Jian stood still as the golden light faded, his mind racing.
The Trial was complete. He had won.
But the Tower… wasn't done with him.
The moment the notification vanished, a second chime rang out.
[ Special Condition Met. ]
[ Anomaly Detected. ]
[ Adjusting Parameters… ]
Jian's grip on his sword tightened. Adjusting parameters?
The Spire trembled beneath his feet. Something was changing.
---
The Others Felt It Too.
The warrior, despite his wounds, frowned. "That's… not normal."
The assassin muttered a curse under her breath. "No kidding."
The mage didn't say anything. She was watching Jian.
Her silver eyes gleamed. "You triggered something."
Jian remained silent, but inside—
He knew.
He had been bending the Tower's system, fighting outside the rules. And now?
The Tower was responding.
---
The Shift Begins.
The Spire's glow turned from gold to deep crimson.
A pressure filled the air—heavier than before.
Then, a new notification appeared.
[ Irregular Status Confirmed. ]
[ Tower Authority Intervening. ]
Jian's heartbeat slowed.
This wasn't like before.
This wasn't a Trial, a challenge, or a test.
This was the Tower itself acting against him.
---
A New Opponent.
A gate appeared. Not like the normal exit that challengers used after clearing a Trial.
This one was different.
It cracked open.
And from within… a figure emerged.
Jian's instincts screamed.
This wasn't a Guardian. This wasn't a challenger.
This was something else entirely.
Something sent to deal with him.
The warrior took an uneasy step back. "That thing…"
The assassin whispered, "I don't think we're supposed to be here for this."
The mage only watched. Still smiling.
Jian didn't move.
His blade was ready.
Because whatever came next—
He wasn't backing down.
---
End of Chapter 44.