The Hall of Eternal Zenith was a masterclass in divine intimidation. The ceiling was a transparent membrane of polarized diamond, showing the churning, violent surface of the star just thousands of miles above. In the center of the hall sat a table carved from a single slab of Solar-Marble, laden with delicacies that were quite literally glowing with high-density mana.
This was the Pre-Trial Banquet, an ancient tradition where the Ten Heirs were forced to sit together before the "Harvest" began.
"Welcome, little brother," Prince Aurelius, the First Heir, said from the head of the table. His voice didn't just carry; it vibrated through the marrow of everyone present. "I see you've brought... entourage. A Frost-Born Saint and a Lightning-Sect commoner. How very... eclectic."
Raen took his seat at the far end of the table, Elena and Kaelith standing behind him. Unlike the others, who were dressed in shimmering gold silks, Raen wore his simple black traveling gear. His presence was a dark smudge on a canvas of blinding light.
A servant, trembling under the combined pressure of ten high-rank royals, poured a translucent, golden liquid into Raen's chalice. This was Sun-Marrow Wine, a drink so potent that a single drop could incinerate the internal organs of anyone below Rank 8.
"A toast," Helios said, standing up, his eyes gleaming with malice. "To the return of the 'Flickering Candle.' May he at least provide enough fuel to keep the furnace warm."
The other heirs laughed, lifting their glasses. They all watched Raen. This was the first unofficial test. If he couldn't drink the Sun-Marrow, he was unworthy of even being at the table. If he drank it and died, the "glitch" was solved.
Raen picked up the chalice. He didn't look at the wine; he looked at Helios.
[BLACK-BODY LAW: INTERNAL SINGULARITY]
Raen drained the cup in one go.
For a second, his skin turned a translucent, burning gold as the liquid fire attempted to vaporize his veins. But then, the shadows beneath his skin surged. The heat wasn't just contained; it was consumed. Raen set the cup down, his eyes glowing with a brief, terrifying brilliance.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Hazardous Mana Absorbed.
Conversion efficiency: 100%.
Warning: Your 'Void Hunger' has been whetted. You require more.
"A bit weak," Raen said, his voice perfectly steady. "Do you have anything for adults?"
The laughter died instantly. Helios turned a deep shade of crimson, his Rank 9 aura flaring so hot the table began to smoke.
But before he could strike, a chime echoed through the hall—a sound so pure it paralyzed everyone's vocal cords. The doors at the far end opened, and the First Emperor's High Vizier stepped through.
"The Emperor is pleased with your appetite," the Vizier announced, his eyes lingering on Raen. "The first stage of the Trial begins at dawn. It is the Hunt of the Star-Beasts."
The Vizier unfurled a map. "You will be dropped into the Solar Core-Wastes. Each of you must retrieve a 'Heart-Crystal' from a Rank 10 Star-Beast. However..." The Vizier's smile was thin and sharp. "There are only nine crystals available this century. One heir will not return."
As the banquet ended, the Heirs filed out, casting glances of pure loathing at Raen. Aurelius stopped as he passed Raen's chair.
"The Sun-Marrow wine was a test of your stomach, Raen," the First Heir whispered, his Rank 15 pressure threatening to crack the floor tiles. "The Core-Wastes will be a test of your soul. I've already told my siblings that the one who brings me your head will be my second-in-command when I take the throne."
Raen stood up, closing the distance until he was inches from his massive brother. "Then you should have told them to bring a bigger bag, Aurelius. Because when I'm done, there won't be enough of them left to bury."
As the trio returned to their quarters to prepare, Kaelith checked her equipment. "Raen, the Core-Wastes are 5,000 degrees on a 'cool' day. My technology will melt. Elena's ice will vaporize. You'll be alone out there."
"I won't be alone," Raen said, looking at the Axiom Shard on the table. "I'll have the hunger. And tomorrow, the Sun Empire is going to realize that I'm not just a prince. I'm an eclipse."