And So It Begins

"Your Majesty, it's time," a messenger informed Dante. 

The moment he had been waiting for was finally here. As much as he dreaded it, he could not wait for it all to be over. The Celestial Tribulations was a test he had to pass. Despite knowing what lay ahead of him, Dante did not know show even the slightest tremble or fear. 

Marius accompanied him to the grounds where the trials would take place. He remained silent, keeping pace with Dante as they made their way there. His heart was pounding in his ears, knowing what lay ahead. 

When they got to the trial grounds, Marius noticed that a crowd of Celestials had gathered at a viewing point. 

"Do they think this is a show?" he muttered beneath his breath, cursing those who came to watch. 

After all, it was not every day that an emperor goes through his trials. 

"Pay them no mind," Dante said to him as he approached the trial grounds.