The Rise of the Black Plain

Chapter 2921 Ascension to the Upper Realm!

Chapter 2921  Ascension to the Upper Realm!

As the moments of their imminent doom approached, the three competitors—feeling utterly vulnerable and distinctly different from Minos—closed their eyes, resigned to what they believed was the inescapable end.

To their astonishment, seconds ticked by and they found themselves still very much alive, as if time itself had paused.

Yet even though time marched on relentlessly, this brief suspension allowed them to open their eyes and witness the reality: before each of them hovered a giant, semi-transparent dragon claw, emerging from a spatial crack so near to their necks it seemed poised to strike at any moment.

They felt insignificant, as if reduced to mere ants before a colossal beast, their hearts thundering in their chests and sweat beading on their brows at the overwhelming tension of the moment.

A few more agonizing seconds passed, and it became apparent that Minos had no intention of proceeding with their extermination. Despite the realization, none of the three uttered a word, silently awaiting Minos's next move.

Standing resolute, Minos remained in place with one outstretched hand, prepared to reap their souls if he so desired. Then, his gaze shifted upward and met the golden, scrutinizing eyes of Devdar, whose expression mingled pride with a trace of uncertainty.

Breaking the silence, Minos slowly opened his mouth and, with a wry smile in his tone, proclaimed, "You three don't have to die. It would be a waste to start your reincarnations when you've come so far and shown such talent. Instead, I'll offer you an alternative path."

At those words, Minos lowered his outstretched hand. In an instant, the imposing dragon claws disintegrated into nothingness, and the spatial cracks—those dangerous ruptures threatening to collapse the dimension—closed as Devdar's powers reasserted control.

Continuing, Minos declared, "If you're interested, follow me. Become my subordinate-helpers. Serve as my eyes, my hands, and even my ears if need be. Represent me faithfully, and I will grant you the chance to continue your journey from this very point."

He gestured broadly, and the surrounding energy and fundamental laws seemed to coalesce into miniature ecosystems—each a vibrant world unto itself, brimming with living beings, its own unique laws, and rich mineral resources.

The three competitors beheld this display not merely as a demonstration of Minos' overwhelming power, but also as a vivid manifestation of the possibilities that awaited them alongside him.

Then, in a sudden, stark shift, Minos' expression hardened. Clenching his hands, he shattered his very creations with a violent burst of energy. "Alternatively," he warned with equal measure of finality, "refuse my offer, and I guarantee you the chance to be reincarnated in other lives!"

The three stood transfixed, their eyes wide with a mix of fear and awe as they witnessed the results of Minos' movements. They realized that here, before them, lay an ability so potent it defied all they'd known—a power to create life itself.

A thought raced through Soli's mind, 'He can create life… I've never heard of a Celestial being doing that in the entire universe!'

One of the two men mulled over another unsettling truth. 'He surpassed Senior Devdar. When our combined powers couldn't keep the dimension in check during the Senior's intervention, Minos' movement nearly made him lose control.'

His companion, equally astounded, pondered Devdar's position and couldn't help but wonder how Minos, who was still, in theory, an ordinary Celestial, had reached a level that could rival a True Celestial, one at the high-level!

"I accept."

Almost simultaneously, the two men voiced their consent, leaving Soli to decide the end of the inheritance.

"And what about you?" Minos asked, turning his gaze directly to Soli as his expression brightened.

After a brief, thoughtful pause—one that betrayed her inner calculations—Soli answered decisively, "I'm not ready to start again, so I accept."

The atmosphere shifted when Devdar, who had been struggling to prevent the collapse of his dimension, finally regained control. He swiftly composed himself and reappeared near the four of them. "Minos, congratulations on the level you've reached. I'm sure it wasn't easy to become what you are today," Devdar said warmly, extending a hand in congratulation.

Minos accepted the handshake, curious about his fate from this point forward, though in no hurry. "Did you ever expect this outcome, Senior?" he inquired.

Devdar's gaze grew thoughtful as he noted the subtleties behind Minos' question, while the tension in the air subsided as the three aliens allowed themselves a calming breath. "Your powers are perfectly suited to block those prying prophets who would obsess over your future. Yet, I still have my experience, and my understanding of others' natures remains sharp."

"That makes sense," replied Minos earnestly. "I hope I can count on your advice in the Upper Realm just as I have here, Senior." He offered a gracious nod of thanks, acknowledging the significance Devdar still held on his journey. "But before I step into that next phase, what is it I must do now?"

All eyes turned toward Devdar, their expressions a mixture of anticipation and curiosity about the final resolution of this dispute and the impending transition into the Upper Realm. Devdar's gaze settled on the empty throne waiting for Minos—a silent symbol of the power and authority to come—and he nodded in acknowledgment while signaling a clear directive.

"Go to it and settle down. Your demonstration of power has been impressive, but the throne will not come to you of its own accord. You must reclaim it—truly assume your position in the Upper Realm. Once that's done, everything will be made plain. Just leave your mark on these three, and they will stand by your side when all is over."

Minos understood, feeling a surge of excitement as he reached this long-awaited milestone in his journey.

He couldn't even recall how many millennia he had dreamed of reaching the Upper Realm!

He remembered learning about it when he entered Armhands ages ago, back when he was still mired in the Mortal Journey and obsessed with mending the shattered aftermath of the War of Worlds.

Now, thousands of years beyond those early struggles, the Spiritual World and The Adamant Land had faded into insignificance. Friends and enemies alike had come and gone, each leaving their mark on his ever-evolving destiny.

For a moment, Minos paused. He sealed the essences of the three defeated finalists. With a steady, determined breath, he turned toward the empty golden throne waiting to be claimed.

As he swam slowly in its direction, countless memories flashed through his mind—visions of companions who had traveled beside him, of cherished wives, children, and even grandchildren. Equally vivid were the recollections of those he had lost—Isabella, Mirya, and so many others whose sacrifices had paved the way for his ascent.

A quiet vow resonated in his mind, 'Thank you for helping me get this far. I will honor your sacrifices and trust in every decision I make in this new position, regardless of the outcome. For those of you still fighting by my side, it's time for your promotions!"

With these thoughts, Minos cast a confident glance over his shoulder at the throng of souls and echoes of his past. Then, with an air of assured purpose, he turned his back on the throne. Slowly, deliberately, he spread his wings wide, letting them unfurl in all their splendor, while his clothes billowed out, whispering of ancient power and destiny regained. Finally, with the calm of one returning to a well-worn seat after a long absence, Minos sat down on the golden throne, claiming his rightful position in the Upper Realm!