Reborn as the celestial God

Kael and Lyra approached the city gates, their footsteps slow but deliberate. The towering stone walls stood firm, sturdy yet unassuming, unlike the grand fortresses of the past. There were no banners of war, no sigils of forgotten gods just a simple, human settlement, thriving in its own right.

As they neared, a pair of guards noticed them. Their armor was practical, not ceremonial, built for protection rather than display. One stepped forward, his expression cautious but not hostile.

"Haven't seen you two before." His voice was rough, but not unkind. "Travelers?"

Kael glanced at Lyra. For the first time in lifetimes, there was no grand prophecy guiding his words, no divine mission to declare. He was simply… himself.

He nodded. "Yeah. Travelers."

The guard studied them, his gaze lingering on Kael's scarred hands and the way he carried himself like a warrior who had seen too many battles. Then his eyes flicked to Lyra, her ethereal silver gaze making her look almost otherworldly.

The second guard, younger and more curious, leaned in. "You don't look like you're from around here. Where are you coming from?"

Kael hesitated. How could he possibly explain?

"The past," Lyra said simply, stepping forward. "But we're looking for a future."

The first guard raised an eyebrow, but after a long pause, he stepped aside. "Well, if you're looking for work or a place to rest, the city's open to all. Just don't cause trouble."

Kael smirked faintly. "We'll try."

The gates creaked open, revealing a bustling cityscape. Market stalls lined the streets, merchants calling out their wares. The scent of fresh bread and roasted meat filled the air. Children ran through the alleyways, their laughter genuine, untainted by fear.

It was so… normal.

Kael hadn't realized how much he missed it.

As they walked in, Lyra whispered, "What now?"

Kael looked around, taking in the world they had saved, the world that had been reborn without gods, without cosmic interference. A world that, for the first time, belonged to the people living in it.

He exhaled slowly, a small, genuine smile forming on his lips.

"Now? We live."

And for the first time in centuries, he truly meant it.