Kelsey smiled with quiet satisfaction as violet clouds spiraled across the sky—a clear sign this was a trial from the High Gods. "Emy, stay here with Hayleen and Owen," she ordered. "Father, Uncle, Ian—don your masks and follow me. We'll protect him."
Without hesitation, the four of them set off alongside the newly born Eternal, heading toward the lightning turbulence platform on the second level of the lower realm. The storming vortex above the Human Land unraveled into wisps—then surged forward, drawn unerringly after its chosen target.
The moment they arrived at the platform, the four immediately began setting up defensive arrays. Six protective magic circles formed in the air, layered neatly above the Eternal. Deon and Kelsey each deployed two, while Ian and Riga added one each.
"Little niece," Riga said gravely, "we can only shield him from the first three bolts. After that, he must face the trial himself."
"Yes, Uncle. I know that."
