Storms raged across the sky as Nirvaan emerged from the Nether Shrine, each lightning bolt echoing like war drums. The heavens themselves seemed disturbed by his presence. He stood upon a high ridge overlooking the Valley of Screams, eyes closed, inhaling the scent of ash, stone, and memories.
His power was still returning—but even now, he was death incarnate.
He raised a hand, and in response, the air shimmered. A spectral raven, formed of voidflame, coalesced upon his forearm. It screeched once, then awaited command.
"Fly," Nirvaan said. "Let the world know the nightmare has returned."
The raven took to the skies, streaking across realms.
Elsewhere, in the capital city of the Golden Throne Empire, Empress Lira sat in her moonlit chamber, poring over ancient scrolls. Her jade eyes widened as the spectral raven appeared before her, dropping a single black feather onto her desk.
"No... It can't be," she whispered. "Nirvaan..."
The room trembled. Shadows lengthened. The feather burned with dark fire.
A voice echoed in her mind.
**"Did you miss me, Lira?"**
She dropped the scrolls, staggering back.
He remembered her. He remembered everything.
Back in the Valley, Nirvaan began his march.
Each step was a declaration. The sky wept. The earth recoiled. Ghosts of warriors long dead rose from their slumber, recognizing their forgotten king.
He stopped before a giant gate of obsidian and bones.
The Gate of Forgotten Oaths.
He placed a hand upon it.
"I am Nirvaan," he declared, voice shaking the stars. "Sovereign of Calamity, heir to nothing, conqueror of everything. You betrayed me once. Now… watch as I unmake this world."
The gate opened on its own, groaning like a dying god.
Nirvaan stepped through.
And the Age of Eternal Wrath began.