you're about to piss on."
"I'm done playing their version of history," Kairo muttered.
In front of him stood a massive obsidian door etched with gold markings—The Sealed Archive of Forbidden Bonds.
He pressed his hand against it.
The system chimed:
> [Warning: Accessing Forbidden Record – Class Omega]
[Violation of Pantheon Accord §117A]
[Proceed?]
Y/N
Kairo grinned.
"Y."
The door groaned open like a dying beast, and heat rolled out like a furnace. Inside—dozens of glowing crystals hovered, each one a sealed memory.
And in the center—a sarcophagus made of celestial bone, chained in silver flame.
> [Name: GODKILLER PROTOCOL – ZERITH CLASS]
[Creator: Unknown]
[Purpose: Eradicate rogue deities]
[Status: Inactive]
[Bonded Target: KAIRO ELIAN VALE]
Kairo staggered back.
"The hell…?"
> "You were never a chosen one," said a voice behind him.
Kairo spun.
Elyra stepped from the shadows. No hood. No mask. Just her eyes—ancient, and impossibly calm.
"You were engineered. Designed to wake him up."
She pointed at the sarcophagus.
"Zerith's not your burden. He's your battery."
Kairo's stomach twisted.
"No. I chose him—"
"No. You were him."
The words hit harder than a blade. Elyra stepped closer.
"You're not just bonded to Zerith. Your soul is half his. The Council knew. They buried the truth. The 'Trial' was a ruse. You weren't meant to survive the awakening."
Kairo's hands clenched. "Why tell me this now?"
"Because the gods aren't planning to recruit you anymore." She dropped a crystal.
It cracked—showing the divine execution order. Target: KAIRO VALE.
"Next trial won't be ceremonial," she said. "It'll be an assassination."
A long silence stretched between them.
Then Kairo smiled, slow and dangerous.
"Let them try."
> [NEW TITLE UNLOCKED: THE GOD WHO DEFIES]
[Your presence weakens divine bindings within 10 meters]
[Hidden Effect: Immune to instant divine judgment]
[Soulbrand Echo: Passive Boost – +22% Fear Aura]
"You gain strength equal to the opponent's fear of you."
Suddenly—
> Emergency Alert: Divine Enforcer Detected – Arrival: 00:02
Kairo looked up.
From above, the ceiling cracked open.
A golden figure descended like a meteor—clad in white flame and celestial armor.
DIVINE ENFORCER – NYTHRA, THE JUDGE OF SILENCE
Ten wings. No mouth. A blindfold of starlight. It hovered.
And then it spoke inside his mind.
> "Kairo Vale. You stand in violation of Accord Law. Your existence is to be erased."
Kairo stepped forward.
"I've got a better idea."
He summoned Zerith's mark—and for the first time, the crimson sigil ignited without him forcing it.
No pain. No resistance.
Just purpose.
> [Zerith's Bond Awakened: 17%]
[New Ability: Crimson Domain – Activate]
The walls bled red.
The temperature dropped.
Even Nythra paused.
Kairo cracked his neck, his voice low and electric.
"I don't need to be chosen. I just need to make them regret ever ignoring me."
He launched forward—and collided with the god.
And the fight didn't look divine.
It looked personal.
---