The gates of the palace opened slowly.
White stone parted.
Golden light spilled outward.
Arin stepped beyond the palace grounds for the first time in many days.
The air outside felt different.
Less refined.
Less controlled.
But still radiant.
They walked along a wide celestial path suspended above drifting clouds. Structures of white marble and gold stretched across the horizon — floating districts connected by bridges of light.
Arin looked around curiously.
"So…"
"Why were you in such a hurry?"
Caelum kept walking.
Explaining details to Arin was usually inefficient.
So he simplified.
"In a few days, the Grand Tournament of Ascension will begin."
His voice carried a formal tone.
"It is a sanctioned divine event."
"Warriors, mages, strategists, and chosen representatives from various celestial territories compete."
"For recognition."
"For honor."
"For advancement."
Arin blinked.
Caelum continued.
"After the tournament concludes…"
"The Grand Radiant Festival will begin."
"It commemorates two things."
"The crowning of Her Divinity as sovereign of this realm."
"And the preservation of Heaven from the Calamity of the Hollow."
The last words were spoken with weight.
Arin scratched his head lazily.
"Aaa…"
"So you're saying…"
"There's a tournament."
"And then a festival."
"Something like that?"
Caelum closed his eyes briefly.
"Yes."
"That is… about it."
Arin nodded.
"Hmmm."
"Sounds like Heaven will be a little lively again."
He paused.
"Do you think there'll be food stalls?"
Caelum glanced at him.
"…This is not a marketplace carnival."
"Oh."
A small pause.
"…But there will be food."
"Nice."
Then Arin looked at him again.
"So where are we going?"
"To the Celestial Administrative Pavilion of Accord."
His tone shifted slightly formal.
"The Goddess has granted authorization for the tournament proceedings."
"We are delivering the decree."
Arin's eyes widened slightly.
"Ohhh."
"That sounds like a lot of work."
He suddenly realized something.
"Wait."
"So that's why she was so busy."
"And she gave me permission so easily."
"Without me even using my prepared lines…"
Caelum's expression shifted subtly.
Almost amused.
"Perhaps…"
He murmured quietly.
"She is becoming accustomed to you."
Arin turned.
"What?"
"Nothing."
There was the faintest smirk at the corner of Caelum's lips.
---
Soon, the Administrative Pavilion came into view.
It was massive.
Tall ivory pillars.
Flowing banners of light.
A symbol of divine law hovering above its entrance.
And beside it—
A long line.
A very long line.
Participants.
Warriors in armor.
Mages in robes.
Divine beings radiating power.
Some stood patiently.
Some groaned loudly.
"How much longer?!"
A stressed worker near the registration gate shouted,
"Just a few more minutes!"
"We will begin shortly!"
"Please remain orderly!"
The crowd muttered.
Some excited.
Some impatient.
Arin leaned slightly toward Caelum.
"Voo…"
"These people are really excited."
"What's the deal?"
"Are they getting treasure if they win?"
Caelum shook his head.
"It is far more generous than treasure."
Arin raised one eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"The victor of the Grand Tournament receives an audience with Her Divinity."
Arin blinked.
"They meet her?"
"Yes."
"And they receive her blessing."
He paused.
"And if she is pleased…"
"She may grant one request."
Arin's eyes widened.
"Like anything?"
"Within reason."
"Some ask for increased divine affinity."
"Some request positions within celestial governance."
"Some seek recognition for their clans."
"Some seek power."
Arin stared at the crowd again.
"Ohhh…"
Then he asked casually—
"When is she in a good mood?"
Caelum stopped walking.
Very slowly.
"Watch your words, human."
"I might report that statement."
Arin immediately straightened and bowed dramatically.
"Sorry! Sorry!"
"Please forgive this insolent human, Caelum!"
"I spoke without thinking!"
"I shall repent!"
He was preparing to kneel again—
Caelum ignored him entirely.
And walked forward.
Reaching the registration platform.
He handed over the floating decree documents to the Administrative Officer.
The officer's eyes widened instantly upon seeing the divine seal.
He bowed deeply.
"The authorization has arrived!"
Immediately—
The workers straightened.
The gates of registration opened.
Symbols lit up across the platform.
Magical panels activated.
"Registration is now open!"
The crowd erupted.
Energy surged.
Names were recorded in glowing script.
Power levels assessed.
Affiliations logged.
Arin watched the chaos with mild fascination.
"…This is serious."
Caelum glanced at him.
"Yes."
"It is."
And for the first time—
Arin felt it.
Heaven wasn't just a palace.
It was a system.
A hierarchy.
A civilization.
And soon—
It would gather its strongest under one stage.