The teleportation trip turned out to be nothing like Maximus had imagined. There was no spectacular wormhole to step through, no cosmic blur flashing past at lightspeed, no breathtaking spectacle of light and energy.
Instead, his vision blurred for the briefest moment, followed by a flicker of darkness, and then—normalcy. It was instant, quick as a blink, and surprisingly mundane. Not even a hint of the strange or surreal he had anticipated.
The only problem came with the nausea, a dizzy rush hitting Maximus square in the head. His stomach churned rather violently, and for a moment, he was sure he was going to vomit. Doubling over, he clutched his abdomen, desperate to keep the contents of his stomach from leaking out.
"Haha! Told you to brace yourself," the burly man from earlier boomed, his laughter hearty and unrestrained. He watched Maximus struggle with far too much amusement. "That's what happens when you're a first-timer with the portal."
Maximus shot the man a silent glare, his violet eyes glimmering with irritation. But he didn't have the strength to muster a retort; the pounding headache consuming his skull was too much to bear.
The man clapped him on the shoulder, his hand heavy but oddly comforting. "Don't worry, lad. The headache will pass soon enough. Give it a few more trips through the portal, and you'll be as fine as a seasoned traveler. Good luck."
With a casual wave, he strode off, leaving Maximus to wrestle with the swirling chaos in his head and gut.
Maximus quickly realized he wasn't alone in his misery. The other youngsters in his group were enduring the same discomfort—pale faces, unsteady stances, and strained expressions. Despite their obvious struggles, no one had succumbed to vomiting, thankfully. It would've been a chaotic mess if someone had, and the thought alone made Maximus clutch his stomach a little tighter, determined not to be the first.
Their discomfort, however, became prime entertainment for the more seasoned members of the group. Snickers rippled through the crowd, some trying—and failing—to stifle their amusement. A few laughed outright, their voices echoing as they strolled away from the portal, clearly enjoying the sight of these first-timers struggling to find their footing.
Maximus could only shake his head, a mix of annoyance and resignation crossing his face. Gritting his teeth against the relentless pounding in his skull, he steadied himself and began to move, each step a small triumph over the nausea. He trailed after the crowd ahead, determined not to linger in the portal any longer than necessary.
The place he'd arrived at bore an uncanny resemblance to the interior of Heaven's Gate. The architecture, the designs—even the layout—all matched so closely that, for a brief moment, Maximus wondered if he'd somehow ended up back where he'd started. It was the sort of illusion that might have easily fooled someone less observant.
But Maximus knew better—this wasn't Heaven's Gate. The rankers stationed here were entirely different from the ones he'd seen earlier, their uniforms and demeanor marking them as a distinct group. It was enough to confirm that he had, indeed, gone to a different location.
Maximus walked slowly toward the exit just ahead, the throbbing in his head finally starting to ease. As he made his way, he passed a cluster of people moving in the opposite direction. Clearly, they were the next batch preparing to step through the portal, bound for Heaven's Gate.
He paid them no mind and kept moving, focused solely on reaching the exit. Moments later, the headache had mostly faded, allowing him to finally relax a bit.
As Maximus drew near, the large gate slid open with a low groan, and a burst of blinding light flooded his vision. The brightness was so intense that he couldn't make out anything beyond it, only the overwhelming glare. But even so, Maximus didn't hesitate in the slightest. He took a steady step forward, crossing the threshold and leaving the structure behind.
The moment clarity returned to his vision, he was greeted by, undoubtedly, the most amazing sight he had ever laid eyes on...
In the distance stood a colossal megastructure, towering above everything else.
It was unmistakably a tower, though its height was so staggering that it seemed to pierce the very clouds. The spire itself was hidden from view, swallowed by the sky above. What equally struck Maximus was the sheer girth of the structure—its circular form was so vast, he estimated its radius to be several hundred meters, a size almost beyond comprehension.
The tower's exterior was imposing and bare—no balconies, no windows, no embellishments to soften its starkness. Instead, intricate, rune-like symbols spiraled around its dark gray surface, coiling up the walls like a titanic serpent winding around the trunk of an ancient world tree. The patterns reminded Maximus of the runes etched into the standing stones of the teleportation portals, glowing with a steady surge of Energia. Yet, strangely, rather than overwhelming, the radiance was oddly calming, as though the tower itself was alive and exuding an almost divine aura.
Such a structure defied all logic, an impossibility that shouldn't have existed. Yet, there it stood—proud, aloof, and majestic. It loomed like an eternal sentinel, radiating an air of unshakable permanence. Its presence felt timeless, as though it could endure the passage of eons, standing tall and unbroken even if the world around it were to crumble into ruin.
'So that's the Ascension Tower, huh?' Maximus thought, his violet eyes locked onto the colossal structure. 'I have to admit... it's just as incredible as everyone said.' A profound sense of awe washed over him, leaving him momentarily breathless.
The Ascension Tower—the precise name of the awe-inspiring structure.
In all of Atlas, no other place or building held more renown than this tower. A person might forget the name of their nation's capital or even the street they lived on, but the name Ascension Tower was etched into everyone's mind. Its significance was universal, a symbol that transcended boundaries and spoke to something greater than a mere place.
It was the very catalyst that had ushered the world into the glorious magical era.
Around two centuries ago, the tower had appeared without warning, emerging as silently as a whisper on the wind. Its arrival was unassuming, yet its impact was anything but. Civilization had been reshaped entirely, its transformation so profound that the world of today was nearly unrecognizable from what had existed before the tower's enigmatic presence.
The tower was more than just a magical structure—it was a gateway, an entrance to something far more extraordinary. It led to a place of unimaginable significance, the source of all the wonders that made the practice of ranker cultivation possible. It was known as the origin of Energia, the birthplace of the Ascension Stones, and the wellspring of countless other marvels. More importantly, it was the place where most rankers gathered—not just those from Atlas, but from other realms as well.
When Maximus thought about how much grander Atlas was compared to the world of his previous life, he didn't mean it in terms of scale or size. In fact, when it came to landmass, Atlas was actually a bit smaller. What truly set this world apart and made it appear seemingly big was its connection to a myriad of other realms through the Ascension Tower. Each of these realms was teeming with its own life and even its own societies.
The connections allowed the people of Atlas to directly communicate with beings from other worlds—humans from distant realms and even alien races, each bringing their own unique perspectives and ways of life. So in essence, the Ascension Tower had become a kind of melting pot—a meeting ground where people from different realms, who otherwise would never have crossed paths, could meet and interact with each other.
Among the many realms connected to Atlas, the most important was the Grand Battleground. This realm was a million times larger than this world, its vastness stretching endlessly in every direction. But beyond its size, the realm was filled with wonders such as magical treasures, ancient artifacts, powerful beasts, hidden secrets, and numerous more.
For a long time, the Grand Battleground had been regarded as a giant arena, where rankers from all sorts of realms gathered for a variety of reasons. Some came to challenge themselves, testing their strength and skill against the dangers lurking within the realm. Others sought riches, hunting for treasure hidden in its vast expanse. Also, there were those who came for more ambitious goals, striving for dominance and hegemony.
Hence, the realm earned its name. It was, metaphorically, a fighting ring where rankers competed against one another. Whether it was for fortunes, survival, or supremacy, it served as the ultimate proving ground, challenging all those who dared to step onto its vast, prosperous, yet treacherous landscape.
That was precisely where Maximus was determined to go—a place worth leaving his hometown behind. The Grand Battleground held the promise of everything he sought: challenge, glory, and a chance to carve out his own destiny.
The scene surrounding the Ascension Tower was no less breathtaking than the megastructure itself. When Maximus turned his gaze to the left, he spotted six more buildings, each resembling Heaven's Gate, lined neatly along the side. These were none other than additional teleportation points, linking this mystical island to other existing portals scattered across the Gaia mainland.
Meanwhile, an endless tide of people stretched as far as the eye could see, bustling with activity and life. The crowd flowed through what appeared to be a sprawling settlement that encircled the tower.
Though it resembled a town, the settlement lacked the permanence of traditional ones. Instead of sturdy buildings, the area was filled with tents and pavilions, their colorful canopies billowing in the wind. It was a vibrant, buzzing hub—a seemingly temporary refuge that thrived beneath the shadow of the towering monolith.
The settlement was called Camp Idris, named after the first person from Atlas to set foot in the Ascension Tower.
Maximus decided not to linger. With purposeful strides, he descended the short stairs before him, the solid thud of his shoes against the stone echoing faintly, blending with the rhythm of other footsteps nearby. He then continued on, heading toward the pathway that led to the Ascension Tower. Its imposing presence loomed at the far ahead, a silent beacon pulling him forward.
However, the tower wasn't his immediate destination—not yet. Before he could step through its entrance, there was something he needed to secure first: a permit. Entry to the Ascension Tower and, by extension, the Grand Battleground, required official authorization issued by an organization known as the Azure Ranker Alliance.
It was important to note that the Grand Battleground wasn't connected to just a single Ascension Tower. That gigantic realm functioned, more or less, as a nexus, a central point where countless paths converged. Each of these paths was represented by an Ascension Tower, and every tower linked to at least three, four, or even more realms, serving as a bridge between worlds.
For Atlas, its Ascension Tower acted as a shared gateway to two other worlds.
Shenzhou, a world dominated primarily by humans, where Eastern-style cultures flourished. And Mernia, a realm teeming not only with humans but also elves, dwarves, beastfolk, orcs, and goblins.
On the technological front, these two realms lagged far behind Atlas. Their societies were still firmly rooted in the medieval era. This was especially true for Mernia, where its rich diversity of races and cultures gave the realm a wondrous quality, evoking the kinds of fantasy landscapes often seen in fairy tales and myths.
Despite the differences and disparities, the people of the three worlds had managed to maintain a strong and enduring relationship. Their collaborations began almost immediately after the emergence of the Ascension Tower, as the tower itself became a symbol of unity and exchange.
The relationship had been forged out of necessity, driven by the brutal realities of the Grand Battleground, where the law of the jungle prevailed. In that savage arena, strength dictated everything. Violence ran rampant, with massacres and even genocides unfolding regularly, often without significant consequences for the perpetrators. It was a place where survival was a constant struggle, and only those with the power to endure could rise victorious.
Therefore, in order to contend with the already-established powers and the potential dangers inside the Grand Battleground, the ruling authorities of Atlas, Mernia, and Shenzhou made the strategic decision to work together.
This collaboration gave rise to the Azure Ranker Alliance, a powerful organization tasked with overseeing and managing the affairs of all individuals from the three realms within the Grand Battleground. The alliance became the cornerstone of the three worlds' collective strength, ensuring their people's survival and livelihood in an environment where only the most powerful thrived.
One of the key responsibilities of the Azure Ranker Alliance was safeguarding the Ascension Tower that connected the three realms. This included the critical task of screening those who wished to enter the tower. Access was far from granted to just about anyone who walked up to its entrance. A permit was required, and obtaining one wasn't a simple matter. It demanded a thorough background check and an extensive verification of identity, ensuring that only those who met the Alliance's criteria could pass through.
That was exactly what Maximus was currently aiming for—securing a permit from the Azure Ranker Alliance's branch on this island. He knew that without it, he wouldn't be allowed anywhere near the Ascension Tower, let alone gain access to the Grand Battleground. His focus was clear as he made his way to find the Alliance's office, determined to jump through whatever hoops were required to take the next step in his journey.
It didn't take long for Maximus to reach the edge of Camp Idris, and as soon as he did, he found himself swallowed up in its lively atmosphere. The view here was nothing short of fantastical—everywhere he looked, there were wonders to behold.
Crowds filled the bustling streets, some leading peculiar beasts on leashes—creatures unlike any common animal. They came in all shapes and sizes, some lumbering with heavy steps, others gliding gracefully, their luminous eyes gleaming with an unsettling intelligence. In addition, the air was alive with the hum of different languages and peculiar smells wafting from stalls and shops offering exotic wares.
As Maximus made his way through, he also saw members of other races. Wolfmen with muscular humanoid bodies covered in fur, their wolf-like faces appeared almost feral as they chatted casually. Dwarves, their stout figures and bearded faces almost comical in their solidity, walked in pairs, their laughter thick and hearty. And then there were the so-called golden elves—tall and graceful, with lustrous blonde hair that shimmered in the sun. Their pointy ears and unique clothing stood in sharp contrast to the human populace, yet they moved as if this was their home, blending casually with the crowd.
Everything here looked as if several different worlds had merged into one, and the sight of it felt so natural, as though humans and these aliens had always coexisted this way. Maximus couldn't help but marvel at how easily they all mingled, side by side, with no sign of tension or awkwardness. It was the sort of harmony he could never have imagined back in his previous life.
He had to admit, the scene around him was truly captivating. But as much as Maximus wanted to soak in the spectacle, his goal remained clear. He couldn't afford to delay the matter at hand. With a quiet exhale, he shook off the temptation to linger and focused on moving forward, weaving further through the throng in search of the Alliance's branch.
Unfortunately, even after walking around for nearly fifteen minutes, he still hadn't found what he was looking for. The town's layout was a maze—chaotic and disorganized, with no clear order. There were no road signs or anything else to point him in the right direction.
Mildly frustrated, Maximus reached for his PCT, hoping it could provide some answers. But just as his fingers brushed the device in his pocket, a sudden realization stopped him.
Right…
He recalled an odd fact: any electronic device, whether near the Ascension Tower or within the Grand Battleground, wouldn't work at all. They couldn't function properly, as if some invisible force rendered them useless. This applied to all kinds of technological devices—computers, PCTs, cars, cameras, etc.
The cause of this phenomenon remained a complete mystery. Some scholars and scientists theorized that both the Ascension Tower and the Grand Battleground operated under a different set of reality laws, ones that disrupted the functionality of electronics within their proximity. On the other hand, the same rule did not apply to devices manufactured entirely through Energia-based craftsmanship. Such gadgets could function flawlessly in both locations without any issues.
So, yes—Maximus' PCT, a hybrid product of conventional technology and Energia-based craftsmanship, was completely useless here, adding yet another layer of difficulty to his predicament.
Left with no other choice, Maximus realized he'd have to ask someone for directions. His eyes darted around quickly, scanning the crowd for someone who looked like they knew the town well. And he spotted the person right away—a young fellow tending a nearby stall. The man had the air of a local who was likely familiar with the area.
Without hesitation, Maximus approached the stall.
"Excuse me, can I ask you for directions?" he began, stopping in front of the vendor.
The stall was a mishmash of goods, its display cluttered with an assortment of items—simple trinkets, odd knickknacks, and other random wares. It seemed to cater to no specific need, offering a little bit of everything.
The man behind the stall had been leaning lazily against the counter, his expression bored and distant. But as soon as Maximus came and spoke, he perked up, responding with a friendly smile.
"Sure. Where are you trying to go exactly?"
"The Alliance's branch," Maximus replied, scratching the back of his head. "I need to get a permit, but I have no idea where the office is. It's my first time here, and this town is... well, let's just say it's confusing. So…"
The man chuckled, a knowing look on his face. "I get it. You're not the first to feel lost here. The Alliance's office is actually pretty easy to find." He paused, pointing toward a certain direction. "See that big pavilion over there? That's it. You can't miss it—it's close to the tower's entrance."
Maximus followed the man's finger and saw a large pavilion in the distance. Its bright blue fabric stood out against the smaller tents scattered around it.
"Ah, so that's where it is," Maximus muttered, then turned back to the man at the stall, giving a grateful nod. "Thank you. I appreciate your help."
"No problem at all," the man said, smiling warmly.
Not wanting to waste any more time, Maximus turned around and walked away, leaving the stall behind. Now that he knew the location of the Alliance's branch, he was eager to get there as quickly as possible.