(Planet Juxta, Breakthrough Chamber, Leo's POV)
The air inside the breakthrough chamber was still, the walls lined with runes that muted every outside sound, leaving only the quiet rhythm of Leo's own breathing.
He lowered himself onto the smooth stone floor, crossing his legs as he rolled his shoulders back and stretched his body one final time, each tendon loosening, every joint unclenching, until he felt no lingering tension. His eyelids slipped shut, shutting out the world beyond these walls.
All stray thoughts, all lingering doubts, all distractions were pushed out of his mind like drifting embers extinguished in water. Only a single truth remained, echoing in the silence of his heart.
'The Transcendent Tier is me moving past the status of a mere mortal.' He thought, as he steadied his breathing, before recalling everything he had studied about this stage of ascension.
The path forward was clear, yet merciless.
