A heavy silence settled over the conference room. The expressions worn by the heads of state were varied and conflicted. Some cast irritated glances in my direction, others fixed their gaze straight ahead blankly in an attempt to appear composed, while a few looked quietly unsettled. No one appeared willing to break the silence.0

I leaned back loosely in my chair. The sharp scrutiny directed at me still felt unfamiliar. I wondered if they even understood that I was showing them considerable restraint. From the perspective of the other gods, lingering here like this would be considered foolish.0

It would be insincere to feel resentful, however, as I had set this up.0

“This is not a forum where we will negotiate. I am delivering a notice, so listen carefully. It is simple enough that you will not need to strain yourselves trying to remember it.”0

I immediately noticed their complaints surging to the surface, so I muted them. Their lips twisted awkwardly and unnaturally as they attempted to speak, only to find they couldn’t. It was rather effortless. Just as it had been in the pub before I had entered the tower, they could only roll their eyes in stunned disbelief.0

I spaced my words out—letting the significance of each one settle—as I declared, “Permanent peace,” then continued at a normal...8