Days after Lilith awakened her new powers, peace once again settled across the Veyris Empire.
Kaelignis trained quietly.
Ignisia practiced with dragonfire.
Wukong somehow managed to start an argument with three imperial dragons over who ate the last celestial fruit.
Normal things.
At least by Veyris Empire standards.
Then
the sky shifted.
Not violently.
Not like an invasion.
It felt more like a declaration.
Golden-red symbols appeared across the heavens.
Ancient war sigils spread across the sky while celestial shields rotated around a descending figure.
At the center stood Athena.
She possessed long silver-black hair flowing behind her like living shadows mixed with moonlight.
Her eyes were striking
one glowing molten gold representing victory and honor,
the other burning crimson with absolute battle authority.
Her expression wasn't angry.
It was calm.
Confident.
Like someone who had already seen victory before battle even began.
Her armor was not ordinary metal.
Black and dark silver divine living armor covered her form, glowing red-gold runes spreading across it like celestial veins.
The armor subtly moved on its own.
One moment it formed layered dragon-like plates.
The next, parts shifted into floating blades and shields.
Behind her extended six enormous energy wings made from rotating shields and burning celestial symbols.
Each shield moved independently, orbiting around her like a heavenly army awaiting command.
The empire paused.
Wukong blinked.
...Okay.
...That entrance was actually cool.
Ignisia narrowed her eyes.
...War goddess.
Lilith observed carefully.
...No hostility.
Then Athena landed gently.
No impact.
No shockwave.
Just controlled strength.
Her eyes slowly moved across the empire.
Kael.
Ignisia.
Lilith.
Kaelignis.
Yog-Sothoth.
Nyarlathotep.
Then she looked directly at Kael Veyris.
Silence.
Wukong leaned toward Seraphina.
...This is either going to become a war or a friendship arc.
Athena finally spoke.
Her voice carried divine authority and quiet confidence.
...So.
...You are Kael Veyris.
Kael looked at her calmly.
...Correct.
Athena folded her arms.
...Interesting.
..I heard stories.
...None of them made sense.
Nearby, Kaelignis whispered softly:
.That's fair.
Athena's six celestial shield-wings slowly rotated behind her.
Not preparing for combat.
Just observing.
Then Athena looked toward Ignisia.
...Your flames carry pride.
Ignisia smirked.
...And yours carry confidence.
For a few seconds
they stared at each other.
Wukong immediately stepped backward.
..Nope.
...I'm not getting involved.
Then unexpectedly
Athena smiled.
A small smile.
..I think we're going to get along.
Ignisia grinned.
...I was thinking the same thing.
Far above the empire, countless cosmic beings watched nervously.
Because whenever powerful beings said we're going to get along near Kael Veyris...
history suggested reality usually needed repairs afterward.