When Kaal reached the 100th step, the pressure emitted from the statue grew denser. He could feel his Qi leaking, yet his body remained durable enough to withstand it. The sudden surge in both his talent and physical strength gave him newfound confidence. However, what truly surprised him was that he had assumed Samrat would be the only one capable of challenging him.
Turning his head to the left, he saw a short girl with peaceful features, blue hair, and green eyes. Divya was matching his pace step for step, which astonished him. Even though he now possessed an Origin Core and had gained the Myriad Thousand Demon Body, she was still able to keep up with him. But what shocked him even more was the sight of another figure who was managing to match Samrat, a youth with brown hair and a scar over his left eye.
What was his name again? Ashen Kairn is a member of the Shadow Elite faction. Kaal remembered the killing intent Ashen had released toward him when his father was giving his speech earlier. But the sensation lasted only for a moment. Kaal redirected his attention toward Divya while continuing to climb the stairs.
{ Meanwhile, in the Nirvana Tower… }
A small, childlike figure floated silently in the air, watching Kaal and the other participants as they ascended the Nirvana Tower. It was the spirit of the tower. His gaze lingered on the four youths leading the front.
"This generation is far more talented than all the previous ones who have taken this trial," the spirit mused. "That child is Charles' son. He has an exceptionally strong physique, a rarity in the Kilvis clan, which is more renowned for its shadow abilities and swordsmanship. He's managed to take the lead using only his physical strength without even utilizing his Qi. And yet… I sense something more, something hidden deep within his soul."
The spirit's eyes then moved to the girl matching Charles' son's speed.
"That girl also keeps pace with him, yet her talent in Qi or physical strength isn't superior to his or even the boy trailing behind her. But her bloodline… It's purer than all the others here. How delightful. A Black Phoenix bloodline finally appears within the Kilvis clan. The purer the bloodline, the more advantages one holds in this trial."
His gaze shifted again, now settling on the two youths just behind Kaal and Divya. Both had fiercely competitive expressions in their eyes as they ascended the stairs, closely monitoring each other while also keeping an eye on the ones ahead.
"That child carries a strong, resentful, and bloody aura… the kind that only comes from slaughtering innocent lives," the spirit commented while observing Samrat Kilvis. "With such a vicious nature, it will be difficult for him to pass the next trial; it's about a battle of the mind."
The spirit sighed. "What a pity. With his blue-grade talent, he could've surpassed even the current patriarch of the clan if only he could overcome his bloodlust."
Then his attention turned to the youth with brown hair and a scar over his left eye, Ashen Kairn.
"This one is an anomaly. He has no exceptional Qi control, no unique abilities, and not even a bloodline. His physical strength and innate talent are far below average. And yet… he managed to match the boy with the bloody aura. How strange."
The spirit frowned slightly, clearly puzzled. "Still, I won't interfere. Everyone walks their path. I have lived for thousands of years. My Dao remains firm."
"After the 101st step, the trials grow more difficult. Let's see how they handle it. My friend… if you were here, you would be proud of your clan," the spirit said softly, remembering his master and his partner, the founder of the Kilvis clan.
When Kaal reached the 101st step, his consciousness began to blur slightly. However, the feeling was mild, and he chose to ignore it, continuing forward. But upon reaching the 120th step, he suddenly stopped and began to perform the beginner sword forms of the Kilvis clan.
As soon as he completed the forms, his spiritual sea trembled. Flickering visions appeared at the edge of his awareness, and fragmented memories associated with the swordplay were drawn out. Yet, unaware of the bizarre situation unfolding around him, Kaal continued to climb the stairs as if nothing was out of the ordinary.
Similarly, Divya paused at the 120th step. With hazy eyes, she began performing a basic footwork technique. Her spiritual sea trembled too, and fragmented memories associated with the footwork were drawn out. After a brief pause, she resumed her ascent, finding nothing particularly strange.
Ashen Kairn, who was just a few steps behind Kaal and Divya, stood at the 116th step, watching their strange behavior. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he observed them performing basic swordplay and footwork.
He knew this trial at the 120th step was known as ("True Self" ), a step where one gradually forgets their techniques, cultivation, family, and even their identity with each passing step… without even realizing it until they found their true goal.
If the Nirvana Spirit could read Ashen's thoughts, it would be shocked. No one, not even the current patriarch of the Kilvis clan, was supposed to know about this trial.
Ashen's gaze then turned to Kaal once more, filled with murderous intent.
'Everything is ruined because of me. Raven is dead. And Kaal has become powerful. This isn't how the story was supposed to go. My presence has caused a butterfly effect. In the novel { Rise of the Demon Emperor }, the real protagonist, Raven Kilvis, was meant to become the True Shadow Dragon of the Kilvis clan by defeating both Kaal and Samrat Kilvis, Twin shadow dragons of the Kilvis clan, in this competition. And with the help of the first heroine, Divya, he was supposed to merge the Myriad Thousand Demon Body bloodline with the Black Phoenix bloodline and awaken the Phoenix Flame.'
Ashen clenched his fists. The leaking of his Qi and the increased pressure of the steps are getting hard to withstand. Then he mumbled in a low voice.
"But now everything is messed up. The only edge I have left is my future knowledge, and even that is growing more uncertain. I must kill Kaal Kilvis, the villain of Volume 5, and fulfill Raven's role as the main character. I must restore the future that should have been."
With his thoughts gathered and resolve hardened, Ashen looked up at Kaal and Divya with unwavering determination.