The Strongest Of All Beings (Mongu)

Chapter 1: The White Box

In an instant, all intelligent beings across existence were ripped from their worlds and thrust into a blinding, infinite white void.

Mortals, deities, demons, machines, and creatures from countless realms stood side by side, their confusion and fear palpable. This was not a place they recognized, and the sheer scale of the gathering was beyond comprehension.

"What is this?" a human knight muttered, gripping his sword tightly.

"Where are we?" a celestial being asked, its radiant form flickering as if struggling to hold its shape in this strange realm.

The groundless void stretched endlessly, and yet, they all stood as though gravity still held them.

Then, a voice spoke, resonating not in their ears but directly in their minds.

"Welcome, participants."

The voice was calm, neutral, and devoid of emotion. It carried an undeniable authority, silencing the growing murmurs.

"You have been gathered here to participate in the Trial of Existence, a test to determine the strongest being among all creation."

The crowd stirred uneasily.

"What does that mean?" someone shouted, their voice cracking.

"Why us?" another demanded.

The voice ignored the questions, continuing its explanation:

"Before the trial begins, a sacrifice must be made. Among all of you, one will be chosen to pave the way for the trial's commencement."

---

The Vote

A shimmering panel of light appeared before each being. The panel displayed a single message in their native language:

"Vote for the one to be sacrificed."

The void erupted into chaos.

"This is insane!" a woman screamed, shaking her head. "Why do we have to kill someone?"

A towering demon laughed, his deep voice rumbling. "Simple. Vote for the weakest. Someone who won't matter."

Beings began pointing fingers, accusing and debating.

"We should vote for someone small, someone who can't fight," a reptilian warrior growled.

"Or someone who won't cause trouble," another added.

---

Mongu

Amid the chaos, a small figure stood quietly. A little dog with soft brown fur, floppy ears, and a curious expression, Mongu sat unnoticed among the giants and monsters around him.

He tilted his head, watching the beings argue. His tail wagged slightly, as though he believed the shouting was some kind of game.

Then, someone pointed at him.

"The dog," a demon hissed, grinning wickedly. "It's perfect. Weak, small, insignificant. Why waste our votes on anyone else?"

Others began to nod in agreement.

"Yeah, vote for the dog. It's the easiest choice."

"It's just a dog. What's the harm?"

The sentiment spread quickly. Before long, a vast majority of the crowd had cast their votes for Mongu.

The little dog barked softly, wagging his tail. He had no idea what was happening, only that so many eyes were on him now.

---

The Sacrifice

The panels disappeared, and the voice spoke again.

"The votes are in. The one chosen for sacrifice is… Mongu."

A soft gasp rippled through the crowd.

Mongu barked once more, his innocent eyes looking around as though waiting for something to happen.

Then, his body began to glow. A faint, golden light surrounded him, lifting him gently into the air. The void itself seemed to tremble, and a sense of unease washed over the crowd.

"The sacrifice has been made. The trial will now begin."

Mongu's glowing form vanished, disappearing from the void.

The beings stood in silence, some relieved, others wracked with guilt. But there was no time to dwell on their choice.

---

Quadrant

The void cracked and shattered, revealing a swirling vortex of stars, galaxies, and endless worlds.

"Welcome to Quadrant," the voice intoned. "The battleground of the Trial of Existence. This world will test your strength, your resolve, and your worth. Only the strongest will prevail."

The participants were pulled into the vortex, their bodies stretched and compressed as they were hurled toward the unknown.

When the light faded, they found themselves scattered across a world unlike any other.

Quadrant was infinite in scale, containing entire galaxies within its borders. Continents the size of universes stretched endlessly, separated by oceans of shifting light and energy.

Each being felt a strange sensation as they adjusted to the new world.

Abilities.

Some found their bodies infused with energy, their senses heightened, or their minds sharpened. A few discovered strange, unique powers manifesting within them. Others, less fortunate, felt nothing but an overwhelming sense of dread.

The voice echoed one final time.

"Survive. Fight. Grow stronger. The Trial of Existence has begun."

---

A World Changed

Across Quadrant, chaos erupted immediately.

In a dense forest of crystalline trees, a mortal warrior found himself face-to-face with a monstrous creature, its glowing eyes filled with malice. He raised his sword, trembling.

On a mountain peak surrounded by molten rivers, a sorceress conjured spells of light as shadowy figures approached, their claws glinting in the strange sunlight.

High above the ground, a god of storms clashed with a colossal serpent, its shimmering scales reflecting the galaxies swirling in the sky.

Everywhere, the fight for survival began.

Far away, in a forgotten corner of Quadrant, a small figure stirred. Mongu opened his eyes, his once-innocent gaze now sharp and focused.

The Trial of Existence had begun.

And the beings who had voted for him had no idea what awaited them.

---

To Be Continued…