The Start of the Battle

Ethan's quiet confidence came from the subtle flicker of information overlaying his vision—Divine Eyes, his newly activated ability. As he assessed each figure in the room, the ranks and attributes became clear, sharpening his understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.

He scanned the five Ascendants, flanking Lucien first. Each bore the rank of Low Star Soldier, their attributes far beneath what would pose a genuine threat to his Warlords.

Handling these five would be routine for the High Star Soldiers at his side—a small, hardly challenging skirmish. Still, the three figures standing just behind Lucien made Ethan's gaze linger.

These three were different.

Two of them carried the unmistakable aura of High Star Soldiers, their poise and strength evident in their stance alone. But the third figure—a tall, lean man with an unreadable expression—caught Ethan's attention.

His rank: Higher Star Soldier.