The streets of Camp Idris buzzed with life as Maximus strode briskly through the crowd, his destination clear: the grand entrance of the Ascension Tower.
Having the entry permit in his pocket, he felt a quiet relief. There was no longer any fear of being denied entry.
All that remained for Maximus now was to join the queue at the entrance, wait patiently for his turn, present his permit card to the security, and step through the magical gateway into the tower.
Simple and straightforward—no further complications, no additional hoops to jump through. The path to the Grand Battleground lay open before him, unbarred and beckoning.
Naturally, Maximus was in high spirits. He was on the verge of stepping into a place he had long yearned to visit, his excitement bubbling just beneath his composed exterior.
Furthermore, he hadn't even needed to wait long for the permit—no lengthy hours or days of anticipation. The Deputy Manager of the Alliance's Camp Idris branch had handed it to him personally, promptly and without delay or any needless formalities.
How could Maximus not be elated?
Yet, a lingering confusion and a faint unease gnawed at his heart. Something about the way he had obtained the permit left him unsettled.
It wasn't the result of his personal efforts.
Apparently, someone else had played a crucial role in securing it—a benefactor whose true identity was a complete mystery to him.
Maximus had tried to uncover the identity of this mysterious benefactor, but even Reynold, the Deputy Manager of the Alliance's branch, claimed to have no idea who it actually was.
The middle-aged ranker could only speculate, his suspicions pointing toward the highest echelons of the Alliance.
To be honest, the manner in which Maximus received his permit wasn't particularly unusual or unconventional. According to Reynold, the Alliance often extended such privileges to a select group of clients.
However, these recipients were typically the scions of influential clans or individuals backed by major factions aligned with the Alliance.
People like them didn't have to endure the usual procedures to obtain a permit. All they had to do was simply appear at any Alliance branch, and it would be handed to them immediately.
It was, without question, a very enviable privilege.
But beyond those already mentioned, there was another special group of clients—those recommended directly by high-ranking executives from the Alliance HQ. And, to his surprise, Maximus now found himself counted among them.
Technically speaking, the Alliance issued three types of permits for those seeking entry to the Ascension Tower and the Grand Battleground, each offering its own set of benefits and advantages.
The first type was the Bronze permit, typically granted to ordinary individuals without any innate gift. It offered basic access to the Ascension Tower, with no additional perks.
The second was the Silver permit, usually given to rankers of average standing without considerable backing. In addition to granting access to the tower, it offered modest perks, such as small discounts at Alliance-affiliated establishments and limited access to the organization's training facilities.
The third and final was the Golden permit, the highest and most prestigious type. This was the permit granted to the elite class of clients. Its benefits far exceeded those of the silver permit, offering exclusive privileges that were highly sought after.
Among those benefits, the most valuable was definitely access to the Alliance's vast library of cultivation techniques.
As the most powerful organization across the three realms of Atlas, Shenzhou, and Mernia, it was no surprise that the Azure Ranker Alliance had amassed an extraordinary wealth of cultivation resources, including a rich array of mystical arts, martial arts, combat skills, and many other cultivation-related methods.
The expansive collection was primarily reserved for the Alliance's own members—those directly employed by the organization. However, holders of golden permits were permitted access as well. They could browse the library, select, and even practice some of the available techniques there, provided they had earned a certain level of contribution.
Undoubtedly, this privilege was immensely valuable for any ranker. After all, acquiring a mystical art or any cultivation-related technique was no easy feat, and such knowledge was extremely rare and difficult to find.
The scions of powerful clans likely had little need for such a privilege, as these clans typically possessed their own substantial cultivation heritage and were generous with resources, particularly for clan members who demonstrated strong potential.
The same also applied to individuals sponsored by major factions; they were often already well-equipped with cultivation resources from their sponsors, making the Alliance's library less vital to them.
But for someone like Maximus, with no significant background and almost zero capital at his disposal, such a privilege was nothing short of a godsend. It offered a direct path to obtaining the cultivation techniques he desperately needed. He didn't have toil randomly or even risk his life, hoping for a fortunate encounter to stumble upon a suitable mystical art or method.
The Alliance's library could provide him with exactly that—much more accessible and reliable.
Originally, Maximus had been uncertain about how to acquire a mystical art that would suit his power. But now, with the golden permit in his hand, the solution was no longer distant and vague—it was already within his reach.
If not for his lingering concerns about his mysterious sponsor, Maximus' excitement would have been uncontainable. He might have even been willing to dance in the streets without a care for his dignity, lost in pure exhilaration.
Speaking of his enigmatic benefactor, Reynold's speculation that the person might be one of the Alliance's high-ranking executives could only mean one thing: an Earth Realm powerhouse had taken a special interest in him.
Yes, an Earth Realm ranker...
The Azure Ranker Alliance's immense power and influence weren't solely the result of its massive organizational scale or the unwavering support of the ruling powers from the three allied realms. The true foundation of its strength lay in its leadership—an assembly of Earth Realm juggernauts, whose contributions were invaluable and undeniable.
Every publicly known Earth Realm ranker from Atlas, Shenzhou, and Mernia belonged to this exalted circle. Together, they were famously known as the Guardians—a title earned through their role as the supreme defenders of the three allied realms' interests within the Grand Battleground.
In the present day, their authority was virtually unrivaled, overshadowing even the elected leaders, authoritarian dictators, and royal sovereigns of the secular governments in the three realms.
To have the sponsorship of one of those revered powerhouses would have thrilled just about anyone. After all, this was an Earth Realm ranker—a formidable figure whose influence and power made it irresistible for anyone to seek their favor.
But Maximus felt differently about his mysterious sponsor. His emotions were conflicted, a mix of gratitude and unease swirling within him.
Of course, Maximus was happy and thankful for the timely help. It was exactly what he needed.
Still, he couldn't help but feel wary toward his benefactor. What troubled him most were the person's motives, which were as unclear to him as the exact number of stars in the sky—utterly unknown.
He couldn't understand what kind of interest that person had in him, nor the true reason behind the help he had received.
He was just a lonely orphan who had only recently awakened his innate gift. A veritable rookie. So why would anyone go out of their way to help him?
Moreover, Maximus harbored many secrets, the most significant being the truth of his reincarnation. It was a Pandora's box he had no intention of opening for others. And being under the radar of an Earth Realm ranker could very well jeopardize this secret—something he couldn't afford to happen.
'Gotta stay as far away from that person as possible. That's all I can do for the time being,' Maximus thought, his mind racing as he continued walking, weighing his options regarding his mysterious benefactor.
Since that person had taken an interest in him—and considering they were likely an Earth Realm juggernaut—a meeting might be inevitable. If they decided to meet him in person, Maximus knew there would be no escaping it.
But until that moment came, he had no intention of taking any initiative. Staying clear of that person was the wisest course of action for now.
With that, Maximus pushed aside all thoughts of his enigmatic benefactor. He focused solely on the excitement of finally heading toward the tower, the place he had longed to visit.
Right now, that was all that mattered to him—nothing else.
**************
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The day had slipped into early evening. The sun was dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of amber and gold.
The line before the entrance to the Ascension Tower stretched long and winding, even at this hour.
Fortunately, Maximus had made steady progress in the queue and was now close to the security checkpoint. Only a handful of people remained ahead of him. It wouldn't be long before he could pass through.
Minutes later, after the person right in front of him completed her security check, it was finally time for his turn.
So Maximus stepped forward, taking a couple of measured strides while pulling out his permit card. Its golden, rigid surface glinted under the fading light, shimmering in his palm like a token of promise.
The security checkpoint here bore a striking resemblance to the one at Heaven's Gate. It was guarded by a platoon of rankers clad in light bluish cloaks. However, these rankers exuded a greater presence than the EPB operatives stationed at Heaven's Gate. Their combined aura was sharp and menacing, a silent warning of their readiness to handle any sudden threat.
The number of people waiting in line to enter far exceeded those exiting the tower, which came as no surprise. Such a scene was perfectly normal.
Once someone made it to the Grand Battleground, they rarely returned. Most chose to remain in that wondrous realm, dedicating themselves to forging their futures and building their lives within its boundless opportunities.
Thus, unless driven by urgency or pressing business, such individuals wouldn't be coming back at all, contributing to a noticeably smaller number of people traveling back from the tower.
Stopping directly in front of the barrier arm, Maximus promptly handed his permit card to the security ranker stationed there, needing no instruction to do so.
He was already familiar with the procedure, so there was no reason to waste time or hesitating.
Unfortunately, the process was still delayed—but it wasn't Maximus who caused it. Rather, it was the security ranker, who froze upon seeing the golden card in his hand.
In fact, it wasn't just the security ranker. If Maximus had looked around, he would have noticed that many people nearby also reacted, more or less, the same way, including the security ranker's colleagues.
Though small in size, comparable to a bank card or any other identification card in general, the golden card Maximus held was just too conspicuous. Its gleaming presence drew nearly every eye in the vicinity.
Each of these people could recognize the card instantly and knew exactly what it represented.
But seeing that the security ranker still hadn't taken his permit card, Maximus felt a little annoyed. He was in no mood to be held up by any kind of delay, his growing impatience urging him to step into the tower and make his way to the Grand Battleground.
"Hey, this is my card. Aren't you going to check it?" Maximus prompted, his tone laced with impatience as he tried to nudge the security ranker into action.
The security ranker himself snapped back to his senses at Maximus' words. A hint of embarrassment crossed his face as he quickly and politely took the card from Maximus' hand, tapping it against the scanner beside him.
The device hummed softly for a few moments before emitting a green light, signaling that the check was successfully completed.
The security ranker swiftly handed the card back to Maximus, saying, "You may proceed, sir."
Maximus slipped the card into his pocket and was about to offer a quick thanks, but the security ranker spoke again, cutting him off.
"But, there's something I must remind you..."
Maximus raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued.
"Oh? And what might that be?" he asked, wondering what could warrant this additional comment.
"This lane is actually for people with Bronze and Silver permits. For folks with special permits like yours, that lane over there is available to use," the security ranker informed, gesturing toward an empty lane a short distance away.
"Hmm, I can actually do that?" Maximus said, his eyes lighting up with sudden realization.
The entryway to the magical gateway of the Ascension Tower was actually divided into several lanes, each separated by sturdy metal dividers.
But for some reason, only two of the lanes were currently open, while the others remained blocked off with barricades, seemingly out of use. Of the two active lanes, only one was crowded with people, its line snaking far back into the town.
Maximus had been curious about this odd arrangement ever since he arrived and took his place in the queue. He had been wondering why the other active lane remained completely empty, with not a single person stepping forward to use it.
It was almost as if an unspoken rule kept everyone away, though no signs or instructions explained why.
Now it all made sense. The empty lane was specifically reserved for holders of golden permits like him.
"Yes. So please remember to use that lane next time," the security ranker said, his tone polite but firm. "It'll save you both time and unnecessary hassle."
"Alright, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks," Maximus replied with a nod.
It was a bit disappointing that he had only learned about the privilege now. Had he known earlier, he could have used the exclusive lane and saved himself considerable time.
But there was no sense in dwelling on it. What was done was done. At least now he was aware of this convenience and could make full use of it in the future.
"No problem, sir," the security ranker responded with a polite smile.
Without saying another word, Maximus stepped forward, moving past the raised barrier arm. His focus shifted to the magical gateway ahead, its radiant glow pulsing faintly as if beckoning him to cross.
The closer Maximus got to the gateway, the more incredible it appeared.
It was like something plucked straight from the pages of a fantastical tale—a shimmering block of light, rippling and shifting as if alive. Hues of gold, silver, and azure intertwined seamlessly, creating an ethereal spectacle that seemed to defy the natural laws of the world.
As Maximus drew closer, a few figures emerged from the gateway, stepping out of the tower. Each time someone passed through, the surface of the gateway l rippled like the calm waters disturbed by a stone, distorting briefly before settling back into its fluid, gleaming form.
The sensation of crossing through it must have been as surreal as the gateway itself.
Maximus paused just before the swirling surface. For a brief moment—less than a second—he simply took it all in, feeling the hum of its otherworldly presence, the strange allure that seemed to call out to him, pulsating with the promise of something beyond.
Then, without hesitation, he strode forward, ready to embrace whatever lay on the other side.
Passing through the gateway proved to be surprisingly underwhelming. Maximus felt nothing extraordinary, no rush of energy or sense of awe—just the quiet simplicity of stepping forward.
Yet any hint of disappointment evaporated the moment he emerged on the other side. The scene he saw commanded his full attention, drawing him in entirely.
An immense space stretched out before Maximus, vibrant with energy and brimming with motion.
The atmosphere stirred a memory—of the teleportation portal connecting Heaven's Gate to Camp Idris. But this place surpassed it in grandeur and sanctity. Its very essence felt older, more profound, as though it held secrets untouched by time.
The space was adorned with more sculptures and statues than Maximus had ever seen in one place. They were countless, filling nearly every nook and cranny, each a testament to masterful artistry. Their lifelike forms were so exquisitely detailed that they seemed to breathe, poised on the verge of motion, blurring the line between art and reality.
Fountains, both large and small, decorated the space in abundance, their graceful designs enhancing the area's splendor. Crystal-clear water arced and cascaded from them in mesmerizing patterns, adding a dynamic elegance to the already breathtaking surroundings.
Not even the walls were spared from the touch of divine artistry. Intricate bas-reliefs covered every surface, each telling a different tale, a silent narrative carved into the very stone.
The characters etched into the walls were so realistic and detailed that they seemed alive, their actions vivid with purpose. It felt as if the scenes weren't mere representations, but living moments frozen in time, each one a true event unfolding before the eyes of those who dared to look closely.
And despite the absence of any visible light source, the space glowed as if bathed in daylight. A radiant illumination seemed to emanate from every direction, without a clear origin, casting a surreal glow across the entire place.
Maximus' gaze drifted upward, and his breath caught. Above him, there was no ceiling—only a vast, swirling sea of clouds that moved endlessly, soft and billowy, like a mass of cotton drifting through the air. The sight was amazing, almost heavenly, as though the sky itself had become a living, breathing entity.
This was the interior of the Ascension Tower, a legendary place that had captivated countless souls since its rise.
Maximus couldn't deny it—every bit of the grandeur here lived up to the stories. It was as breathtaking as the legends had promised, a sight that stirred both awe and wonder in his chest.
The crowds were as busy as the ones back in Camp Idris, though even more lively and diverse. A mix of races, some Maximus had never encountered before, made their appearances here, their presence a fascinating blend alongside the humans.
Among the crowd were orcs and goblins, and for the first time, Maximus saw them in person. Their humanoid figures were no longer mere concepts learned from textbooks or Atlasnet. They were here, standing all around him, real and tangible.
The orcs were hulking and muscular, their greenish skin thick and imposing, oozing with a fierce aura. In contrast, the goblins were smaller, their presence less menacing but still intriguing in their own right.
Maximus found himself particularly fascinated by the goblins. They defied the image he had carried with him from the fantasy stories of his previous life—stories that painted goblins as savage, twisted creatures driven by base desires, often portrayed as cowardly, rapacious, and cruel.
But the goblins here... they were different.
Their facial features were soft, even somewhat delicate, and far from hideous. They carried themselves with a surprising sense of civility, interacting with others in ways that were proper and even courteous, without a trace of savagery or wildness.
Dressed in a variety of clothing, they blended in effortlessly, behaving like any other person.
Honestly, this was a rather unreal sight to Maximus. But then again, reality was never quite like fiction. So, it wasn't surprising that the truth before him was so different from what he had imagined.
He had to get used to such disparities from now on.
Shifting his gaze from the goblins, Maximus looked to his left. His eyes were immediately drawn to two other gateways nearby, where a steady stream of people—mostly members of alien races—flowed in and out.
He quickly realized that those gateways were the entry points leading to the realms allied with Atlas: Shenzhou and Mernia.
A sense of curiosity stirred within him as Maximus glanced at the gateways. He was genuinely intrigued by Shenzhou and Mernia—realms he knew little about, having only learned surface-level knowledge of both.
What secrets, cultures, and experiences might they harbor?
Without hesitation, he made a quiet resolve to visit both realms when the opportunity arose. It would be a missed chance not to, he thought. After all, what kind of adventurer would he be if he didn't seek out what the world—no, the worlds—had to offer?
That was the life Maximus longed for—one of freedom and adventure, unbound by limitations. He envisioned himself as a ranker, roaming without constraints, exploring new realms and embracing every experience on his own terms.
Shaking off his thoughts, Maximus decided not to linger. He motioned his legs again, diving into the bustling crowd.
On the far side of the space stood another gateway, far larger than those leading to the three allied realms. The majority of the people in the area were making their way toward it, Maximus among them.
The reason for the crowd's focus was clear: that gateway was precisely the entry point to the Grand Battleground.
Along the way, Maximus noticed something peculiar—there wasn't a single shop, stall, or any man-made structure in this place, not even a piece of furniture. It aligned perfectly with what he had learned about the Ascension Tower—no one could build or alter anything within its walls. The interior remained untouched, preserved in its original form, as if it existed beyond the influence of those who passed through it.
The reason behind this was unknown, but a popular theory persisted: the tower itself possessed a will, as if it were alive. It maintained its own operations and upkeep, seemingly managing everything within its vast walls.
The Ascension Tower didn't take kindly to outsiders meddling in its domain. Any attempt to alter its structure—whether by building or adding to it—was met with terrifying consequences.
Even Earth Realm powerhouses had learned this the hard way. Some had tried to impose their will on the tower, but none survived the wrath it unleashed.
As a result, no one could claim ownership of the tower. Not even the formidable Azure Ranker Alliance could assert control within its walls. Their authority was confined to the areas surrounding the entrances. It wasn't a matter of choice—they simply couldn't do otherwise.
People from the three allied realms treated the Ascension Tower as little more than a passage to the Grand Battleground. They didn't set up shops here, nor did they turn it into a colony.
The tower wasn't a place for such things. It was an untouchable and indestructible conduit, existing solely for its singular purpose.
That was all it was, in essence. A magical inter-world passageway of colossal magnitude...