Point of View: Sylvanas
When the Guardian left, we went our separate ways.
I now stood before the Resurrection Altar.
I placed my hand against its cold surface.
The system responded immediately.
[Do you wish to register your soul signature to the altar?]
"Yes."
[Level 2 Ascended Entity]
[Cost: 1 Gold Coin]
I frowned.
I checked my balance.
Twenty silver coins. A few copper.
Nothing more.
"How can I obtain more coins?"
[In your case, coins can only be obtained by conquering planets.]
My expression hardened.
"Explain in detail."
[There are two ways to conquer a planet.]
"Isn't there only one?"
[The Guardian only explained one due to time constraints.]
"Continue."
[First method: Seize the Core.]
[The Core possesses the same level as its planet.]
[Its value increases according to level.]
[Level 1 Core = 200 Silver Coins]
[Level 2 Core = 200 Gold Coins]
"That's all we gain?"
[Ascended beings native to the planet also grant rewards upon elimination.]
"How are the rewards distributed?"
[Distribution depends on the attacking group's agreement.]
[Rewards may be allocated based on contribution or predetermined percentages.]
I nodded.
"And the second method?"
[Seize control of the planet.]
[The planet may produce valuable resources or be used as a hunting ground.]
[Initial profits are low, but long-term benefits are greater.]
[To control the portal, it must be rented through the Portal Hall.]
Interesting.
But something else mattered more.
"How exactly does the altar function?"
[Upon payment, the altar records your soul signature.]
[Upon death, you will respawn at this altar.]
"Is there a penalty?"
[You will lose all equipment upon each death.]
[If you die four consecutive times, your ascension level will decrease by one.]
My heart skipped.
"Will I have to undergo tribulation again?"
[No.]
[Tribulation occurs only once per level.]
[If you die during a tribulation, the altar cannot revive you.]
[Permanent death.]
Silence.
"What is the altar's limit?"
[Current altar level: 2]
[Bound to the planet's level.]
"So it only protects me against Level 2 Ascended or lower."
[Correct.]
[If the altar upgrades, its protection will expand.]
[Registration cost does not change.]
[Re-registration is unnecessary unless you have died.]
I exhaled slowly.
"It seems my rest will have to wait."
Point of View: Rangar
I felt anticipation.
My gaze was fixed on the Training Tower.
The moment I entered, I understood something immediately.
It was far larger on the inside.
"As expected…"
Around me stood multiple sealed rooms, their entrances formed by doors of light.
At the center of the floor, a massive circle engraved with glowing symbols pulsed faintly.
"System, what is that?"
[Transport Platform]
[Provides access to other floors]
I stepped onto it.
[Ascension Level Insufficient]
"What does that mean?"
[Ascended Entity – Level 1]
[Access restricted to First Floor]
I clicked my tongue.
"Annoying…"
I approached one of the light doors.
[Entry Cost: 25 Copper Coins]
I checked my balance.
Fifteen silver coins.
More than enough.
I paid without hesitation.
The door dissolved.
I entered.
The room was simple. Empty.
[Select Training:]
[Combat]
[Survival]
[Warfare]
"What is this?"
[The Tower analyzes the user.]
[Training is adapted accordingly.]
I smiled.
"Combat."
[Select Mode:]
[Individual]
[Multiple Opponents]
"Individual."
[Select Difficulty:]
[Normal]
[Talented]
[Genius]
[Saint]
[Legendary]
My blood burned.
"Legendary."
The world vanished.
And another appeared.
An endless prairie.
The wind struck my fur.
The earth beneath my paws felt real.
The sun hung high in the sky.
"What is this…?"
A voice filled with contempt echoed behind me.
"What are you doing here, inferior being?"
I turned.
A humanoid nearly two meters tall stood before me.
His body was formed entirely of pure diamond.
He looked at me as though I were filth.
I lowered my stance.
"What are you? Where am I?"
He merely smiled.
"What a pathetic creature."
I roared.
"ROOAR! We are both Level 1 Ascended (Peak)."
He laughed.
"Do you truly believe we are equal? That is the most amusing thing I have heard."
Then—
Five white circles appeared beneath his feet.
Pressure descended upon me.
Crushing.
Heavier than anything I had ever felt.
Heavier than the Guardian.
My legs buckled.
I could not move.
Fear paralyzed me.
"Know your place," he said coldly.
Suddenly—
My vision spun.
I saw a headless body collapse onto the ground.
I looked at it.
And understood.
It was mine.
For a brief moment, our gazes met.
"That… is your place."
The world shattered.
I returned to the training room.
I was trembling.
My breathing was uneven.
[Simulation Complete]
[To retry, deposit 25 Copper Coins]
I did not know it then.
But I would never forget that scene.
It became a mark upon my life.
And also…
My greatest obsession.
I would become like him.
At any cost.
And one day…
I would defeat him.