The towers. Large heavenly constructs that began appearing all over the world after weeks of the descent of mana. The towers, irrespective of where there are, all led to one place.
With the tower came the instruction of the Spellweaver for humans to climb and ascend the tower to prepare for the tribulations ahead.
The vast floors could only be cleared by defeating the floor Boss.
Three hours had passed since Blake arrived at the tower. Within those times, the group had sprung to action four times against the few beasts that would wander out from the forest.
With the large crowd gathered, they were quite fortunate that the beasts didn't come out in large numbers.
Blake had used the opportunity to watch a few in action, displaying their abilities. Most present had already awakened their class. Meaning they were already in the Sky rank.
Mostly, he was left on his own. They were still hesitant after his brief display. This he knew and had meticulously planned to show them he was no pushover.
Blake had taken the time to absorb two of the orange stone, leaving only the strange stone covered in swirling black mist. He had thought he was going to level up but nothing also happened. This is frustrating.
"And what's with this orange stone," he thought, twirling it over his fingers. The voice didn't say anything relevant, telling him to upgrade his outdated window.
Strange.
Taking his mind off the strange stone, he couldn't help but lament. "It's this how it takes time just to begin climbing the tower. How long have they been here? What or who are they still waiting for before they began."
Blake would have loved to venture on his own, but he was quite cautious. With Cassie with him, he didn't want to put her in any precarious situation.
Also, it appeared that the group had a reason they were yet to ascend the tower.
'From the information I heard during those... times. The first floor is normally a simple test for the Ascendants. Mostly filled with level one to five monsters in the Mortal rank.'
"Shit! Why did I not think of it before. They might have probably climbed to higher floors, and are preparing for the next floor. It was widely known to all. As they advanced higher, the floors become more dangerous to climb."
"It's best if I check it out. Staying here won't solve anything." Finally making up his mind, he tapped Cassie softly, saying:
"C'mon, it's time for us to go." Taking hold of her hand in his, they began walking towards the supposed entrance of the tower.
"Huh? Has that guy gone crazy?"
"Does he think he can clear the next floor by himself?"
"Calm down, y'all. Who knows... maybe he's just going to train."
"Well. That doesn't matter. He can die for all I care. The only one I'm sorry for his is the little girl."
Tsk. Glancing at the guy who spoke last, his gaze pierced through him with a strange aura spreading outward.
The guy nervously turned away while gritting his teeth. "Damn. What kind of aura his that?" he shuddered.
Now, being up close to the tower, Blake stood for a moment staring at the heavenly structure. Made from unknown materials—glass like in nature. Etched all around it were runic symbols that appeared to be moving about as if alive. The tower stretched high into the sky, the top unable to be seen.
At the supposed entrance was a swirling mass of patterns, which twisted into different characters. Gently placing his hands on the somewhat transparent glass—just as he had seen others done, he felt his body suddenly sucked in by a force.
His vision was blinded for a moment, but slowly, he could make out the area before him. It was quite an incredible sight.
He appeared to be in a hall, a large one at that with a ceiling so high he couldn't help but be amazed. The walls were pristine white with intricate layers of gold around the edges and other parts.
"Quite a sight, huh?" He muttered, patting Cassie's head. His eyes shifted around, slowly taking in the beautiful interior design, and then finally landed on the object floating at the centre of the room.
At the same time, he heard a voice that sounded soft yet plain at the same time.
[Welcome. This is your first time entering a tower...]
[To gain the title 'Ascendant', you must participate in clearing the first floor in the tower...]
[Do you wish to start now?]
Pondering for a moment, Blake asked his questions. "Are they other floors that have been cleared?"
[The floors 1—20 have been cleared...]
[Right now, you're only able to access the first floor since you've not been registered as an Ascendant]
"I see. How do I upgrade my system?"
[Outdated system can be upgraded in the hub after the tenth floor]
"I can't wait to start my journey."
"...Take me to the first floor."
[As you wish...]
A soft glow wrapped around his body, and Cassie and whisked them away.
They appeared to have been transported to the outskirts of a little village.
[Level 1: Clyde is one of the little villages and sanctuary in the land of Dystopia. A village terrorised by vicious green creatures called goblins...]
[You've unlocked a quest]
[Quest: Fend off the goblins terrorising the village. (2.) Destroy and defeat the goblins camps surrounding the village]
[Quest has now begun]
Blake carefully studied the landscape of the village. Being atop a hill, he was able to see the entire view of the village and beyond. The village was surrounded by a dense forest, which would probably be where the goblins reside.
Blake eyes scanned the area, carefully constructing a plan. He could see the villagers go about their day to day activities when suddenly a loud cry echoed, disrupting the peaceful village.
From the east section of the village, green creatures stormed into the village, slaying whatsoever stood in their way. They were careful not to slay the females, though, as they would serve as breeding partners.
The village soon turned chaotic as the villagers struggled to fend off the vicious goblins. He noticed the villagers were just regular humans.
'Hmmm. Do they have the unique status window like us? This is quite an easy task given my level. I would be able to round it up easily.'
"Are you ready?" Staring at Cassie with a soft smile, she nodded with an eager expression. Her expression had brightened up hours after their encounter.
Climbing atop his back, he was able to head down from the cliff and into the village. He was just in time when the battle turned dire. The humans were getting pushed back, and it appeared they would soon be defeated.
Summoning his daggers, he quickly dashed towards the battle front. He stopped a few times, killing off a few goblins that had broken off from the main squad.
He took his time, collecting the drops the monsters left, storing them in his inventory. "I'll go through everything after the battle ends."
Shrugging, he continued onward. Finally arriving before the ongoing battle, he Swung his chained dagger. They soared in the air, streaking towards the goblins and killing them in one go.
His higher rank and rare-grade daggers were overkill for the Mortal rank monsters. The goblins were one of the weakest monsters in the rank.
His actions soon attracted the gaze of most present as he slew goblin after goblin. Heads flew high, limbs were separated from body, and the ground was dyed red.
"Is that a new Ascendant?"
"No, I'm not sure about it, probably a strong Ascendant from the higher floors."
The goblins, seeing their once mighty army thinning down, began to retreat.
"Huh? Who said you get to leave." Dashing forward, he made quick work of the deserters casually flicking the blood of the monsters off his daggers after the battle came to an end.
With his strength now at the peak of human physical ability, a bunch of level 1 and 2 Mortal rank monsters were nothing but toys before him.
"Alright, time to carry out what I said, Cassie."