Isiah stood motionless on the shore, staring at the vast sea in absolute disbelief. The revelation that the water was moving at blinding speeds while appearing completely tranquil to his eyes left him profoundly disoriented.
"Well, back in the Old Globe we had an annual evaluation examination," Isiah noted, breaking the silence. "Is there a similar mechanism established in this realm?"
"The Judgment Ceremony," Eijar answered flatly.
"And what does that entail?"
"At designated intervals, combatants engage in battles to the death within the central arena," Eijar explained, her tail swishing against the black sand. "The victors earn passage to your former world during the triple full moons. Those capable of surviving beyond that window prove their worthiness to level down."
Isiah turned his head sharply, frowning. "Wait, what?! Why?"
