Angelina Valerius lowered herself slightly, and the golden light around the arena gathered above Max.
A glowing mark slowly took shape in the sky, marking him as champion of the Cosmic Ascension Conference. It didn't sink into him right away. It just hovered there, shining like a crown waiting for the formal ceremony.
The whole Divine Realm watched that scene. Countless people understood this moment meant more than just the end of a conference. It marked the rise of a name.
Max Morgan had entered the Cosmic Ascension Conference as a surprising talent from the Black Dragon Clan. He was leaving it as the strongest genius of his era. At least, that's what most of the Divine Realm believed.
But far away from the great clans and palaces buzzing over the new champion, there was a quiet, out-of-the-way planet with dim skies, broken mountains, and a small city protected by old formations.
