Ch-130 the new follower

The wasteland, once a proud expanse of shadow and life, now stood silent in the aftermath of the titanic clash. The battle had ended, leaving the earth cracked and barren, with glowing remnants of celestial and primordial energy scattered like dying stars. A heavy stillness hung in the air, broken only by the faint hum of the protective force field erected by Astrea.

Raghav Ye King stood at the center, his aura pulsating with residual energy. His sweat-soaked forehead gleamed in the dim light, but his stance was firm, unyielding. The Byaku-Rinnegan on his forehead dimmed, fading into silence as the full force of his abilities retreated within him.

Before him knelt the four goddesses—Aeloria, Nytheris, Nyxara, and Solara. Their divine forms bore the marks of battle: their garments torn, their celestial auras faint, and yet, in their eyes, there was no resentment. Only admiration, awe, and something far more profound.

"You... are beyond comprehension," Aeloria said, her golden gaze locked onto Raghav. Her voice, though weakened, carried the warmth of a thousand suns. "Never have I encountered someone who embodies both boundless power and unshakable conviction. You are... extraordinary."

Nytheris, the veiled mistress of shadows, let out a soft laugh as she brushed the dirt from her tattered robes. "You brought even the goddess of destruction to her knees. Not through cruelty, but sheer will. Raghav Ye King, you are a force no god can ignore."

Raghav's expression remained unreadable as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "The battle is over," he said firmly. "I have no interest in proving myself to anyone, least of all deities. If this is resolved, leave."

But Nyxara, the fiery-haired goddess of celestial swords, rose to her feet, shaking her head. Her torn armor glimmered faintly as she stepped closer. "Leave?" she repeated, her voice filled with quiet determination. "After witnessing what you are capable of? After seeing your unwavering strength? No, Raghav. I cannot."

Solara, her emerald eyes soft yet resolute, stood beside her. "You've shown us something greater than strength. You've shown us a vision of a being who transcends even the divine. I cannot return to the heavens, knowing someone like you exists without standing by your side."

Raghav's brows furrowed. "You misunderstand," he said, his tone sharp. "I have no need for followers. The burden I carry is my own. I walk this path alone."

Aeloria stepped forward, her golden aura shimmering faintly despite her fatigue. "Perhaps that was true before, Raghav. But no longer. You may not seek companions, but we seek purpose. And in you, we see a purpose greater than any we've known."

Raghav's Byaku-Rinnegan flickered for a moment as he gazed at them, his expression unreadable. The weight of their words hung heavy in the air, but his silence was unyielding.

"Raghav," Nytheris said, her tone softening, "even a force of nature like you cannot stand alone forever. Allow us to follow—not as goddesses seeking salvation, but as beings who have found something worth devoting our eternity to."

Raghav's gaze shifted, his thoughts unreadable. Finally, he turned to Astrea, who stood at the edge of the force field. "Astrea, lower the shield," he commanded.

Astrea bowed deeply, her silver hair cascading like moonlight. With a wave of her hand, the shimmering barrier dissolved, revealing the desolation of the wasteland beyond.

"You four," Raghav said, his voice firm and commanding. "If you truly wish to follow me, understand this: I have no room for weakness or sentimentality. My path is one of unrelenting purpose. If you cannot keep up, you will be left behind."

Aeloria smiled, the warmth in her golden eyes undiminished. "Then we shall ensure you never need to leave us behind."

Nytheris's sly smile returned as she folded her arms. "Consider us a part of your shadow now, Raghav. You'll find we're quite persistent."

Nyxara and Solara exchanged a glance before nodding in unison. "Our place is at your side," Nyxara said.

"Or not at all," Solara added.

Raghav turned, his robes billowing as the faint glow of his Symbol of Nexus: Eternal Unity pulsed across his body. "Very well," he said, his tone carrying a weight of finality. "But know this—my path is not for the faint of heart. There will be no mercy."

The goddesses nodded, their resolve unwavering. And as Raghav began to walk away, they followed, their divine auras trailing behind him like faint echoes of light and shadow.

The wasteland, though destroyed, now bore the seeds of a new chapter—one where the heavens and earth converged under the banner of a man who stood above gods.