Verlan stepped back, feeling fear for the first time in a while. Such a power was unheard of throughout the empire. However, he quickly regained his composure.
"Enough. I can see that you are only Level 3, but it is imperative that you get to Level 5 as quickly as possible. The best possible place to do that for you would be the Trial Tower of the Academy," Verlan explained, pointing to the large spiral structures. "Boy, you should be very thankful for the Headmaster, as these kinds of resources aren't given out to new students. This Trial Tower is usually only accessible to Class 3 and above, so be grateful."
"Thank you, sir," Arthur said with respect.
...
Arthur stood before the towering structure that cast a shadow over the entire north side of the Solvaris Grand Academy. The tower was carved from black obsidian, streaked with glowing blue lines of Aether. It brimmed with an unexplainable power.
Arthur noticed groups of students preparing to tackle the tower.
His focus, however, was solely on the task at hand. Professor Verlan's words echoed in his thoughts:
"If you want to truly unlock the potential of your class, reaching Level 5 is crucial. The First Trial Tower is the fastest way to get there, but it's not for the faint of heart. Even the early floors can be lethal for the unprepared."
He gripped his short sword that he had chosen from the Academy Armory. It wasn't the most glamorous weapon, but the weight felt right to him.
"Already climbing Arthur?" a familiar voice cut though his anxiousness.
Arthur turned to see Grace nearby, her newly polished armor and twin daggers glinting under the sunlight. She smirked, her casual confidence a stark contrast to the ominous aura exuding from the tower.
"I've already been through the first 10 floors a few times already, so I figured I'd give you a few pointers before you dive in."
Arthur nodded, grateful for her advice. "What should I expect?"
"Well, the first ten floors are manageable—basic beasts and traps. But don't underestimate them. Each floor gets harder, the enemies adapt to your fighting style, and the boss that appears at floor 5 and floor 10 is extremely difficult. Keep moving, conserve your energy, and don't get cocky. The rewards are worth it though."
"What kind of rewards?"
Grace shrugged. "Depends on how high of a level the enemy you kill is. You will definitely pick up a few Aether Crystals, maybe some items, and even a skill scroll if you are lucky. And of course, exp."
Arthur clenched his firsts. Level 5 is just a few floors away.
"What about past floor 10?" Arthur asked, curiously.
"Right now I am challenging level 11, which is exponentially harder than the previous floors. As for the record, it was floor 19 set by our Headmaster himself. It is said that the boss on floor 20 is extremely powerful, rivaling even Gold Commanders!" Grace laughed. "You should be proud of yourself even if you pass the first 2 floors as a Class 1 student."
"Well," Grace said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Good luck in there. Don't get yourself killed," she added with a smile.
With that, she turned and joined a group of older students preparing for the 11th floor. Arthur took a deep breath, stepping toward the glowing entrance. The air shimmered as he passed through the translucent blue barrier, and a cool sensation washed over him as he entered.
...
Inside, the first floor was dimly lit by orbs of faint blue light near the walls. The room was circular, with stonework that seemed to give off a strange energy.
⦗System⦘
⦗Welcome to the Trial Tower⦘
⦗Objective⦘: Clear the Floor
A low growl drew Arthur's attention. Emerging from the shadows was a hulking wolf-like beast, it's black fur with streaks of dark blue Aether.
⦗System⦘
⦗Shadowfang Beast - Level 4⦘
Arthur tightened the grip on the staff, with his new, dark Aether. He had practiced infusing Aether into this weapon instinctively, but he was still inconsistent.
The beast charged, its claws raking the air, leaving behind a shadow fitting for its name. Arthur rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. He countered with a upward strike, infused with a faint purple glow. The strike landed on the beast's chest, causing a pained snarl.
It retaliated with a swipe of its claws, catching Arthur's shoulders. He winced as pain shot through his side, but he didn't falter. Drawing on the combat he learned in the Trial, he baited an attack, sidestepped, and drove sharp sword downward with all his strength and Aether.
⦗System⦘
⦗Experience Gained⦘: +500
⦗Progress to Level 4⦘: 21%
Arthur exhaled, wiping the sweat off his forehead. He could already feel how much more intense this was compared to the Trial.
Suddenly behind him, a pack of three more Shadowfang Beasts appeared.
Ah shi*. here we go again