Holding a planet in his hands with no remorse, he began throwing them one by one into the sun. Watching them burn-hearing the screams of entire civilizations-brought joy into his dark heart.
He was no longer the hero anyone remembered. He had become an Ultimate Being feared throughout the galaxies. Those who heard his name cowered, fleeing their planets in desperation. But it was useless. He could destroy entire systems in seconds and move on without a hint of hesitation.
From system to system he walked, breathed, and spoke destruction. Soon he was no longer sane, losing his will and purpose. Destruction became entertainment. He laughed as stars shook, and countless beings trembled in terror.
Millions of light years away, Earth was fighting for its own survival, finally infiltrating a Zodian base.
The leader of this small group of warriors was a seventeen‑year‑old boy holding alien technology. He was the savior of many. With his artistic and imaginative mind, he made the impossible possible. His name was Clifford M-but many called him Striver.
Kicking the door down, he and his team rushed in, only to be met with hundreds of guns aimed at them.
The leader of the Zodians sat on a black metallic chair, smiling. Resting his clawed hands on the table, he said,
"Aaa... Striver, is it?"
Scratching the metal, he continued,
"I'm glad you could make it."
Clifford looked at him with a hint of worry.
"Well... it looks like you were expecting us."
General Greal laughed loudly.
"I am the General of the Zodian Empire. I know everything. I have spies everywhere-including among your friends."
Clifford's friends looked down silently. He faced forward.
"The fact that I'm still alive means you want something."
"Smart boy." Greal stood and walked toward him.
"Surrender your planet and the core. This backwater world is rich with resources. With its power, our technological advances will be limitless."
He grabbed Clifford's head with inhuman strength, nearly tearing him apart. Clifford screamed lightly in agony.
"Your planet will be ours. But you get to live. Good deal, right?" Greal said with a cold smile, circling him.
Clifford managed to smile.
"Not a bad deal... but I'll have to say no. Too many people are counting on me."
Seeing the determination-and fear-in his eyes, Greal's grin widened.
"Brave... but that won't save you."
He turned to his soldiers.
"Kill his friends. Let's see if he can still smile after that."
One soldier grabbed the girl in Clifford's group-only for her body to glitch and vanish. The others disappeared as well.
Everyone froze.
Clifford laughed.
"Looks like your hologram tech is pretty advanced if it can fool you-HAH!"
Before he could finish, Greal grabbed him by the neck.
"You think you're smart? This is my headquarters-over two hundred thousand soldiers. Your team is gone. And you are alone. What can you do? HUH?"
Clifford grinned.
"Well... this."
He tapped a hidden earpiece.
"Now."
Instantly, every hydro‑bomb planted across the base detonated-even the one Clifford carried. A colossal explosion wiped out the entire Zodian stronghold, killing everything and everyone within a kilometer.
The world mourned. People cried at the loss of their hero. Flags were raised, prayers were spoken, and silence filled the hearts of millions.
To Earth, he became a legend-
The Imaginative Hero: Striver.
Days of mourning passed. Society rebuilt. His remaining comrades ruled with hope and kept his story alive.
---
Clifford awoke in a place of pure light, peace, and joy.
"Is this the afterlife?" he wondered.
Walking forward, he saw a woman sitting, gazing at the endless radiance. Her golden silky hair flowed in the wind.
"Will you keep staring at me," she said softly, "or will you take a seat?"
A chair appeared. He sat beside her.
"Striver... were you also called by the Voice?" she asked, still watching the sky.
"Voice? No..." he replied awkwardly.
Before he could continue, she suddenly stood, confused.
"What's wrong?" Clifford asked.
"Listen."
"I can't hear anything," he replied.
"Because you're not listening. Close your eyes. Pay attention."
He obeyed-and felt it. A glimmer of golden light. A flame that filled the soul with peace. Then a voice echoed:
"The galaxy needs you.
Both of you."
They looked at each other, confused.
And then it spoke again-calm yet terrifying, comforting yet dreadful.
"Striver and Layla...
It is good to see you again, my creations."