Chapter 681: Entering the Tower
"Are there any other teams ready to challenge the Tower of Ten Thousand Demons?"
"If so, proceed with your tickets to enter."
At this moment.
A student council member responsible for guarding the tower addressed the eager crowd.
Several prepared teams looked ready to try their luck.
But suddenly, a voice filled with shock rang out from the crowd.
"Wait… look!"
"Someone's already entered the Tower of Ten Thousand Demons! And they're alone! No teammates!"
These words immediately drew immense attention.
In an instant, a wave of shocked murmurs and heated discussions surged through the crowd.
"What the hell!! Someone really went solo into the Tower of Ten Thousand Demons!"
"Oh my god! Is this person insane? How dare they solo this place!?"
"Wait… isn't that the non-specialist who took first place in the White-Rank assessment yesterday?"
"Damn! It really is him!"
In no time.
All eyes focused on the screen displaying the lone figure stepping into the first floor of the tower.
Many immediately recognized who it was.
It couldn't be helped...
This person's appearance and aura were far too memorable.
No one expected that the individual who caused such a stir yesterday would once again perform an act today that left everyone stunned!
"What's going on? Why is it so noisy?"
As the crowd buzzed with amazement and chatter.
A handsome man wearing a robe with blue trim appeared, followed by four others dressed similarly.
Upon seeing the man and the emblem of a young dragon on their chests.
The crowd instantly recognized them as members of the Holy Knights!
The handsome man was particularly well-known as "Brian Acy," a level-127 Blue-Rank three-star student.
His fame wasn't due to his own achievements but rather his background—the illustrious Acy family, a prominent noble household.
Thus…
Even though his level was only 127, the four followers accompanying him ranged from level 130 to 135.
All were his loyal attendants.
This alone highlighted the strength and influence of the Acy family.
As this noble heir made his entrance, he naturally attracted waves of flattery.
The situation was quickly explained to Brian.
Hearing this, Brian glanced at the lone figure on the screen and sneered coldly.
"Hmph! I heard about this guy. He made quite a scene in the White-Rank assessment yesterday and trampled over my cousin Orpheviel..."
"And now, he's trying to act all high and mighty by entering the Tower of Ten Thousand Demons alone in front of everyone. Isn't this just for show?"
His entourage responded with sycophantic laughter.
"You're absolutely right. He's just a clown seeking attention!"
"Without teammates to support him or sustain him, I'd say making it to the fifth floor would already be impressive!"
"The fifth floor? I bet he won't even clear the third floor!"
"…"
A barrage of criticism followed.
While some were simply trying to flatter Brian, many genuinely believed Ling Zhan would at most reach the fifth floor.
The reason was simple: the Tower of Ten Thousand Demons didn't feature just one monster!
Yesterday's assessment was a routine end-of-year test held by the academy.
Its purpose was merely to evaluate students' skills for any signs of weakness.
Thus, it only featured a single monster.
In a one-on-one scenario, Ling Zhan had indeed proven himself formidable. But in the tower, with layer after layer of challenges, there would be no chance to rest after clearing a floor.
Moreover…
The tower was filled with the concentrated aura of Ten Thousand Demons, applying a debilitating environment-wide debuff.
Every entrant's attributes were reduced by 50%.
Note...
It was a 50% reduction in all attributes!
This was why the team that defeated the tenth floor's demonic soldier had received such widespread applause earlier.
Without support roles for sustain, tank roles to absorb damage, or damage dealers to supplement attacks.
Soloing the tower was essentially a death sentence.
Many believed Ling Zhan could reach the fifth floor only because they had witnessed his battle recording.
Without having seen his personal strength, they would have assumed he'd fall on the third floor.
"There's no rush now!"
"Let's watch this arrogant fool embarrass himself!"
Brian crossed his arms and smiled indifferently.
His companions naturally agreed.
The surrounding students eagerly stared at the screen, hoping to see the guy who had shown off yesterday meet his downfall today.
...…
...…
[You have entered the Tower of Ten Thousand Demons.]
[Current floor: First Floor.]
[Current monster: Steel Demonic Soldier.]
[Monster level: 80.]
[Monster characteristics: High defense, relatively slow movement.]
[You have obtained a 'Return Scroll.' Use it to leave the tower when in danger.]
[Reminder: Using the Return Scroll requires a three-second cast time. If you take any damage during casting, the scroll will be invalidated.]
...…
While the crowd outside gossiped about Ling Zhan, he calmly entered the Tower of Ten Thousand Demons.
The interior was vast, with stone pillars and walls inscribed with intricate runes designed to suppress the aura of Ten Thousand Demons.
At the center of the tower stood a demonic soldier, its skin black and shining like steel, bound by heavy chains.
Buzz!!
As Ling Zhan approached, an oppressive wave of demonic aura surged through the tower.
Simultaneously, the negative debuff reducing 50% of all attributes settled over Ling Zhan.
Roar!!
In the next instant.
The Steel Demonic Soldier awakened, its blood-red eyes snapping open, emanating a savage and bloodthirsty aura.
Clink!
With a violent struggle, its chains shattered instantly!
Bang!!
The Steel Demonic Soldier broke free and, without hesitation, charged at Ling Zhan with heavy, thunderous steps!
It was undoubtedly a creature born for slaughter!
And unmistakably a monster from the Abyss of Ten Thousand Demons!
The pressure it exuded was leagues above that of ghost slaves or ghost generals!
Even its initial charge carried a chilling killing intent that seemed to freeze the air!
For those with weaker resolve, this oppressive aura would instinctively evoke fear and hesitation.
However.
For Ling Zhan, this display was nothing more than child's play, incapable of stirring even the slightest ripple in his heart!