"Good" Kim said, his voice carrying easily across the gathered crowd. "So let's get straight to business. A few clicks from here stands the Tower of the Demiurge."
He began pacing slowly, his hands clasped behind his back.
"As you've been told, the primary purpose of this training is to familiarize you with the beasts and races you're likely to encounter in any realm. The tower's unique mana density will also aid in refining your control over mana in combat—though I'm certain many of you have already achieved a level of mastery."
His gaze swept toward the recruits from the Origin Families.
They nodded in silent agreement, smug pride flashing on their faces like polished medals.
Kim didn't dwell on them. Instead, he turned his eyes forward—toward the behemoth in the distance.
A towering structure, ancient and obsidian black, loomed against the red-streaked sky. It rose like a dark monument, impossible to miss. The Tower of the Demiurge.
