Amara said, "His arrogance may come from his high status."Adrian fell silent. When a person reached an unprecedented position, they often lost themselves in it, just like Rubern. Even though he held an extremely high status in the faction, he seemed to have lost himself in his own power.At that moment, all those who passed the first trial gathered in the square's center while the Frostspire apprentices stood on both sides. Among them was Amara, who kept her eyes firmly on Adrian. Standing alongside her, Rubern observed Adrian with a peculiar expression.Adrian knew Rubern was watching him, so he looked back at him firmly.Rubern frowned and averted his gaze. Even though Adrian had no idea about Rubern's intention, he was convinced he was plotting something dubious.After a while, an old man with long white hair and a beard walked out from the main hall in front of the square. He was called Edmund Ashcroft and the elder responsible for the new intakes in Frostspire.Standing bef
Edmund's words brought Adrian back to reality from his thoughts."Everyone must adhere to the rules, including those of us practicing celestial arts. I understand you all aspire to become Frostspire apprentices, but we'd never make an exception for those who fail the assessment. Even if our Frostspire were to perish, it wouldn't matter!"If anyone speaks such words again, we will not show you any mercy! Those among you who pass the first assessment are considered somewhat capable. Feel free to leave if you feel the upcoming assessments are too challenging. The rest, follow me inside!"With that, Edmund walked into the Arcane Observatory.The square became noisy, with many people discussing what had just happened. Some who recognized their own inadequacy shook their heads and left. There were only around 200 people left. Only now did Adrian understand why the number of Frostspire apprentices was not large. Nevertheless, he was aware that those who stayed were the cream of the crop
Before Garrison knew anything, he felt a heavy impact on his chest and was sent flying into the distance.Meanwhile, the other participants had completed their sparring sessions. While most of them were engaged in friendly exchanges, there were a few of them who knocked their opponent out, like what Adrian did to Garrison.However, it was not a main issue as Frostspire could provide healing for the injured, and they could stay until they had fully recovered.The 100 winners could now proceed to the next assessment. If they successfully passed the third round, they would officially become new members of Frostspire.At that moment, everyone looked excited. After all, they had successfully cleared two assessments, and passing one more would grant them entry into the faction. How could they not be happy?*The third round of assessment was a test of mental strength. All newcomers were now seated cross-legged with their minds relaxed and eyes closed. After a moment, Adrian felt as i
Caught in the grip of fear, Adrian started to move backward. Unfortunately, there was a wall behind him, leaving him cornered and trembling.Strangely, he felt an overwhelming sense of fear now. In the past, he could handle any situation with composure. Even when he was at his wit's end, he had never felt this scared.The man kept coming closer. Adrian's heart raced, and he nervously closed his eyes.Suddenly, the fear disappeared, but he hesitated to open his eyes. In the dark, it felt like he was reliving his entire life, from birth to growing up. However, what confused him the most was why he had these memories when he came from Earth. Just when he was wondering the reason, he suddenly remembered something. His inner desire! He had read that monsters could exploit deep vulnerabilities, turning them into unexpected illusions. Many struggled with these illusions due to their inability to control their inner fears.Upon thinking that, the fear in his heart disappeared in an ins
After introducing themselves, they brought them away. This was also considered a trial for the Frostspire apprentices. After all, guiding new apprentices not only taught them but also provided the instructors with valuable experience.However, Adrian remained standing in his place as no one came to take him away. He was puzzled as to why nobody approached him. He had not seen Amara since entering the hall and did not know anyone to ask for guidance.Just as he hesitated, someone suddenly tapped him on the shoulder from behind. Startled, he turned around to find Amara standing there with a smile on her face. Sighing in relief, he asked, "You came at the right time. Why am I the only one..."Amara chuckled and said, "The elders noticed your exceptional performance in the trials. As a result, they decided to assign me to personally guide you.""What? You're my guide?" Adrian was startled.Smiling, Amara replied, "Yes."Adrian then recalled the respectful expressions on the faces o
To Adrian's surprise, Rubern was already waiting outside the main hall. He looked at Adrian and said, "The elders have instructed you to come with me to Nebula Sanctum."His words were cold and devoid of any emotion. Apparently, he was displeased with Adrian and Amara being together.Adrian glanced at Amara, feeling a bit unsure.Amara nodded and said, "It's okay, you go with him. I'll wait here for you."Hearing Amara's consent, Rubern said, "Let's go."Frostspire was situated on a tall mountain. The main hall was located on the mountainside, and Nebula Sanctum was at the mountain's peak.Nebula Sanctum served as another important meeting place for elders to discuss major matters. Ordinary apprentices were not allowed to step in, except when there were issues to be addressed or interrogations to be conducted.Therefore, it was not generally a good sign for an apprentice to be summoned to Nebula Sanctum.However, Adrian was just a newly admitted apprentice and was not well-info
Adrian responded with a nod, took a deep breath, and pushed open the large door. Upon entering, he found the interior to be spacious and bright despite the absence of windows.The faction's founder's statue occupied the center, with eight individuals in elder attire standing before it.Adrian examined them one by one, noticing a mix of male and female figures of varying ages. One of the female elders, appearing around 30 years old, exuded a captivating charm with her slightly tight-fitting robes accentuating her graceful figure.These eight elders were the backbone responsible for maintaining the operation of Frostspire, as the faction leader usually remained secluded. Even Amara had never seen the faction leader. They were Edmund, Edward, Ernest, Everett, Elias, Eleanor, Elliott, and Emery from left to right. Eleanor, the charming female elder, specialized in ritual and ceremonial affairs.Adrian approached and respectfully saluted, "May I ask for what reason I have been summone
However, Ernest gestured for him to wait and led him to the corner. When they were at the corner, Ernest said, "I've been observing you for quite some time, and I notice that you have a unique constitution. It seems to be the rumored Spectral Forma."Adrian was stunned. He was quite surprised that Ernest could notice his Spectral Forma. However, he pretended not to know anything and asked, "Elder Ernest, what is a Spectral Forma? Could you please explain?""So you really don't know what a Spectral Forma is. Alright then, I'll explain it for you," Ernest said. After that, he proceeded to explain what the Spectral Forma was. In fact, Adrian had already known about it, but he just pretended not to know. However, he admired Ernest's detailed explanation, finding it more refined than what Silver had told him."With your exceptional aptitude, if you double your efforts, you'll succeed in the future. However, don't overly rely on your Spectral Forma. Once addicted, the consequences are
The Daemon Emperor was startled."What is happening? This power..."Formless energy was surging forward, pressuring his nerves and senses.Below, Andy and the others trembled uncontrollably."Who is it?" Finnian stared into the crimson mist.Even Andy was horrified, his gaze locked on the unfolding scene in disbelief, and asked, "What is this? What exactly is happening?" At this moment, Adrian abruptly opened his eyes.Apparently, the Daemon Emperor had once conspired with Adrian's subordinates to ambush him.However, Adrian had managed to annihilate the traitors and sealed this Daemon Emperor. Now, fate had brought them together again."If I killed you once, I can kill you again." Adrian stood tall, his white robes fluttering in the air.The Daemon Emperor was stunned into silence."This is impossible! You're not that mortal boy!""Is that so? In this life, your end has come, and so has the era of the daemons." Adrian's voice was calm yet resolute. He stretched out his han
Adrian's face hardened at the words. He despised threats above all else. While he understood what the mysterious entity desired, he couldn't yet fully comprehend its implications or find a way to counter it. His only choice was to focus on growing stronger.Within the hot spring, waves of raw, terrifying power surged and crashed violently against Adrian's body.The force, though beneficial, was brutal and overwhelming. Adrian's body struggled to endure, cracking as though it were disintegrating."Arghhh!"A heart-wrenching scream echoed as Adrian's flesh was torn apart and his aura gradually dimmed."Ahhh!"His agonized cries echoed once more. He could no longer withstand the pain.In the distance, a towering figure appeared and sneered. "What's this? Can't take it anymore? Pathetic. Humans are truly the epitome of stupidity."Suddenly, Adrian erupted with an explosive surge of energy, and in that instant, he broke through to the pinnacle of the Void Stage."Hmm? He actually b
At that moment, the crowd was speechless.Adrian had ascended as if it were the easiest thing in the world.Faced with such a sight, no one could say much beyond admiration. Even if the Holy Son claimed Adrian had cheated, many secretly wished they could cheat the same way.Lacking Adrian's means, all they could do was envy him.Finnian chuckled. "Haha! You really caught us all by surprise, kid. Still, I'll count this as you repaying me a favor."For Finnian, the outcome couldn't have been better. With a broad smile, he seemed to have achieved his desired result. Adrian's successful climb was all that mattered to him.Once Adrian had vanished, the focus shifted to the rest of the group and their trials.When Adrian opened his eyes again, his entire body ached, but an oddly comforting sensation flowed through him. Surveying his surroundings, he realized he was now in a pond."Where am I?" he asked.Though uncertain about the place, Adrian knew he had cleared the trial and arriv
The onlookers stared in bewilderment, their faces etched with confusion as they struggled to grasp the unfolding events.Meanwhile, Adrian seethed with barely contained rage. This wasn't his first encounter with such torment. Every few steps he ascended, another trial awaited.To Adrian, the relentless punishments felt suffocating. Yet he pressed on—this was the final stretch of the climb. "Adrian, hang in there!" Andy shouted, urging him to conquer the last step. To Andy, reaching that final step symbolized Adrian's growth. He had witnessed Adrian's remarkable resilience countless times and held unwavering faith in his potential. In Andy's eyes, Adrian was destined for greatness. Adrian's expression turned cold as he locked his gaze on the steps ahead. Determination flickered in his eyes. "If reaching the top guarantees a reward, it doesn't have to be me up there. As long as someone makes it, that's enough." With that, he shifted his focus to the void above and formed
Adrian felt as if every nerve in his body was beyond his control. A deep sense of grievance filled his heart as the divine thunder from the void relentlessly crashed down.Rage surged within him, but under the onslaught of endless forces, he felt weak and constrained.Still, he had no choice but to press forward. He knew victory was within reach if he could endure a little longer—giving up now would mean death.If he fell, the shame and humiliation would crush him.Below, the Holy Son and others waited, eager to see him fail and mock him. This left Adrian no option but to push forward, striving toward the void above and his ultimate goal.The violent forces continued to bombard him from the sky.With every step, the thunder's impact intensified tenfold. His soul, already battered from a fierce battle with a horde of beasts, now felt as though it was dragging his exhausted body forward.Anyone else would likely have succumbed to despair. After all, under such immense pressure, ev
The oppressive forces descending from the void seemed determined to halt Adrian’s ascent up the staircase.Yet he refused to yield. To him, these overwhelming challenges were merely obstacles to conquer.He pressed forward with relentless determination.Thunderbolts continued to rain down, but the ominous red light from before did not return—a relief, as he never wished to endure its crushing weight again.The memory of that light still haunted him, leaving a lingering sense of helplessness. Its suffocating pressure had drained his strength, reducing him to a gasping, powerless state.Despite the toll on his body and mind, Adrian remained singularly focused on reaching the final step. His burning desire for greater power drove him forward, unwavering and resolute.Step by step, he ascended, reaching the 95th step in what felt like an instant.Only five steps remained. His gaze locked onto the summit, and a wild glint lit his eyes. A daring idea sparked within him, consuming his
Adrian pondered his situation, his cold gaze reflecting simmering frustration. Yet deep down, he recognized that whoever had designed the staircase was far from ordinary.Creating such a formidable trial required unimaginable power.Even a pinnacle Void Stage expert—or perhaps someone of the Multiply Stage—might bow in reverence before the ladder's creator."He won't last much longer. The divine lightning in this void is utterly destructive. In moments, he'll be reduced to ashes," sneered the Holy Son, his sharp eyes gleaming with malice.To the Holy Son, Adrian's demise was inevitable. Adrian had dared to offend him, and he was certain such audacity could only lead to death.Adrian caught the Holy Son's words and cast him a frosty glare. His intent to kill was unmistakable, though now wasn't the time.The staircase was no place for personal vendettas—eliminating him here would require careful planning.He also knew the Holy Son carried seals of immense power. A reckless move co
Finnian's sharp gaze reflected a hint of admiration. "Kid, you owe me a big favor this time. You'd better treasure this opportunity."Adrian remained silent, unsure how to respond. His cold eyes revealed no emotion, though he fully grasped the challenges ahead.Fear was a luxury he couldn't afford—he'd come too far to back down now.Suddenly, a streak of red light surged from the void, hurtling toward Adrian with terrifying speed. His eyes widened in shock as the crimson beam struck him, slamming him against the staircase.Caught off guard, Adrian collapsed, sprawled helplessly on the steps.The crowd below watched in astonishment. No one had expected his seemingly indestructible body to be overwhelmed so easily.The Holy Son sneered. "Haha! It seems he's triggered some kind of taboo. Let's see how arrogant he is now!"His voice dripped with schadenfreude, his eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction as he relished Adrian's struggle.Despite the crushing force, Adrian refused
"What exactly is up there pulling me so strongly?" Adrian's expression hardened as he pondered the mysterious force drawing him upward.A surge of violent energy erupted across the sky, crashing down like a raging storm.Adrian advanced cautiously, each step deliberate and precise.Gone were the reckless strides of before—now he moved with steely determination, fully aware of the lurking dangers.He'd learned that the void's formidable forces seemed to target him directly, compelling him to proceed step by step. Any attempt to bypass its unseen barriers would provoke a devastating strike."Ridiculous," Adrian muttered. "If I've chosen to climb, nothing will stop me."The void's relentless power intensified.Bolts of thunder hammered down mercilessly, battering Adrian's body. Yet fear never crossed his mind.What was there to be afraid of?To him, the divine thunder wasn't an obstacle—it was a crucible, a tool to temper his body and strengthen his resolve.Despite the storm, A