Chapter 160: The First Climber
The morning of Aurelion's departure arrived beneath an unnaturally clear sky.
For months, the Celestial Tower had dominated the world.
For months, kingdoms had argued, scholars had researched, armies had mobilized, and adventurers had dreamed.
For months, humanity had stared toward the heavens and wondered what waited beyond the giant black structure that had descended from nowhere.
And for months...
Aurelion had prepared.
Now the waiting was over.
The first rays of sunlight stretched across Tower City while thousands of people awoke earlier than usual. Merchants abandoned their morning routines. Adventurers left training grounds half-finished. Scholars postponed research. Construction crews paused projects.
Nobody needed an official announcement.
The news had already spread.
The Crown Prince was entering the Tower today.
The city moved with unusual energy.
Not excitement.
Not fear.
Expectation.
