The three Unholy Knights appeared before Asher: one cloaked in shadowy black, another with an ethereal white glow, and the last radiating a deep, blood-red hue. Each retained 100% of the original Unholy Knight's power, making them formidable in their own right.
"Infinite Fusion," Asher commanded, his voice steady and resolute.
The three knights began to merge. Darkness, light, and blood-red energy intertwined violently, their forms melting and reshaping into a single entity. When the fusion completed, the Unholy Knight stood before him once more, restored to its full might. It was clad in pristine, knightly white armor, adorned with a flowing cape of pure white. Yet, a sinister aura emanated from it, a wreath of shadows and darkness swirling menacingly around the figure, signifying its dual nature. The source of this content is Novel~Fire. (n)et
"My lord," the knight said, its voice deep and reverent as it knelt before Asher, its allegiance clear.
Asher nodded, acknowledging the display of loyalty. With a wave of his hand, he commanded, "Rise. Remain in the shadows until I call upon you again."
The knight obeyed, vanishing into the shadows at Asher's command, ready to serve whenever needed. "Hmm, three powerful summons, each better than the last," Asher mused, checking the details of his Soul Reaper Monarch ability. "I can have two more of equivalent power, huh," he muttered, nodding in satisfaction as he stood up.
"I'd love to claim more, but I guess that's it for now," he added with a sigh. Dusting himself off, he moved forward, taking the winding paths that led out of the testing grounds. Eventually, he emerged into the sprawling, endless tower hub—a space bustling with adventurers, merchants, and observers.
"I'll rest after a bed and some peace," Asher mumbled, his voice low. Yet, as he walked further into the hub, he noticed something strange. A lot of people were staring at him, their eyes filled with awe, curiosity, and, for some, envy.
Asher stopped, his brow furrowing as he glanced down at himself, checking for anything out of place. There was nothing unusual. He was clean, his aura restrained. So why the attention? Turning around, he gave a sharp look at the nearest group of onlookers.
"What?" he asked, his voice calm yet edged with impatience.
One of them hesitated, then pointed toward a large, glowing screen hovering above the plaza. "L-look at the leaderboard," the man stammered.
Asher raised an eyebrow and turned his gaze upward. His name blazed brightly at the top of the leaderboard, accompanied by his current floor record and an impressive set of accolades. The crowd murmured as they watched him, many discussing his rapid ascent and the sheer power he must possess.
Asher let out a small sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Figures," he muttered under his breath. He wasn't one for the spotlight, and this kind of attention was the last thing he wanted after such a grueling climb.
But there was no escaping it now.
Especially after a new leaderboard had appeared, one with a special section bearing his name.
Just then, Asher's holo-watch buzzed, and a notification popped up. He was being summoned to the office of Director Yulia.
Seated in her office, Director Yulia fixed her sharp gaze on Asher, her expression unreadable as she gestured toward the large display screen. The special leaderboard was prominently visible.
"The Tower is infamous for its secrets and unpredictability," Yulia began, her voice measured. "Yet, there was no precedent for something ." She gestured toward the glowing board. "So, what does this 'special leaderboard' mean?"
Asher sighed inwardly. He already knew she possessed an innate skill that could discern whether someone was lying. There was no point in spinning tales.
"I wanted to hone my Sword Aura," he admitted, keeping his tone calm. "You know I'm not great at refining it."
Yulia's eyes narrowed slightly, but she nodded for him to continue.
"As part of my training, I decided to clear the 10th-floor boss—using only my sword and Sword Aura. No other skills, no external help." Asher shrugged. "Afterward, that leaderboard popped up."
"Did you receive any sort of notification? Or was there something unusual about it?" Yulia pressed, her curiosity evident.
"Yeah, a notification appeared," Asher replied. "It described a new hidden trial. If someone clears any floor boss with a single technique or ability, the system rewards them with something unique. In my case, it was related to Sword Aura."
"And what did you receive?" Yulia leaned forward, her piercing gaze locking onto him.
"Nothing grand," Asher replied, raising his hand. "I was given a Sword Aura Ascension potion, but I used it immediately. That's why I have a Silver Sword Aura now when I don't have any—or even a basic aura before entering the Twoer."
Yulia studied him intently, her expression unchanging. After a moment, she spoke. "You're lying."
Asher raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. "What do you mean?"
"You're withholding details," Yulia said firmly. "I don't appreciate being deceived, Asher. Especially when this could have implications for the entire academy."
Asher chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "You've caught me. But honestly, what does it matter? It's not like anyone else can just replicate what I did. The system doesn't hand out free passes."
Yulia sighed, shaking her head. "Your recklessness could cause unnecessary chaos."
"Chaos?" Asher smirked. "Yulia, if anyone here could match what I did, they deserve the same rewards. And honestly, who's even paying attention to that leaderboard besides a handful of overachievers?"
Yulia's lips thinned. "You're insufferable sometimes, Asher Magnus."
Asher gave her a lopsided grin. "I've heard worse."
"I'll admit, your results are impressive," Yulia conceded. "But mark my words—there's a thin line between ambition and recklessness."
Asher stood, giving a mock salute. "Duly noted, Director."
Before he could leave, Yulia called after him. "One more thing. I'll be monitoring your progress closely. Don't think for a second that your actions go unnoticed."
Asher glanced over his shoulder, smirking. "Wouldn't expect anything less."
As he walked out of her office, he muttered under his breath, "Maybe next time, I'll give her something real to worry about."