For the first time, a smile appeared on Cain's face.
It was subtle.
Cold.
Almost amused.
"Well chosen."
Max tensed for a fraction of a second.
A strange feeling crawled up his spine, his instincts screaming at him—warning him.
Had he just stepped into a trap?
'Did I make the wrong choice?'
The question echoed in his mind, but it was too late now.
The decision had been made.
There was no turning back.
Cain's smile remained as he spoke, his voice smooth, calm—absolute.
"Let me tell you about the Ascension Ceremony."
His words were deliberate, each one dripping with an inevitability that made Max's expression darken.
"You will fight an Ascendant."
A pause.
"If you win, you will have the choice to join the Ascendants or decline."
Cain's black eyes shimmered slightly as he continued.
"But if you lose…"
The air grew heavy.
"Then you lose your right to choose."
"And you will have to join the Ascendants—whether you like it or not."
The rules were simple.
Brutal.
