DC: Rise of the Kryptonian Tyrant

"New Genesis, Heavenly Father, requests an audience with God King Bardi."

The resounding voice echoed from outside the planet Barmulodi, penetrating layers of particle space and resonating in the ears of the Bardians.

A flicker of doubt appeared in Bardi's eyes. His thoughts swirled rapidly, countless possibilities arising in his mind.

I have no connection with the Heavenly Father...

Even Barmulodi was located at the edge of the realm of the gods—what could possibly draw the Heavenly Father to visit him?

An instinctive sense of vigilance welled up in Bardi's heart, one that leaned toward suspicion.

Across from him, the three quasi-Only Gods had frozen upon hearing the Heavenly Father's voice.

The wine glass in Sun Wukong's hand stopped mid-air. The wine swirled to the rim, spilling over and dripping onto his fingers. He slowly set the glass down, his golden eyes meeting those of Athena and Thor, the God of Thunder.

Their gazes were filled with shock and sternness.

After only a brief silence, Sun Wukong stood with a solemn expression. "Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty. It's time for us to take our leave."

Even as he spoke aloud, his lips continued moving silently, mouthing words without sound:

"Beware of all the Only Gods."

Because of the Heavenly Father's immense power, Sun Wukong could only deliver a discreet warning to Bardi, who had only recently moved here.

Bardi caught the silent message. His eyes flickered with thought, and he gave a simple nod in response. With that, Sun Wukong flipped through the air and departed.

Athena and Thor, God of Thunder, also took their leave, offering their farewells quietly, each giving Bardi a subtle warning just like Sun Wukong.

Bardi fell into thought, gazing off into the distance.

The next moment, he waved his hand, clearing away the remnants of the banquet. Turning around, he returned to his temple, summoned his divine armor, and seated himself upon his throne, radiating the authority and power befitting a God King. His overwhelming aura enveloped the entire temple in anticipation of the Heavenly Father's arrival.

"Enter."

Bardi's commanding voice echoed from the throne, carrying beyond the planet. The atmosphere itself responded, forming a massive staircase leading directly into the temple for the Heavenly Father and his entourage.

Unlike with Sun Wukong, Athena, and Thor—who had come in good faith and were weaker than himself—Bardi had no reservations about befriending them. Their lower strength warranted a banquet, toasts, and casual conversation.

But the Heavenly Father was not weak, and that alone made Bardi wary of his intentions.

Seated on the throne, Bardi watched the Heavenly Father ascend the stairs and enter the temple, his gaze calm yet imposing.

The Heavenly Father was tall and broad, with a warm but dignified expression. His beard was thick, and his face radiated both compassion and majesty, evoking a sense of comforting benevolence.

The armor he wore was slightly damaged, as if he had come straight from battle to see Bardi.

Behind him were two companions, both Only Gods and sons of the Heavenly Father.

One was Scott—last time, during the peace negotiations with Apokolips, he was the son exchanged between the Heavenly Father and Darkseid.

The other was Orion.

Orion was Darkseid's second son. To solidify a truce, the ruler of New Genesis, Heavenly Father, and the ruler of Apokolips, Darkseid, had exchanged sons as hostages. Orion and Scott were the children exchanged to maintain peace between the two sides.

A series of events eventually led to both sons being raised under the Heavenly Father's guidance.

Their armors also showed signs of battle, suggesting they had come straight from conflict. Compared to the Heavenly Father's calm and gentle face, both of their expressions were strained and weary, worn down by the toll of war.

Orion's eyes locked onto Bardi, who sat composedly on the throne, exuding majesty as if they had come to pay homage. A flicker of indignation sparked in Orion's heart.

A newly promoted Only God—why is he acting like this, as if we owe him respect?

"You—"

Orion, unable to suppress his dissatisfaction, was about to speak out but was stopped by his father. Forced to hold back, he simply glared coldly at Bardi on the throne.

Bardi remained indifferent. He sat calmly, eyes closed, projecting complete composure.

"Is there something you need?"

His gaze swept past the Heavenly Father's two sons and landed directly on the Heavenly Father, his tone flat.

In truth, Bardi harbored deep resentment toward the Heavenly Father—and, in fact, any of the Only Gods.

He had just arrived in the realm of gods and had yet to establish a firm foothold. Barmulodi, apart from himself, had no other combat power. A single Orion—or any Only God—could obliterate all he had built.

But the Heavenly Father smiled warmly, unaffected by Bardi's cold demeanor. He spoke gently, "God King Bardi, this is your first visit to the realm of gods. You are also one of the Only Gods. New Genesis has prepared a gift to welcome you."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Heavenly Father clapped his hands with a soft "peng" sound, displacing the air.

A transparent cube materialized in his palm.

Inside the cube, a malevolent, twisted, blood-red phantom writhed violently. It exuded a terrifying demonic aura, roaring and slamming against the transparent walls in a frenzy.

"I heard he once had a grudge against you, God King Bardi."

"This was sealed by Lucifer himself. Please accept it with a smile."

Bardi's expression changed, his pupils narrowing as he stared at the cube in the Heavenly Father's hand. The aura within was all too familiar—one he could never forget.

"Trigon!"

(To be continued.)