DC: Rise of the Kryptonian Tyrant

Planet Oa.

At the summit of its highest peak sat seven blue-skinned figures. They wore long robes, the hems trailing ten meters past their feet. Though they were child-sized in stature, their expressions were ancient, withered, and distant, their pupils devoid of emotion or fluctuation.

They had witnessed too much, from the beginning of the universe to this very moment. Despite appearing like blue children, their minds were weathered by endless time. It was difficult for anything to move them now.

"The Green Lantern Corps has been assembled and stands ready to strike Earth at any time."

One of the Guardians of the Universe spoke calmly, his small hands folded within his wide sleeves. He raised his head, looked at the others, and continued, "But... I stopped them."

The other Guardians remained silent. Atop this highest peak, the air was heavy and still. The oppressive silence made the atmosphere feel suffocating.

"You can't stop it. The Monitor has sent word, ordering us to join them in the assault on Earth."

"They have been silent for a long time. And now?"

"Is Earth truly the source of contamination that must be eradicated?"

"Not necessarily. Even after countless eras, can you still not forget what the Monitors once did?"

"But it's just Mandrakk. He alone does not represent the entire race of Monitors."

"Just him alone... and yet in this universe, he is a family unto himself."

"He's insane."

"Are you talking about the guy who walks around in a giant naked blue quantum body all day?"

"Ike, mind your language. Maintain decorum."

"We all know what he intends, but he lacks the power to stop it."

"He guided Krona to explore the mysteries of the universe's origin. Despite the prohibition, they began forced research. The resulting explosion created the Multiverse and the Antimatter Universe centered around this reality. He succeeded. And to this day, it has all begun. That blue-skinned man is the victim... unable even to manifest."

The Guardians of the Universe originated from the planet Maltus. They were among the first intelligent lifeforms in the cosmos, possessing advanced technology and civilization from the beginning.

They had witnessed the rise of countless unique gods and the conflicts they caused throughout the universe. These events became the source of many divine disputes.

This was why the remaining Maltusians created Oa and the Green Lantern Corps—to safeguard the universe.

But now, they were powerless. That same fear that had plagued them for eons stirred again. Mandrakk, the Watcher, who oversaw this universe and even guided its evolution, had made this universe the central anchor from which both the Multiverse and Antimatter Universe emerged.

When all things converge and are unified, he would also evolve into a pseudo-singular god, gaining power equal to or just beneath that of the One True God.

"We could contact Darkseid's projection clone within this universe."

"Long ago, even before the age of the ancient eternal universe, that projection eliminated the Highfather of New Genesis who had also projected into this universe. He condensed the godhead of this world and represents part of the universe's will. He could stop Mandrakk."

"It's no use. This universe is meaningless to Darkseid. He might even intervene just for the sake of destruction."

"Even so, it's still useful. The Monitor race and a destroyer like Darkseid are fundamentally opposed. Darkseid himself is a source of contamination to the universe. I believe his clone would not mind hammering Mandrakk a second time."

"Maybe... we could use the Black Lantern Ring..."

Scarface, one of the Guardians, spoke in a calm tone.

At the mention of the Black Light, the others gasped.

In truth, they had never seen the Black Death itself, but they knew every force has an opposite. The end of life is death. The end of the universe is nothingness—darkness and death—embodied by the Black Death.

Among all the Lantern Rings, the Black Lantern Ring is taboo. Once it appears, darkness spreads across the universe. Without a White Lantern Ring to counter it, then.

"Let's discuss it later."

One Guardian sighed deeply, neither agreeing nor opposing. If, at the final hour, they truly could not stop Mandrakk, they did not mind if the Black Death appeared to end both him and this universe in mutual destruction.

"Also, we could release the First Lantern and Volthoom."

"Gather all the Lanterns. We must control every one of them."

"We cannot become Mandrakk's pawns. Not again."

"Seek out the gods who won the last war between the cosmic gods. It seems... the Olympian gods were the victors."

"They fell into deep slumber, beyond reach, hidden within a subspace pocket within this universe."

...

Olympus Domain.

On the towering peaks of Mount Olympus stood twelve statues of the Olympian gods.

Apollo, radiant as sunlight.

Artemis, with cold moonlit eyes.

Aphrodite, embodying beauty and sensuality.

Athena, the goddess of wisdom.

Hera, graceful and composed.

And leading them all, a towering figure—Zeus, King of the Gods, raising high his Thunder Spear.

Suddenly.

Crack!

The skies above Olympus, always bathed in clear light, erupted with thunder.

A bolt of silver-white lightning slashed down from the cloudless sky, striking the tip of Zeus' Thunder Spear.

In an instant, electricity surged like silver serpents, coursing through the statues of the gods.

Starting with Zeus, the statues began to change. Their stone shells flaked away like ash, revealing the true forms of the Olympian gods.

"Ahh, finally, the rest is over."

Athena stretched lazily, lifting her arms high, her body forming elegant lines beneath the sunlight, a tranquil and graceful presence.

The other Olympian gods showed varied expressions. Some looked resigned, others yawned as if awakening from a long nap.

"We shouldn't be awake yet."

"This isn't the end of the universe... not the time to harvest the final wave of divine essence."

"So what? I just want a drink and a party. Anyone joining me?"

"My awakening means war is near."

"Haha..."

"The Monitors—what are they planning now?"

"Zeus, what's wrong?"

The goddess Hera stood nearby, her arms pale as lilies. Golden curls cascaded from beneath her crown as she wore a peaceful, curious expression, her beautiful eyes fixed on Zeus.

Zeus' tall frame, bare-chested, still gripping the Thunder Spear, was solemn.

He had received a message from his true body in the divine realm.

"Fractured!"

What did it mean? Was there truly something in this universe worth drawing the attention of the Olympian gods?

(To be continued.)