"Alright then, let's get to it." Xandros settled into a meditative pose, steadying his mind for what was to come.
The first level of the breathing technique refined the body, core, and spiritual energy simultaneously. Unlike other heaven-defying techniques, this one wasn't just faster—it was a hundred times faster.
Closing his eyes, Xandros connected to his soul space in mere seconds. But when he opened them, what he saw sent a violent shock through his very being. He knew his soul housed an existence far greater than his current self, yet he had never envisioned its true scale.
His soul space was infinite.
He stared into an endless cosmic abyss—planets brimming with pure energy, burning stars, spiraling galaxies, and entire universes stretching beyond his perception. Laws, concepts, energies—he could feel them all, but above everything else, one stood supreme.
The Supreme Energy.
Xandros took a deep breath. "Let's calm down and get this over with. I'll explore this later."
He channeled the Supreme Energy into his Awakener Core, flooding his body and spirit with an overwhelming force. His entire being glowed like a golden beacon, radiating brilliance as the energy surged through him. For two hours, he remained in deep refinement, absorbing, molding, perfecting.
When he finally opened his eyes, he exhaled with satisfaction. "That was amazing. I feel like I just stepped out of a sauna."
His core, body, and spirit had undergone a massive transformation—30% refined in just one session. He could likely push through a minor breakthrough in a single attempt, but there was more to do first.
[Ding!]
[Quest 1 Complete]
[Distributing Reward…]
[Reward Successfully Delivered]
[Check Inventory, Master]
"Alright, let's extract the sword intent first."
[Ding!]
[Extracting 10% Sword Intent…]
[Tempering Master's Body and Mind]
[1%... 12%... 57%... 89%... 100%]
[Process Complete]
A sharp, cutting force flooded his mind and body. Sword energy surged through him, accompanied by countless techniques and battle instincts. He could feel them as if they had always been a part of him.
"At this rate, it won't even take a week to become a full-fledged Sword Grandmaster." A rare smirk tugged at his lips.
Next, he turned his attention to his inventory. "Let's check the description of the Supreme Fruit."
[Supreme Fruit]
A mythical fruit composed entirely of Supreme Energy. Enhances the core's refinement by 4%. No consumption limit.
Xandros's eyes gleamed. "This is perfect. With this, I can focus on other aspects of my strength."
Without wasting time, he moved to the next task. "Alright, onto the next quest."
"Master, let's finish the third quest first," Layla suggested. "That way, we can end with the tower challenge for maximum efficiency."
Xandros nodded. "You're right. Let's knock out this workout first."
He changed into a tracksuit and entered his home gym.
The session was intense—every motion, every lift, every stretch resonated through his enhanced body. He felt his strength expanding, his control sharpening with each repetition. By the time he was done, three hours had passed, and his entire body hummed with newfound power.
After freshening up, he retrieved his reward.
[Ding!]
[Retrieving Reward for the 3rd Quest…]
[Tempering Master with Elemental Intent…]
[1%... 12%... 57%... 89%... 100%]
[Process Complete]
Xandros clenched his fist, sensing the refined connection he now had with the elements. "My control just took a huge leap forward. Good."
[Ding!]
[SS-Level Flight Talent Retrieved]
[Master possesses an inherent racial flight ability. Would you like to merge it with the talent for enhancement?][Y/N]
Xandros raised an eyebrow. "Wait... I already had a flight ability?"
Layla giggled. "It seems so, Master."
He chuckled. "Well, that's a nice surprise. Merge it."
[Ding!]
[Merging Flight Racial Trait with SS-Level Flight Talent…]
[Process Complete]
[Flight Ability Evolved → EX-Level Space Flight]
[EX-Level Space Flight]
- Flight speed increased to 100x the speed of light.- Capable of interstellar travel and breathing in space.
Xandros whistled. "Damn... I'm Superman now." He grinned.
Finally, he equipped his Katana of Destruction and donned an all-black outfit. "Alright, Layla. I'm ready. Let's grind."
"Understood, Master." Layla snapped her fingers.
In an instant, they vanished.
The Tower of Trials
Xandros found himself in a standard resting chamber—equipped with all the necessities.
Layla explained, "This is the tower's safe zone. You can prepare here before taking on each floor."
Xandros took five minutes to check everything before nodding. "Alright, take me to the first floor."
Another teleport. This time, he arrived in an eerie dungeon.
"System, pull up the monster info."
[Ding!]
[First Floor Monsters: Lesser Imps]
Race: Lesser Demonic Imps
Bloodline: Low-Grade Demonic
Strength: F-
Agility: F
Endurance: F+
Intelligence: F
Number: 30]
"This should be easy."
A guttural growl echoed.
GRRRR!!!
Xandros turned as grotesque, goblin-like creatures with sharper features emerged.
Without hesitation, he blurred forward.
The nearest imp barely had time to react before Xandros snatched it by the throat—then slammed his knee into its neck.
CRACK!
The imp's body hit the ground, lifeless.
[Ding!]
[1 Lesser Imp Killed]
[40 EXP Gained]
Xandros raised an eyebrow. "Wait… EXP?"
Layla nodded. "Your will to grow stronger seems to have granted you an experience system, Master. You might reach A+ rank before the academy even starts."
A smirk played on Xandros's lips. "Not bad. System, display my EXP progress."
[EXP: 40 / 10,000]
"Tch. That's a grind, but nothing's impossible."
This time, he drew his katana.
No arrogance. No wasted movement. He knew that underestimating anything—even weaklings—was foolish. He had seen too many strange deaths to let his guard down.
His sword became a blur.
Heads flew.
Limbs were severed.
Imp bodies dropped like flies as Xandros carved through them with terrifying efficiency. In minutes, every imp lay slaughtered.
[Ding!]
[29 Lesser Imps Killed]
[1160 EXP Gained]
"Good. Next floor."
[Ding!]
[1st Floor Cleared]
[Transporting to 2nd Floor…]
FWOOSH!
This time, he found himself in a dense forest.
RUSTLE! RUSTLE!
Short, green-skinned creatures with jagged teeth lurked in the shadows.
Xandros smirked. "Ah, the classic beginner mob. Come be my EXP."
KEUHK!
A sickening crunch echoed through the forest as Xandros' earth spikes impaled the unsuspecting goblins. Seven of them writhed in agony before falling lifelessly, dark blood seeping into the ground.
[Ding]
[7 Lesser Goblins killed]
[315 EXP gained]
Xandros barely spared the notification a glance. "Close the alerts until I'm done," he commanded impatiently.
GRRR!!
The remaining goblins shrieked in rage, their jagged teeth bared in fury. With wild, beast-like instincts, they charged forward, gripping massive clubs that seemed too large for their small, twisted frames.
Xandros smirked. "Come on, then."
A goblin swung first, its crude weapon whistling through the air. Xandros sidestepped effortlessly, his movements fluid like water.
SHING!
His katana flashed, meeting the club in a shower of sparks. Instead of retreating, Xandros locked the goblin's weapon to the ground with his foot, trapping it in place. The goblin's red eyes widened in panic—
SLASH!
A clean decapitation. The head tumbled through the air before landing with a dull thud.
Xandros didn't pause. Another goblin lunged from behind, hoping to catch him off guard.
Too slow.
He pivoted sharply and delivered a brutal kick straight to its skull.
CRACK!
Its head exploded like a crushed fruit, splattering the surroundings with blood and brain matter.
More goblins swarmed him, snarling and howling like rabid animals. Xandros exhaled and sheathed his katana. He stepped back, spread his hands, and brought them together in a thunderous clap.
[Thunder Clap]
BOOM!! BOOM!!!
The very air trembled. The earth cracked beneath him. A shockwave erupted outward, shattering the bodies of the remaining goblins. Blood sprayed in all directions as their frail forms were torn apart, their agonized screeches cut short in an instant.
As the dust settled, silence reigned.
Xandros looked around, admiring the destruction. A satisfied grin played on his lips. "Didn't expect that to work so well. Not bad."
[Ding]
[23 Lesser Goblins killed]
[1035 EXP gained]
[2nd Floor Complete]
Xandros rolled his shoulders, already anticipating the next challenge. "Alright, onto the next."
FWOOSH!
With a flash of light, he was transported to the third floor.