Orion chuckled softly, shaking his head slightly. "I wouldn't call it impressive yet, but thank you."
Emilia softly smiled, glancing up thoughtfully. "So, what's your next plan? You seem busy lately."
Orion nodded, turning slightly more serious. "Actually, I wanted to ask about the library. I heard it has countless valuable books and resources, but how exactly do I get Academy Credits to access them?"
Arya smiled knowingly, exchanging a quick glance with Emilia before answering. "You'll need to challenge the Tower of Myths first. It's one of the primary methods to earn Academy Credits. The higher your ranking, the more monthly credits you'll receive."
Orion raised an eyebrow thoughtfully. "Interesting. That means competition among students must be quite fierce."
Arya nodded. "Precisely. This system was intentionally established to motivate students and foster competitiveness. The Tower records your results, and based on your performance, you'll receive a certain amount of Academy Credits monthly."
She leaned in slightly, excitement evident in her eyes. "Many students aim for higher rankings to get access to rare and advanced books. Even noble families can't simply buy their way in. The system is designed to reward skill, talent, and hard work."
Orion nodded thoughtfully, understanding dawning clearly in his eyes. "I see. Then I suppose I must challenge it soon if I want access to the knowledge within the library."
Arya clapped her hands together happily. "Exactly! It'll be so exciting to see how you perform. With your talent, I bet you'll rise quickly in the rankings!"
Emilia quietly smiled, nodding softly in agreement.
Orion chuckled lightly, appreciative of their confidence. "Thank you, both. I'll head to the Tower of Myths immediately. Hopefully, I'll earn enough credits quickly."
Arya nodded eagerly. "We'll be waiting to hear all about it afterward."
"Then it's decided," Orion smiled warmly, glancing at the academy's clock tower. "Classes should be starting soon. I'll meet you two afterward."
Arya waved cheerfully as Orion departed. "See you later, Brother Orion!"
Orion smoothly turned away from Arya and Emilia, his gaze shifting toward the distant, towering structure that loomed majestically above the academy—the Tower of Myths.
Its elegant yet imposing architecture reached high into the clouds, the sun reflecting off its polished marble exterior, causing the tower to gleam brightly, almost ethereally, against the clear morning sky.
As he walked towards it, Orion felt a mix of excitement and curiosity building within him. The Tower of Myths was not only central to the academy's culture but also a proving ground—a place where reputations were forged, and where every student's strength and potential could be thoroughly measured.
'Lumi, I've been thinking,' Orion began with a thoughtful expression. 'I think it's about time I tried the Origin Mana Pool. My mana cultivation feels properly stabilized now, and my physique training is progressing well.'
Lumi's floating screen sparkled enthusiastically in front of him.
[Ooh! That's a fantastic idea, Master! The Origin Mana Pool is perfect for someone like you—especially with your special Mana Channels and Physique Refinement. The rapid growth could propel you directly toward the peak of Tier 1 or even Tier 2 in no time!
Orion smiled slightly at her contagious excitement. 'That's exactly what I thought. With the club members assembled, and my training finally on the right track, I can afford to focus more on personal advancement. My mana and physique need to reach their peak as soon as possible.'
[Exactly, Master! After all, you must maintain your perfect prodigy image! Plus, we'll gain valuable insights into your Mana Channels' unique nature when exposed to such a dense mana environment.
He chuckled lightly at her playful exaggeration. 'You make it sound like I'm doing it purely for reputation. I just want to ensure my foundation is absolutely perfect.'
[Hehe~ Of course, Master. I know you better than anyone else! (≧◡≦) ♡]
Orion shook his head slightly, smiling softly. His attention returned fully to the Tower of Myths, his steps bringing him closer. As he approached, he noticed Instructor Viren seated calmly near the tower's entrance, observing the students entering and exiting the tower.
Viren sat comfortably on a simple wooden bench, a small book in one hand and his other hand gently adjusting the silver-rimmed spectacles resting on his nose.
Noticing Orion's approach, Viren calmly looked up, his eyes briefly twinkling with mild interest as he closed his book. "Ah, Orion Helstrom. Good to see you again," he greeted smoothly, his voice warm yet authoritative.
Orion inclined his head respectfully. "Good morning, Instructor Viren. I hope I'm not disturbing your reading."
Viren shook his head with a faint smile. "Not at all. It's part of my duties to supervise the Tower entrance periodically. Watching students here gives me an excellent sense of their growth, potential, and determination."
Orion's gaze flickered thoughtfully towards the massive, rune-covered door of the tower. "Instructor, I plan to challenge the Tower of Myths today. Arya explained briefly about its structure, but I was hoping to hear more detailed information from you directly."
Viren adjusted his glasses lightly, clearly pleased by Orion's thoughtful approach. "Of course. The Tower has one hundred floors, each containing a unique opponent—Echoes, we call them. They are precise reflections of legendary past students, showcasing their original fighting techniques, elemental affinities, and tactical genius."
Orion listened carefully, nodding slightly in understanding as Viren continued.
"Your goal is simple—defeat the Echo on each floor to ascend higher. You earn Ranking Points, or RP, each time you successfully clear a floor for the first time. At the end of every month, students receive Academy Credits based on their rankings. The higher your rank, the more credits you'll receive, and thus greater access to the valuable knowledge within our prestigious library."
Orion's eyes sharpened with intrigue. "I understand the system is meant to boost competitiveness, but how difficult is the Tower actually?"
Viren chuckled quietly, his eyes narrowing slightly in thought. "Floors 1 through 10 are straightforward, mostly used to gauge basic combat skill and talent. But beyond that, the difficulty escalates quickly. By Floor 50, Echoes become extremely precise in combat, incorporating intricate elemental techniques, sophisticated tactics, and demanding precise control and decision-making. And from Floor 91 onward… well, it becomes a trial of willpower and true genius."
Orion's interest visibly deepened. "What about Floors 91 to 100? Arya mentioned the Echoes there are different."
Viren's expression became slightly mysterious, his voice dropping subtly. "Indeed. Those Echoes retain fragments of their original consciousness and personalities. They might taunt you, provoke you, or even provide cryptic insights about the academy's history. It's a rare and enlightening experience—but also incredibly challenging. Even I couldn't pass the 91st floor." He smiled helplessly.
"I see," Orion responded thoughtfully, his eyes shining with excitement. "Then, I look forward to seeing how far I can climb."
Viren smiled approvingly, the faintest glimmer of anticipation in his usually composed demeanor. "I look forward to seeing your results as well, Orion. Given your performance yesterday, I suspect your climb will surprise many."
Orion smiled faintly. "It shouldn't surprise them after they heard about yesterday's match."
Viren lightly shook his head. "A lot of them are skeptical about the match. They're guessing it was fixed or something. It'll be fun to see their faces when you shatter their expectations." He laughed happily, clearly amused at the thought of noble students being humbled.
Orion looked at him speechlessly, and after exchanging a few more polite words, he finally stepped toward the grand entrance of the tower.
The rune-etched double doors swung smoothly open as he approached, revealing a softly glowing corridor leading to the first level.
Orion took a calming breath, feeling a subtle surge of adrenaline and excitement. He glanced at Lumi's floating window beside him.
[You've got this, Master! Show these Echoes your incredible power! (ง'̀-'́)ง]
Orion chuckled quietly. 'Let's not underestimate them, Lumi. Even at lower levels, these are recorded prodigies. It'll be good to test my own limits properly.'