30 Book 3 Chapter 26

Jason's alliance was unstoppable. While it seemed like the convergence of top-tier talents was the deciding factor for their invincibility, it was really the thousands of ascenders supporting them from behind, which allowed them to shine.

Su Long produced better equipment with every passing day, while potion brewers, chefs, tamers, farmers, enchanters, carpenters, and every other profession continuously raised their skill levels. The materials required to power level them would bankrupt any country, so it was only because of many ascenders farming for gold that Peter was able to supply the crafters with what they needed.

That wasn't to say Carly and the others brought little to the table, no, only geniuses like them could make full use of their backing.

And yet above talents like Carly, Peter, and Dubaku stood the real powerhouses. Combined with their ability, the champions of gods were on another level. Tragically, the most gifted of them all was Shenlong. If Aros weren't so picky, he would've been unrivaled. Still, although merciless, the tower provided many paths to power.

The m-serum broke the chains of whoever consumed it, allowing their talent to be the sole deciding factor behind their growth. Shenlong was the individual most held back by the system governing the tower, with his understanding of the spear and combat far beyond his skill's grades. That was the only explanation as to how Shenlong maxed out several skills days after consumption of the serum.

The Nobles stood no chance, and in only two weeks, they were no more. Unfortunately, no matter how hard they searched, the last noble was never found.

In a closed dimension within the tower, Aros relaxed in his garden, taking in the pleasant smell while his mind watched over Jason and his allies. As every Noble fell, he couldn't help but think that the reason for all this was Hector's death at the hands of his old sword. That was the start of this runaway effect.

The tower's purpose was to find talents across the universe, yet with his blunder, he ruined the test. Worse, the contract between him and the tower's master was void.

Just then, Aros felt a foreign will brush up against his dimension. Wondering who it was, he voiced, "Come in."

A man shrouded in glowing light appeared in the distance. With every step, he traveled several miles, arriving next to Aros in moments. An expression of shock flashed across Aros's face. Collecting himself, he summoned a chair across from him as he said. "This is a first."

"Yes, well, the test is at the climax now. I've been focusing my attention on this incarnation as of late." The tower's master replied as he took in the atmosphere, smelling the ancient herbs before sitting down.

"You embarrass me." Veritas shook his head. "Rather, I'm impressed. To think you've reached the next stage of your Path after our first exchange."

Aros clicked his tongue. "Once again, I thought I reached the end, yet even after being able to 'cut' any thread, I still wasn't able to penetrate your clone."

Veritas took a moment to reply. "By thread, you mean the connection between any two things? Have you thought about-"

Aros tactfully held up a hand. "I imagine you understand many things, yet I'd rather you not."

"My apologies." Veritas bowed his head.

Aros leaned back and stared at the sky, his eyes unfocused. "At first, I thought this current batch of test-takers came from a place isolated from energy, but after I broke apart the tower, I realized I was wrong." Aros focused his gaze on Veritas. "We're in another universe entirely."

"I've found that lifeforms in universes lacking energy, be it qi or mana, tend to perform better upon being introduced to it. I entered this universe after picking you and the others." Veritas slumped his shoulders, "Again, my apologies. I didn't intend to hide it from you; I just don't like the way people look at me after learning what I can do."

Aros suddenly burst into laughter. "Really? Someone at your level can feel such trivial emotions?"

"Sorry to disappoint." Veritas relaxed with a smile.

Aros wiped a tear from his eye and exclaimed. "I can't believe there's still so much more to learn – I was too arrogant. Alas, my lifespan is nearing the end."

Veritas glanced over the herb garden before replying. "I came here to tell you our contract remains, but you still can't help Jason in any way."

"Hm?" Aros froze. "Why?"

"Because I wanted the test to unfold like this. I didn't have to do anything, thanks to you." Veritas shrugged. "Abraxas, the Architect, is a stickler for rules, and since I gave him authority over this tower, I didn't want to upset him, so I revoked your contract accordingly."

Seeing Aros' confused expression, Veritas explained, "Jason completed the test as the last human alive, but as it was only the second difficulty, his reward was a wish. He requested to be sent back in time."

"Reversing time? Sure, why not." Aros rolled his eyes, now unsure to the extent of Veritas's power. "So, Jason is not as young as he appears? Ugh."

Veritas was exasperated. "I didn't expect you to be so strict. In Earth's first test, you refused to pick a champion, so they ended up having a much harder time. The purpose of your role is to guide talented test-takers. If Shenlong had your guidance, things would've been different."

"Okay, okay. So maybe I'm too picky!" Aros finally admitted.

Veritas chuckled. "It's okay – thanks to that trait of yours, I was able to find a potential disciple."

"Who? Jason? He's okay, but to be worthy of being your disciple? No way." Aros scoffed.

"As he is now, I agree." Veritas smiled as he explained. "What if I told you during the battle against the final boss, he died."

"Hm?" Aros was startled.

Veritas sounded excited. "Imagine my shock to witness a mortal, through sheer force of will, force his soul back into his body. I imagine at the time he wanted to protect his friends, what with him being a tank and all."

"The Unyielding Path?" Aros jumped to his feet. "How is that possible?! I've only heard legends of mortals possessing a Path."

He thought back to long ago when he crossed paths with a creature possessing an Unyielding Path. The energy it possessed was incredibly tenacious, almost to the level of being impossible to destroy. Considering Jason was still a mortal, it was clear he was far more gifted than that creature.

"I've only seen it a few times myself," Veritas admitted. "But yes, I suspect it to be the Unyielding Path."

Aros fell into his seat, his joy fading. "With Jason's current mentality, he appears to be at a crossroads."

Veritas stood up and prepared to leave. "Which is why I said earlier we'd reached the climax of the test."

Aros narrowed his eyes. "What did you do?"

Veritas faded away, his voice the only thing remaining. "The reason why I gave Jason a second chance is that he showed potential. Let's see if the floor which gave rise to his Path destroys him or changes his fate."