The year is 2099. Earth is no longer a singular realm. Hell has cracked its borders, leaking chaos into human cities. Heaven remains eerily silent. And caught between these dimensions is a cloaked figure known only as "Author."
He appears at the edge of a battlefield. Flames lick the skyline. A broken statue of a winged god burns behind him.
Fully draped in black robes with golden trim, twin weapons at his side—a katana and a celestial pistol—Author observes the battlefield without emotion.
Author (whispering): "Every beginning is a rewrite. Even this."
At the heart of the battle lies a fallen man—Ares Kaelion, the Immortal Gatekeeper. Even with a blade through his chest, he stands, refusing death. Blood runs down his silver armor.
Hidden behind a broken pillar, a girl watches: Syra Kaelion, age 14, his daughter. She's trembling, unaware she holds the very weapon meant to end her father's reign.
Lucian (from behind): "Do it. You must. Or the realms fall."
Her uncle, Lucian Kaelion, calm but cold, guides her trembling hand. The golden blade—shaped like a key—is too heavy, but fate is heavier.
Syra (conflicted): "Why... why must I—?"
Lucian: "Because only you can. He made it that way."
Ares turns slowly, and their eyes meet. Time stops—not literally, but in memory. The world would remember this moment forever.
Ares (softly): "I never wanted this. But I knew... one day, it had to be you."
Syra: "Forgive me..."
She drives the blade forward. The light bursts like a collapsing star.
Far above, Author watches.
He does not interfere.
Author: "The first piece is scattered. Six remain. One... still hidden."
As Ares falls, the Key of Heaven shatters into six pieces, each flung across realms. One remains unspoken, untouched.
Author (softly): "We leave that for Volume Two."
And then, as fire swallows the sky and destiny fractures below, the Author disappears into the wind, leaving only echoes of golden dust behind.