In the vastness of outer space, a sleek black cat, reminiscent of a feline, soared at incredible speeds, breaking the sound barrier while leaving trails of blood behind. Clinging to its back was an elderly man, coughing up blood as they flew through the infinite void.
"Don't worry, master, we've lost them, we can…" The cat halted mid-sentence, its pupils widening in alarm as it sensed the frail state of its master. The aura of light that once surrounded the old man was flickering, and his body was becoming increasingly transparent.
Fueled by anger and desperation, the divine feline recalled the ambush they had endured. "Little star…"
The old man's voice came out as a weak gasp, his breathing ragged as he turned his gaze towards his companion—a large black cat covered in wounds, blood dripping from its fur, its starry-purple aura dimming as well.
"Don't look at me like that… It's making this old man want to weep…" The Light Emperor sighed heavily, sliding off the cat's back and positioning himself protectively in front of it, sensing the approach of a formidable group.
Five beams of light emerged, each revealing individuals with distinct yet damaged auras. "Light Emperor, Divine Feline! It is time to face your imminent death," announced a man cloaked in flames, his murderous intent focused on the Light Emperor, Meng Pang.
The Light Emperor and his divine companion glared defiantly at their assailants. "Ha! Hilarious! Even you, the divine five elementals, cannot hold a candle to my might. What makes you think you can kill me?" His laughter echoed defiantly.
"Arrogant!" growled a woman in a pink gown, an aura of blooming flowers radiating from her as she stepped forward.
"You're courting death, you old bag of bones," sneered another man, crackling with blue lightning, his eyes fixed on the old man and his pet.
"Shameless cowards! How dare you harm your own master? You unfilial brats!" the divine feline roared telepathically, fury coursing through its being.
"Shut your damn mouth, you beast," said a man cloaked in darkness, advancing with a calm disdain, his gaze shifting between the Light Emperor and the divine feline. "Indeed, he is our master; he educated us, instilled in us that power and strength reign supreme in this world. Now, as your disciple, I demand you hand over your elemental cores and the Central Nexus World Treasury Key. Do this, and we shall grant you both a painless death."
"Tch… We'll fight to the death before we hand anything over…" Star, the feline, began angrily, only to be interrupted by his master's words.
"What gives you the right to make such demands? This old man will not yield, even on the brink of death," he stated firmly, his resolve unshaken.
"I knew you would be stubborn," a calm yet arrogant voice interjected, revealing a man with white-blonde hair and alluring golden eyes, his flawless features magnificent. He appeared above the crowd in a flash of light, untouched by injuries except for a single scratch on his cheek.
Star hissed in anger, glaring at the figure exuding a light aura floating above the others. "Bastard! I can't believe you, his own flesh and blood, can be such a greedy and shameless being."
The flash of light revealed the Prodigious Son, the Son of the Light Emperor and heir to his legacy—Meng Tian.
Deep sadness filled the Light Emperor's eyes as he gazed upon his son, emotions shifting from disappointment to anger to betrayal. "Father…"
"You are no son of mine!" the Light Emperor rebuked harshly.
Meng Tian's sigh echoed with resignation. "It's time, old man, for the younger generation to take over. As your son, I must at least show you some filial piety in your final moments and request the handover of the Nexus World Treasury along with your cores, to ensure you receive a proper burial."
The Light Emperor's laughter filled the void, sounding almost maniacal, and even Star sensed something was amiss. A brilliant light enveloped the feline as a halo formed around its body, revolving gently.
"This is goodbye, old friend… Don't be too sorrowful," whispered a voice in Star's mind.
"Wait…!" Just then, Star was thrust away, the events unfolding faster than the group could comprehend. A split second later, an enormous explosion erupted, bright enough to shake the very foundations of dimensions.
….
In a different dimension at the same time, a 14-year-old boy leaped off a five-story building.
"I hate this world…"
As he plummeted, he glimpsed a breathtaking scene; a light brighter than the sun bathed the sky in brilliant radiance, illuminating the world he despised in an awe-inspiring glow.
"Beautiful," he murmured, just before hitting the ground.
Splat!
….
Eyes opening, he gazed up at the sky, a sense of confusion filling his mind as he pondered,
"Where… am I?"