The new environment stretched endlessly before them.
A massive arena carved from ancient stone surrounded Caelus and Sylvia on all sides. Towering pillars lined the perimeter, each one etched with glowing runes that pulsed with faint golden light.
At the center of the arena, hundreds of players had already gathered. Their voices echoed off the walls as they assessed their surroundings.
Caelus quickly scanned the crowd.
Chad stood among his guildmates near the eastern edge. Lunari had appeared closer to the center.
But two familiar faces were missing.
"Freya and Candy aren't here," Sylvia observed.
Caelus nodded slowly. "They must have been placed in a different section of the trial."
The Domain Event had clearly separated participants based on some unknown criteria. Perhaps combat score, perhaps rank, or perhaps something else entirely.
Before he could think further, a System Notification appeared before everyone.
[Third Trial: Dragon's Descent]
