"the beginning and the end"

In an unknown realm lies a completely dark dominion. At the heart of this abyss stands an imposing fortress that seems ominous at first glance.

This fortress gives the impression that it harbors something that should not exist in the world, exuding a dreadful aura of power.

Inside the fortress, chairs are arranged in a perfect semicircle, twelve seats dimly illuminated by a faint light emanating from the ceiling.

Each person sits in their place, their movements precise, echoing a meticulously orchestrated system.

Behind a table that gleams like obsidian, no features or expressions can be discerned; only shadows swirling in the darkness, with the edges of their heavy cloaks flowing, concealing their bodies while revealing an enigmatic authority.

Their breaths are calm, yet heavy with the anticipation of what is to come.

However, two of these seats remain empty, unoccupied.

At the pinnacle of this gathering hangs a sign made of massive, sturdy crimson stone, inscribed with the edge of a sword: "Council of Sovereigns."

"Well... it seems that individual hasn't arrived as I anticipated, but the absence of the Antichrist is rather surprising. Hehehe... this is amusing."

Suddenly, a high, sinister voice broke the silence, accompanied by an ethereal aura that filled the space.

"Morgan... keep your damned phantoms at bay, unless you're eager for a fight..."

A deep, gravelly voice replied, belonging to a figure of powerful stature, dressed in garments that accentuated his immense frame.

"Hehehe... I always welcome a clash with you, especially you, Ragnar. Why not give it a shot? It's been ages since I tasted your fist... Hehehe."

Morgan's voice dripped with desire, the sound of his anticipation echoing through the room.

"Damn it... you're revolting, just like your damned ghosts..."

"Enough of you two! Have you forgotten why we are gathered here?!"

This time, a woman's voice interjected, emanating a toxic green energy that attracted a swarm of insects buzzing around her, indicating her proficiency in the art of poison.

"Vanessa... you've become even more captivating; it appears the men of this age are quite useful, aren't they?"

"Ragnar, stop being foolish. This is not the time for brawling. And you, Morgan, why do you find the Antichrist's absence so peculiar?"

Vanessa ignored Morgan's taunts, trying to maintain her composure as she questioned him.

"Hmm... although the Antichrist is a theorist and can only be slain by one person, have you forgotten what the cursed immortal did to him?"

"...."

"You're all truly odd. What disturbs me is the absence of Kaido... have you forgotten what he did to the immortal in the first age before the immortal fled and gained strength?"

Another voice chimed in, belonging to a figure with bloody claws and a massive build, exuding a terrifying power that enveloped him.

"Ashura is right... the immortal has been searching for Kaido throughout the ages and has never found him. Kaido managed to escape... that person's immortality is revolting."

Another member of the seated group, who appeared unremarkable but radiated an invisible power that made others hesitant to underestimate him, spoke up.

"What do you see, Ziras?!"

A calm voice questioned him, belonging to a figure adorned with scales and holding a trident, revealing that the previous speaker was indeed Ziras.

"I've gazed at the stars... they foretell a catastrophe; you know that without asking, Neptune, don't you?!"

"...."

"Why are you all talking so much?! The immortal has just awakened from his slumber, so his power must still be sealed... this is our chance to affect him before he grows stronger."

A chilling voice interrupted, belonging to a woman wielding an ice spear, her surroundings transformed into a wintery landscape, demonstrating that the power of these beings emanated from within them.

This is the final age of the world; surely the cursed immortal will lose his immortality, but it seems you forget a lot..."

Another voice trembled with fear at the mention of the world's end but quickly regained its composure.

"...."

There was another man slouched on a chair, resting his foot on the table, beside a massive sword, silent and seemingly oblivious to the conversation.

"What do you mean, Lucifer?!"

Nefria, wielding the ice spear, directed her words at the previous speaker, the devil... Lucifer.

"... We forgot that we couldn't defeat the immortal in the last two ages, let alone kill him. Therefore, his immortality isn't the issue here, is it?!"

"..."

No one spoke; they fell silent, reminded of Jowalin's terrifying power that had frightened them all.

"That accursed one relished his immortality and the bravery that allowed him to learn all sorts of terrifying powers and develop them. He was better than us in that... we theorists."

Lucifer continued, his voice surrounded by a terrifying demonic energy, but his face remained hidden in darkness, as did the others sitting there.

"I sensed the cursed immortal's power in Kemet; he has just awakened his lineage, but..."

Ziras spoke again, gazing at the heavens, especially the stars, and said, "But this time, his lineage runs much deeper than ever before."

"....!!!!!"

"Well, I anticipated this. It seems his body at that time wasn't his true form; it was merely a reflection of time and space. But... how did he achieve that?"

Lucifer spoke with a mix of confidence and confusion, then continued, "But Kemet... that bothersome place again? That individual appeared not long ago and went there; in the end, I don't know if he's alive or not."

"More importantly, you the crow ... weren't you in that place before?! Why does your region seem so bothersome?"

Lucifer glared at one of the seated figures, speaking in a furious tone. This person was clad in black, surrounded by hundreds of crows that circled him, disappearing intermittently.

"..."

"Ugh... we can't intervene directly due to the dangers of that cursed place, but since the immortal is still weak, the Celestial Court can handle him."

The crow did not respond, but Lucifer sighed as they discussed their next plan before everyone departed, leaving the crow sitting in his place, gazing into the distance and saying, "Kemet... I've missed this piece of paradise. Sigh, it seems the coming times will be arduous."

...

In the central lands of Kemet, inside the Great Pyramid, Jowalin collapsed, panting slightly, sweat soaking the entire chamber, yet he smiled.

"Hahaha... it seems my lineage is stronger. My lineage and body at that time allowed me to endure all kinds of powers, but this time, my true lineage... it is far more terrifying."