Prologue

In the depths of history, there was a man whose name resounded with valor and vengeance. Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general, lived a life defined by the sharp edge of his sword and the haunting call of retribution. His first life, steeped in the blood of his enemies, ended with the same fury that had propelled him through countless battles.

Yet, death was not the end for Maximus. Upon his demise, he found himself reborn in a world unlike any he had ever known—a realm of wizards, dragons, and ancient magic. From the outset of his second life, Maximus chose the path of celibacy, honoring the memory of his lost family and devoting himself entirely to the pursuit of strength and knowledge. His warrior's heart propelled him to the pinnacle of magical mastery, earning him the title of 'Mage God.'

Maximus's relentless quest for power and enlightenment led him to achieve a feat no other had accomplished. Through his profound understanding of magic and a daring act of merging the heart of an Elder Dragon into his own body, he transformed into the first and only Dovah-kiin (Dragonborn), a being capable of wielding both human and dragon magic. His new identity as the Dragonborn set him apart, marking him as the supreme force in this fantastical realm.

The years turned into centuries, and Maximus's unparalleled might became both a blessing and a curse. Though he sought a warrior's death, his ascension to godhood deprived him of the release he yearned for. Tired of endless battles and the weight of immortality, Maximus found himself drawn to the Realm of Creation—a Realm that is neither created nor destroyed, a place beyond time and existence.

Here, in this primordial expanse, Maximus stood at the crossroads of his destiny, faced with a monumental choice: to assume the mantle of a Supreme Being and guide the world toward balance, or to seek the tranquility of a new life. Desiring peace and respite from the ceaseless struggle, Maximus chose to relinquish his divine potential and embrace a third life, one where he could retire from the relentless march of conflict.

With his decision made, Maximus crafted a new human body, suppressing his memories while retaining the essential knowledge of spells, swordsmanship, and martial arts. He kept the supreme spell of remembrance as a failsafe, ensuring his past could be reclaimed if necessary.

Thus, Maximus Decimus Meridius began his third life, a journey that would lead him to the bustling streets of Brooklyn, into the loving arms of the Carter family, and into a world soon to be reshaped by extraordinary events. Little did he know that his quest for peace would intertwine with the rise of heroes and the dawn of a new age, where his past and present would converge in ways he had never imagined.