Chapter 435: Absolute Loyalty
The players followed the Elder Fire Elemental across a narrow rocky bridge over the magma pool, reaching the summit of Baras Volcano.
The reddish-brown tower stood before them, towering at the volcano's peak.
The tower, over thirty meters high, was built from solidified igneous rocks formed by flowing lava, its surface shimmering with a molten texture.
Firelight shone from the tower's windows and crevices, with white steam and gray smoke swirling around.
Red-hot iron chains wrapped around the exterior, as if restraining some colossal beast, exuding a powerful and aesthetic aura.
Building such a magnificent structure in this environment of flowing magma and lifeless terrain showcased the terrifying strength of the tower's master.
"To think there's something like this..."
"It's so tall!"
"Was this constructed with magic?"
The players who passed the trial murmured amongst themselves.
Summer Night Autumn Rain raised her head, gazing at the tower with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"This is it, the legendary Tower of Inferno—the advancement site for the hidden class, Dragon Pact Sorcerer."
"I must successfully advance… Lord Cassius, bless me."
She silently prayed.
As a female player, she didn't favor the rugged, fully draconic appearance of the Crimson Scaled Conqueror but was deeply captivated by the elegance and nobility of the Dragonblood Warlock.
The small, refined horns on either side of the head, the golden vertical pupils, and the decorative scales around the eyes resembling makeup were all perfectly balanced.
Even the humanoid form of the "Ember Emperor" Cassius happened to align perfectly with her aesthetic tastes.
Dragons were naturally charismatic.
And any human, elf, or creature with draconic blood shared that allure.
At the entrance to the tower, the Elder Fire Elemental pressed its burning fist against the stone door and turned to speak in a low voice. "Challengers..."
"Master's command… go inside."
"Boom—"
With a gust of hot air, the massive stone door slowly opened, releasing waves of steam and smoke that stung their eyes.
"Everyone, let's go inside."
"Time to advance!"
"Hehe, this time, our Royal Authority guild has three warlocks who passed the trial. There's no way we'll fail."
"The strength of the Crimson Scaled Conqueror and the Dragon-Oath Paladin is already high enough, but with a trial this difficult, the Dragon Pact Sorcerer must be insane!"
"Yeah, the first spellcaster advancement class gets all the glory!"
"Haha, I wonder what rewards the guild leader will give me when I succeed. It'll definitely be a lot of money."
The players were abuzz with excitement, already fantasizing about the promising future ahead.
The Royal Authority guild was different from other guilds. Their leader was not only a powerhouse in "Erezaghe" but also a wealthy individual in real life.
This was why the Royal Authority players were more motivated and obedient, with clear internal rank distinctions.
They weren't just playing a game; they were making money.
Summer Night Autumn Rain remained silent, cautiously observing her surroundings. The fate of the reckless player from earlier served as a vivid warning.
She had a hunch that things wouldn't be this simple.
To successfully advance to the hidden class, she needed to earn the favor of that special female NPC.
"Perhaps this isn't the final trial. There could be another round of eliminations."
The interior of the Tower of Inferno featured a spacious hall, with reddish-brown walls adorned by grotesque monster heads.
"Challengers..."
"This way."
The Elder Fire Elemental led them up a spiraling staircase.
Since the tower had been constructed relatively recently, its interior was sparse, with the second and third floors being mostly empty.
However, flickering flames and sparks decorated the space, and some floors had fire elementals serving as attendants.
"This place is fascinating."
"Yeah."
"Is that a Magma Rock Monster? It's tamed? I want one too!"
After ascending several levels, they reached the top floor of the Tower of Inferno.
A heavy stone door stood before them, carved with lifelike wyvern patterns and the emblem of flames and vertical pupils.
In the Ember Empire, only imperial locations like the palace and council chambers were permitted to display the Ember emblem on their main entrances.
"We're here."
"Enter."
The Elder Fire Elemental stood at the entrance like a stern gatekeeper, coldly watching the players.
Even through the heavy door, they could feel the steam-room-like heat emanating from the top floor.
Summer Night Autumn Rain thought, "This must be the top of the Tower of Inferno, where the mysterious NPC resides."
"It's also the final trial for the Dragon Pact Sorcerer."
With their destination in sight, the players grew more excited, their discussions intensifying.
"We're almost there!"
"My super awesome hidden class is within reach!"
"Haha, I can't wait to flex on the forums and make newbies jealous!"
"Boom—"
The Elder Fire Elemental pushed the door open again.
The final door creaked open.
Smoke and heat poured out, filling the players' noses with the pungent smell of sulfur.
As the smoke cleared, the mysterious tower top revealed itself, and the players' eyes sparkled with amazement.
"Whoa—"
"This is…"
"So luxurious!"
The spacious room housed exquisite statues on either side, depicting the human and draconic forms of the Ember Emperor Cassius.
On the left, the human statue wore royal robes and a gentle smile, exuding perfection with subtle dragon-like features and an aura of nobility and mystery.
On the right, the dragon statue spread its wide wings and sat on a grand throne, imposing and majestic. Its eyes looked down with an overwhelming sense of authority.
Every scale and tooth of the dragon statue was meticulously crafted, making it lifelike.
The two statues faced each other, representing two sides of the same entity. The craftsmanship was impeccable, with even the golden eyes made from pure gold spheres.
The walls were adorned with large, exquisite oil paintings depicting familiar stories from within the empire.
From left to right: "The Birth of the Ember Nest," "The Scourge that Destroyed the Legion," "The Battle of the Glacier Destruction," "The War of the Twin Dragons," and "The Coronation of the Ember Emperor."
In front of the statues lay piles of gold, silver, pearls, and neatly arranged magical gear glowing with enchantments.
"So much money… There must be tens of thousands of gold coins here!"
"Damn, I've never seen this much gold in my life."
"Holy crap, blue gear!"
"That's nothing! Look at that ring—the Fire Djinn Noble's Ring! It's a rare-tier accessory!"
"Huh? That's… purple gear!"
"And that whip! The Elder Fire Elemental's Whip! Also rare-tier!"
The players gasped in awe, nearly blinded by the wealth and equipment, reminiscent of a grand tour of a palace.
Some players' voices grew greedy, knowing that rare-tier gear could cost thousands of gold coins.
Just bringing one item back to their guild would cause a massive stir.
However, Summer Night Autumn Rain sensed something was off. The room was filled with a familiar aura of "loyalty," as if it had been created by devoted followers of Cassius.
She furrowed her brows.
Could this room be the final trial?