The light bled away from Asher’s vision, and when it settled, he found himself standing in the center of a massive hall. The floor stretched endlessly, polished like obsidian glass, while colossal pillars carved from starlight rose high into the unseen ceiling. The very air trembled with layered voices, echoes of power gathered from countless realms.
Asher’s gaze shifted. Figures lined the edges of the hall—some alien in form, some beast-like with horns, scales, or wings, and some unmistakably human. Their eyes locked on him the moment he appeared, and in those gazes lingered awe, caution, and in some cases, envy.
One of the humans, draped in silver robes embroidered with galaxies, stepped forward. His voice carried authority yet also a strange reverence.
"Another one... another human. Great. We have gained another."
The hall rippled with murmurs, and Asher tilted his head slightly, his crimson eyes catching the faint reflection of their curiosity.
A beastman with jagged tusks and a body like molten rock growled lowly, his words like rolling thunder:
"So... you came from a mana-based world. A low strata plane. Hmph. Curious that you stand here already."
Asher didn’t respond immediately, his expression calm, almost indifferent. He let his aura flow faintly, crimson threads of power weaving around him like a warning. The beastman took a step back unconsciously, though his glare didn’t waver.
The silver-robed human spoke again, this time his voice edged with caution.
"You must be confused. What you see here is not one world, but fragments of many. Vast domains, merged together into a higher field. We... the ones before you... were also brought here after our own ascensions."
Asher narrowed his eyes slightly. "What is this place?"
The translucent elder gave a slow nod, his voice carrying both patience and gravity.
"This place... it is called the Recruitment Hall. Every ascended one who breaks beyond the mortal shell will appear in halls , scattered across the higher dimensions. Each race sends their representatives here—to seek, to recruit, to test. This is where paths are chosen."
A tall humanoid man, his features sharp and dignified, stepped forward. His aura carried the weight of stars, yet his tone was steady and almost reassuring.
"You stand at the threshold of greater existence," he said. "If you wish, you may follow me. I will show you everything about the higher dimensions—the factions, the seats of power, the endless trials. Whether you choose to join humanity’s banner or walk your own road... all that will be decided beyond this hall."
Asher’s crimson eyes flickered, his expression unreadable. "So this is where all of us gather... where the ascended are sifted."
"Exactly," the man replied. "This hall is the first gate. Beyond it are realms marked in red—sealed domains where chosen ones prove their worth. But for now, this is a place of choice. Recruitment... and destiny."
The air shifted then, charged with a sudden ripple. From one of the far arches, eleven figures emerged, their presence luminous and commanding. Their steps were measured, their gazes sharp, and every being in the hall turned toward them in silence.
"Damn it... why is the Order of Luminous here?" the elderly man muttered darkly. His brows furrowed, and Asher caught the faint growl in his voice.
Asher’s eyes flicked toward the newcomers. The eleven women moved as one, radiance trailing behind them like banners of light. He let his gaze sweep over them, cold and quiet, before choosing to stand silently aside. Yet the hall itself reacted—before he could dwell on their sudden presence, the great platform in the center ignited with runes.
A beam of radiance split the air, and a figure descended. She was a vision of golden hair and flawless beauty, her eyes gleaming like twin suns. The atmosphere trembled as her voice carried outward, sharp yet melodic:
"Congratulations, My lady on completing your trial."
Whispers coursed through the gathered beings. The elderly man near Asher let out a bitter snort. "So... it’s this, then. Those bastards must have descended into the lower dimensions, stirring havoc under the pretense of a trial." His tone dripped with contempt, though a sardonic smile played on his lips.
Then he turned to Asher. "By the way, my name is Benjamin Love. You can just call me Elder Ben." His expression softened into a smile, weary but genuine.
Asher inclined his head faintly, offering no more than silence in return. His crimson gaze stayed fixed on the glowing dais until the moment passed.
Soon after, Asher followed Elder Ben as the crowd began to thin. They stepped out from the recruitment hall, and the world beyond stretched wide before him. The very air was different—laws more refined, space more resistant, every breath a reminder that this realm stood higher, sharper, and more perilous than anything below.
The two of them slipped into a quiet café tucked along the edge of the radiant hallways, its lanterns dimmer than the rest of the shining district. The smell of brewed spirit-tea filled the air, grounding the strangeness of the day.
Elder Ben eased into his seat with a sigh, waving for the server to bring them drinks. "Now then, lad... you’re probably confused. Let me cut straight. This layer, this place you’re in—it’s called the Lavis Star. One of the many human strongholds scattered across these dimensions. Here, we’ve gathered not only exiles and wanderers but also entire bloodlines who couldn’t remain in the higher clusters. This star is, in truth, a refuge—but also a prison."
Asher sat back, eyes narrowing. "A prison?"
Ben chuckled low, tapping his cane on the ground. "Well, yes and no. We humans, scattered as we are, don’t belong neatly in most realms. This star shelters thousands, perhaps millions, though... it hides secrets even deeper. One of the largest seeds of humanity lies buried here, unseen by most."
He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "And that’s why so many factions circle this star like vultures. The most prominent of them? The Order of Luminous. They parade as guardians, embodiments of the Light Laws and its branches—Radiance, Purity, Sanctity. They claim to protect humanity, but..." Ben’s lip curled slightly, "...what they truly protect is their control."
Asher raised a brow, sensing weight in his tone. "You don’t like them."
"Ha! Like? No, boy—I distrust them." Ben’s eyes flashed, hard despite his smile. "The Order of Luminous believes Light is the highest, purest law, and all others must bow beneath it. They’ve meddled in countless realms, erased cultures, and forced others into their mold. Their disciples look like saints, but behind their robes are chains just as cruel as any slaver’s. You saw them today—their presence stifles everything."
He paused as the server brought steaming cups, then gestured with his own. "There are ten great factions here in Lavis Star, each with their own creed and reach. The Order of Luminous is the loudest, yes—but they are not the only power. Others hold the shadows, the storms, the night itself."
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Asher’s gaze sharpened at that. "Night?"
Ben nodded knowingly. "You’ll hear the name soon enough. The Stray Night Sect. They oppose the Luminous openly. Their creed is freedom—chaos, some would call it. They master shadow, obscurity, silence, and the untamed ways of darkness. To them, light is a chain that blinds; night is the truth that sets you free."
For the first time, a glimmer of genuine admiration passed through Ben’s expression. "I’ve never bent knee to the Luminous, and I never will. But the Stray Night... well, I find myself listening to their creed more than I admit. They speak of balance, of not being bound by any single path. Perhaps that is why they’re branded heretics."
He leaned back, sipping his tea, his smile returning faint but sharp. "So, lad—now you know why I snicker when the Order of Luminous enters the hall. They are not saviors, but rivals—predators cloaked in radiance. And in Lavis Star, if you’re wise, you’ll learn quickly who deserves your trust... and who deserves your blade."