The streets of the Valorian capital were busy as usual, but tucked away in a small, serene tea house, a lone figure sat with his back to the door, sipping from a delicate porcelain cup. The faint fragrance of the tea filled the air, and despite the hustle outside, he seemed detached, lost in his thoughts.
The door creaked open. An old man, robes of fine quality with silver streaks in his beard, stepped inside, his eyes sharp as ever. He glanced over at the figure and chuckled softly. "Hahaha, I thought I'd come early, but you're already here."
The figure didn't turn around. He simply took another sip of his tea before speaking in a calm, measured tone. "Why don't you sit down first, and let's discuss our next move?"
The old man shook his head, a knowing grin on his face. "This isn't a place for serious discussions. How about you come with me?"
The figure hesitated for a moment, then nodded, setting the teacup down. Without a word, he followed the old man out of the tea house and into the heart of the Valorian capital. They moved through narrow alleys and grand streets, finally arriving at the palace gates.
Inside, the figure found himself sitting across from the old man in a quiet, refined room. The soft light from the windows illuminated the room as servants brought in fresh tea.
The figure raised an eyebrow. "I didn't expect you to be a member of the palace," he remarked, impressed by the high quality of the tea. "This is extraordinary."
The old man smiled, but it was a brief smile, quickly replaced by a more serious expression. "Let's focus on the important matter at hand."
The figure nodded, his demeanor shifting to match the old man's.
"You know as well as I do," the old man began, "the Church and the throne are at odds. They hold equal power, and the kingdom is growing weaker by the day because of it. If we don't change this balance soon, we will face destruction."
The figure sat back, considering. "Both sides have three saint-level powerhouses at their disposal. Are you planning to add me into this equation?" He paused. "I'm a paladin at the moment, but I've reached the limit. It won't be long before I surpass it."
The old man's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Yes, exactly. You're exactly what we need. Instead of letting the weaker forces clash and waste their lives, the three saints of both factions are considering a direct confrontation. Your strength would tip the scales."
The figure's lips curled into a slight smile. "I don't need much in return, but I'll need time to prepare."
"No worries," the old man said, leaning forward. "I've prepared a secluded space for you in the palace. The same place the other three saints use to meditate and gain enlightenment. No one will disturb you."
The figure's gaze was steady. "Alright, then. I'll leave it to you."
---
Later, in the depths of the palace, the two stood in a large, stone chamber surrounded by shelves of ancient elixirs. The air was thick with an aura of tranquility and calm, perfect for meditation. The walls were layered with enchantments and protective barriers that would prevent anyone from interrupting. The only sound was the soft crackle of magic.
The figure, his face serene, sat down on the stone floor, legs crossed. His body began to float, the air around him shifting as he entered a deep, meditative trance. Golden light flickered around his form, a reflection of his inner power.
The old man took a final glance at the figure, his eyes filled with both satisfaction and expectation. He quietly turned and left the chamber. As he did, he cast a spell that sealed the room, ensuring no one would enter. He ordered the guards stationed nearby to remain vigilant.
"Don't let anyone in. Notify me if anything changes."
----
The throne chamber was vast, its golden pillars stretching high, the royal banners draped behind the throne itself. At the center of it all sat the king of Valoria, a middle-aged man with a commanding presence. His sharp gaze was fixed on the old man standing before him.
"Uncle…" the king's voice carried both authority and curiosity. "I heard you brought someone to the Saint Chamber. Can you give me an explanation?"
The old man remained composed, hands behind his back. "His name is Damian," he stated plainly. "The person I told you about before. We share the same enemy, and he's on the verge of stepping into the Saint level. If he joins us, he will be a great help."
The king leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his hand. "So that's him." His eyes narrowed in thought. "I'm eager to meet him."
He then straightened, nodding in approval. "You've done a good job."
The old man bowed slightly. "I only did what's best for the kingdom."
The king exhaled, his expression unreadable. "Let's hope this investment pays off. We don't have the luxury of failure."
The old man said nothing more.
-------
Meanwhile in the tower of the trials, Axel fought his way through levels untill he finished the fourth level all alone without his minions.
Axel landed on the stone cliff, his boots scraping against the rough surface. Below him stretched an endless battlefield of monsters hundreds of them, all lurking, growling, moving aimlessly across the stone floor. It wasn't just a test of strength. This was survival.
"No wonder Mat failed," Axel muttered. "This isn't a fight. It's a damn war."
For now, the monsters hadn't noticed him. That gave him time to prepare. He raised a hand, summoning two of his minions.
A dark mist swirled beside him as a robed figure emerged. The mage stood tall, wearing a hood that barely concealed his hollow eyes. The moment he fully materialized, he dropped to one knee.
"Master," the mage said, his voice filled with reverence.
Axel glanced at him, slightly surprised by the display. "I see you have no grudges against me, huh?"
The mage remained bowing. "You are my lord. I must have been blind not recognise you. My power exists to serve you."
Axel exhaled. Loyal. Good. "Stand up." He pointed toward the battlefield. "You and the goblin shaman stay here. Support from afar."
The goblin shaman, hunched and covered in crude charms, grinned. "Fun fun! Lots of corpses for magic! Hehehe."
Axel ignored the creepiness. " I didn't you could talk like humans, I guess higher level creatures can eventually gain intelligence. Too bad these monster can be used as corpses but Just don't waste your mana too fast."
Then, without hesitation, he stepped to the edge of the cliff and jumped.
The air rushed past him, and in that moment, his frontline monsters emerged their forms tearing through the void as they materialized around him.
the monstrous goblin, landed with a deafening THUD, his sharp claws flexing.
Beside him, the goblin champion stood tall, gripping a massive, spiked bat over his shoulder. His golden eyes burned with battle lust.
And last, the ground shook as a massive ape, wielding a huge hammer, rode in on a wild boar, the beast's eyes glowing with raw aggression.
Axel cracked his knuckles, watching as the battlefield finally noticed his arrival.
"Alright," he murmured, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Let's begin."
----
the battlefield suddenly came alive.
A deafening roar echoed as hundreds of monsters turned toward him. Different shapes, different sizes—beasts with claws, fangs, and weapons—some towering, others swift. A wave of death rushing forward.
Axel smirked. "Alright, let's see what you're made of."
With a flick of his wrist, his Golden aura scythe materialized. The cold steel gleamed under the battlefield's dim light.
"Charge!"
His summons exploded forward.
The Undead Goblin Champion was the first to strike. He gripped his massive bat, letting out a guttural growl before swinging it full force.
CRACK!
A monstrous wolf's skull shattered. The goblin champion didn't stop—he barreled through, sending creatures flying with every swing. Thick defense, unstoppable momentum.
The Undead Monstrous Goblin was pure carnage. He moved like a feral beast, lunging, slashing, tearing. Claws sliced through flesh and bone, enemies ripped apart before they could react.
The battlefield turned into a slaughterhouse.
The Undead Ape roared, its body expanding, muscles swelling. Now a towering behemoth, he lifted his massive hammer and swung down.
BOOM!
The stone ground cracked. Dozens of creatures crushed instantly, bodies flattening under the sheer force. His wild boar mount didn't stop, trampling anything that survived.
Axel moved like a ghost, his speed blurring as he weaved through the chaos. His scythe flashed, cutting down everything in his path.
One enemy leaped at him he spun, the blade severing its head midair.
Another lunged from behind—he ducked, his hand igniting with Golden ghost fire, and slammed it into the monster's chest.
The creature shrieked, its soul ignited from within. It collapsed, lifeless.
The air filled with the scent of burning souls.
From above, the Mage unleashed elemental fury.
Firestorms erupted, consuming waves of monsters. Lightning struck, piercing through their ranks. Wind blades tore limbs apart.
The Goblin Shaman chanted, his hands glowing with eerie light.
Defense charms coated Axel and his summons, strengthening their bodies, enhancing their speed.
"More! More! More power for master!" the goblin cackled.
The monsters didn't stop.
For every enemy Axel cut down, ten more appeared.
They surrounded him, their snarls and growls filling the battlefield.
Axel exhaled, rolling his shoulders looking at the huge ape. "Good. This would've been boring otherwise, it also allowed me to see what my minions are capable of "
In the blink of an the empty battlefield filled with monsters again and again.
-------
Mat crossed his arms and smirked as he watched the towering pillar shift from green to silver. "As expected of my old friend," he muttered, a hint of pride in his voice."this level 5 is a massacre, fighting hundreds of strong monsters, I couldn't last for more than 1h but he's in there for two hours"
The assassin standing nearby stiffened, his eyes widening. Hundreds of monsters ? Impossible. He had barely survived Level 3, and yet, this newcomer had already surpassed it. His mind raced. Who the hell is this guy?
Aeris remained silent, arms folded. His expression was unreadable, but his fingers clenched slightly. Axel… just how far are you planning to go?
Mia and Dario exchanged glances. Dario let out a low whistle. "Damn, I knew he was strong, but holding on on level 5 that long…"
Mia nodded. "It's beyond impressive."
Around them, the atmosphere in the tower yard grew livelier. More people began gathering, eyes fixed on the shifting pillar.
"Two challengers reaching Level 5 in one day? That's unheard of!"
"The first one barely held on, but that guy's still inside. Is he aiming for Level 6?"
"Who is he? A summoner?
"No idea, but he's making history right now."
The murmurs spread like wildfire, and the crowd continued to grow. All eyes remained on the tower, waiting to see if the pillar would change again.
2 hours later.
----------
Two hours had passed since the last monster fell. Axel stood in the center of the now blood-soaked battlefield, catching his breath, his body weary. His summons faded away, leaving him alone in the chaos of twisted bodies and shattered stone. He reached into his Soul Guide and flipped it open.
Taking a swig of water from his flask, Axel muttered to himself, "I need some energy potions or something. But it's too late now. I'll buy them later." He wiped the sweat from his brow, but before he could finish his thought, the space around him began to warp.
The air twisted unnaturally, swirling in a chaotic vortex. Axel gripped the hilt of his scythe instinctively, ready for whatever might come next, but the distortion faded as quickly as it had come. When the world stopped shifting, Axel blinked in confusion. He was no longer standing on the battlefield. Instead, he found himself in a grand throne room.
Luxurious clothes adorned the elf nobles standing around him, their presence commanding respect. Axel looked down at himself in shock his dusty, battle-worn clothes had been replaced with a fine ministerial outfit. He ran a hand over the soft fabric, still stunned by the transformation. How? His mind raced. This isn't possible.
The elf king, sitting at the end of a long table, waved a hand. "Everyone, take a seat."
Axel stood still for a moment, unsure where to go, he's looks changed and now he's a middle aged elf minister. The nobles were already seated, leaving only one empty spot at the far end of the table. Axel hesitated for a moment, then made his way to the last available seat, sitting down quietly.
The king noticed his delay and raised an eyebrow. "Minister Gareth, Is there something wrong?" His voice was calm, but there was a weight to it.
Axel straightened, quickly shaking off his confusion, Gareth? So that's my name?. Then said with clam voice "No, Your Highness. I was just absent-minded for a moment."
The nobles around the table chuckled lightly, their laughter echoing in the vast room.
But the king's eyes narrowed. "Who gave you permission to laugh?" His voice turned cold, and the room fell into silence. "My minister is concerned about the future of my kingdom! Dare you laugh again?"
Axel was taken aback, both shocked and amused by the sudden shift in the king's demeanor. His mind raced, but he kept his composure.
The king cleared his throat, and the tension in the room seemed to thicken. "We have important matters to discuss."