The sky doesn't just open—
It transforms.
Space stretches.
Reality expands beyond limits.
Adrian Steps Forward
Crossing into the new domain—
Instantly
The world changes.
No ground
No sky.
Just a vast, endless plane
Floating structures—
Fragments of different worlds.
Lyra is gone
Left behind.
Adrian Clicks His Tongue
"…Figures."
The Voices Return
All at once.
"…Sovereign Selection Trial begins."
A Pause
"…Survive."
Adrian Smirks Slightly
"…Simple enough."
Then—
Others appear
One by one
Figures materialize across the plane.
Not many
Maybe—
Seven.
Adrian Scans Them
"…So these are the others…"
Each one different
Different presence.
Different pressure.
Not like Arbiters
These are individuals
Candidates.
One Steps Forward
Tall.
White hair.
Calm expression.
His presence is… quiet
Too quiet.
He looks directly at Adrian
"…You're the anomaly."
Adrian Shrugs
"…I get that a lot."
The Man Introduces Himself
"…Kael."
Adrian Nods Slightly
"…Adrian."
Kael Studies Him
"…You don't feel complete."
Adrian Smirks
"…And you do?"
Kael Answers Simply
"…More than you."
Silence
Then—
Another Voice Cuts In
"…This is boring already."
A Second Candidate Appears Closer
Leaning casually on a floating structure.
Black hair
Sharp eyes.
A grin that doesn't feel friendly
He looks at Adrian
"…So you're the one making noise outside."
Adrian Looks Back
"…Depends who's asking."
The Man Smirks Wider
"…Name's Riven."
A pause
"…Try not to die too early."
Adrian chuckles slightly
"…Same to you."
The Air Tenses
Because—
All candidates feel it
The rule of this place
Only a few will remain
The Voices Speak Again
"…Authority must be proven."
"…Through conflict."
"…Through dominance."
Adrian sighs slightly
"…There it is."
Kael Closes His Eyes Briefly
"…I was hoping for something more refined."
Riven Laughs
"…Nah. This is better."
Then—
Without warning
One candidate attacks
Not Adrian
Another one
Instant clash
Reality tears
Authority vs Authority
Adrian Watches Carefully
Eyes sharp.
Analyzing again
Kael Speaks Quietly
"…Watch closely."
Adrian Glances at Him
"…Planning something?"
Kael Replies Calmly
"…Understanding first."
Another explosion in the distance
Two candidates vanish instantly
Eliminated
Adrian's eyes narrow slightly
"…That fast, huh…"
Riven Grins
"…Told you."
Then—
He looks directly at Adrian
"…Wanna go?"
Silence
Adrian smiles faintly
"…You're eager."
Riven Shrugs
"…I like breaking interesting things."
The Air Tightens
Kael Steps Back Slightly
Observing.
Adrian Steps Forward
And says—
"…Alright."
Instant Shift
The battlefield isolates them
Everything else fades out
Just Adrian vs Riven
Riven Cracks His Neck
"…Don't disappoint me."
Adrian Raises His Hand Slightly
Calm.
His eyes sharpen
Final Scene
Two candidates—
Facing each other.
Authority begins to clash
Without a single move yet—
The space between them fractures
Final Line
"…Let's see what you've got."