The vast arena hummed with excitement as students from every corner of Primordial Academy gathered for the grand spectacle of the Celestial Accord—the Dominion Trials. Today was a day to test their resolve, strength, and intellect, to see who among them could dominate the celestial zones and prove themselves worthy of the prestigious title of Dominion Holder.
Dawn stood at the outer edge of the arena, his figure tall and impassive amidst the bustling crowd. From his vantage point, he could see the various teams assembling, each displaying their own unique strengths and tactics. His eyes, however, were not on the students. He was looking at something far beyond—his mind a flurry of abstract calculations, analyzing each student's movements, the energy pulses in their marks, and the patterns in their formations.
The competition was not merely for display; it was for dominance—a test of strategy and control over the floating Celestial Zones that would serve as the battlefield.
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The air around the arena shimmered, as if the very fabric of reality had momentarily rippled. The Celestial Vessels appeared in the sky like floating fortresses, gliding gracefully above the arena. These advanced crafts were an expression of pure celestial craftsmanship, their surfaces gleaming with radiant power as they descended in a slow, controlled spiral.
Each vessel was a masterpiece in its own right—some looked like immense, crystalline structures that pulsed with a soft, otherworldly glow, while others resembled intricate ships, their hulls adorned with symbols of celestial power. The craft's engines hummed with an energy so potent that even the students below could feel the vibrations through their bones.
As the vessels touched down, the doors opened to reveal guests of incredible stature—noble figures from the highest echelons of celestial and mortal society, legendary transcended beings, and renowned Primes whose names were whispered only in the most reverent circles.
Among the guests was Princess Luna, her silver hair gleaming like moonlight, her violet eyes cutting through the air with the sharpness of a blade. Her Celestial Vessel, a sleek, crescent-shaped ship with a flowing, silken ribbon trailing behind it, landed delicately on the outer ring of the arena. The crowd parted, giving her space, but Luna's gaze—always unreadable—swept over the students below as she disembarked, flanked by her personal guards.
The royalty, nobles, and dignitaries aboard their vessels descended into the arena with an air of authority. Their mere presence signified the magnitude of the event.
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As the last of the Celestial Vessels settled onto the ground, the Grand Instructor stepped forward. His voice rang out with the familiar resonance of authority, amplified by the arcane inscriptions around the arena.
"Students of Primordial Academy," he began, "Today, you stand at the threshold of greatness. The Dominion Trials are upon us, part of the Celestial Accord. This is not a competition of individual merit but a trial of your strategic prowess, strength, and mastery of your Path."
The air seemed to tighten with the weight of his words.
"The trials will take place within the Floating Celestial Zones," the Grand Instructor continued. "These zones, scattered throughout the arena, are representations of celestial forces—each one governed by different elements. They are not passive. Every zone can be manipulated, taken, and defended. Stellar Points will be awarded based on your ability to capture and hold these zones for as long as possible."
He raised his hand, and with a flick of his wrist, glowing orbs of light shot into the air. The orbs expanded to form the holographic images of the twelve floating celestial zones.
"The zones range from the Luminous Veil, which amplifies light-based abilities, to the Infernal Rift, where the very nature of flame and destruction is bent to the will of the strong. There's the Tidal Abyss, a zone that manipulates water and energy currents, and the Aetheric Rift, a place where the fabric of space itself can be twisted. Each zone will challenge you in ways unimaginable."
A soft murmur of awe rippled through the students as they watched the zones shimmer into existence.
"The trial will not be won by sheer force alone. You must work in teams to take and hold these zones. Stellar Points will be awarded for each minute you control a zone, but remember—any team can contest your claim. The more zones you hold, the greater the reward. But only those who can withstand the celestial forces within them will come out on top."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.
"Form your teams. The trial begins in one hour."
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The moment the Grand Instructor finished speaking, the air seemed to snap with energy. Students broke off into smaller groups, already discussing strategies, debating which zones to target first, and assigning roles within their teams.
Among the first to form were Gary Amberson, Ingrid Lorne, and Dawn's group—who had already anticipated the need for a highly coordinated strategy. Gary, now fully wielding the power of his Sovereign Sword, was a force to be reckoned with. Ingrid, with her Mark of Binding, would act as the team's tactician, capable of controlling the battlefield. Dawn's presence, enigmatic as ever, remained a mystery to all, but his Sky Mark would undoubtedly play a crucial role in their success.
However, Cedric Vaughn—the towering force of the Titan Path—had a different goal. His enormous strength and mastery over the Titanic Mark meant that he needed a team that could complement his brute force. He joined with students whose marks would be better suited to holding zones physically, choosing to focus on maintaining dominance through sheer might. His team would aim for zones that emphasized control through force—such as the Mountain Spine or the Infernal Rift.
It became clear that there was no simple path to victory. Every team had its own method of approaching the competition, and only the most flexible, adaptable, and strategic would succeed.
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As the teams formed and the students began strategizing, Dawn remained still, an ever-present observer. His gaze swept across the teams, each one so different, each one building its strategy to fit the trials ahead. But despite being surrounded by so much activity, Dawn felt detached—his mind was a whirlwind of abstract calculations.
He was not like the others. While they practiced their marks, forging new paths and refining their control, Dawn was in his mindscape, absorbing every detail unfolding before him. He had already witnessed how Gary used his Gauntlet of Resolve, how Ingrid utilized her Mark of Binding, and how Cedric adapted to his Titan Path. With his Sky Mark, Dawn was able to simulate these marks within his own mind, forming their concepts and applying them in abstract ways. He could now manifest a Gauntlet of Light—not from Resolve, but from his understanding of the concept itself.
His training was unlike anyone else's. While others forged their marks through physical effort, Dawn forged his through understanding and simulation. The boundaries of his abilities seemed limitless, as vast as the sky above.
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End of Chapter 95
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