The battlefield was silent. Dust still swirled in the air from Noctis's defeat.
Arin exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "That was decent."
Selene smirked. "Decent? You just wrecked one of the Phantom Lords. That was brutal."
Lilith pouted. "I wanted more blood~ but fine, I'll admit it was hot."
Seraphina, still recovering from the shock, watched Arin with unreadable eyes. "You're... beyond human."
But Arin wasn't focused on their words. His instincts screamed danger.
Someone—or something—was watching him.
He turned his head slightly. His Nightmare Vision flared, scanning the darkness beyond the ruined cathedral.
And then—he saw them.
A pair of glowing golden eyes staring directly at him from the shadows.
> [Unknown Entity Detected]
✨ Status: ??? (Threat Level: Unknown)
Before Arin could react, a golden ripple pulsed through the air. A soft chuckle echoed.
"Impressive."
The voice was smooth, powerful, and laced with amusement.
Arin clenched his fists. "Who's there?"
Slowly, a figure stepped forward.
A man draped in a flowing golden cloak, lined with intricate symbols, emerged from the darkness. His presence was overwhelming—like a king who didn't need to announce his authority.
His long silver hair cascaded down his back, and his piercing golden eyes held a divine glow.
Selene tensed. "This aura…"
Lilith's playful expression faded. "This guy's dangerous, Arin."
Seraphina's breath hitched. "It can't be… a Celestial?"
The golden-eyed man smiled. "Ah, so you recognize me, Saintess of Light."
Seraphina's fists tightened. "You are… Alaric, the Radiant Sovereign."
> [New Entity Identified: Alaric, The Radiant Sovereign]
✨ Status: High Authority (Celestial Overlord)
Arin narrowed his eyes. "A Celestial, huh?"
Alaric stepped forward casually, completely unfazed by Arin's presence. "I watched your fight. You're strong… but strength alone is not enough."
He tilted his head. "Tell me, Arin… do you think you are ready to face the true rulers of this world?"
The air crackled with energy.
This was no ordinary enemy.
> [Warning: A Celestial Being Has Marked You as "Interesting."]
Arin smirked. "If you're here to fight, stop wasting time and draw your sword."
Alaric chuckled. "Oh, no. Not yet. You're not ready."
Before anyone could react, he vanished.
A sudden golden explosion erupted beneath Arin's feet. The ground shattered, sending him flying backward.
He twisted mid-air, landing smoothly, but his expression darkened.
Alaric hadn't even moved.
The attack had been instant.
> [Damage Taken: 5%]
Selene's eyes widened. "Fast. Too fast."
Lilith licked her lips. "Now this… this is exciting."
Seraphina, however, looked terrified. "Arin, we need to leave. Now."
Alaric smiled, completely unbothered. "Consider this a warning, Arin."
He extended a hand. Golden light swirled in his palm, forming a floating sigil that pulsed with immense power.
"If you seek to challenge the Celestials… come find me at the Eternal Tower."
With those words, his body dissolved into golden particles, vanishing into the night.
Silence.
Arin slowly exhaled. "The Eternal Tower, huh?"
Lilith grinned. "Looks like we're heading toward some real fun."
Selene crossed her arms. "He's strong. But we'll be stronger."
Seraphina, however, remained quiet.
She knew what was coming.
A battle beyond anything Arin had faced before.
And this time… he might not win so easily.
---
[TO BE CONTINUED...]