The Monarch

It was a vast world of gods, and an even greater number of mortals. There were at least several tens of billions of beings at this event. Kayden had imagined it would be something more private, but he had been terribly mistaken.His presence alongside Lucius was felt by all. The name of Kayden had spread far and wide after the latest events; any god in that region knew who he was and, more importantly… Kayden was not to be touched. No one there had the courage to try.

They made their way to a floating platform, entirely covered in golden grass with several tents scattered across it. The platform stretched for several kilometers, all of it adorned with fruit trees and places to pass the time. It seemed more like a retreat for relaxation than a place to watch an event.Kayden was guided to the largest tent. It was completely enclosed with a semi-transparent golden fabric. From the inside, however, the material became perfectly transparent, allowing a full view of the outside. Inside were chairs, armchairs, and everything that could offer a god comfort in such an environment. In addition, there were servants ready to respond to any request.

Within the tent were only gods close to Lucius. Those who would compete for the Ody family were in separate tents. In one, for example, there were only mortals who would represent Lucius in the event, while others housed smaller organizations and Lucius's acquaintances.Kayden found a comfortable spot, poured himself some tea, and waited for what would come next. None of the gods disturbed his peace or tried to interact with him. Everyone knew his disposition and that he was not particularly sociable.

"Welcome, everyone." The voice of the elder echoed in all directions, silencing every side conversation. "The Ody family will now begin the event." Simple words, without unnecessary flourishes.A god at the peak of the third level rose into the sky. He carried a staff made of stone and had the appearance of an ancient golem. He was currently the representative of the family's first lineage."Welcome, all of you. I will be the host of this event," the golem introduced himself. "This year, we will do something a little different for the group trials. All will be thrown into the arena, and the last one standing will be the winner."

This was a type of event Kayden was very accustomed to—he had faced dozens of such trials throughout his life."The individual trials will remain in the same style as previous years, starting with the mortal trials," the golem continued calmly. "And as for the rewards…"

The rewards of this year drew everyone's attention. Among them were rare artifacts forged from divine essences, capable of enhancing a god's power for centuries. There were also elixirs of absolute purity that could cleanse any spiritual impurity, and ancestral scrolls containing techniques long lost to time. Each item was of incalculable value, enough to change the destiny of whoever claimed it.For mortals, the rewards were equally tempting: armor crafted from the scales of divine beasts, weapons imbued with divine blessings, and pure cultivation crystals that could accelerate decades of progress in just a few days. Even the smallest of these gifts could create a champion among common folk, and so, every gaze carried the silent hunger to seize victory.

The problem for Kayden was that none of this would be useful to him. At his current level of strength, these rewards were practically worthless. Mortal weapons and techniques would be of no help to his progress. There was simply an entire world of difference between him and the opponents—and the prizes—he was being offered.

"Let us begin the individual trials now," the golem announced, marking the true start of the event. "We will have four simultaneous matches taking place. Good luck to everyone.""Kayden, the trial is starting in a few minutes. Where is your mortal?" Lucius asked immediately after the golem's words. "He needs to use this amulet to be pulled into the battlefield."Lucius was holding a red amulet in his hand. It was nothing more than a unique tracking point. Kayden took the amulet, holding it in his hands for a moment, studying the treasure before turning back to Lucius with a smile."He will be there." Lucius still doubted Kayden—he hadn't seen any new mortal arrive in the area. Kayden seemed to be stalling him, but Lucius decided to give the boy the benefit of the doubt.

The first mortal battle… was boring for Kayden. The strength of the mages was enormous, far greater than those in his universe. On average, they possessed the same level of power as Han or Atlas, which was insane. Some were even stronger. The difference in power was staggering, but… compared to Kayden's current level, it was pathetic.

"Good luck, Kayn," Kayden sent the message the moment he felt the boy being pulled into the arena.His disciples' battle… was an utter massacre. Kayden had not failed in his training. The opponent was from a secondary family and couldn't even touch Kayn's shadow, let alone find his true body.

The battles stretched on for days, with various mortals facing each other at all times. Up to that point, it had only been the first round. There were still many mages left; the weaker ones had been called first to allow for a gradual build-up of excitement."Kayn, watch and understand why I didn't allow you to become a god. You are far from your true peak."

"I think it's my turn," Kayden said when he felt his amulet begin to burn. Lucius didn't have time to look at him before he was pulled into the arena.It took only a few seconds for Kayden's presence to be noticed in the skies. He was already well known in this environment. He shouldn't have been there—he was a god, and this was a battle meant only for mortals."Kayden, leave the mortal arena," the golem's voice came out in annoyance. To everyone watching, it seemed as if Kayden was trying to ruin the event, but…"Honored Ancestor, I believe I've never properly introduced myself," Kayden began, releasing his aura. "My name is Kayden Heart." His titles exploded like immense suns in the eyes of all, his mortality roaring for everyone to hear.

In the end? Silence.