Year 0: the Reign of Azerel

I am in the middle of writing this part, but to put briefly.. Azerel rules for one year, which for now, we'll call "Year 0" .. marking the change in eras from Prehistoric to Modern. At the end of this year, eight heroes emerge and destroy Azerel's inner circle, but are defeated by Azerel afterward. Before Azerel can finish them off, the Gods return.

The Gods underestimate Azerel, who resists their attempts at persuasion. When his intentions of conquest are made clear, the Gods try to neutralize his power. Azerel laughs and shows them how it's done. The resulting expulsion of energy sends waves of destruction across the land. Many are killed, presumably including Azerel. The world is shattered and society is left in ruins.