[Proceeding with evolution...]
The system spoke directly into Max's mind as he floated in the air.
The entire palace had now collapsed beneath them. Broken walls, shattered pillars, and burning pieces of stone fell down the mountain like rain, crashing into the lower cliffs as clouds of dust rolled through the air.
Only the mountain itself remained standing tall and mighty, witnessing the clash above it like some ancient creature that had seen kingdoms rise, fall, and disappear beneath the weight of power far beyond ordinary life.
After the palace had fallen, Arbiter Aurelian remained in the sky.
Wings of light grew from his back, spreading wide and brilliant, each feather shaped from golden radiance that hummed softly in the air. His white mask faced Max, and beneath that long golden smile, the Arbiter could feel the fluctuations in Max's aura.
The change in his blood.
Aurelian's eyes narrowed beneath the mask.
"Do not dare!"
For the first time, he roared.
