The fifteen-minute break ended much faster than expected.
The noise in the arena slowly died down as the barriers rose again, but this time, it was much higher, thicker, layered with far more complex runes.
The ground itself had been replaced, reinforced with ancient materials meant to withstand clashes between high-tier gods.
Aestrea stepped back onto the arena floor.
The moment his foot touched the ground, a familiar pressure settled around him. Not oppressive, but expectant.
Thousands of eyes locked onto his back.
The professor floated above the arena, his expression serious now. Gone was the earlier hesitation.
"Attention," he announced, his voice echoing through the expanded space.
"The next duel will determine entry into Heaven's List."
The crowd stirred.
"This is it…"
"The gate."
"The 200th rank…"
The professor took a breath.
"Challenger... Aestrea."
A wave of murmurs rolled through the stands.
"And now, shall the 200th-ranked student enter the arena..-"
