***
"Is that—is that him using his third Rune?!"
"Wait, no—that's his fourth! He's—he's a Shepherd!"
"Already?! No way, right?!"
The Colosseum erupted.
Hundreds were shouting at once, many standing on their seats to get a better look at the massive projection.
The image of Xenos bathed in glowing green light filled the entire arena sky.
Even Lothar, the ever-snide commentator, couldn't begin to think about keeping his composure.
"I cannot believe this! We have just witnessed an Ascension right before our eyes!"
He was supposed to hate the kid.
But right now, excitement had devoured all reason.
"A Shepherd at that age isn't unheard of. Many Great House disciples reach it! But an Ethereal Element Shepherd without support or a mentor?! THAT IS UNHEARD OF!"
The crowd exploded in cheers filled with disbelief.
Because, well, indeed it was unheard of, for...
"Where did he even get the Rune?!"
No one had an answer.
Even John—normally so composed—was speechless as well.
