In the Interstitial Plane, where nothing and everything exists, he stood.
Anu.
No light touched him, no darkness could consume him. Around him swirled ten thousand laws—creation, destruction, karma, nirvana, death, life, samsara, time, space… and one more: the Will to Rise.
He laughed. The sound split galaxies across forgotten realms.
"Cal. Sul. Moac. Loyal dogs barking for their King. You think yourselves chosen? I was not chosen—I became."
His eyes burned with memories ancient beyond knowing.
"When I was born, I was nothing but ash in the whirlwind of Infinite Chaos. I saw it—the Chaos before Source. I embraced it. Learned from it. And now…"
He extended his hand. Space collapsed. Time bent.
"I command what no Above All dares. For I have walked across countless samsaras, trampled devils, gods, and undying fossil immortals beneath me. I am not a servant of the Kingly Ruler. I will not bow. I am Anu—the Universal King."