CHAPTER 4 — THE ANCIENT GOD WITHIN
The void trembled.
A towering shadow emerged—ten horns, burning eyes, a body wrapped in celestial fire.
The figure's voice was not heard with ears—it vibrated inside Cedric's soul.
"I am ARHENOS."
Cedric froze.
Arhenos.
The Prime Destroyer.
The god whose mere name was forbidden in ancient texts.
The god the system claimed Cedric had inherited.
Arhenos spoke again.
"Your world is dying."
"Gates will multiply. Gods will awaken. Nations will fall."
"But you—the Broken Boy—are the vessel that can kill us."
Cedric clenched his fists.
"Why me?"
The god laughed—a sound like thunder tearing through bone.
"Because you had nothing."
"No strength. No destiny. No arrogance."
"A perfect container."
Cedric gritted his teeth.
"I won't be your puppet."
Arhenos smiled.
"Good."
"A puppet cannot kill gods."
The void cracked apart.
Cedric woke up on his bed, sweat dripping, heart pounding.
But now…
The world was different.
He was different.
End of Chapter 4