The central plaza of the Worldship buzzed with activity as always. Technicians moved between relay stations, merchants called out deals, and citizens from a dozen species walked the wide decks.
Then the air above the central platform shimmered. A massive holographic figure appeared, taller than any building nearby.
It wore a fractured crown and tattered imperial robes that flickered between solid gold and broken shards. Its face was stern, eyes glowing with cold light.
"I am the Hollow King," the figure announced. Its voice carried through every speaker on the Worldship and out to every relay station across the empire. Billions heard it at once.
"I ruled before the fall. I failed to unify what could have been saved. Now a new claimant sits on the throne. Aiden. Step forward and prove yourself."
