The road stretched endlessly but for Ryo it was just another stroll The wolf pup trotted beside him tail wagging as if the journey ahead were nothing more than a fun walk.
Ryo took a bite from the satchel of bread and muttered So the High Kingdom wants me Funny how eating bread turns into a multiverse summons.
The air shifted A ripple cut through the sky and the dirt path beneath his feet trembled From the tear in reality stepped a man clad in golden armor his face hidden by a polished mask His presence alone carried weight like entire worlds were bowing before him
The armored man raised a hand Ryo I am Serath herald of the Crown of Worlds You are to come with me.
Ryo chewed slowly unimpressed Herald huh? You sound like the guy who delivers pizza except less fun.
Serath's voice deepened Do not mock me My power is drawn from the High Kingdom itself Even gods bend before me.
Ryo tilted his head Neat Want some bread?
Before Serath could answer Ryo tossed him a piece The man caught it out of instinct but as he held it the golden aura around his body flickered His eyes widened beneath the mask What is this…? My strength… it's fading.
Ryo smirked Bread Pretty dangerous stuff
huh?
Serath dropped the loaf as if it were poison gasping for air The ground cracked beneath him as his golden power shattered like glass
The wolf pup barked proudly as though it had predicted this all along.
Serath fell to one knee trembling Impossible… I am blessed by the High Kingdom No mortal should be able to…
Ryo tapped him on the shoulder Relax I'm not here to destroy you But if your bosses are anything like you this trip's going to be boring.
Serath looked up fear plain in his eyes You… you are beyond measure You might even rival the ones above existence itself.
Ryo frowned Ones above existence? Sounds like people who sit around doing nothing but claiming they're powerful Boring
The air crackled again A second tear in reality opened not controlled but wild From it spilled fragments of countless worlds: echoes of caped heroes thrones of fallen gods shattered universes screaming For a split second Ryo glimpsed beings that resembled The One Above All and The Presence beings of endless light watching silently
But as soon as their gaze touched Ryo the light flickered Their images distorted like even they couldn't define him.
Ryo stretched and yawned Guess even the biggest bosses can't handle a little bread aura.
Serath shivered You… you will surpass them all Perhaps you already have
Ryo started walking again the wolf pup hopping at his heels Good to know Now show me where this High Kingdom is I don't like walking in circles.
Serath hesitated then lowered his head Very well… Supreme One.
Ryo rolled his eyes Not you too Just call me Ryo Otherwise I'll make you carry the bread bag.
And with that the strongest being in fiction continued forward not chasing power just chasing the next bite to eat.