The sky over Aethernis shimmered in bruised purple and gold, like the world itself was holding its breath. From the cliffs, the faint hum of energy tickled Kairo Adeosun's skin, making his hair stand on end.
"Great," Kairo muttered to himself, arms crossed. "Just me… alone… facing some weird glowing mark. Perfect Friday."
He squinted at the symbol floating before him—the unmistakable mark of Akairo Veyruun, the man everyone whispered about in half-fear, half-awe.
"You're finally here," a smooth, slightly sarcastic voice slithered from the shadows. A tall figure emerged, wrapped in dark robes adorned with golden sigils. Akairo's eyes gleamed like molten silver.
Kairo groaned. "Of course. And here I thought I could enjoy some peace. No. The universe said—'Time to get cursed!'"
Akairo tilted his head, unimpressed by sarcasm. "You will understand soon. Because of your father… and because of me, you are not like the rest of your kind."
Before Kairo could respond, the mark pulsed, snaking up his arm. Sparks danced across his skin, and lightning crackled around his fists. He yelped, stumbling back.
"Okay, maybe a little warning next time?" he shouted. His hair was sticking up like a porcupine, and he looked ridiculous—but somehow terrifying too.
Akairo's lips curved into a thin smile. "Do you feel it? That is awakening. Most of your clan will never reach it. But you… were stolen from me before birth. Your father robbed me of my chance to become Head of All Clans. Now, you will learn."
Kairo's eyes widened as raw power surged inside him, harmonizing with the storm building in the sky. He felt like a lightning rod mixed with a volcano. "So… I'm special? Great. Just when I wanted a normal life."
"Special indeed," Akairo said. "And soon… you will meet the others."
Kairo blinked. "Others? You mean… the people responsible for all the drama I'm about to inherit?"
From the cliffs behind, a chorus of voices shouted in unison:
"Hey! Is this the new guy?"
Kairo turned—and froze. Standing there were eight figures, each glowing faintly, each radiating some godly weirdness. One of them waved like he was inviting Kairo to a picnic instead of a deathmatch.
"Ah… so these are the Pantheon people," Kairo muttered. One had lightning crackling around him; another shimmered like moonlight; one was casually levitating while yawning.
"Hi! I'm Selene," said a flirty voice, stepping forward. Her silver hair shimmered, eyes playful. "You must be the famous Kairo. Don't worry, I won't eat you… unless you're delicious."
Kairo blinked. "…Is she flirting with me already?"
Akairo's smile widened. "Meet your future partners, warriors, and… occasional annoyances. The Pantheon."
From behind, Raijin Obi shouted, "Hey! You better keep up, newbie, or you're walking home!"
"And don't touch my books!" Liora Amunet scolded, adjusting her glasses. "This is a strategic meeting, not a free-for-all playground!"
Kairo raised his hands. "Okay, okay! Calm down, everyone. I didn't know joining an elite god-powered gang involved so much… yelling."
Akairo chuckled. "Good. Let them test you. The world is cruel, but your allies… will make it fun."
Kairo looked at the Pantheon. Each of them weird, powerful, slightly crazy—but together, undeniably terrifying. And somewhere deep inside, he smiled.
Because if this was his life now… he might as well enjoy it.
The wind picked up. Lightning danced across the cliffs. And for the first time, Kairo felt alive.