The arena was a breathtaking sight—a grand coliseum that stretched far beyond the eye could see, glowing with golden energy. Floating platforms hovered in the air, shifting and rearranging themselves as if alive. The seats were packed with people from every corner of Eidolon, all murmuring with excitement and anticipation.
"This place is insane," Kazuki muttered, his eyes darting around as he tried to take it all in.
Andreas grinned. "Welcome to the Echelon Trials, the greatest show in Eidolon! You're gonna love it!"
Sonnet smirked, leaning against the railing. "And hate it. But mostly love it… probably."
The crowd grew louder as the contestants started to appear on the arena floor. Warriors in shining armor, spellcasters cloaked in mysterious energy, and rogue-like figures with deadly precision—all preparing for their chance at glory. Each of them looked determined, their eyes blazing with the hope of victory.
Massive crystal screens lit up above the arena, displaying close-up shots of the participants. The announcer's voice boomed across the coliseum, amplified by the magic-infused air.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Citizens of Eidolon! Welcome to this year's Echelon Trials!"
The crowd erupted into cheers.
"The greatest warriors from across the realm have gathered here to test their might, their skill, and their courage! Only the strongest will prevail! Only the chosen will rise!"
Kazuki could feel the energy of the crowd vibrating through his body. Even if he didn't fully understand what was happening, it was hard not to get swept up in the excitement.
And then it happened.
The lights in the arena dimmed, and a deep hum filled the air. The crowd fell silent, holding their breath.
On the grand stage at the center of the coliseum, golden light spiraled upward, forming an archway of shimmering energy. From that light, a figure emerged—a man clad in flowing robes of pure white and gold, his presence commanding and serene. His face was calm, almost ethereal, with eyes that seemed to hold the weight of countless ages. His every step radiated power and grace.
The Savior.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"It… it's really him," Andreas whispered, his usual playful tone gone.
The crowd sat in stunned silence, their eyes locked on the Savior as he stood atop the grand stage, his aura blazing like the sun. Even the air around him felt different—thicker, charged with a presence so overwhelming it demanded attention. His voice echoed, not just through the coliseum but deep into the hearts of everyone present.
"To those who stand before me today—remember this: strength is not defined by power alone. It is forged in sacrifice, in perseverance, and in unwavering resolve. The Echelon Trials exist not to determine who is the strongest, but to reveal who is worthy. To become something greater than themselves."
His words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. The crowd erupted into cheers once more, their spirits soaring with inspiration.
Sonnet's silver hair glimmered in the dim light, her once-playful expression now tense and serious. She folded her arms, eyes narrowing at the Savior. "It's been a long time… I didn't think we'd ever see him again."
Andreas leaned closer to Kazuki, lowering his voice. His usual carefree demeanor was gone. "Be careful. This isn't just a public appearance—it means something big is about to happen."
Kazuki could feel his heart racing. The sheer weight of the Savior's presence pressed down on him. He felt small, like a drop of water in an endless ocean.
Suddenly, the Savior's gaze locked onto him.
The crowd fell into a hushed silence as the Savior raised a hand, pointing directly at Kazuki. "You. Step forward."
Whispers rippled through the crowd, confusion spreading like wildfire. Why him? He wasn't even a contestant. He hadn't shown any strength or ability—he was just… there.
Kazuki froze. His pulse thundered in his ears. Sonnet and Andreas exchanged a glance, their faces grim.
Lumi appeared at Kazuki's side, her usually cheerful expression gone, replaced with concern. "Kazuki… be careful."
The Savior smiled gently, lowering his hand. "Let us speak in private."
Before Kazuki could react, the Savior snapped his fingers.
In an instant, the world around them dissolved into shimmering particles of light. The noise of the crowd, the grand coliseum—everything vanished.
Kazuki found himself standing in a vast, endless void. The ground beneath him was smooth like glass, reflecting a swirling expanse of stars above. The only constant was the Savior, who stood calmly in front of him, his robes billowing despite the absence of wind.
The Savior's eyes gleamed with ancient knowledge as he spoke. "Do you know why you're here, Kazuki?"
Kazuki swallowed hard. "I… I'm not sure."
The Savior walked closer, his footsteps soundless in the void. "You were brought here for a purpose far greater than you realize. This world, Eidolon, is not as it seems. The trials, the blessings, even the concept of destiny—there are secrets far deeper than you can imagine."
Kazuki's breath caught in his throat. His mind raced with questions, but before he could speak, the Savior stopped mere steps away from him.
"I've watched you closely since the moment you arrived." His voice was calm, yet there was an undercurrent of something else—something darker, something dangerous. "You have potential, Kazuki. A spark that could change everything. But sparks can either ignite a flame… or be extinguished."
The stars above seemed to flicker as the Savior's eyes bore into Kazuki's. "So, tell me… which will you be?"
The question hung in the air, heavy and unanswerable. Kazuki could feel the weight of it pressing down on him, threatening to crush him.
But somehow, deep inside, something stirred—a flicker of defiance, of determination.
"I… I don't know yet," Kazuki admitted, his voice steady. "But I'll figure it out."
The Savior chuckled softly, a sound that was both reassuring and unsettling. "Good answer. For now."
He turned, his eyes gazing into the endless void. "There are things I cannot reveal to you yet. But soon, you will understand. And when that time comes, you'll need to make a choice."
The Savior raised his hand again, and the void began to ripple and dissolve.
"Until then, watch carefully. The Echelon Trials are more than a test of strength. They are a glimpse into what lies beyond the golden boundaries."
With that, the void shattered like glass, and Kazuki was back in the coliseum, standing exactly where he had been before. The crowd still whispered in confusion, their eyes locked on him.
Sonnet and Andreas rushed to his side.
"What the hell just happened?" Sonnet demanded. "What did he say to you?"
Kazuki shook his head, his thoughts spinning. "I… I'm not sure. But whatever it was, it's bigger than anything I've ever imagined."
Above them, the Savior raised his arms once more. "Let the Echelon Trials begin!"