Noir wasn't sure how he completed all the objectives. But he did see something when he turned around at the last moment.
Even at a glance, as long as Noir caught the image, the [Memorization] would do the rest for him; the thing was dark and had six crimson dots on its supposed-to-be face.
It was hard to perceive if not for the Art.
'So, that's Shuua...'
Noir was glad he could complete the trial without much trouble. However, the abrupt interference made him frustrated because it felt like the scenario wasn't even finished.
The worst parts were the test was too simple, it felt like a half-assed-designed scenario, and only one Resonance was upgraded.
Isn't that a good thing? For everyone else, perhaps. But not for Noir.
Whatever it was, the scenario he got as his trial, albeit simple, only left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Moreover...
'Why the hell does it take so long to return?!'
Though Noir's consciousness was intact and functioning, the same couldn't be said for his senses and body. In fact, at that moment, he wasn't a physical entity but instead a spiritual being.
His consciousness floated in the darkness for a prolonged time, making Noir feel anxious about losing his existence.
'... Am... am I dead? Did that creature get me first before the system or the tower was able to teleport me?'
Noir felt his mind waning. He thought that the void began to engulf him until...
[What a silly thought.]
A divine voice erupted in the void.
The moment the voice echoed in the space, the darkness was lifted away, replaced by the white, infinite space.
All Noir's senses returned, and he could feel his weight and body now. He stared at his moving hand that was making a groping gesture to see if he really gained control of his body. After making sure he was in control of himself, Noir looked ahead.
"Well... Am I dead or what? Can you tell me, Sovereign?"
In front of him, a human-shaped figure stood looking in his direction with closed eyes. Lightning sparked when they opened their eyes.
[You're still alive. I'm bringing you here to discuss something. But first, congratulations for advancing to the next level.]
Noir sighed. "Yeah, thank you. So, what do you want to talk about with me? And is it okay for you to keep interfering with your own world? I mean, there should be penalties for it, no? At least, that's the case in the book I've read in the past."
[You don't have to worry about that.]
The Sovereign smiled, though Noir noticed it was an empty one.
[I want to offer you again. Not as a proxy since someone has accepted to be one, but to support the proxy.]
Noir was about to say something, but the Sovereign continued before he could.
[We will reward you accordingly.]
"Surprise me," Noir snickered. He decided to hear what the reward was before considering whether he should accept the offer or reject it for the second time.
[Your Resonance, Stormbringer. That's a power awakened by a different method from this world. Obviously, the approach to awaken its full potential was also different. I'll tell you how to evolve Stormbringer only if you accept my offer.]
It was true that Noir was upset because his core Resonance didn't have an upgrade. Rather than [Truth Seeker], he wanted [Stormbringer] to advance to two stars.
And if what the Sovereign said was true, getting information from them was crucial to strengthen himself. However, his goal was just to live peacefully in this world.
Noir didn't think the information about how to evolve [Stormbringer] was enough reward, especially if he accepted the offer from the Sovereign to support the 'proxy.'
More than anything, it seemed like a win-win situation for the Sovereign but a win-lose for Noir.
The Sovereign wouldn't lose anything if Noir rejected the offer. Meanwhile, Noir would lose the chance to get stronger.
But in the case of accepting the reward, the Sovereign's proxy would gain benefit from Noir's help, while Noir would receive enlightenment.
Although that seemed like a win-win situation. In actuality, it was not. To Noir, the reward was insufficient, considering the work and responsibility he would bear after becoming the proxy's support. In the first place, he didn't want to do anything related to protecting the world.
Noir had enough of that, especially when the request came from the same individual who gave him false info, though they had admitted their fault.
But the information to evolve [Stormbringer] was intriguing...
Noir didn't know how to evolve his power in the previous world, but even without his lightning getting an upgrade, he could become stronger by creating various techniques and mastering control.
But what if he discovered the method to evolve [Stormbringer]? Surely, he would become far stronger than he already was. Thus, with him standing at the pinnacle of strength, he could finally live peacefully!
Still...
"Don't you think the reward is lacking?"
[Trying to bargain, huh? Alright. I'll reward you with the information about Stormbringer's evolution and grant a wish of yours as long as it's within my power.]
Noir put his hand under his chin, giving it a thought.
[If you don't have anything in mind, how about an upgrade of the Arts?]
"Arts upgrade?"
As far as Noir knew, the upgrade of the Resonance Arts could only be achieved after a Resonant reached Herald (Master) class. When they became a Herald, they were eligible to partake in a trial of the Infinite Towers, where the Resonant would be rewarded with a random upgrade of their Arts every 10 floors.
Because of the random upgrade, even if there were two or more Resonants with the same Resonance, the strength they harness would differ from each other.
'If I have an Art upgrade while still being an Elite class, I'll be ahead of my peers. But...'
The problem was whether Noir could choose which Arts to upgrade.
"Is it possible to upgrade my [Azure Lightning]?"
The Sovereign shook his head.
[No. Since it comes from [Stormbringer], the method to upgrade will be different from the Resonance and Arts that you receive from this world. If you accept my offer, you will naturally learn how to evolve [Stormbringer] and its Arts.]
That left Noir with two choices; between [Memorization] and newly acquired [Identify], which was the better Art to receive an upgrade?