Nexus, The God of Creation
The year 2891
In the northern continent of Zenerthia, the people of the prosperous empire, Arcanis, shed their tears as the death of their beloved emperor came to light.
The whole empire was in deep misery as Emperor Karlus's reign came to an end. With his passing, his first-born son, the heir to the throne, immediately ascended the throne.
Looking back, there had been wise, tyrant, benevolent, weak, and smart emperors who ascended to the throne, but only one truly made a strong and lasting impact.
It was no other than Emperor Karlus Uriel Vexus I.
Emperor Karlus placed the Empire of Arcanis in its greatest glory, making it the most prosperous and advanced Empire known to land.
However, despite his glory and feats, there's one thing that Karlus has failed to conquer.
The cycle of Life — Aging and Death.
*****
"Where am I?"
A question of uncertainty sounded as a man gained consciousness. He was in a daze, as if he had woken up from a deep slumber.
"Is this what heaven feels like?
Another question surfaced as the man slowly realized his surroundings. He was floating in the air, standing in nothingness.
As if an instinct, he suddenly touched his own body, starting from his blonde hair to his wrinkled face, and finally his frail arms and legs.
'It seems like I'm still in my old age." the man thought.
However, It felt odd. He hadn't felt as strong as this for decades. It felt as if he had returned to his prime years. The time when he was able to achieve a lot of feats and achievements.
"Let's see," When he was already used to standing up in the air, the old man finally took his first step in the afterlife. That was when everything sunk in his brain.
He was really dead.
"I guess this is it," the old man uttered followed by a short laughter. His voice was hoarse and deep. He sounded calm and relaxed, as if peace had finally dawned him now that he was dead.
"Karlus Uriel Vexus I…" The old man, Karlus, smiled to himself as he softly blurted out his whole name. No one would call him like that ever again.
'How long has it been since I died?' He curiously asked himself.
Karlus didn't know how long he was unconscious. However, seeing where he was right now, he couldn't help but feel content and happy. After so long, he could finally rest.
It was something that he had failed to experience when he was still living.
Following his first step, Karlus took another one, and another one, and another one, until his legs were moving on their own. He didn't know where he was going, but he just kept continuing.
His surroundings looked the same, losing his sense of direction. All he could see was a blue-colored field with white clouds floating in the air. Yet, it still felt peaceful.
Seconds turned to minutes and hours. Karlus was panting for breath when he stopped walking. Despite being tired, he felt refreshed walking on his own. He couldn't even recall how many steps he had taken so far.
Karlus stretched his arms and legs before sitting cross-legged. He then stared at nothingness as if it was the only thing he could do for the meantime.
A heavy sigh escaped from his lips afterwards. Slowly, he leaned back and laid down. He didn't know what to do. It was his first time doing nothing. It felt good but weird at the same time.
'So is this it? Am I supposed to stay here forever?' he scratched the back of his head and turned sideways.
Karlus was expecting that his dear wife would be waiting for him in the afterlife with open arms. But who would expect that the afterlife would look like this instead?
'Argh! I was expecting that I would finally be able to see her wonderful face, but I just got disappointed instead. What a scam.' Another sigh escaped from his lips.
Karlus's wife, Elizabeth Francesca Reon, died a few years ago. She died for the same reason as him— getting old and becoming weak.
After everything he had done, all the wars he had won, and the lands he had conquered, who would have thought the only thing that would kill him was old age?
'I guess life is really like this'' Karlus disappointingly thought.
However, still, the same as written in his letter, he didn't feel any regret nor was sad that he had died. He knew that he served his purpose and did everything he could do for the empire.
'Tsk. The empire's affairs are so head achening. I pity my first son who will take after me." Karlus recalled his 9 children that he left in the living world.
How he wished that they would stick together and be there for one another even after his passing. He hoped that they'd do what he advised for all of them.
"Don't you want to know how they're doing now?"
As if he heard a ghost, Karlus's eyes widened in shock when he heard an unknown voice behind him. He hurriedly stood up and looked back in a defensive stance, carefully taking a step back.
"Who are you?" Karlus became wary when he saw a man before him.
Different from him, the man in front was wearing a white robe with flowing fabric. A golden intricate crown was placed on his head. His face looked majestic with his eyes, glowing in bright white light.
"Do not fear me, noble soul." The man said in a regal way. His voice was kind and soothing.
Despite the answer, Karlus remained alerted. The answer was not enough to put his defences down.
He might be old, but he could still kick a butt and throw punches if needed.
"I repeat. Who are you?" Karlus asked in a commanding way. It was the same tone he used when talking to his attendants.
The unknown man let out an amused laugh. It was interesting to see a man talking to him that way.
"I guess the tales about your character weren't false after all. You have my respect for your service to my creation, Emperor Karlus. With that, let me make a formal introduction." The unknown man uttered before letting out a bright smile.
"I am Nexus, also known as the God of Creation"