The next morning, after a day of rest and contemplation, Kent ascended the 9 divine hills, his mind sharp and resolute. The towering palace of the War God loomed above, its structure carved from celestial stone, glowing faintly with an aura of power. Every step Kent took felt heavier, not from physical strain, but from the weight of his decision.
When he reached the palace gates, the War God’s attendants immediately escorted him inside. They whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with curiosity and reverence for the mortal who had recently shaken the Spirit World. The grand hall of the War God was vast, its walls adorned with murals of battles fought across eons. At the center of the hall, the War God sat on his throne, clad in red and gold armor, his expression grim yet commanding. Beside him stood the Storm God, a towering figure radiating power, with his electric-blue eyes locked onto Kent.
“Kent,” the War God greeted, his deep voice echoing through the hall. “You’ve come at last. I’ve been waiting for this.”
Kent nodded slightly, his expression calm but determined. “I’ve made my decision,” he began, his tone firm. “I’m returning to the 9 realms.”
The War God’s shoulders relaxed, and he exhaled deeply, relief washing over his face. “Thank the heavens you’ve come to this conclusion. I’ve been restless, Kent. If you hadn’t decided to return soon, it would have been disastrous.”
Kent frowned, sensing the urgency in the War God’s voice. “What do you mean? What’s been happening in the 9 realms?”
The Storm God stepped forward, his booming voice laced with frustration. “The sworn wizards under your mother, Madam Clark, are on the verge of collapse. They’ve fought valiantly, but the combined might of the 9 Realms Association and Jason Mama is overwhelming them. They’ve lost territories, soldiers, and resources. Without reinforcements, they won’t last another week.”
Kent’s golden eyes darkened, his jaw tightening as he processed the information. “Tell me everything. From the beginning.”
The War God leaned forward, his voice grave. “It all began when Madam Clark revealed her forces. The sworn wizards, under her leadership, struck hard and fast, capturing multiple nations across the 7th Realm. For a time, it seemed like they could hold their ground. But Jason Mama, with the backing of the 9 Realms Association, retaliated with brutal force. He gathered an army of 8 million wizards, including the Forbidden Army of the 7th Realm.”
The Storm God chimed in, his tone bitter. “They didn’t just fight. They waged a war of annihilation. Jason Mama sacrificed half-sovereign wizards to self-detonation, taking down thousands of sworn wizards in one blow. The Forbidden Army crushed the front lines with their relentless and synchronized attacks.”
The War God continued, “Your uncle, Ragnar, who sided with Madam Clark, was captured along with Ileana, the vice leader of the Wind-Fan Faction. Their capture shattered the morale of the sworn wizards. Jason has been using their images and propaganda to demoralize the enemy further. As we speak, the sworn wizards are confined to a small area around No Man Island, surrounded on all sides.”
Kent’s fists clenched, his golden eyes glowing faintly. “And my mother? How is she?”
“She’s alive,” the War God assured. “But she’s in isolation, likely strategizing. Her generals and soldiers are in chaos, with no clear instructions. The sworn wizards are hanging by a thread, Kent.”
Kent’s voice turned cold, the air around him crackling faintly. “And what about Jason Mama? What’s his goal?”
The Storm God scoffed. “Jason Mama isn’t just fighting for the 9 realms. He’s a pawn of the Space God. The Space God has been manipulating him to ensure that the War God here doesn’t ascend to Old God status.”
Kent’s eyes narrowed. “The Space God… So he’s behind this.”
The War God nodded. “He’s been pulling strings, Kent. Not just against the sworn wizards but against me as well. He knows that if the war drags on and I fail to resolve it, I’ll lose my chance to ascend. And with Jason Mama under his thumb, he’s controlling the entire war.”
Kent’s blood boiled as he absorbed the War God’s explanation. His voice was steady but filled with fury. “Enough is enough. Prepare for my transfer to the 7th Realm immediately. I won’t let this war destroy everything my mother has built.”
The Storm God stepped forward, his expression concerned. “Kent, this isn’t just about fighting. The Space God and his allies will target you directly. They’ve already seen what you’re capable of. If you return to the 9 realms now, you’ll have to face more than just Jason Mama.”
Kent turned to the Storm God, his golden eyes blazing. “I’ve faced worse. The Poison God underestimated me, and he paid the price. If the Space God thinks he can stop me, he’s welcome to try.”
The War God raised a hand, his expression a mix of pride and caution. “Kent, I admire your resolve. But rushing into this without preparation is dangerous. You’ve grown strong, but you’re not invincible. Give me a day. I’ll gather the necessary resources and prepare a safe transfer for you.”
Kent hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Fine. One day. But no more.”
The War God rose from his throne, placing a hand on Kent’s shoulder. “I’ll do everything in my power to support you, Kent. The 9 realms need you. And so does your mother.”
As Kent turned to leave, the Storm God called out to him. “Kent, remember this—trust no one in the 9 realms. The Space God’s influence runs deep, and his allies are everywhere. Keep your wits about you.”
Kent glanced back, his expression unwavering. “I will. And when the time comes, the Space God will regret ever interfering.”
With those final words, Kent left the palace, his mind set on the battle ahead. The War God and Storm God exchanged a glance, their expressions heavy with concern.
“Do you think he’s ready for what’s coming?” the Storm God asked.
The War God sighed, his gaze fixed on the doorway Kent had just exited. “Ready or not, he’s the only hope we have.”