Ascension Ceremony [3]

The rushing wind, the sound of chaos, the bloody skirmishes…

It could only be described as exhilarating.

It was hard to imagine such a moment, enveloped in an atmosphere like war without truly having to fight a war.

This was the purpose of the Ascension Ceremony!

It was impossible to hear anything over the winds and the screeching and roaring of beasts. In all directions, one could see impressive displays of both combat and nonaggressive climbing.

It really depended on where one's abilities lay.

The stronger beasts that didn't have as much maneuverability climbed higher by tearing others down and using them as stepping stools, while their opposites ducked and weaved through the crowded mountainside with utter precision.

There was no such thing as pacing in an event like this. Even if one reached a high level, if they reached it slowly they wouldn't truly earn their status.