{God Candidate Detected!}
Kieran snapped to high alert the moment the system notification echoed in his mind.
He spun around, eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of Aetheris.
That's when it hit him.
'Where am I? Is this... the lobby?' Kieran looked around, confused.
But this didn't look like any waiting lobby.
It was worse—there was no one else here.
Just him, alone, in an empty void cloaked in darkness.
---
Meanwhile, outside the tower—unaware of the strange events unfolding within—members of various factions began to enter.
As the last of the recruits vanished into the swirling portal, Kim turned to face the captains and vice-captains gathered nearby.
"I trust you warned your recruits to conduct themselves properly inside the realm?" he asked, his gaze sweeping across them.
Each nodded silently in acknowledgment.
Then a voice came from the side.
