The stone path coiled upward like a serpent's spine, each step layered with invisible force.
By the fiftieth step, sweat poured from most disciples. Their breaths came ragged, shoulders hunched under an unseen mountain pressing upon them. A few already collapsed to their knees, gasping, unable to rise.
Yet Kael walked as though the air were light. His stride steady, his back unbowed, his eyes calm. The disciples around him stared in disbelief—he looked untouchable, almost serene.
"Impossible… the pressure should be crushing by now," one whispered.
"Has he grown this strong in secret?" murmured another.
Kael only smiled faintly, his crimson-black aura coiled deep within, feeding on the mountain's weight. Every ounce of heaven's pressure was like wine to him, a banquet that made him stronger with each breath.
---
Arhaan's Struggle
Meanwhile, Arhaan's pace slowed. His muscles screamed with each step, his chains rattling within him. Unlike Kael, he felt the mountain's fury in full. Each step was a war, his body straining, his will tested.
But he did not falter.
He remembered Selene's words—climb for yourself.
He remembered the faces of those who had been crushed by heaven's decree, the silent graves of those who bowed.
Every step he took was for them.
His knees nearly buckled, yet he forced himself upward, his crimson-gold chains flaring in defiance.
---
A Dangerous Contrast
By the hundredth step, the difference was stark.
Half the disciples had already collapsed.
Kael moved effortlessly, even pausing to help a disciple steady themselves—drawing murmurs of awe at his "compassion."
Arhaan, drenched in sweat, forced himself up another step with clenched teeth, his body trembling as though the mountain wanted to bury him alive.
Kael's eyes slid toward him, crimson flickering just beneath his irises.
Yes… break yourself, Arhaan. When you fall, I will rise above you, unchallenged.
The mountain groaned, its unseen pressure thickening with every step.
And somewhere high above, as though watching, the heavens stirred.