[Location – Sanctum of Starlight, High Realm]
A golden sky shimmered above the ethereal palace. In its deepest chamber, Justine sat cross-legged, floating mid-air.
Her divine robe rippled as she meditated—but her expression twisted.
> "Why… do I keep seeing his face?"
Visions surged through her mind.
A battlefield. Blood. Screams.
And Hajun Ardyn, standing tall amidst gods.
She remembered the moment she struck the final blow…
The betrayal that made her ascend… and killed her master.
But why now? Why was it returning?
> "You were supposed to be dead," she whispered.
A presence entered.
> "My lady," said a masked god, kneeling. "A mortal has appeared in the lower realm. He used Beast Domain Control."
Justine's eyes widened.
> "Kael Vernius… that's his skill."
> "No, my lady. He copied it."
She stood, the air trembling.
> "Where is this mortal now?"
> "Heading up the Tower, floor by floor. Alone."
Justine clenched her fist. A single name echoed in her heart:
> "Hajun…"
---
[Meanwhile – Lower Realm, Lohan's Training Grounds]
Kael clashed with Lohan for the sixth time, both bloody but smiling.
> "You're insane," Kael muttered.
> "You're just realizing that now?" Lohan grinned.
Winter arrived, her eyes glowing.
> "The Tower Administrator sent a challenge notice. A divine trial has been issued."
Lohan stood up.
> "Trial?"
> "Yes," she said. "God-locked floor. Only divine-tier beings can enter."
Kael frowned.
> "You're not divine. You'll be slaughtered."
But Lohan smiled.
> "That's why I'm going."
He turned to the sky.
> "Let the gods remember what fear feels like."
---