[Congratulations, Laila, for defeating the fourteenth opponent. Please proceed to the next floor.]
[+100 Points Gained.]
"Status."
Name: Laila
Rank:2nd
Points:1600
Strength:61 (43) Agility:87 (61)
Durability:46 (32) Mana:71 (50)
Masteries: Marksmanship Lvl 5 Swordsmanship Lvl 6 Mana Weapon Construction Lvl 7 Heat Resistance Lvl 4 Night Vision Lvl 5 Poison Resistance Lvl 3 Aura Blade Lvl 3 Frost Resistance Lvl 4 Dragon Tamer Lvl 1
"Nothing seems off about my Stats or masteries so far. It's a bummer that some of my Stats are low, but I can't do anything about it, so I'll just have to deal with it. What do you think Solgac? Do you feel any different?"
The little dragon who has been watching my fight from a safe space ran up to me, climbed on top of my shoulders, and shook her small white head.
"Hm… so you are not affected by the S.O…"
Solgac nodded while letting out a cheerful cry. I've been having the dragon sit back and watch from a distance as I fight. I didn't want her getting even a single scratch on her beautiful pure-white scales. Sometimes she would complain by running around me in circles or refusing to leave my shoulders. I have a faint idea that she wants to help me in whatever way possible and doesn't like to be sidelined as I do all the fighting. It almost brings a tear to my eye, to be honest.
[Please proceed to the next floor. You have ten seconds until you're automatically disqualified.]
…And the heartfelt moment has been ruined. Lovely.
"Alright, Solgac. It's time to move up. The next one will be another pupil, so you'll have to be extra careful, okay?"
It shook its head yes and snuggled even closer to my neck, her tail swaying with every step I took. I smiled at the small dragon and opened the door to the next floor. When I stepped foot onto the new floor, I was instantly hit with the next condition.
[You are prohibited from using the Point Store from here on out.]
…This isn't so bad compared to the others. I haven't even thought of using the Point Store during my time here. I guess you were able to use it beforehand. Thinking about it now, I could've bought health potions and kept them in stock in case me or Solgac were heavily damaged. I should start thinking about utilizing this new feature once I get out of here. Anyways, let's focus on the problem in front of me.
There was a bald, large man with red skin standing with his back facing me. He had wide shoulders and a tall but muscular frame that reminded me of a bodybuilder. The Gi the man was wearing looked to be on verge of bursting apart every time his back heaved.
"Welcome, challenger," his deep voice echoed throughout the empty space. "The fact that you stand before me now means you defeated the fifth and fourth pupils, and the knights the dojo master had guarding each floor. Very commendable, might I add, to come this far."
"Thanks for the praise, third pupil. They were strong in their own right, that much I can say," I replied, pulling out the Damascus rapier from my sheath. "And just like how I beat them with my own two hands, so will you be defeated."
"…Interesting boast, challenger," the man snickered as he slowly turned his huge frame around, finally facing me. He had a charcoal-colored full beard and a neck as thick as a log. The third pupil craned his neck around as loud popping noises filled the room.
"Oh? You have a dragon strapped around your neck?" The pupil said, surprised. "I assume you are a [Dragon Tamer] then since I can clearly tell the dragon is fond of you. That is an extremely rare talent for someone as young as you. To think I would have the fortune of meeting another Dragon Tamer in my lifetime. The dojo master would be interested if they were to find out."
He knows about the [Dragon Tamer] mastery? That's unexpected. I should dig some more information out of him.
"What do you know about Dragon Tamers?" I asked in a bored tone, hoping to hide my curiosity.
"Not much, dear challenger. From my knowledge, those who can tame one of the mightiest creatures on Earthiens are destined for greatness in the future. Dragons are a species devoted solely to strength and are very indifferent to weaklings."
Oh, that's nice to kno- waaaait a minute. Did he just say Earthiens? Earthiens is obviously Earth and Athiens combined into a single name. How the hell would he know about that? There's no way he would've known about the current situation unless he's involved with the Pillars somehow. Only a select handful of people are informed about the true situation between Earth and Athiens. He also knows about the [Dragon Tamer] mastery too and I find it difficult to believe he's from Earth. Maybe he's from Athiens and I've never heard about his race before?
"Hold on, before we start our fight, where exactly are you from?" I asked, still puzzled about this guy's origins.
"Why are you curious about my humble beginnings? No matter though, I'll answer anyways," he sighed, folding his arms. "I come from a remote village located within the Demonic Continent of Earthiens. It is a place filled with terrifying beasts, and conditions so harsh that a regular species like the elves or athios would merely faint once they inhale the heavy air that permeates the land."
Demonic Continent of Earthiens? A place filled with terrifying beasts and conditions that are harsh… The only place I can think of that fits the bill is the Forbidden Area on Athiens. If that's the case, then why did he call it the Demonic Continent instead of the Forbidden Area? Add in the fact he called Athiens 'Earthiens'. The only explanation I can think of that makes the most sense is-
"If you are finished with your questioning, I would like to begin our fight!" he bellowed enthusiastically. "I can feel a strong and vibrant power from you, reminiscent of the Apithiens! My fingers are twitching with anticipation of the upcoming battle!"
The third pupil got into a wide stance, his legs bent low, and his arms spread out.
"A grappler fighting stance?" I mumbled, watching the man that had a wide grin on his face. "Solgac, you know the drill. Find a safe place and stay away from the fight. Let momma do all the work."
"…"
"Solgac?"
I turned my head to Solgac, wondering why she wasn't replying. The dragon was staring intently at the third pupil, not moving a single inch from her spot. Is she refusing to leave my side?
"Solgac… I don't want to see you getting hurt. Please listen to me… This won't take long." I pleaded with the dragon with all my heart, but she was still unmoving, occasionally snarling at me whenever I tried to pry her off my shoulder. The man would watch us struggle with one another, waiting patiently for us to stop our bickering.
"Alright alright, fine! You can stay!" I sighed, letting the stubborn dragon do as she pleases.
"Hm? I can also feel the power of an Apithien from that dragon too… How strange," the big guy murmured.
"You also mentioned you feel the same power of an Apithien coming from me too. Care to elaborate further?"
"Defeat me in battle if you want answers, challenger. All I want to do right now is fight to our heart's content!"
"…I thought so," I grumbled. He seems to know a bit about Apithiens, dragons, and this 'Demonic Continent' that sounds eerily similar to the Forbidden Area. I feel like there's more than meets the eye in the Tower of Strength, and the history of Athiens and Earth. There is no way he should know Earth's name other than the residents of Earth themselves, the Pillars, and those close to the Cardinal. I don't understand exactly what is going on here…
"Here I come, challenger!" With thundering footsteps, the third pupil came rushing to me like a charging rhino.
"Okay, Solgac. Since you don't wanna leave my side, I'll try my best to have you sustain no injuries at all. Please be careful in the meantime."
"Kyuu!" Solgac quickly bobbed her head up and down while smirking.
"…I can't even be mad at you," I whispered, looking away from the beaming dragon. The third pupil was now a few feet away from me. When he got close enough, he lurched his body forward in an attempt to grab hold of me, but with my speed, it was easy to dodge, so I just backed up a few meters.
"You're a quick one, aren't you?"
"Nice observation," I remarked, leveling the Damastril rapier near my chest. It's obvious this guy wants to grab me and take advantage of the size and strength difference between us. Since I'm aware of his plan, I'll have to make sure he doesn't get his hands on me. This should be feasible since I know I'm faster than him. What I should look out for is the Demonic Arts. The fourth pupil showcased one of its powers earlier by unleashing an energy wave that knockbacks the opponent. While I wasn't hit by the energy wave, I knew it was a dangerous attack, nonetheless. This guy probably learned the skill too, and maybe has more in store.
"What are you thinking so deeply about?" He called out, once again charging at me. Using speed to my advantage I clenched the rapier tightly and sidestepped away from the man. At that moment I thrust the weapon at his left shoulder.!
The rapier punctured the man's skin, drawing a little bit of blood. I retracted the rapier away and released a volley of attacks all around the third pupil's body. The burly man would wildly swing his big arms at my current location while also protecting his head, but I would swiftly step away and continue thrusting at a different angle. Small holes were rapidly appearing all over his exposed skin and Gi. Solgac was also holding onto my hoodie for dear life with her little paws, unable to keep up with my sudden bursts of speed.
"Buzzing around like a little fly…Hmph!" The man leaped high into the air just before I could land another hit, which in turn caught me off-balance. When I looked up, the third pupil was rapidly descending toward me with his right leg sticking out.
So fast! I won't be able to dodge in time! All I can do right now is block the kick with my rapier!
I held up the Damastril rapier above my head as fast as I could in a protective manner. While the blade part may be long and thin, the material used is still one of the toughest on Athiens, and even on Earth. There's no way a kick from this guy would be able to dent or scratch it.
"As if that toothpick will bear the might of my kick!" He cackled right as his kick made contact with the rapier. Upon impact, my knees buckled under the sheer power of this man's attack. I grimaced as I tried my hardest to push him back, but in my current state, all I could do was redirect his leg by shifting my whole body. Now finally free, I backed away from the man while taking deep breaths. When I took a peek at my arms, they were furiously trembling from the heavy demand my muscles had to withhold.
"That weapon you're holding… Is it made from Damastril?" My opponent asked, pointing at the rapier in my shaking hands.
"Yes, it is. It was made by one of the best craftsmen in Athiens," I answered.
"Athiens? I have never heard of that land before," said the man, perplexed at the name. "Damastril is an extremely rare metal only found on the deepest pits of the Demonic Continent. Not only is it hard to come by, but there is also only one person in the entire world that has the necessary skills to smelt and forge the metal."
...The more he speaks, the more I'm starting to understand the situation. If I want to fully confirm my suspicions, I'll have to ask him a specific question. Also, I need to buy some time until the muscle spasms stop.
"The person who forged my blade goes by the name Venny. He was a bald and big man who always wore goggles and an apron. He also had the habit of changing his appearance for personal reasons."
"Venny you say?" The man placed a hand on his chin while thinking. Solgac and I exchanged glances as we watched him closely.
"The name and description don't ring any bells. The one person I had in mind though was Hephaestus, the god of blacksmithing and fire. Maybe they are the same person? The gods have a habit of changing their appearance whenever they please."
Hold on… This guy just casually mentioned a Greek god only mentioned in myths as if he actually exists! During my time on Athiens, I have never heard anyone mention any of the Greek gods or any other aspect of Greek culture. I mean, Isaac had told me an archbishop transformed into an Arachne...
"W-What era do you come from?" I sputtered without thinking. The third pupil merely tilted his head at me with a blank expression.
"Era? The humans back on Earthiens would call it… 900BC?"
900BC? That should be near The Bronze Age or the Geometric Period! Right now it should be the 21st century! Did I go back in time or is he screwing with me? No… He's speaking the truth. The way I've never seen these species before, The Demonic Continent being eerily similar to the Forbidden Area, and the name Earthiens… He even knows of us humans too! He also knows the lingo that only humans know, like BC! Did the Tower of Strength transport us to the past? Or is it an alternate universe? Did the Pillars plan this out or is it just a coincidence?! I have so many damn questions! My head is swirling as new information is being inputted inside my brain like a computer processing data.
"Hold on… give me a minute here," I murmured, massaging my temples.
"My apologies, but you've stalled long enough. We shall continue the fight." The man shook his head, getting back into his grappling stance.
"…Fine."
I aimed my rapier at the third pupil and stared him down, yet still unfocused. I was still thinking about all the events that led me to this moment. The masked man I encountered when I first gained superhuman powers, being transported to Athiens, meeting new people, the battles I've gone through, the Pillars who call themselves gods, The Labyrinth, Tartarus, and now here. Everything I'd been through was starting to make sense.
The fact that The Labyrinth and Tartarus are real, the Greek Gods are probably real too, and that maybe… just maybe… the true history of Earth has yet to be unraveled. If I want answers, then I'll have to ask these pupils what they know. But the person who I want to meet the most out of everyone else is the dojo master. They will have the answers I seek. Before I can meet them though, I'll have to climb the Tower of Strength. Until then, all I can do is move forward.