The Sage stood among the Patriarchs, his masked face tilted upward toward the sky where crimson lightning had torn through storm clouds moments ago.
The ancient voice still echoed in his mind, that declaration resonating across dimensions.
"The True Demon of the universe finally awakens."
His hands remained clasped behind his back, his purple hair shifting in wind that carried falling snow.
'Big Brother...'
The thought formed with weight that pressed against his chest.
'You were the greatest hero humanity could ever have.'
His gaze tracked the fading patterns of light overhead, seeing beyond the physical storm to the metaphysical shifts happening beneath reality's surface.
'The strongest warrior, the bravest man, the one who saved countless lives without ever asking for anything in return...'
His fingers tightened fractionally against his robes.
'But in order for our world to survive what's coming, we never needed another hero...'
