The arena had become unrecognizable. Celestine Blue flames twisted into towering infernos, shards of Azure Infernum spinning like deadly satellites. Vemy Lula hovered above it all, god-tier Ascendant power radiating from every inch of his lithe, lethal frame. His spectral figure towered behind him, wings slicing the sky with blinding speed.
Akiar Samaki struggled to stay on his feet, Stormveil Blue lightning sputtering weakly around his body. "Vemy… this… this isn't human…"
From the rift above, the cosmic entity pulsed with incomprehensible Prismarine Obsidian energy. Its form shimmered between dimensions, voice echoing like reality itself bending: "You've awakened the tenth ring… but there is more, Ascendant. Power beyond even your imagination awaits…"
Vemy's eyes flared with Celestine Blue. "Then I'll take it. Whatever it is… I will rise higher!"
The cosmic entity extended a claw of pure energy, tearing through the battlefield. Vemy surged forward, wings slicing the air, energy blades spinning. The clash shook existence itself.
But just as their attacks collided, a blinding surge of energy erupted from the rift—different from anything Vemy had ever sensed. It was darker, older… alive.
Vemy's spectral figure shivered, shards vibrating uncontrollably. Sweat and Celestine flames traced his curves as he hovered, chest heaving, aura blazing brighter than ever.
From the rift, a voice echoed, deeper, ancient, and terrifying:
"Blue Inferno… you are not ready."
And then, everything went black.
The arena, the flames, the shards—gone in an instant. Vemy was suspended in the void, facing a presence that dwarfed even his Ascendant power.
He clenched his fists, flames igniting wildly. "I… will… rise!"
And with that, the void itself began to crack.