The 20th floor of Babel Tower held a unique position within the structure, serving as a critical gateway between the chaotic lower levels and the more refined upper tiers.
Unlike the floors beneath it, often regarded as a proving ground where warriors battled like monkeys and tigers for survival and status, the 20th floor marked the threshold of true recognition. It was a barrier that separated the ordinary from the exceptional, the place where the tower began to take notice of its inhabitants and where the real journey for power began.
To ascend beyond the 20th floor ; it required passing a promotion trial that evaluated a warrior's combat prowess but also their tactical acumen and potential for growth.
For many, this floor was the final stop on their journey, as the trial was notoriously difficult.
Challenging the rank 1 warrior on the 20th floor was more than just a bold move—it was a virtue signal that Yan Jin was ready to step into the realm of the truly powerful.
His enigmatic first fight had already turned heads, sparking curiosity and speculation about his true capabilities. Now, by setting his sights on the top warrior of the 20th floor, he was announcing to everyone watching that he was not just another climber—he was someone destined for greater challenges.
The 20th floor offered more than just prestige; it provided access to essential resources that could accelerate a warrior's growth exponentially.
It was the only floor in the lower levels that possessed a blood pool. Additionally, it housed a potion store stocked with rare and potent elixirs, as well as private training halls where warriors could hone their skills in solitude. These assets made the 20th floor a hub of activity, attracting those who were ready to prove themselves and move on to greater heights.
But the true allure of the 20th floor lay in what it represented: the promise of more.
The instant the screen displayed Yan Jin's match against the rank of the 20th floor, the spectators went crazy with frenzy.
"He is the most daring rookie the tower has seen for sure." Someone said.
"Does he think the strength increase per floor, is negligeable?" another one replied
" I know right , three Duan Da , will not be able to defeat, Li Jie."
"But he barely exerted himself against Duan Da so maybe he can give us a show."
"Li Jie, is a purified King, He cannot use tricks anymore we will see his real strength."
In one corner, we have Li Jie, the unyielding sentinel of the 21st floor. And in the other corner, we have the mysterious newcomer, Huang!"
The crowd roared, a wave of sound that seemed to shake the very foundation of the arena.
"Will the Guardian of the 21st floor maintain his iron grip, or will the new blood ascend, marking the beginning of a new era? Prepare yourselves, for this is a fight that will go down in the annals of Babel Tower's history! Without further ado, let the battle begin!"
The giant screens above the arena displayed the stats of the two combatants, their information flashing vividly for all to see:
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Li Jie
Age: 25Bloodline: High Fire DragonBlood Type: BRank: 1 / 20th FloorWins: 880 / 900Particularities: Rookie Crusher, Veteran
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Huang
Age: UnknownBloodline: UnknownBlood Type: UnknownRank: 1 / 10th FloorWins: 1 / 1Particularities: Blind, Archer, Trickster
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Li Jie emerged first from the corridor, his presence commanding the attention of the entire arena. His chestnut hair was cut short, neatly combed, contrasting with his clean, well-groomed beard. Clad in the resplendent gold armor of the Golden Warriors, a symbol of his elite status, he exuded confidence and the experience of a seasoned fighter.
In his hands, he wielded two short axes, the metal gleaming ominously under the arena lights. The crowd erupted in cheers, the sound swelling as he acknowledged his fans with a nod, his every step exuding the assurance of a man who had seen countless battles.
Following him, Yan Jin made his entrance, entirely unfazed by the thunderous applause. He moved with an eerie calm, his long black robe with emerald patterns flowing around him like shadows dancing in the light. The wooden mask on his face added to his mystique, giving him an almost otherworldly appearance, like a forest spirit.
His long hair, untamed, draped over his shoulders, and on his back was his signature bow and quiver, while Scara perched elegantly on his shoulder.