ULTIMATE VENTURES SEASON 1

Continuation of Chapter 3

EREBUS

Emerging from the swirling portal, my gaze falls upon the lifeless body of Garma, his expression unreadable. The air crackles with lingering energy from the battle. I finally speak, his voice as smooth and cold as steel.

"Well done," he begins, each word deliberate. "You've finally subdued him. Now tell me, Radnak, what do you gain?"

Radnak stands over Garma's body, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles are bloodless. His breath is heavy, tinged with rage and grief. He turns to face me, his eyes burning with accusation. "This is all your fault, Erebus. You caused this... You manipulated him."

My dark eyes narrow slightly, but I keep my voice calm. "No, Radnak. I didn't manipulate him. He chose to worship me and obey my command."

"Liar!" Radnak spits, his voice thick with anger. "I'm going to kill you myself."

In that moment, Radnak's form begins to shift and contort, his body morphing into something magnificent and terrifying. His pure white wings unfurl, their upper edges gleaming with gold, the lower edges sharp enough to slice through steel. His armor, a mosaic of gold, rubies, emeralds, and tanzanium, glitters as it encases his muscular form. The transformation culminates in a terrifying visage—a creature with the body of a warrior and the head of an eagle, crowned by a powerful beak.

Radnak summons a weapon into existence, a massive double-bladed axe with a curved handle, the head perfectly balanced by a counterweight on the opposite side of the blade. The air around him shimmers with raw power as he prepares for the fight.

I sigh, his voice carrying a note of resignation. "I'm not here to fight you, Radnak. But if you force my hand, I will end this."

Radnak doesn't hesitate. He draws in a deep breath, absorbing the solar energy around him, and releases it in a blinding burst of photon energy. The light hurtles towards me with the force of a thousand suns. But I is quick, bringing up my indestructible Buster Sword just in time to deflect the beam, though the impact sends me skidding backward, my feet tearing into the ground. Radnak follows up with a conjured metal ball, slamming it towards me with all his might. I barely has time to rise before the ball smashes into my face, the force of the blow rattling my very brain. Pain shoots through my skull, but I forces myself to stay upright, my vision swimming. Before I can fully recover, Radnak is upon me, swinging his axe in a vicious arc. I raise my sword to block, the clash of metal ringing out like thunder. The force of the impact sends a shockwave rippling through the air, but I hold my ground, pushing Radnak back with sheer strength. With a roar, I deliver a crushing punch to Radnak's chest, sending him flying backward into a nearby building. The structure crumbles around him, dust and debris filling the air. I don't give him a chance to recover. I hurl my sword with deadly precision, but Radnak manages to twist out of the way at the last moment, the blade whistling past him before boomeranging back to my hand.

Radnak responds with a furious charge, his axe held high. He swings down with all his might, aiming to cleave me in two. But I meet him with equal ferocity, parrying the blow with a precise movement. The clash of our weapons sends sparks flying, illuminating their grim faces in the dim light.

I seize the moment, grabbing Radnak by the neck and hurling him across the battlefield. Radnak crashes through the side of another building, the walls crumbling around him as he lands in a heap. I is relentless, closing the distance in an instant and raining down a series of powerful punches. Each blow connects with sickening force, Radnak's head snapping back with each impact. But Radnak isn't finished. As I lift him for another strike, Radnak lashes out, driving his knee into my abdomen. The blow is powerful enough to knock the wind out of him, and Radnak follows up with a vicious headbutt, sending Erebus stumbling backward.

I, however, isn't one to be easily outmatched. Recovering quickly, I drive my knee into Radnak's stomach, doubling him over. As Radnak gasps for air, I move in close, my voice a deadly whisper.

"Yield, Radnak, before it's too late."

Radnak, through gritted teeth, snarls defiantly, "Never."

Suddenly, a whistling sound fills the air, growing louder by the second. I don't need to turn around to know what is coming. I reach out with a swift, precise motion, catching Radnak's own axe mid-air and driving it into Radnak's chest. Radnak's scream of agony echoes through the ruined city, his hand clutching at the weapon embedded in his flesh. But even in his weakened state, Radnak isn't finished. With a tremendous effort, he pulls the axe from his chest and charges at me, a primal scream tearing from his throat.

"Erebus, I'm not done with you!!" Radnak's voice, impossibly loud, fills the air once more. Erebus's eyes snap open, his smile fading as he turns to see Radnak, impossibly whole, standing before him, the axe once again in hand.

Radnak doesn't give me time to react. He lunges forward, striking with a hammer that materializes from thin air. The first blow catches me under the jaw, snapping my head back. Radnak follows up with a shield conjured from nothing, slamming it into me side with bone-shattering force. Again and again, the shield strikes, each impact driving me further back. Radnak roars, leaping into the air with his hammer raised high. He brings it down with all his might, but I is quicker this time. Sidestepping the blow, I grabs Radnak by the throat once more and drives him into the ground with a sickening crunch.

Radnak gasps for air as I lean in close, his voice low and menacing. "No matter how hard you fight, you will never defeat me. No god has ever conquered Helios."

Radnak's response is a guttural growl, his body trembling with exertion. He forces himself to his feet, summoning a double-edged sword from thin air. "I will," he vows, his voice steady despite the pain. "I am Radnak, son of Garma, god of kingship, healing, protection, the sun, and the light."

With a flick of his wrist, Radnak hurls the sword towards me like a boomerang, its edge gleaming wickedly. I duck, the blade whistling past my head, and reaches out with his power. Radnak is pulled off his feet, flying towards me outstretched hand.

I catch him by the throat once again, my grip tightening as I hiss, "You're nothing to me." I open my mouth, and the yellow force engulfs Radnak once more. This time, there is no resistance. Radnak's body crumbles to dust as his soul is consumed, leaving nothing but silence in the aftermath. I stand there for a long moment, savoring my victory, before turning away. The orb in my hand glows softly as I squeeze it, and the planet Megan is obliterated in a flash of light. As the shockwave spreads through the cosmos, I chuckle darkly.

"May we meet again," I whispers, my voice carrying on the wind as I vanish into the darkness.

HUNDRED YEARS LATER

A messenger enters the Gavaria Empire and approaches me, dropping to his knees.

"Your Majesty, Master Goliath requests your presence immediately. He says he has a mission for you."

I nod. "Tell him I'm on my way."

I soon leave the Gavaria Empire, my home, and step into the Conveyance. As I walk into the great hall, the scent of sweet wine and fine mead fills the air. At the center, a long fire pit of eternal flames casts light, creating shifting shadows that dance across the walls. The logs, standing tall as pillars on either side of the hall, form a central path leading to the back. Red and blue rugs are spread elegantly across the floor. In the back right corner, massive kegs of wine and mead rest, while at the very end of the hall stands a golden throne of royal decree. Dallas, the god, occupies this throne, his presence commanding the space. A godly great sword, powerful and ancient, is wedged in the wooden floorboards before him. As I look at Dallas, I sense he was aware of my arrival long before I decided to approach.

"Dallas, my friend. How are you?"

"Your Majesty, is everything alright?" he asks, his tone curious yet steady.

"Of course. I need you to transport me to Light City. Master Goliath wishes to speak with me."

Dallas nods knowingly. "I know, Your Majesty."

With that, Dallas, the gatekeeper, transports me to Light City. The city is a marvel—tall buildings rise over one another, people rush through the streets, and bright lights glow continuously, day and night. The city's fast pace makes it a thrilling place to be, never dull, with countless opportunities for work, recreation, and exploration. Parks, museums, and stores line the streets, offering endless possibilities.

I walk into Goliath's palace and fall on my knees.

"Here am I, Master," I say.

"My child, I am well pleased with thee. For thou hast done all that I have commanded. Yet, there remaineth one task—thou must conquer the earth, that powerless planet," Goliath says.

"Master, many are the versions of earth. Which earth dost thou desire me to conquer?"

"The very earth upon which thy last son descended, thousands of years ago. Thou shouldst be wise enough to discern which earth I speak of."

"That should be Earth A-100. I thought thou wouldst never ask. I shall go thither, my Lord, and slaughter every soul, yea, even the little heroes who strive to protect it. Then shall I bring my son back unto mine arms."

"Hmm. I see thy allegiance is steadfast unto my commands, and for this, thou shalt dine with me after the last day of judgment. But this task shall not be thine. I have greater designs for thee. Command whomsoever thou wilt to accomplish this mission. That is all I require."

"Thou hast spoken, my Lord." I rise and continue, "I shall bring success unto thee and thy kingdom, if it be thy will."

I end the conversation and return to my kingdom, approaching the throne where Birsha awaits, his eyes full of questions.

"My emperor, what does Master Goliath demand?"

"He demands another apocalypse. This time, on Earth, and I have something in mind."

"May I ask which version of Earth, Emperor? There are many."

I settle comfortably on the throne, my gaze steady. "Earth A-100. The same universe where Path Finder descended. But I won't be the one to carry out the mission. Someone else will... someone under my command."

Birsha kneels before me, his voice eager. "Here I am, Emperor. Send me. I will descend upon Earth with full force and bring you whoever you desire."

I study Birsha, reading his mind, sensing his willingness and capability.

"Hmm... I see your respect for me, but you are not the one I have in mind. Rise and bring me the Seven Hereditary. I have a task for them."

Birsha summons the Seven Hereditary, and I command them to resurrect Garma. They place his corpse into a white casket and cast spells, using their blood. Within minutes, Garma rises, his old memories intact, his body restored.

"Where am I?" he asks, confusion etched on his face. He looks around the Life Hall, bewildered. "Why are you all staring at me? The war... what happened to the war?"

"We won, Garma," I say, my voice warm. "There's no need to worry. Long time no see, my friend."

I descend from the stairway, approaching Garma with a smile.

"After your death, I killed the one responsible, and the planet was destroyed. Those who sided with Path Finder were reduced to ashes. Now, we are about to conquer another planet."

"Wait," Garma says, his brow furrowing. "I don't understand. You said we won, so... how did I end up in the Life Hall?"

I begin to circle Garma as he searches his memories.

"Radnak, my son, eliminated me during the war," he finally recalls. "That's the last thing I remember."

I stop, meeting his gaze. "You're right, Garma. That's exactly what happened. But things have changed, my dear friend. We're in a new generation—a generation of rapid technologies, superheroes, and more. But I'm going to conquer them."

Garma hesitates, surprise flickering in his eyes. "I appreciate you resurrecting me, but why now? After thousands of years, you remembered me. Even if you want someone to conquer another planet, it shouldn't be me."

I place a hand on Garma's shoulder, my expression sincere. "I know, I didn't remember you after your death. My apologies for abandoning your corpse for so long. But now that you're alive, it's your time to descend on Earth and enjoy freedom, immortality, and kingship."

Garma blinks, trying to process my words. "Earth? That's... incredible. But I'm too old to conquer a planet. And my powers aren't as strong as they once were."

"Is that so?" I say, my tone shifting. "Then I shall make you an adolescent god and enhance your powers. You shall inherit the Earth."

I raise my right arm, aiming at Garma's chest, and slowly clench my fist. His winter-white beard turns viking-black, new black hair sprouts from his head, and his wrinkled face becomes fresh and youthful. His once worn body transforms into one of strength and vitality. Garma falls to his knees, crying out as his eyes change to a deep, almond-shaped green. His voice deepens, his jaw becomes more defined, and his body grows powerful. Even his old, aged costume morphs into an advanced one.

"Rise, my warrior, and tell me how you feel!" I command.

Garma stands, his movement slow but deliberate, feeling the surge of power within him. I smile, pleased, and select other gods to assist him in the mission.

"I feel... magnificent, indomitable, and exceptional," Garma declares.

"Good. Birsha, Allatou, and Aynat will be your assistants. They shall obey your command and rule Earth alongside you. From now on, you shall be known as Malacoda, the King of Planet Earth."

The three gods approach, standing beside Garma.

"Take whatever you need before descending," I say, "and make sure you bring Earth to its knees."

As I sit back on the throne, Garma smiles, then orders warriors to descend with him.

"I shall have five thousand warriors. And to you, Master, success is assured!"

As they depart, a laugh escapes me, knowing that he is trustworthy and worthy to be a king.

"It has begun."