Beside the Academy Tower's base, a massive obsidian board stood, etched with glyphs and flickering holographic text. It wasn't just a list — it was a chronicle of ambition, mastery, and failure spanning five centuries. The Tower Rankings recorded every candidate who cleared more than fifty floors, their feats, and the floors where their ascent ended.
At the pinnacle of this record stood Orien Vale, who in legend had cleared the 99th floor but faltered at the 100th. Myths described his unmatched resonance, intellect, and combat skill — yet even he could not conquer the Tower's ultimate trial.
Below him, the rankings extended down centuries, highlighting other aspirants whose names had echoed through Academy halls:
Kael Frost – 98th floor, renowned for raw power and intent, but faltered during a multi-beast synchronization trial.
Darian Dread– 96th floor, dominant in combat and direct force, but fell on floors requiring subtlety and calculation.
From the past century, starting at the 37th rank:
Selara Aurelion – 37th rank, cleared 76 floors; known for innovative manipulation and indirect control, adept at environmental adaptation.
Bran Windhelm – 40th rank, 74 floors; subtle manipulator and strategist, excelling in adaptive challenges.
Fenric Redleaf – 41st rank, 72 floors; instinctive tamer, skilled with familiars, adaptive in unpredictable floors.
The rankings also revealed mysterious anomalies:
Some candidates cleared multiple floors but left no record of their methods, presumed to have relied on unique resonance techniques now lost.
Several who reached 80+ floors vanished from historical records entirely, hinting that the Tower sometimes claimed more than it tested.
The 100th floor remained untouched, its challenge adapting uniquely to each candidate's essence — a test that had defeated every aspirant in history.
Nox studied the board, noting subtle details. These rankings weren't just a measure of skill — they were a map of strategies, family tendencies, and pitfalls. Certain lineages repeatedly appeared in top tiers, revealing how resonance, intent, and combat mastery were shaped over generations. Observing these patterns allowed Nox to anticipate the styles of his peers in the upcoming Tower Challenge.
Raven leaned against the edge of the board. "So the Tower is basically a giant leaderboard stretching back centuries… and all the top floors are legends."
"Yes," Nox said. "And the Tower remembers them. It punishes predictable strategies. If even our ancestors faltered despite skill, raw power alone won't carry us. We'll need calculation, observation, and instinct."
Above them, the spires shimmered faintly, each floor humming with latent resonance. Every test, from Spirit Compatibility to Beast Familiar Evaluation, had been preparation. The rankings weren't just history—they were both warning and guide.
Raven rubbed his chin. "So… people like Selara, Bran, or even Fenric… they're basically ghosts of the Tower, waiting to see if we repeat their mistakes."
Nox allowed a small smile. "Or surpass them."
With the rankings ingrained in their minds and the Tower looming above, the candidates could feel the weight of five centuries pressing down. Each step up would be a test; each floor a reflection of past masters and failed aspirants. Above it all, the 100th floor remained a mystery: the ultimate crucible, shaped uniquely for every challenger, a goal few could even comprehend.