Renly had deliberately written the words in such a roundabout manner, embedding conditions like gaining the power of Absolute Perception only in a moment of deadly crises, because he wanted the story to feel logical and authentic.
In every story he had read or heard, hidden treasures or extraordinary powers were never obtained effortlessly. The protagonists always endured near-fatal trials, emerging victorious only after immense struggle. To claim such a power without facing a challenge would render the story implausible, even to him.
Of course, he would have loved to gain the power immediately. Yet, the reason he added those dramatic conditions was rooted in years of fruitless attempts to activate this mysterious book. He had tried countless methods, experimenting relentlessly since the day it came into his possession.
Although he hadn't written directly about himself before, he had inscribed this book with his hopes and aspirations innumerable times, perhaps thousands, even tens of thousands of attempts. Every time, his words would glow faintly, only to vanish, leaving behind an empty page.
But now, something was different. Inspired by an idea that perhaps writing his own story was the key to unlocking the book's secrets, he decided to write it as thoroughly as possible. He wove in details of his current circumstances: his upcoming assessment for admission into the Crimson Moon Sect and the condition that he would only gain the power in the face of a deadly crisis.
To his astonishment, this time, the words didn't fade. They remained on the page, etched in a shimmering red hue, written with his own blood as ink. There was nothing ordinary about the sight, it exuded a mysterious air, as though the book itself had awakened.
Renly exhaled slowly. Despite the shock etched across his face, excitement bubbled within him, barely contained. He struggled to maintain his composure, his heart racing with anticipation.
This was the first time his words had remained on this book. Though it wasn't a guarantee that he had obtained, or would obtain, the power of Absolute Perception belonging to the Supreme Dragon God of Annihilation, it was a glimmer of hope. And hope was infinitely better than the endless uncertainty he had endured.
The day passed in restless contemplation and mounting anticipation. When morning came, Renly gathered his things and set out for the Crimson Moon Sect.
The Crimson Moon Sect was a dominant presence in Syr Ranel. In fact, it was the only sect in the region, its influence radiating far and wide across the capital city. Geographically, it was located in the central district, far from the remote outskirts where Renly resided. It took him over two and a half hours by local chariot to reach the sect's gates.
As Renly stepped off the chariot, the grandeur of the sect's entrance loomed before him. A huge wall stretched into the horizon, its sheer size and height evoking awe and intimidation. From his vantage point, the wall seemed endless, encircling the entire sect in a protective embrace.
Guards were stationed along the wall, their presence commanding and formidable. Those standing at the gate wore gleaming armor that reflected the morning sun, their spears held with practiced ease. Above, atop the massive wall, additional guards patrolled, armed with bows. Their sharp, vigilant eyes scanned the surroundings, a silent show of the sect's strict security.
Renly took in the scene, steeling himself before approaching the gate after paying the chariot fare. He joined the throng of people waiting to enter.
The Crimson Moon Sect was a renowned organisation, attracting countless visitors daily. The crowd had formed two long queues, each under the watchful scrutiny of the guards.
The guards inspected every individual with methodical precision. Entry tokens and identification were checked rigorously before anyone was granted entry.
Renly remained in his place in the queue as it steadily moved forward. It took some time, but eventually, his turn came. Standing before the guards, he handed over a wooden token. They examined it briefly, their senses brushing over it with practiced efficiency. After a moment, they nodded, allowing him entry.
As he stepped into the sect, the scenery beyond the gates unfolded before him. The area was impeccably organized, with rows of beautifully designed buildings arranged in precise patterns.
A broad central lane ran through the sect, bustling with carriages and pedestrians. The surroundings were lush, adorned with trees and vibrant foliage that added an air of tranquility. A gentle breeze carried the faint scent of flowers, brushing through his long crimson hair.
The sight was familiar to Renly, he had visited this place a few times before when registering for this year's assessment. Wasting no time, he made his way toward a specific station, walking along the busy thoroughfare where people and carriages moved briskly.
After about thirty minutes, he arrived at an open field dominated by a large two-story building with a well-decorated roof. The building stood at the center of a spacious area, spanning roughly 200 to 300 meters.
When Renly reached the location, he saw a sizeable crowd of young people gathered in the field. They appeared to be around his age, scattered across the area. Some sat on the grass or leaned against the trees, while others stood idly, their expressions calm yet alert.
Many were equipped with various weapons and armor; swords, spears, shields, but their gear, though practical, didn't rival the polished equipment of the guards at the gate.
Renly himself carried a small shield strapped to his back and an iron spear in his hand. His arrival didn't go unnoticed; several of the other candidates glanced in his direction, assessing him briefly before returning to their own thoughts. Others continued to arrive after him, adding to the already substantial group.
Finding a quiet spot, Renly settled under the shade of a tree, resting his back against its sturdy trunk as he waited.
Time passed slowly, marked by the soft rustle of leaves and the murmured conversations of those gathered. Gradually, the arrivals dwindled, and by late morning, no more candidates seemed to appear. The field grew quieter, a sense of anticipation settling over the crowd.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them trembled slightly, accompanied by a low, resonant hum that rippled through the air. All eyes turned to the sky, where the source of the disturbance was rapidly approaching.
A massive object descended from above, its shadow falling over the field. Gasps of awe rippled through the crowd as the object came into view, a gigantic flying artifact, shaped like a ship, its gleaming surface catching the sunlight. It measured no less than a hundred meters in length, its immense size dominating the field as it settled with a powerful hum.
The young candidates, including Renly, stared in fascination, their eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and excitement. Those who had been resting quickly stood, joining the others as they moved closer to the massive ship.
With a loud hiss, the ship's doors opened, and a dozen figures emerged. Dressed in flowing yellow robes, they exuded an air of authority and purpose.
Renly recognized them immediately as administrators responsible for conducting the day's assessment. They descended in a well-coordinated manner, forming a line at the front of the ship. Then, a middle-aged man stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.
He carried himself with calm confidence, his sharp eyes studying the young faces before him. Seeing the determination in their expressions, a smile curved his lips as he addressed them.
"Welcome, everyone. I am the head examiner for today's assessment," he announced, his voice clear and steady. "It's wonderful to see you all here. The readiness in your gazes tells me you are prepared for the challenges ahead."
"It's truly great to see how prepared you all are," the head examiner said with an air of authority mixed with humor. "Of course, the monsters and beasts you'll be facing today are equally prepared. So, it all comes down to who has the greater ability. May the best among you prevail, and I wish you all success."
He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing, "As you know, gaining admission into the Crimson Moon Sect, this very renowned and prestigious organisation of the southern region of Valaryn, is no small feat. It's not a task that can be accomplished with readiness alone. It demands true ability, unwavering determination, and perhaps even the blessings of the Seven Gods."
He chuckled lightly, the sound unexpectedly cheerful given the tension hanging in the air.
"The requirements are high, and the path won't be easy," he said with a grin. "But may luck favor you all."
With that, he gestured toward the group. One by one, the young candidates stepped forward, handing over their wooden tokens to the examiners. Each token was carefully scanned before a sleek, dark device, crafted from a material that seemed like light but sturdy metal, was affixed to their wrists.
The device clamped securely around each participant's arm, its purpose a mystery to most. Once processed, they were guided into the massive ship.
It took quite some time for everyone to board, as their numbers were considerable. Eventually, however, the ship ascended with a hum, the ground disappearing below as it soared into the sky. It moved swiftly, leaving the sect walls behind as it headed toward their destination.
The ship's speed was astonishing. Covering several kilometers in mere minutes, it was a testament to its advanced design. From the ship's interior, crafted with transparent panels, the passengers could clearly see the scenery changing at breathtaking speed. Renly and the others gazed in awe, their eyes wide with wonder as landscapes blurred and transformed before them.
As they traveled, Renly felt something unusual, a thick, oppressive energy in the distance. It emanated a sensation of foreboding that made the hairs on his neck stand on end. Far ahead, he spotted a pale green vortex, swirling ominously against the horizon.
His heightened senses, honed from his strength as a First-Stage Warrior, allowed him to detect and analyze spiritual energy. He quickly determined that the unsettling energy was emanating from this vortex.
The atmosphere among the candidates shifted. Determination filled their expressions, but beneath it lay a layer of tension. All eyes were fixed on the vortex, knowing full well it marked their destination, and the site of their assessment. Despite their fierce resolve, a mix of perplexity and unease flickered across their faces.
When the ship finally landed, the group stepped out into a stark, barren expanse. The land stretched endlessly, devoid of vegetation, its cracked, dark surface bearing the scars of drought and devastation. The air felt heavy, charged with energy so dense it seemed to pulse around them. Renly inhaled deeply, his senses heightened, as he took in the surreal landscape.
The pale green vortex loomed in the distance, swirling with an almost hypnotic rhythm. Renly could feel its power pressing against him, and his earlier assessment was confirmed, this was the source of the energy that had drawn his attention. His fingers unconsciously tightened around his spear as he prepared himself mentally for what was to come.
The head examiner stepped forward, his yellow robes fluttering slightly in the dry wind. His voice cut through the murmurs of the crowd. "As most of you probably know, or should know, that vortex over there is no ordinary phenomenon," he began, gesturing toward the swirling portal. "I'm sure you've heard of it, even if you've never seen one before. That," he said, pointing directly at the vortex, "is a Fragment World."
He let the words hang in the air before continuing, "When you step into that portal, remember this: you are no longer in this world. Stepping into this portal means stepping into another dimension."
The head examiner announced, his voice was calm yet filled with gravity. "Fragment Worlds are, essentially, fractured pieces of other dimensions that have fused with ours due to inconsistencies in space, collapses or abnormalities in the fabric of reality. This green portal before you indicates a Rank One Fragment World. It's a low-tier fragment, and as such, it contains monsters and beasts of corresponding rank."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the candidates, their eyes fixed intently on him. "For this assessment, your performance will be ranked based on the number of monsters you kill and the strength of those monsters. In this particular portal, you'll encounter three ranks of monsters, mirroring the system used to grade warriors. Just as Stage One to Stage Three warriors are classified as low-rank, the monsters in this world are comparable in strength to those stages. Keep in mind, however, that higher-ranked monsters will dwell deeper within the world."
The examiner chuckled, his expression one of both amusement and warning. "Those of you lacking confidence can remain near the periphery, where weaker monsters roam. It's safer there, but you'll earn fewer points. On the other hand, venturing deeper will bring you greater rewards, but far greater risks as well. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide how bold you're willing to be."
He gestured toward the devices now clamped around their wrists. "These devices will record your points as you kill monsters. They're magically crafted to assess the strength and rank of each monster you defeat, assigning points accordingly. You can also check your current score and ranking directly on the device."
The examiner's expression darkened slightly. "One final warning: for this year's assessment, no interventions will be permitted. That means if you go too deep, get trapped, or are surrounded by monsters, there will be no one to rescue you. The gods themselves might be your only saviors. And unlike in previous years, there are no return stones to transport you back to safety. So, I advise you, be cautious. Good luck to all of you."
His words lingered in the air like a shadow. Many candidates stood frozen, struck by the stark reality of the dangers ahead.
Most of them were only Stage One warriors, a handful had reached Stage Two. The thought of encountering monsters stronger than themselves, creatures that was more than enough to kill them, was enough to make even the boldest hesitate.
A ripple of tension coursed through the group until, suddenly, a figure stepped forward. Tall and composed, he exuded an air of confidence. His long, flowing black hair framed a face that carried an expression of aloof pride. Dressed in a white robe embroidered with intricate patterns, he moved with an unhurried grace, his every step deliberate.
The young man cast a fleeting glance at the hesitant crowd, his eyes glinting with a hint of disdain, as if their uncertainty was beneath him. Without breaking stride, he approached the portal. As he stepped into the swirling green surface, it rippled like water before swallowing him whole. He disappeared, leaving the onlookers in stunned silence.
The head examiner's lips curved into a knowing smile. "As expected of someone who shares the same bloodline as her, that freakish elite, twin-blade moonflower. At just sixteen, he's already a Stage Three warrior. Not only does he have the strength, but he also possesses the mindset of an elite."
The bold display seemed to ignite a spark in the other candidates. One by one, they began to step forward, following the figure's example. Hesitation melted away as determination took its place. Soon, the line dwindled, leaving only a few stragglers.
Renly stood among them. His gaze lingered on the portal, his mind swirling with doubt. The words he had written in the book surfaced in his thoughts, their crimson glow vivid in his memory.
'Can I really gain that power?' he wondered. A creeping uncertainty began to seep into his heart.
'What if it doesn't work? What if…?'
He clenched his fists, shaking his head to dispel the thoughts.
'No. This is the first time the words I wrote in the book didn't disappear. I have to believe it means something. If I doubt now, I'll lose everything before I've even begun.'
Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself. Though a part of him loathed the uncertainty, he had no choice but to trust the path he'd carved for himself. With a final glance at the vortex, he stepped forward. The green surface shimmered, rippling as he passed through, and then he was gone.