They moved in a different direction from the mountain. This time, Theo could see seven huge platforms on top of the rocky ground, heading straight to the thunder cloud.
"His excellency allows anyone to seek his guidance as long as they can finish the seven challenges. Of course, these challenges will be toned down according to your current power.
"As you might know, we can gain power after eating. You, humans, consider it as levels. So, the challenges will correspond to your level.
"If you try to go to the top of the mountain without following the rule, you won't be able to meet him and might even die in the process due to those lightning strikes.
"As for how to complete these challenges… You need absolute power. It doesn't matter what kind of power you have, as long as you have something that allows you to surpass the limit of normal.
"For example, if you are at a certain level, your experience, skills, tools, and even outside help can take down someone above your level. This is the requirement to meet him. He just wants to make sure that someone who seeks his guidance is someone talented enough, so he doesn't need to do it again and again, or else, every guidance won't be a waste."
Theo nodded in understanding. "I see. There are seven huge platforms above those rocks. I believe they represent each test, right?"
"Yes. I will explain the seven tests for you." He smiled. "The tests are split into four sections. The first two platforms will test your judgment and speed.
"In order words, you need to avoid all the lightning strikes coming toward you while you are on the platform. As long as the lightning doesn't touch your body, it's alright. For the first platform, you are required to avoid fifty lightning strikes, while the second platform needs a hundred lightning strikes.
"After passing that test, you're free to climb to the next platform, and the lightning won't attack you anymore.
"As for the third and fourth platforms, you are required to receive the lightning with your body. The lightning won't give you any injuries, but it will surely leave you in so much pain. If you pass out, there's a chance you will die. But since your body seems to be made of Magic Power… I assume this is not your real body. The worst that will happen to you is probably getting destroyed when you pass out.
"The requirements are also the same as the previous ones. They need fifty and one hundred lightning strikes respectively. This is to test your mental fortitude and see how strong you wish for his guidance.
"Moving on to the next sequence. This section will test your strength. Unlike the previous two sections, each platform only requires you to take on three lightning strikes. However, each lightning strike will be stronger than the others.
"You need to be very careful about this because your body might truly be destroyed in the fifth and sixth platforms.
"Last but not least, it's the last platform. There is only one thing you need to do… Use everything you get and pass through the cloud. This is the combination of your will, speed, and strength.
"With your strength, you will open a path for you to go through. With your speed, you will pass through this tunnel of clouds… And obviously, the lightning around you will electrocute you like the second section. You will pass out and fail if you can't hold on. So, your willpower is needed here.
"As long as you can pass the mountain, you will be able to meet his excellency. Each King in this territory has their own lines… I believe the Mountain King has told you his lines, right?"
"Yes." Theo nodded with a serious expression.
"You shout that word, and his excellency will know who sent you and know your purpose."
"I see. I will do my best."
"Sure thing. Anyway, you're tired after coming here from the Mountain King's area, so you should rest first. There won't be anyone bothering you during this time… Hmm… half a day should be enough for you, right?"
"Yes." Theo confirmed it, surprised that the King Class Monster in front of him could gauge his strength.
"In that case…" He turned around and pointed at the small cave at the bottom of the rocky mountain. "Go rest there. Even if there are other species, you won't be attacked if you rest there."
"I understand. Thank you for the explanation."
"It's fine. This is my job." He shook his head. "I will meet you again when you are about to take the test."
After acknowledging his words, Theo walked to the cave.
The cave was fifteen feet tall and twenty feet wide. When stepping into the cave, he immediately found the other end, so it wasn't that deep.
'Still, to think that the monsters are more civilized than I thought…' Theo thought while recalling the King Class Monster and this test. 'Nah, I should be thanking Avarice for granting me her seal. If not, other King Class Monsters would have attacked me, and I wouldn't have had an opportunity to meet them.
'That guy mentioned earlier that the only reason he didn't attack me immediately was because of the seals. The Dark Order wouldn't give me anything if I didn't have Moonlight Order… I guess I need to thank Ava for all this since she's the reason her mother gave the seal.
'Anyway, I should focus on the test instead of this. If I can't pass this test, the situation will become more complicated.' Theo closed his eyes and rested his body, recovering his stamina and Magic Power.
Since his safety was guaranteed, he ended up getting a good sleep.
After a long nine hours, he woke up and prepared himself for the challenge.
When the twelve hours limit was up, he walked to the bottom of the first platform and looked up, knowing this was going to be a huge challenge for him.
The monster that guided him previously also came and mentioned one last thing. "Alright. You may start anytime. The lightning will strike forth as soon as you step on the platform."
Theo nodded and leaped toward the platform.