It had been over a month since Asher had ventured into the Endless Tomb Dungeon, a place that had tested him like never before. He had emerged with greater power and a renewed focus on mastering his skills, spending countless hours refining his techniques.
During that time, he hadn't been idle. Every day had been devoted to training—honing his Blood Golem manipulation, improving his Shadow Scythe's control, and testing the limits of his new abilities. He also made sure to study any weaknesses in his techniques, ensuring each skill was both versatile and refined.
Now, Asher found himself back in the grand hall, the same place where he had once awakened his core. He stood, surrounded by the ethereal glow of magical energy that hung thick in the air, giving the room a sense of ancient power. Memories of that day washed over him as he looked around, recalling how he had first felt the surge of energy that marked his awakening. It had been a powerful moment, one that had set him on his current path of relentless growth. This chapter is updated by Novel~Fire. (n)et
Like him, many others had also gathered, summoned today by the elders.
As the time for the meeting approached and the gates closed, Elder James appeared and addressed everyone:
"You are all now in the Foundation Realm. Many of you are at the Bronze rank within it, while others have reached the Iron rank," he said, glancing around to ensure everyone was listening.
"This display of talent shows that you all have the potential to be great," he continued, pausing briefly as he scanned the crowd.
"And today, you will begin the journey to the World Academy. However, not everyone here may enter—it is a place reserved for the exceptional, and only those who exceed expectations will be accepted."
"But remember," he said with emphasis, "we expect you to give it your best, to never falter, and to push beyond your limits."
With a wave of his hand, a portal materialized behind him. "This portal will lead you all to the entrance of the Academy. Go on, all of you."
The crowd nodded, and one by one, they began stepping through the portal, each with determination etched on their faces.
As Asher stepped through the portal, he found himself in a place unlike anything he had ever seen. The sky above was painted in shades of orange and pink, with wisps of clouds drifting lazily across, creating a surreal landscape that felt almost dreamlike. The sun cast a warm, soft glow over everything, intensifying the vibrant colors of the realm.
He looked down to see that he was standing on what seemed to be grass but was unlike any grass he had encountered. It was a soft, emerald hue, each blade giving off a faint, comforting glow, as though alive with a gentle energy. The ground felt soft underfoot, almost cloud-like, making it seem as though he were walking on air rather than solid earth.
In the distance, a grand gate rose into view, its towering structure made from a glass-like material that sparkled in the light, casting prismatic reflections across the grassy field. Between him and the gate lay a winding path, crafted from smooth, translucent stones that shimmered like crystal. The road was lined with radiant flowers in an array of colors, swaying as though greeting the new arrivals with each breeze.
Other students could be seen in the distance, all moving towards the gate with a mixture of awe and determination on their faces. The place had a serene quality, yet there was an underlying feeling of anticipation, as if the very air itself was brimming with the energy of past accomplishments and the promise of challenges yet to come.
Asher took a breath, feeling a thrill course through him. This was the entrance to the legendary World Academy, a place where only the strongest, the most talented, and the most determined could thrive. He stepped forward, his eyes set on the gleaming gate, ready for whatever awaited him within its walls.
But, despite their efforts, no one could push the massive gate open. Some students tried to strike it, launching attacks in frustration, but their strikes didn't leave so much as a scratch on the gate's shimmering surface.
"Leave it alone, fools," a voice boomed, echoing across the clearing. "You will not find these gates so easily opened."
Everyone turned to the source of the voice, eyes widening in shock as they noticed two immense eyes glowing a fierce green within the smooth, reflective surface of the gate. A mouth formed beneath the eyes, twisting into an expression of disdain as it gazed down at them.
"Only when the time is right will I grant you entrance," the gate's voice continued, its tone dripping with contempt. "You think you can brute-force your way through? Only those worthy of the Academy will cross this threshold. Test your patience, your discipline, and prove you belong here."
A tense silence fell over the crowd as the students exchanged uncertain looks. Asher stood silently, his gaze fixed on the gate's gleaming eyes. This gate was no ordinary barrier; it had a consciousness, and it seemed to judge them by more than just strength.
Minutes turned into hours, and the sky above shifted unexpectedly from the warm tones of a cloudy day to the deep, dark hues of midnight. Stars dotted the sky, casting a faint glow over the field as the students waited, tense and restless.
"Now… let me introduce myself," the gate announced, breaking the silence. Its voice was firm and resonant, filling the air with an almost tangible authority. "I am the Shield of the World Academy, Servator, the guardian and unbreakable wall."
It paused, its green eyes narrowing with a hint of disdain. "I am also your tester—the judge of new blood. Tsk, tsk, such impatience," it scoffed. "But here we are, finally ready."
As the eyes disappeared, a dense mist began to gather, swirling around the gate and obscuring it entirely. From within the mist, a massive, ethereal black-blue head materialized, its piercing gaze sweeping over the assembled students. It hovered mid-air, emanating a cold aura that sent a chill through everyone present.
"Face me if you wish to pass," the figure announced, its voice echoing like a dark incantation. "Only those with resolve and the strength to endure will be permitted through these gates."
"What is the test?" asked a beautiful girl with golden-blonde hair and small, curious eyes.