The sun had barely risen over the Ardentis estate when word arrived: a delegation of higher-tier descendants was coming. They weren't here for courtesy—they were here to observe, and perhaps judge.
[System Notification: High-tier Presence Detected – Silver Progress +10%]Caution: Opponent power far exceeds current mastery. Survival and discretion required.
I felt a hum in the system—a warning from Zeus. The aura of the approaching party pressed against me, subtle but undeniable. Even as a fully controlled Silver-tier, this was no casual encounter.
Richa's golden eyes were sharp. "They've heard about you. The boy who survived the trial, the one who bends lightning to his will. Some are curious… others are envious. Be careful."
The entourage arrived, led by a tall, imposing figure radiating pure divine energy. His aura crackled faintly, a minor Gold-tier descendant at least. His eyes scanned me like a predator assessing prey.
"You must be Caelum Ardentis," he said, voice smooth, dangerous. "I've heard… impressive things. Surviving Bronze, mastering a Silver trial… but tell me—can you survive the scrutiny of those far above your rank?"
I felt the system pulse, urging caution. I could fight, but this wasn't about raw power. This was about strategy, perception, and will.
[System Hint: Social and Combat Threat Detected – Engage Carefully]
I stepped forward, keeping my aura calm, allowing only faint sparks of lightning to dance along my fingertips. "I'll do more than survive," I said evenly. "I'll prove I belong."
The Gold-tier descendant's gaze sharpened, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Bold… but survival here requires more than courage. It requires mastery, wisdom, and patience. We shall see how far your spark truly reaches."
He gestured subtly, and two Silver-tier descendants flanked him, their energy crackling, assessing me with keen interest.
I felt a flicker of doubt—the first time since mastering Silver-tier that I wasn't sure I could respond. My body and skills were ready, but the stakes… the stakes were higher than any duel or trial I had faced.
This is beyond combat. Beyond training. Your will is your weapon.
I clenched my fists, lightning dancing across my arms. I didn't know if I could match them in power. I didn't know if I could survive their scrutiny. But I knew one thing: I wouldn't bow.
Silver-tier mastery is only the beginning. The storm now meets the horizon of the gods.
Richa's hand on my shoulder was firm. "No matter what happens, Caelum… remember who you are. The first descendant of Zeus. You've survived every trial before. You can endure this too."
I took a deep breath, feeling the storm inside me pulse stronger than ever. Lightning arced along my fingers, controlled and sharp. Let them see… let them test me. I will not falter.
The delegation stepped closer, and the air hummed with power. This was no longer training. This was the first step into the true world of divine politics and survival.
And I was ready.