Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine-Chapter 246 - 245- Begin!

'Damn...it's just like how it was written in the book.' Alex stood on the platform and looked around.

The floating arena hovered in the middle of a vast, dark sky filled with countless stars. It looked like a giant, ancient platform made of smooth stone and glowing runes, suspended in the air with no support beneath it. Around the arena, the emptiness stretched endlessly, the stars twinkling like tiny eyes watching from afar.

Many candidates wandered around the space near the arena, their faces lit by starlight and the gentle glow of the runes. Some stood quietly, others paced nervously or spoke in low voices. The air was still, yet heavy with tension. Everyone knew that the celestial trials would soon begin, and only a few would remain once they ended.

"Damn man… will I die if I fall off?" Edric asked, standing close to the edge of the floating platform, peering down into the endless sky.

"Why are you even risking it? The platform's big enough for the battle royale," Alex said, grabbing his arm and pulling him back without looking.

"The floor's strange…" Natasha murmured. She was on her knees, one hand gliding over the surface. Her fingers traced the smooth texture as if trying to understand it.

Then, without warning, she clenched her fist and slammed it down.

THWANG

The sound echoed briefly, but the floor didn't crack or even tremble. It swallowed the impact like it was nothing.

"They must've used the strongest material possible," Rebecca said, glancing around as she spoke, "makes sense, right? In a few minutes, the best warriors from seven different worlds will be tearing this place apart."

All around the arena, figures stood—some in heavy armor, others carrying giant weapons that looked like they belonged in myths. They were strong, proud, and dangerous.

But Alex and his group had come without armor—except for an elf and one of the beastkin. They were used to fighting light, moving fast, and trusting their own bodies more than any piece of metal. Armor would only slow them down.

Still, Alex carried everything—armor, swords, even a shield—but deep down, he knew he wouldn't need them. His enemies weren't on that stage where his blade would be enough. Most of the fight would be over before it even began, thanks to the spells he had mastered.

'Have they noticed yet?' he wondered quietly.

He wore a loose shroud over his head, covering his face and hair. His presence was hidden, at least for now. The Curse helped—its power made him hard to notice, like a shadow that slipped past even the most watchful eyes.

But he knew the truth: the darkness could never be fully hidden.

Still, no one seemed to sense him. That surprised him. It felt strange… almost wrong. But maybe it wasn't their fault. Right now, even the gods were distracted.

Their eyes were fixed on someone else—on their parents.

Solaris, one of the celestial beings, stood apart from the crowd, his nerves written all over his face. He hadn't done anything wrong. But his hands were clenched, and his back was stiff.

After all, it's not every day you stand in front of someone who can erase your entire existence with a snap of their fingers.

"I think you should hand-pick the warriors sometimes," Thalor said, his voice calm but firm as he looked down at the contenders gathering on the floating platform.

"But dear," Gaia replied gently, "there are so many worlds, and the selection has to happen regularly."

Thalor scoffed, crossing his arms. "All they do is bless a few people here and there, and float around watching over the world. Surely, they can spare a little time to choose proper champions."

Gaia gave a weak smile, not wanting to argue. Before the silence grew too long, Solaris stepped forward.

"As you command, Father," he said quickly. "Next time, I'll volunteer to select the ten champions myself—"

"Not you," Thalor cut in, his voice sharper this time. Only he could speak to Solaris like that. "You'd be biased in your choices. I'm giving that task to Eldorin and Elunara."

Solaris froze for a moment before swallowing hard. He lowered his gaze and gave a small nod. "As you command, Father."

It stung more than he showed—but it wasn't new.

The rejection had become a quiet pattern. Ever since Solaris had delivered the news… that his eldest son had been sacrificed during the war, Thalor had barely looked at him the same. No matter how hard Solaris tried, he couldn't erase the distance in his father's eyes.

His strict administration, his regular observation over the world...all his hard work was ignored just because he failed to save their child.

Gaia wasn't unaware of what her son was thinking, but she couldn't say anything to console him. After all, lying wasn't a part of her attitude, and telling that she had forgiven her husband for what happened all those years ago would be a lie.

She can never forget and never forgive.

....

Back in the arena, Alex and his team stood together, forming a tight circle. Around them, the other contenders from different worlds gathered as well, creating a wide ring of warriors. Everyone knew something big was coming—they just didn't know what yet.

They didn't have to wait long. ƒreewebɳovel.com

A new angel—this one glowing with golden light and flowing blonde hair—rose above the arena. Her wings spread wide, and her voice echoed across the entire space, calm and powerful.

"To all champions hailing from their respective worlds, I extend my welcome. You now stand at the threshold of the final trial—an ultimate test to prove your strength, resolve, and wisdom. Only the most worthy shall earn the right to survive… and ascend to the realm where only the chosen endure."

Her words washed over them like a wave, soothing yet stirring, as if lacing courage into their hearts.

"Damn... they hire some fine angels," Edric muttered under his breath, eyeing the angel with far too much interest.

Alex gave him a sideways glance and sighed dramatically. "You've got a girlfriend, man. Show some dignity."

Edric rolled his eyes. "Can't help appreciating beauty, even in battle."

The angel raised her hand, and the air grew still. Her voice turned firm.

"Listen closely. These are the rules you must obey during the trial."

Every warrior in the arena focused now, their chatter fading into silence.

"First, jumping out of the arena will mean instant disqualification. Second, flight will be restricted—you cannot fly above a certain height. Third: no potions, no artifacts. Any weapon that shows excessive or unfair power will be taken. Use such tools to harm or defend, and you will be removed. If you're unsure what's allowed, then use only your body. No excuses."

Grumbles and whispers rippled through the crowd. Some were clearly upset. Many had come relying on their gear, especially potion users and artifact wielders. But Alex and his team? They stayed quiet. None of them needed such things. Their power came from within.

The angel's tone turned colder, sharper.

"You have three days. Seventy-two hours. By the end of it, the team with the most fighters still standing… wins."

The silence that followed was heavy.

The Angel looked around, her golden eyes glowing over the crowd as she asked, "Is there anything you would like to ask?"

Several hands rose, and she chose one randomly.

It was a blue creature that looked like a mixture of a crocodile and a griffin, as he asked, "What if there are the same number of two or more universes that survive after time is up?"

The Angel calmly responded, "We will give them time to settle down the numbers."

Another question, "Can we kill other participants?"

"Yes, you can."

"What if the weapon causes mass destruction but it is-"

"Prohibited. You must not use such tools unless you want to get disqualified." The message was clear. Use your strength and don't rely on any tool.

"Umm..will the deities be watching us?" A meek girl with a horn on her forehead asked.

Alex was also curious as he looked up at the sky, and just as he thought, the Angel confirmed,

"Yes, they are. That's why make sure you give a good performance and prove yourself to exist."

The girl smiled sheepishly, her hands clasped before her chest

And not only her, but many others also showed feverish and motivated expressions upon hearing that their Gods would be watching them.

'Fanatics...' Alex sighed under his breath.

Once he reveals his identity, they would surely be the ones who would come after him.

Now, how strong they were was something he was unsure of.

The Angel responded to most of the questions before she declared, "Now that every question has been answered, I suggest you prepare."

Everyone took out their weapons, and Soul energy erupted from each corner of the ring.

The Angel glided her eyes around once again, before she announced,

"BEGIN!"

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.