Chapter 161: Tower, Status.

Human: Ethan Brandon>

<Rank: Mid-Platinum>

<Talents: Volcanic Mastery (D+), Water(D-), Crystal Manipulation (D), Speed (D), Wind(D), Protective Shield (F+), Accuracy Enhancement (F+), Regeneration (D+), Dagger Wield (F-), Mental Enhancement (F)>

<Transformations: Dark Wraith(High-Gold), Apex Mane(Mid-Gold), Ironhide Devastator (Mid-Gold), Crystal Butterfly(Low-Gold), Lazy Monkey(Peak-Silver), Tunneler Behemoth(High-Silver), Crystal Ape (Mid-Silver), Panther (Mid-Silver), Silver Serpent (Mid-Silver), Harpy(Mid-Silver)>

<Level 9>

<Health Points: 5250> <Mana Points:5500>

<Strength: 515> <Agility: 520> <Intelligence: 550> <Vitality: 525>

<Free Attributes: 23>

<Skills: Basic Footwork (Apprentice- 5%), Swordsmanship (Novice – 90%), Mana control (Apprentice – 2%)>

On their way to the tower, Ethan and his little dragon—which he had named Rambo—had fought many powerful monsters that roamed the increasingly dangerous territory surrounding the legendary structure. The journey through hostile terrain had provided substantial advancement opportunities.

The Tier 7 through Tier 9 herbs had triggered dramatic improvements beyond his previous Low-Platinum capabilities. Each specimen consumed had pushed his attributes toward higher numbers while creating qualitative enhancements in his core magical systems.

His intelligence attribute had broken through into Mid-Platinum territory at 550 points, creating mental processing capabilities that approached supernatural levels. Complex spellwork now activated through instinctive understanding, his mana regeneration, reserves had also improved.

Strength, agility, and vitality had all crossed the over the 500-point threshold. His enhanced constitution could now survive direct impacts that would level mountains while regenerative systems coupled his regeneration talent was scary.

Health and mana pools had expanded proportionally to 5,250 and 5,500 respectively.

His skill mastery had evolved through sustained high-level encounters with increasingly powerful opponents. Basic Footwork had reached 5% Apprentice level while Swordsmanship approached the Novice rank ceiling at 90% completion. Most importantly, Mana Control had achieved 2% Apprentice mastery, meaning waste elimination and precision had improved immsensely.

Several specific monster encounters had provided evolutionary advancement opportunities that transcended simple attribute increases. Creatures whose talents aligned with his existing collection had offered enhancement through systematic devouring of their specialized capabilities.

A Platinum-rank Storm Hawk had provided Wind talent evolution from E+ to D- grade.

The creature’s mastery of air currents and pressure differentials had integrated with his existing knowledge to create enhanced environmental control.

Speed talent had evolved from E+ to D grade through consumption of a Lightning Serpent whose velocity was incredibly high.

Most importantly, Regeneration had jumped from F+ to D+ grade through encounter with a gold-rank Troll whose healing capabilities were simply insane. Ethan had thought that anyone in the same rank would struggle to kill the troll without breaking its core.

“D grade Speed and Wind talents combined with D+ Regeneration,” Ethan assessed as they approached the tower’s immediate vicinity.

…

Arriving near the coordinates where the tower was meant to be, Ethan spotted a huge structure stretching impossibly high into the sky. The tower disappeared into cloud cover with no visible peak, its dark stone surface gleaming with runic inscriptions that seemed to shift and flow like living text.

Ethan let out an exasperated breath before accelerating toward the destination with renewed urgency. The journey had taken longer than anticipated due to increasingly powerful creature encounters, but the sight of their goal eliminated concerns about lost time.

As they approached the tower’s immediate vicinity, Ethan realized the structure wasn’t standing in isolation. Hundreds of people moved around its base like ants surrounding a monumental hive, their presence transforming what should have been a desolate testing ground into something resembling a bustling marketplace.

Rambo chirped with curiosity from his perch on Ethan’s shoulder, the Blood Dragon’s intelligence processing the unexpected social dynamics. This wasn’t the isolated trial location they had anticipated.

Surprisingly, the atmosphere appeared entirely peaceful. Warriors from different territories mingled without visible hostility while merchants hawked their wares from temporary stalls. The scene resembled a festival rather than a competitive gathering around legendary advancement opportunities.

“Interesting,” Ethan murmured as he studied the crowd composition. “Cooperation rather than conflict. There must be external enforcement preventing violence.”

Temporary structures dotted the landscape around the tower’s base—merchant stalls, equipment vendors, and what appeared to be lodging facilities for extended stays. Someone had established commercial infrastructure that suggested regular traffic rather than sporadic visits.

Walking through the organized chaos, Ethan attracted immediate attention from nearby vendors who recognized the telltale signs of a wealthy customer. His equipment, bearing, and the obviously powerful companion marked him as someone with resources worth pursuing.

“Young adventurer!” called out a heavyset merchant from behind a stall loaded with gleaming weapons and armor. “You’ve come to the legendary tower! Perfect timing—I have exactly what you need for the trials ahead!”

The man’s enthusiasm seemed genuine despite obvious commercial motivation. His stall contained equipment that bore enhancement enchantments suggesting high-tier craftsmanship, while pricing boards indicated substantial investment requirements.

Ethan approached with casual interest, his enhanced perception analyzing both the merchandise and the merchant. Information gathering often requires appearing receptive to sales presentations.

“Impressive collection,” he said conversationally, examining a sword that hummed with contained magical energy. “These enhancement levels suggest access to master craftsmen.”

“Absolutely correct!” the merchant beamed with professional pride. “Everything here is specifically designed for tower trials. Standard equipment fails on these floors—only specialised gear survives the advanced challenges.”

Rambo studied the weapons with obvious disdain, the Blood Dragon’s SSS-rank capabilities making most equipment irrelevant for their partnership. But the creature remained silent while Ethan gathered intelligence through commercial interaction.

“The tower trials require specialized preparation?” Ethan asked with carefully measured curiosity.

“Oh yes, absolutely essential,” the merchant replied eagerly. “But first, let me explain the most important rule—see that shimmering barrier around the entire area?”

Ethan’s enhanced perception detected the subtle energy field that encompassed roughly a kilometer radius around the tower’s base. The magical framework created a dome of protection that explained the peaceful coexistence among potentially hostile factions.

“Safe zone,” the merchant continued with obvious relief. “Complete prohibition on violence, theft, or hostile action. The tower itself enforces these restrictions—anyone who breaks the peace faces immediate punishment and permanent access denial.”

“Convenient for those around the tower,” Ethan observed while testing the weight of an enhanced dagger.

“Exactly! Creates stable trading environment where adventurers can prepare properly without worrying about territorial conflicts or equipment theft.” The merchant gestured toward the bustling marketplace with proprietary satisfaction. “Been operating here for three years without a single violent incident.”

Rambo’s head tilted with interest as magical enforcement explained the cooperative atmosphere. Even territorial Lords with historical conflicts could interact peacefully under such comprehensive protection.

“What about tower access requirements?” Ethan continued, maintaining his pose as potential customer.

“Platinum rank minimum,” the merchant replied with professional authority. “The tower’s assessment systems won’t even open the entrance for anyone below that threshold. Gold-rank warriors can stand right against the door—nothing happens.”

“And current progression records?”

The merchant’s expression grew more animated as he entered his element of specialized knowledge. “Now that’s the truly impressive part—the highest anyone has climbed is the twentieth floor, and those individuals are considered the strongest beings in the known world.”

He leaned forward conspiratorially. “Lady Seraphina of the Northern Territories reached floor twenty last month. Her achievement sent shockwaves through every major power structure. Before that, Lord Magnus held the record at floor nineteen for two years straight.”

“Only twenty floors out of the rumoured one hundred?” Ethan asked with carefully concealed interest.

“The difficulty scaling is exponential rather than linear,” the merchant explained with obvious expertise. “Floor five eliminates most Platinum warriors. Floor ten challenges Peak-Platinum capabilities. Beyond that, only legendary individuals with perfect talent combinations and specialized equipment survive.”

He gestured toward his merchandise with renewed enthusiasm. “Which brings us back to proper preparation! These weapons incorporate materials from tower creatures—enhancement patterns specifically designed to overcome the unique challenges each floor presents.”

Rambo made a soft sound that might have been amusement. The Blood Dragon’s Peak-Platinum rank combined with SSS-grade talent suggested most tower challenges would prove educational rather than threatening.

“The creatures inside are that powerful?” Ethan prompted.

“Each floor spawns entities that are extremely powerful; they challenge whoever enters,” the merchant said with genuine awe. “Whilst the tower is incredibly hard to progress in. It’s incredibly rewarding, clearing floors grants equipment, skills, and even things like talent upgrades and much more! It’s the perfect advancement environment if you survive the experience.”

“Does anyone know the reawreds for the higher floors?”

The merchant’s eyes gleamed with vicarious excitement. “Floor twenty rewards supposedly include items that could push someone toward ranks beyond Diamond rank entirely.”

“Beyond Diamond?” Ethan’s interest sharpened despite his casual demeanour.

“Yes, beyond Diamond rank, but these are just rumours, Lady Serpahina had yet to confirm or deny.” The merchant lowered his voice as if discussing forbidden knowledge.

The words of the merchant about the tower suggested advancement opportunities that transcended his current understanding of development.

This meant that Lady Serpahina and the others on the top floor were around the diamond rank. Which meant in front of them, he was still a young child. Only at the mid-platinum rank.

“Fascinating,” Ethan said with genuine appreciation. “Your information has been quite valuable.”

He selected several enhancement items that might prove useful despite his overwhelming personal capabilities—backup equipment for unexpected situations, rather than primary dependence on external tools.

“Excellent choices!” the merchant beamed as payment changed hands. “May you find what you desire upon your ascent, young adventurer. The tower rewards courage, but demands respect.”

As Ethan moved away from the commercial area toward the tower’s actual entrance, Rambo chirped softly with what might have been anticipation. The Blood Dragon’s intelligence recognised the significance of what lay ahead—challenges designed to forge powerful individuals through controlled adversity.

“Twenty floors as the current record,” Ethan murmured to his companion. “Let’s see if we can break these numbers.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep