Chapter 1
The universe was vast—an infinite expanse of chaos and creation. Yet amidst its endless stretch lay countless domains, each ruled by a Sovereign: ancient beings of unfathomable might.
But in one forgotten corner of the cosmos—within a realm untouched by any Sovereign's authority—floated a lone structure, unmoving and eternal.
It was a colosseum unlike any other.
Forged from Vuvri Brick, the hardest known material in existence, the structure defied destruction, time, and even the vacuum of space. Its presence alone commanded reverence, as if the universe itself bent around its stillness.
The seats of the colosseum were filled—billions strong. Spectators from countless domains, planets, and races had gathered, their cheers shaking the void like thunder. This was not just a battle. It was survival. And in this place, only the victor retained their existence.
At the heart of the colosseum lay a massive platform—the stage where today's fateful clash would unfold.
Flanking the stage on either side were open chambers, suspended yet secured in space. In one such chamber, a man prepared for war.
His long black hair—braided neatly—flowed all the way to his knees. His face was calm, stoic, with dark eyes that mirrored the silence of space itself. He moved with quiet precision, donning sleek black armor that shimmered faintly with arcane glyphs. Strapped to his sides were two short, circular blades—blades not made for mercy.
When his preparations were complete, he closed his eyes.
A low hum resonated as he channeled his Aura. His body exhaled a soft light, and before him, a series of shimmering runes emerged in the air, forming a translucent screen that flickered into view.
---
Name: Raven Ling
Tier: 3
Base Power Level: 8,300
Power Level with Equipment: 9,730
---
Raven observed the numbers with a composed gaze and let out a quiet sigh. His strength had grown significantly thanks to his current armament, yet he knew far better than to be lulled into overconfidence.
His opponent today was unknown—but one thing was certain: there would be no easy victory.
In this arena, defeat meant oblivion. Everything the loser had—memories, soul, even name—would be erased.
A flicker of pain crossed Raven's otherwise impassive face.
"Why must they cling to these insane rules...?" he muttered.
Then, soft footsteps echoed behind him.
His head turned sharply—not out of fear, but instinct. The aura approaching was faint. Too faint to pose any danger.
And as expected, the chamber door creaked open to reveal a small boy, no older than four. He bore a striking resemblance to the man, with unbound, raven-black hair flowing to his shoulders.
At first, Raven's face remained blank. But as the boy's eyes lit up and his mouth stretched into a wide, innocent grin, Raven allowed himself the ghost of a smile.
"Come here, boy," Raven said softly, motioning with a hand.
The child sprinted into his arms, hugging him tightly.
"You don't have to get all emotional," Raven teased, gently pulling back from the embrace.
"You're gonna fight a Titanic Gnome, aren't you?" the boy asked, eyes gleaming with excitement.
Raven gave a slow nod.
"Awesome! Go, Dad! Beat that giant lump of rock to dust and show them we Earthlings aren't pushovers!" the boy cheered, fist raised like a miniature warrior.
Raven's faint smile lingered only for a moment before his gaze shifted toward the towering entrance of the colosseum. A shadow fell over his face—an expression caught between reflection and burden.
Jared noticed the change immediately. The radiant joy on the boy's face gave way to concern.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, voice laced with worry. "Is the Titanic Gnome really that strong?"
Raven turned to him and, with a soft chuckle, ruffled the boy's hair.
"Don't worry," he said with a reassuring grin. "I won't lose. Never. Because if I did… who would take care of you?"
His tone was confident—unshakable. But deep inside, a different truth echoed:
I can't lose… even if I wanted to. Not for my sake. But for theirs.
For Earth. For everyone.
The weight of an entire planet bore down on Raven's shoulders. This wasn't just a duel. It was a war for existence—fought alone.
Jared, sensing his father's calm confidence, relaxed again. The unease in his chest faded like mist. If there was one person who could do the impossible, it was Raven Ling—the strongest Earthling to have ever lived.
A brief silence passed between them, thick with emotion, before Raven finally spoke again.
"Jared."
The boy tensed.
His father only ever used his name like that when something serious was about to follow.
"What is it, Dad?" he asked carefully.
Raven looked at him for a long moment, then crouched down so their eyes met directly.
"Promise me," he said slowly, "that you'll stay away from harm's way."
Jared blinked, confused. He wasn't reckless. Sure, he was stubborn, but not foolish. His father knew that. So why now?
Raven's eyes remained firm.
"Promise me," he repeated.
Jared rolled his eyes. "Okay, okay. I promise, Dad."
But all he got in return was a silent stare.
No nod. No smile.
Because Raven didn't believe him.
Even he didn't believe himself.
Then Raven's voice deepened, his tone almost cold.
"Promise me… in your mother's name."
Jared's expression changed instantly.
Before, he wasn't sure how serious his father was. Now, there was no doubt. When his mother's name was invoked, there were no jokes—no half-truths.
"I promise," Jared said, solemnly.
Raven smiled faintly, finally satisfied. Then he stood.
"Head out first. I'll be right behind you."
Jared nodded and turned away, heading toward the tunnel that led into the colosseum.
---
As he stepped into the colossal arena, Jared's eyes widened with wonder.
The space was far bigger than he imagined. Towering seating platforms stretched across the circular walls, divided into five distinct tiers—each representing the hierarchy of the universe.
The first tier was for the unaffiliated: commoners, wanderers, and drifters who had no royal blood or divine connection, yet still managed to obtain access. Surprisingly, they made up the largest group.
The second tier—where Jared himself belonged—was reserved for holders of the Lowest-Rank Invitation Cards. Still not nobles, but privileged enough to sit above the crowd.
The third tier housed the Royal Households and True Followers of the Gods—those whose bloodlines were blessed or ancient, whose loyalty to the divine had been proven through generations.
The fourth tier was for the Low Ascendants—beings who had transcended mortal limits but had not yet reached the peak of their potential.
And finally, the fifth tier, highest above all, was reserved for the High Ascendants—entities of immense power, often worshiped as gods themselves.
Jared's heart pounded with anticipation. He scanned the tiers, the beings, the swirling auras of energy and divinity.
No matter how far Jared tilted his head upward, he could barely catch a glimpse of the faces seated in the Royal Tier—the third level of the colosseum. The True Followers of the Gods sat beside royalty, cloaked in shimmering auras that veiled their expressions. But above them, in the fourth and fifth tiers, the Ascendants remained completely hidden—cloaked in divine brilliance or shadows too deep for mortal eyes to pierce.
Maybe… they don't want someone like me to see them, Jared thought bitterly. After all, Ascendants are like gods. Why would gods bother with someone so low?
Suddenly, a powerful shove knocked him from his thoughts.
"Out of the way, Ling!"
A large, burly creature with slimy tendrils barreled past, smacking Jared with one thick limb. The force knocked him to the ground with a harsh thud, drawing a startled yelp from the boy. He landed hard, scraping his palms on the rough stone.
Jared glared after the creature, his black eyes narrowing with silent fury. He clenched his fists—but said nothing.
Not now, he thought. But one day… I'll get him back. I always do.
Before his anger could fester further, the crowd around him hushed. A strange energy swept over the arena, making the air feel heavy and electric.
High above the massive stage, a figure floated effortlessly in the air. He wore flowing black robes, his skin tinted a deep blue. In front of him hovered a black sphere pulsing with energy. When he spoke, his voice echoed with supernatural clarity, magnified to reach every corner of the colosseum.
"Welcome, everyone, to today's Grand Match of Survival!"
The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers, waves of sound crashing against the walls of the arena. Jared's heart raced.
The floating man raised his hand, and the crowd gradually quieted.
"But before we begin… I ask you all to rise. For today, we are graced by the presence of the highest of the high."
His voice dropped an octave, reverent and commanding.
"Let us welcome… the Sovereign."
The very sky above the colosseum seemed to shatter with brilliance.
A blinding light bathed the arena—pure, divine, suffocating in its grandeur. Everyone shielded their eyes, overwhelmed by the sheer force of presence. The light dimmed slightly, enough for shapes to be seen—but it never faded. It hovered there, like a second sun, reminding all in attendance who truly ruled the universe.
Jared's mouth slowly parted, a wide smile creeping across his face.
This is it.
The Sovereign… the rulers of the cosmos. The ones Dad said even Ascendants must bow to.
For the first time in his life, Jared was about to lay eyes on the powers that shaped the stars.
To be continued...
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