The colossal gates of the Arena of Ascension swung open, revealing a staircase that seemed to stretch beyond the heavens.
The Divine Ladder.
A path that only the strongest were allowed to climb.
Aiden stood at its base, golden eyes gleaming as the last echoes of the Grand Melee faded behind him. Around him, countless divine beings watched—some in awe, others in disbelief.
"He really won…"
"A mortal—no, something beyond mortal—defeated the finest warriors of the arena!"
"But the Divine Ladder is different. No one ascends without facing true trials."
Aiden smirked, ignoring the murmurs.
His body still burned from the battle. His muscles ached slightly from Sylva's Lunar Domain.
But that was just a warm-up.
The Divine Guardian of the Arena stepped forward, his massive form radiating celestial authority.
"Aiden."
His voice boomed across the battlefield.
