In the same way everything had begun, it all ended. Everything disappeared as Kayden was once again crowned a mage of ten rays. This time, however, he wasn’t invited to the realm of ten-ray mages. It seemed that invitation had been a one-time event in his life. As he stood amidst the vastness of the cosmos, an eighth-realm aura gently enveloped his being.
All realities were fused into a singular one, reconstructing and reviving Kayden in those where he had fallen. In a single blink, he floated in the void as if nothing had happened. His aura subtly shifted, signifying his new status as an eighth-realm mage. Yet, his strength remained unchanged. Kayden was no longer bound by the heavens. His power was dictated solely by his will.
A haunting silence engulfed every corner of existence. There were no words to describe the sheer insanity of what had just transpired. Kayden had managed to affect the mechanics of an entire galaxy while still classified as a mortal. The gods, typically stoic and unshaken, now found themselves in a state of pure frenzy.
"As soon as possible!"
"How can a mortal be this strong?"
"And he’s only in the eighth realm?"
Their voices overlapped in a cacophony of disbelief and fear. Yet, the dominant emotion among the gods was one they hadn’t felt in millennia: terror. For the first time in history, the gods were afraid—afraid of a mere mortal. The prospect of Kayden ascending to godhood was an unthinkable scenario. None of them could fathom how they would contend with him if that day came.
"We’re doomed," Yan muttered before breaking into a disbelieving laugh. "Amanda, we must prepare. Forget colonizing this universe and abandon all our plans. We need to focus on gaining power." Yan’s decisive tone left no room for hesitation. In his mind, Kayden had now become a real threat to his existence.
While mortals stood in stunned silence, the demigods were at a loss for words. They had always known Kayden was powerful, but this level of strength was beyond anything they could comprehend. Among the five strongest demigods, only the first-ranked could muster enough force to match Kayden’s current level. The second-ranked, if willing to sustain injuries that would take billions of years to heal, might also stand a chance.
Mortal mages, on the other hand, were utterly captivated. To them, Kayden was now akin to a god. His tale would forever be etched into the annals of history, retold in every corner of the universe. Even children would grow up hearing the story of the man who defied the heavens and emerged victorious.
The ice mages, however, were gripped by dread. They hadn’t anticipated such a formidable mage to emerge from the opposing side. Only the top three among them might have a chance against Kayden now. The fourth and fifth ranks could possibly challenge him, but only if they risked their lives—and even then, it wouldn’t be a simple duel. It would be the fight of their lives.
Marco, the second-ranked ice mage, trembled as his hands betrayed his nerves. Despite his status, he wasn’t sure he could face Kayden. Doubt crept into his mind, a doubt more oppressive than even the thought of confronting the top-ranked mage in his own universe.
This doubt wasn’t exclusive to Marco—it plagued everyone at the summit of their respective domains. Those at the absolute pinnacle of power were the only ones who could truly comprehend the magnitude of Kayden’s attack. Their vast senses spanned hundreds of billions of kilometers, allowing them to grasp just how profoundly the galaxy had been altered. It was staggering. None among them could confidently say they could replicate such a feat with the flick of a finger.
Kayden unleashed his full aura of dominion. A black crown materialized above his head, radiating authority. All who beheld it felt as if they were in the presence of a god-king. Not a single mage dared to move under its weight. It was as though they were children caught in an inescapable net. The overwhelming desire to kneel overtook most, and the majority succumbed, unable to resist.
"For eons, I’ve hidden myself because certain beings—stronger than most—believe they have the right to dictate my life," Kayden’s voice echoed across the void, reverberating through every soul. "For billions of years, gods and the universe’s apex mages have hunted me, and yet, I have triumphed."
His words felt like a slap in the face to the gods themselves.
"You had your chances, and now you will pay for your actions."
"Do not act rashly, boy." Netero’s voice attempted to break through Kayden’s overwhelming aura, but it was swallowed whole, much like a wave consumed by a tsunami.
"Say another word, and we’ll settle this battle here and now," Kayden replied coldly, lifting a single finger.
Netero froze, paralyzed by the prospect of an immediate life-or-death confrontation. No further words came. His body refused to initiate a battle without cause, especially one where his survival was uncertain.
No other mage dared to raise their voice after that. They all understood that Kayden wouldn’t issue a second warning. The weaker ones had no chance, while the strongest harbored a primal, irrational fear. This fear wasn’t born of logic but from witnessing the sheer irrationality of Kayden’s power. It was clear: this would be the fight of their lives, and there was no reason to provoke it unnecessarily.
"To the gods watching this event, I will hunt each of you who has opposed me—especially you, Yan. I hope you’re aware of that."
A mortal threatening gods. That was the level of insanity this situation had reached.
The most terrifying part? None of the gods considered his threat empty. Kayden’s strength was infinitely greater than anything they had ever encountered in their long lives. Even Yan, who had lived through countless universes, couldn’t recall a mage as powerful as Kayden.
At this moment, Kayden stood a step above all other mages who had ever existed in either of the two universes. Yet, he hadn’t even reached the peak of his potential. Two entire realms of cultivation still awaited him.
His potential was boundless, his rise inevitable.