“This is the final stretch, so stay focused, everyone.”
Having cleared all the advanced trials, there was no reason for us to waste too much time on the two remaining intermediate ones.
The last intermediate trial presented us with a gigantic bipedal rat monster in a complex labyrinth.
However, the maze itself wasn’t much of an obstacle for us.
My army of specters dispersed, searching for the correct path, and promptly relayed the right direction to me.
Thanks to my increasing mana capacity and the battle experience I had accumulated, the number of specters I controlled now surpassed the monsters appearing in these trials.
“The maze, with its traps and monster placements, is supposed to be irritatingly difficult, but breaking through like this feels almost unfair.”
“Still, don’t let your guard down too much.”
Of course, I didn’t handle everything entirely on my own.
Even if it was just for appearances, Norha and Eden needed to develop their own skills; otherwise, my burden would only grow heavier.
As Leo often pointed out to me, the most important thing is the experience and data gained from real battles.
Even if they pass the trials and improve their stats with help, their weaknesses will eventually show during critical moments.
“How are you able to summon specters so effortlessly?”
“If you have perfect mana control and mastery of the techniques, the real challenge lies in your mindset.”
Eden, still struggling to master specter summoning, sighed in frustration as he watched me perform it with ease.
“The souls I gather aren’t ordinary; they are nothing more than residual essence left behind after their spirits fade. Feeling guilty about it serves no purpose.”
I shared the realization that had allowed me to master specter summoning, though I knew that issues tied to one’s mindset can only be resolved through personal insight.
“The last enemy is down. We’ve cleared the trial.”
While we were talking, Norha’s arrow pierced the boss monster of the labyrinth that my specters had pinned down.
An announcement immediately appeared, confirming the trial’s completion.
“First Clear Reward: Intermediate Enhancement Stone x1.”
The reward was as expected, but what we had been aiming for during this grueling week was something else entirely.
“Secret Achievement Unlocked: Cleared all 15 advanced and intermediate trials within the time limit.”
The system message confirming our success appeared.
“Advanced Soul Imprint: Attribute Growth Multiplier x1.2.”
This extraordinary imprint, obtainable only by achieving this feat, enhances the multiplier for all future stat growth.
Items that increase attribute multipliers are exceedingly rare, and having such an effect engraved directly onto one’s soul—making it immune to theft—renders it invaluable beyond measure.
“I can’t believe we actually got this…”
Norha, who had climbed the tower before, seemed to grasp its value better than anyone.
Her expression of excitement beside me was satisfying to see.
“Look over there. That must be the signal.”
However, as we feared, our accomplishment didn’t go unnoticed.
The moment we exited the trial, a celebratory signal flare was fired into the sky above us.
The bright red light was visible to everyone on this floor, drawing the attention of nearby challengers.
Confusion and murmurs rippled through the crowd as they turned to look at us.
This was inevitable no matter how we planned our route.
“Our faces are already known. Soon, our names will be, too. I’d prefer if nothing came of it, but it’s best to prepare for trouble.”
It was a risk we had accepted.
We decided to stay together to rest and prepare for any unforeseen challenges.
“Director! Did you see that?”
“How could I? I was underground until just now.”
News spread rapidly.
Even Dyke, the director of one of the academies operated by factions on the second floor of Edelium, heard it from an excited subordinate.
“The second floor’s secret achievement has been unlocked—for the first time in a year!”
“Is that true? Who did it? Which faction do they belong to?”
The news was enough to make his eyes widen.
As a director, his role involved scouting talented individuals for his faction, and missing out on such prodigies would be a significant blow.
“They… they aren’t affiliated with any faction.”
“That’s impossible. That achievement is nearly unattainable, even for seasoned teams.”
“It’s true! And they only had three members, two of whom are dark mages.”
“Dark mages…!?”
The explanation left Dyke speechless.
It made sense that unaffiliated challengers might include dark mages.
Yet their very nature posed a problem.
Even on the lower floors, where scrutiny was less intense, the infamy of dark magic ensured that many would want to uncover how they achieved such a difficult feat.
The Condition of Achievement on the Second Floor
“Could these dark mages be students of Leoden?”
Dyke couldn’t entirely dismiss the possibility.
Yet, the idea that they had overcome all the trials purely through their own power felt hard to believe.
“Where are you going?”
“Are you really asking that after what you just said? Of course, I’m going to meet them.”
Without much thought, Dyke grabbed his coat and prepared to leave.
His subordinate, clearly alarmed, tried to dissuade him.
“But they’re dark mages! Contacting them could lead to bad rumors!”
“Is there harm in just investigating? Besides, can you guarantee that those self-righteous elites wouldn’t secretly try to approach them anyway?”
The subordinate had no answer to that remark.
Ultimately, what mattered most was recruiting strong, promising talents.
While dealing with ordinary dark mages might be risky, anyone capable of achieving a secret achievement was a candidate worth considering.
“Others are probably thinking the same as me. There’s no time for calculations—getting there first is what’s important.”
For those climbing the tower, the academies and factions that dominated the early floors were essential stepping stones.
Yet for those with exceptional abilities, the power dynamic often flipped.
When everyone wanted them, the talented ones got to choose.
“You, Kain, stay here and remain on alert while I go!”
“But, Director—”
Dyke didn’t even wait to hear the rest, already rushing off.
Kain muttered to himself, “I should’ve mentioned it was a female dark mage…”
As Dyke hurriedly hopped into a carriage and rode off, Kain could only sigh while watching his superior’s retreating figure.
When Dyke arrived at his destination, he found himself grinding his teeth in frustration at the chaos unfolding before him.
“Why didn’t Kain tell me something so important earlier!?”
His irritation grew as he observed Leoden, the infamous dark mage of the second floor, arguing with several visitors.
“Director, it seems like representatives from nearly all major academies are here,” said the coachman beside him.
“Of course they are. Who else would people associate with dark magic in Edelium besides that old man?”
Leoden was a well-known figure on the second floor, having spent decades raising dark mage disciples.
Surprisingly, he maintained a good reputation, as neither he nor his students had caused significant trouble.
However, he had never garnered this much attention before.
“For the last time, they aren’t here!”
Leoden’s frustrated shout carried over the crowd.
His flushed face and raised voice suggested he wasn’t lying.
From a distance, three hooded figures watched the commotion in front of Leoden’s house.
They carefully avoided drawing attention to themselves, keeping to the shadows of the alleyway.
“There are so many familiar banners here. Makes me want to rip them all to shreds,” murmured Shin Jia, her dark eyes beginning to glow faintly red.
The gathered representatives had no idea that she was already observing them, silently conducting her own “selection process” among those who had arrived first.