Neo, Zestia, and Noir were automatically teleported into the vast expanse of the Inner Court. Myria and a few other surviving Beyonders were already present in the grand hall.

​Myria and the others noticed their sudden arrival, but they did not pay them much mind. Their attention was entirely captivated by something far more imposing.

Floating at the center of the court was a colossal figure woven entirely from flowing golden silk.

​The majestic entity began to speak,

​"The Celestials are a proud race who forged the very first stars and worlds. The Celestial God is the forefather of all Celestials, the supreme being who handed down these sacred arts of creation to his descendants."

​The golden figure shifted, radiating a profound sense of cosmic sorrow.

​"However, over the eons, the Celestials began to fade into obscurity. Now, there is not a single Celestial left in the cosmos who can live up to the divine mission of creating celestial bodies. Therefore, we require fresh blood."

​The entity raised a massive, glowing hand, pointing down at the gathered Beyonders.

​"Every one of you has the chance to gain the Celestial Bloodline and learn the Art of Star Creation. But heed my words carefully. Only one among you will claim the ultimate inheritance left behind by the Celestial Forefather."

The surviving trial takers could no longer hide their ravenous desires.

"Wow! Is that really possible?"

​For the ordinary Beyonders, this was the ultimate fantasy. To them, the ability to create stars and forge new worlds was not just an ancient art. It was the literal definition of godhood.

​"Yes, We can become Gods. We won’t need fight for resources and freedom. We can write our own planets. We can build our own heavens!"

​The Dominators present were even more deeply affected. These were terrifying beings who already ruled vast territories, yet they were always bound by war and struggles.

To hold the Art of Star Creation meant they could manually expand their domains without limits.

They could forge custom planets for their armies, ignite artificial suns to power their empires, and mold reality with their own two hands.

​"An infinite domain... No more fighting over dead, ruined worlds. We will simply build perfect ones."

​Princess Myria (Moon) was absolutely no exception to this overwhelming temptation.

​Despite her usual icy composure and regal distance, her eyes burned with a insatiable hunger.

If she could claim the Celestial Forefather’s inheritance, the Dark Moon Empire would never have to worry about fading resources or hostile cosmic invasions ever again.

She could personally forge a impenetrable galaxy of eternal ice, securing Noctivale bloodline’s absolute supremacy for eternity.

Watching the frenzy unfold, Noir laughed in disdain,

"Look at them, Darling. They are practically drooling over a prize they have not even earned yet. It is quite pathetic."

"It is human nature, Noir. You cannot stop it," Neo replied calmly.

​"Oh, really? What about you, Darling? Why are you not affected by the greed?" she asked.

​Zestia leaned closer to hear as well.

​Neo said simply, "Because I am not completely human."

​Zestia was completely clueless about his statement.

​Noir thought he was referring to his Primordial Demonic lineage. However, in truth, he was indicating his very existence, one meant to break the absolute rules and concepts of bloodlines altogether.

​"Quiet down, everyone. Your first trial will be held at the Great Altar of Eons. There, your affinities will be tested. If you pass the required star marks, you can become a Celestial. If you fail, you will have to go home. Any objections?"

​As the colossal golden figure glanced over the 50 participants, it found no raised hands or objections.

​So, without delay, it teleported them all to the Great Altar of Eons.

Flash!

​They were now standing on a colossal circular platform made from weathered ash-gray stone that looked older than time itself.

Cracks spread under their legs. And the untouched dusts spoke eons of silence.

Around the circular platform, there was just absolute void.

​"It feels so empty here. Like everything in the universe has already died and been forgotten." Zestia muttered.

​Noir scanned the dreary landscape with a bored expression. She wasn’t scared at all.

"It is just a giant graveyard, little Zestia. From where I come from, they are very common there. And honestly, it is a bit of a downgrade from that beautiful palace, but at least it is a quiet place to kill people."

​Neo walked forward a few steps. He could feel the residual traces of a truly terrifying power embedded deep within the altar.

"This desolation is not from a natural death. This is what happens when a supreme power is forcefully drained from a world."

​The other Beyonders and Dominators began to look around too.

Theut initial high of greed suddenly dampened under the desolate atmosphere.

​"Look at those dead suns. If the Celestials were so proud and powerful, how did they let their own home end up like this? What kind of tragedy happened here?"

​"Quiet, you fool! They failed, and that is exactly why their inheritance is waiting for us. Their tragic end is our stepping stone to absolute godhood. Do not let a few dead rocks shake your resolve."

Myria stood a few hundred yards away perfectly calm at the vanguard of the group.

The desolate ambiance did not seem to faze her cold pride. Instead, her silver pupils were locked onto the ten massive crystalline pillars surrounding the central altar.

Each pillar was completely dark, but she could see ancient outlines of star markings etched into the glass.

​"Right, The star marks...If the golden figure said our affinities will be tested here. We must ignite those markings."

Her lead guard cut in,

​"Princess, the energy in this place feels highly volatile. If the altar rejects someone, the backlash from these ancient laws might instantly erase them from existence."

​"Then we simply cannot afford to be rejected," Myria replied with absolute coldness.

She turned her head to look at Neo. He was standing there with complete indifference, as if the crushing pressure of an ancient graveyard was nothing more than a casual stroll to him.

​Her competitive nature ruptured again.

"I am the daughter of the Dark Moon. My affinity with the cosmic laws is absolute. I will not fail in front of him."

Buzzz!

​All of a sudden, the central altar began to vibrate.