Reaching the Pillar of the Sky, Aaron placed his hand on its golden surface. For a brief moment, nothing happened. The silence grew oppressive, as though the pillar itself were assessing the depth of his power and foundation.
Then, with a sudden burst, the first light ignited.
One.
Before the crowd could react, the second light followed.
Two.
The pulses came faster now, like the crackle of thunder splitting the sky.
Three.
Four.
The fourth pulse blazed with such intensity that the entire arena was momentarily bathed in radiant light. Trialists shielded their eyes, and a murmur of awe swept through the crowd.
"Could he reach Fifth?"
The crowd's anticipation peaked as the golden pillar hesitated, then pulsed again.
Fifth!
The air grew electric, quite literally, as Aaron's aura resonated with the pillar.
The cold, mechanical voice echoed across the arena:
"Fifth floor."
