Zamasu stood at the edge of one of the Temple's caved-in walls, pausing next to three large freestanding pillars near the main entrance. Despite the crumbling infrastructure around them, they stood erect like guards on display, carved from smooth black marble with intricate cut-out designs featuring a myriad of characters, with the center one holding a faintly glowing yellow orb. Mistaken by many as mere ornate decorations, Zamasu knew better—they were the physical embodiments of the three pillars of Supreme Kai governance, each adorned with the following words carved onto their tops: Balance, Prosperity, Compassion. These were known throughout the multiverse as The Trine Sanctums, reflecting their role as symbols of a harmonious trio of guiding principles.
In every corner of the multiverse, each Sacred World featured their own Trine Sanctums in a unique location: some atop rocky mountain peaks, some near springs of clear water, others on gravity-defying floating islands resembling rain clouds, or, as in many of the universes, just simply near a special tree that evoked memories of a Supreme Kai's own beloved Kaiju. In each manifestation, these pillars stood as timeless symbols of Supreme Kai wisdom and governance, echoing across the cosmos.
While all universes revered and safeguarded their pillars, Universe 10 boasted a special feature: the ability to house them adjacent to a solid structure. On regular days, when the Temple remained intact, a large smooth stone wall flanked these pillars. Twice a day, under the perfect angle of the ambient sun and moonlight, the shadows of the seemingly random symbols revealed their secret message, showcasing their true quality. They displayed the universal Oath of the Supreme Kai, readable only to those versed in the Divine Tongue, and it said:
"Guided by the principles of justice, harmony, and enlightenment, the mission of the Supreme Kai is to safeguard the balance and prosperity of the universe. Through diligent stewardship, strategic planning, and compassionate leadership, I will strive to foster the growth and development of all sentient beings, while upholding the cosmic order. With unwavering dedication, I pledge to protect the sanctity of life, nurture the evolution of civilizations, and ensure the preservation of peace and prosperity across the cosmos, for the benefit of all."
Many mornings found Zamasu standing next to the message, quietly absorbing its wisdom, as he sought to center himself against doubts or anger. Recalling his personal "Ascension Rite," he remembered speaking the oath aloud in front of all the current serving Kai, relevant other Shinjin, Destroyers, and Angels of the twelve universes, as well as the Grand Priest and Omni-King themselves, during the opulent affair known as the Supreme Kai Investiture Ceremony. Such occasions were rare, as Supreme Kai seldom changed hands, and for Zamasu, it was one of only a handful of instances in his long life, thus far, where he encountered individuals from outside Universe 10.
During this rite, with hands shaking, he spoke the oath (amidst Hanakotoba's insufferable sneezing in the background) on a high platform, with Gowasu by his side. The Divine Luminary Orb, a cosmic sphere containing the "primordial essence" -a swirling, radiant energy imbued with the core spirit of Universe 10's creation, from the very first moments of its Big Bang- was passed from mentor to apprentice, signaling the end of Gowasu's reign. This orb would sit proudly atop the center pillar in Universe 10, for tens of thousands of years or more, until Zamasu passed it along to his own future apprentice. Against a kaleidoscope of infinite stars and a vibrant geomagnetic storm dancing like ribbons of ethereal light, the ceremony took on a solemn atmosphere, as the multiverse itself came alive and whispered its blessings upon the passing of the cosmic guard.
Zamasu recalled a murmur spreading through the audience, as jealous Kai commented on the Orb's golden appearance, symbolizing Universe 10's status as a creation of Zeno himself, rather than the result of an accidental collision with rogue antimatter that sparked universes 2, 3, 5, 9, and 12. Rumors circulated that the Omni-King was growing weary of managing so many universes, leading to some disdain towards those holding the coveted golden status.
Zamasu tried to tune out the vapid comments and focus, as he held the orb to his forehead, speaking the Divine Tongue into it:
"Ynomrah ssorca eht somsoc: gnitcetorp efil, gnirutrun snoitazilivic, gnivreserp ecaep."
This act sealed his chi entirely with the very fabric of Universe 10, and officially connected him to Rumsshi, until his death, or chosen retirement. With a final snap, as Gowasu clipped the second Potara onto his apprentice, Universe 10 officially belonged to Zamasu, the new Supreme Kai.
He remembered Gowasu placing a supportive hand on his trembling shoulder, with a smile.
"Zamasu, may you lead with wisdom and compassion, and may the light of your guidance shine brightly across the cosmos," Gowasu said, his voice filled with pride and confidence, as Zamasu stood completely still, suddenly uncertain for his long unwritten future ahead of him, and the weight of his new life growing heavily in the back of his mind.
He did not remember much else after that moment, as the solemn evening transitioned into a boisterous celebration. The air filled with the sounds of drinking, dancing, and laughter, as deities of all ranks, from every edge of the multiverse, mingled and exchanged pleasantries —a party likely not meant to happen for at least another fifty thousand years. Amidst the revelry, Zamasu found himself swept up in the joyous atmosphere, grateful to put off his newfound responsibilities that awaited him as the new Supreme Kai, for just one more magical evening.
Zamasu contemplated this enchanted night, his thoughts drifting to a happier moment, amidst the vast destruction surrounding him, and the deep uncertainty that he held about what to do going forward. His North Kai lay clinging to life, nearly dead in his room. The Potara, which had been Gowasu's for over a million years, vaporized in a matter of moments by his own hands. The still unanswered puzzle of his alternate, immortal, selves, desperate for claiming rights to his artifacts, while destroying his planets and precious creations for an unknown cause; and, amidst it all, a mortal, nonchalantly conversing with his colleagues, other deities, seemingly oblivious to his sacrilege. Zamasu narrowed his eyes in anger and set off towards the distant figure, determined to defend the honor of all divine beings, and uphold the sacred oath he had taken.