Chapter 1480 Second Trial

Chapter 1480 Second Trial

Author's Note: Unedited Chapter

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"We have to figure out the motive behind this trial," Gustav voiced in response while his face displayed a contemplative expression.

"Is that before or after we've been burnt to a crisp?" Stark said rhetorically.

"There's a pattern to the beam's targeting. It doesn't just strike; it lingers, building intensity over time once it hits a target," Gustav voiced out his analysis.

"So, it's testing endurance rather than strength?" Stark had an expression of realisation.

"Possibly. Perhaps to see how much I can handle," Gustav mumbled.

Deciding to test his theory, Gustav positioned himself directly in the path of the next beam. He knew this was a risky move, but it was the only way to potentially uncover the mechanics of this trial.

"Gustav, what are you doing?!" Stark yelled out in disbelief.

"Testing the theory. Just keep clear, Stark," Gustav stated.

As the next red beam surged towards him, Gustav activated his Iro Sik ability. A radiant sheen enveloped his body, forming a crystal-like armor that shimmered with the resilience of diamond. The beam struck him full force, its red light enveloping him like a fiery cocoon.

The intensity of the beam increased with each passing second, but Gustav stood firm, his body encased in the protective layer of Iro Sik. The heat was immense, and under the relentless energy, even the diamond-hard armor began to show signs of strain.

Stark, watching anxiously, shouted over the noise, "Gustav! How much longer can you hold on?"

Gustav, his voice strained but resolute, replied through gritted teeth, "Keep watching the statue! Look for any changes when the beam's at full power."

As the seconds ticked by, the beam's intensity grew exponentially. The air around Gustav shimmered with heat, and the ground beneath him started to crack from the energy overload. Despite the immense power bearing down on him, Gustav's focus remained unwavering.

However, as the statue's relentless beam intensified, Gustav realized that the Iro Silk alone was insufficient against the growing power. In response, he layered Atomic Disintegration over it, enveloping himself in a milky energy. This was designed to break down the beam's atoms on contact, transforming lethal energy into harmless particles that drifted away like dust in the wind.

Initially, this combination of defenses seemed to hold, creating a spectacular display of light and energy where the destructive beam met the milky shield around Gustav. Sparks flew off in every direction as atomic particles were obliterated, illuminating the chamber with each collision. The air crackled with released energy, filling the space with the scent of ozone and the sound of sizzling power.

However, as the statue continued its assault, the beam's power escalated beyond Gustav's calculations. The energy began to penetrate the milky layer of Atomic Disintegration, each photon and particle straining his defenses to their limits. Findd new stories at novelhall.com

Gustav gritted his teeth as he felt the beam's heat pierce through the protective layers, the force of the energy pushing him back step by step.

The situation deteriorated quickly. The protective energies of the Iro Silk and Atomic Disintegration, once a formidable shield, started to falter under the relentless assault. The beam, now a brilliant shaft of pure destructive power, began to sear through Gustav's defenses, reaching his very skin. With no further options left, Gustav resigned himself to face the beam with only his physical resilience as a shield.

"Impossible. I would have rounded Earth at least sixteen times already with the distance I've traveled... This doesn't make any sense," Gustav said with suspicion evident in his eyes.

He turned around to meet back up with Stark.

"Could the pathway be infinite?" Stark wondered aloud.

Gustav shook his head; "It can't be. There has to be a trick to this."

Stark, unable to transform into his dragon form due to the confined space, tried to think of another solution. "What if the pathway isn't about distance at all? What if it's about perception or some kind of puzzle?"

They continued to struggle with trying to figure out the mystery of the pathway. Each step they took seemed to get them no closer to the end. The glowing walls were disorienting, and the ambient light made it hard to focus.

"Let's try something different. We'll mark our starting point and see if we actually move at all," Gustav suggested.

He scratched a mark on the floor with his nails morphing and lengthening.

After Stark and Gustav marked their position, they darted forward with extreme speed.

Gustav grabbed Stark and activated Lightning Blitz, pushing their velocity to its limits.

[ Lightning Blitz Has Been Activated ]

The glowing walls streaked past them in a blur as they surged ahead. After what felt like an eternity and yet a single second, they arrived at a very far distance.

Gustav looked back, expecting to see the mark they had left far behind.

"It's gone," Gustav said, his brow furrowing.

"What do you mean?" Stark asked while turning around as well.

"The mark I made... it's nowhere to be found," Gustav explained.

"Could the pathway truly be infinite?" Stark had expected them to be in some kind of loop environment.

"It isn't," Gustav shook his head slightly.

Stark had a look of confusion etched on his face. "If this pathway isn't infinite, then what's happening?"

Gustav's mind raced with possibilities, analyzing the situation with every bit of his vast intellect. "I think this is the work of space manipulation. The pathway must be shorter in reality but elongated through spatial distortion."

Gustav suspected this was the case from the start but couldn't sense any space disruption device so he knew this was sorely done with supernatural abilities.

"So, is there a way out?" Stark inquired, concern creeping into his voice.