Asevan blocked the gods' attacks, giving Khas'tan a chance to breathe. Seizing the moment, Khas'tan climbed desperately toward the end of the Divine Ascension Staircase, not daring to delay. With each step, he drew closer to his destination, where a single green leaf from the World Tree gently swayed.
Khas'tan was ambitious. He had not chosen the location of the gods' Heaven Mountain; instead, he intended for the World Tree's leaf to bear his divine kingdom. This was a risky choice—his kingdom's coordinates would be exposed to the world, like a shining beacon in the night sky. But the potential benefits were enormous. If he could fend off external attacks, his kingdom would grow into a grand world, and he would solidify his position as the Lord of Death.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans.
