['Sabrag (★)' has become light and disappeared.]
['Jesha (★)' has become light and disappeared.]
['Marlun (★★)' has become light and disappeared.]
[Synthesis complete!]
['Graihan (★★★★)' levelled up!]
I watched the lycanthrope stepped out of the synthesis chamber and rejoined our group on the first floor square.
After Master summoned the advanced heroes, they immediately performed mass synthesis to empower the new arrivals.
Thirteen detainees were sacrificed. Cutting down the number of imprisoned criminals we had in the lobby to less than half.
Two 1-star heroes were synthesized to each of the Tchakran warriors.
While two 1-stars and one 2-star to each of the 4-stars.
Given the high population on the first floor and the number of developed combatants on the second, Master no longer hesitated to sacrifice 2-star at summoning heroes.
They were mostly hoodlums or former bandits that only caused chaos in the lobby anyway. The leaders of the arrested thugs, in fact.
We would not be needing such characters in Master's army.
"I've travelled all over Dunia and seen a lot of things. But that synthesis was still new to me."
The lycanthrope said.
While the man was waiting for his synthesis turn, he mentioned in passing that he used to work as a mercenary in Dunia.
Lycanthropes were rare in comparison to the other sub races.
Scholars said their population was less than 500 across the whole continent. They never really recovered their number since they lost in that huge war against the empire many years ago.
Most stayed in small settlements in remote regions of the continent. But a small few would wander out to the world and try to make a living by any means necessary.
Becoming a mercenary used to be the common choice. Lycanthropes' innate skills would be very valuable in that line of work.
Tracking, hunting, monster-fighting.
A young lycanthrope alone could worth ten veteran mercenaries.
Though not many people in Dunia wanted to hire such 'unique' people, despite their incredible abilities.
"So we could get stronger by increasing our attributes in this status window. And to do that, we need to level up. And to level up, we must either sacrifice people through synthesis or win battles in the trials inside that rift of space-time."
The dwarf, Djhotti, pointed out while staring at his status window.
The armored elderly short man went on.
"Through all my life as a Keeper, I've never encountered or heard such bizarre circumstances before."
Dwarfs had one of the longest lifespans of all the races in the world.
They could live up to 200 to 500 years.
Imagine developing your body and mind for such a long time.
It was no wonder they were such formidable warriors.
"So basically this lobby is our main camp where Master gather, train, and rest their army. And through that rift, we'll be deployed by Master to the trials with special goals called floors."
The Guntur Near-Kin, Ulrica, stated.
From what I had read of Guntur culture, the Lands of Never-Ending Thunder were consisted of fifteen tribes called septs.
They were spread in the Ptir Archipelago north of Dunia, which was the actual geographical name for the Lands of Never-Ending Thunder.
Each sept would be led by a chief. The chief would be normal human like us, like Jyrgil who was summoned a while ago.
It would be the fifteen chiefs of Guntur that would decide which among the Near-Kin to lead their entire people.
I heard from my headmaster that the Guntur folks had quite a complex politic in their governmental system.
The war called the Northern Storm, in which Yuriana Bromstead was involved in, was apparently a product of two Near-Kin battling each other to win the votes of the sept chiefs.
I wondered if Ulrica was someone that had gained the favors of Guntur leaders.
"People from all over got summoned to this strange place. Warriors from every land in the world. Even nobles, merchants, and simple commoners. Incredible!"
The Tchakran swordsman, Fangli, said.
The Tchakran spear-wielder, Haoban, next to him nodded.
"Anyone could get strong here? Someone who never held a weapon in their life before, could become as strong as a senior disciple in just a matter of months? Weeks?!"
They all had grasped the workings of the forged land.
During my conversations with them so far, the new advanced heroes had no ties whatsoever with our enemies in the trials.
We could now move on with their initiation to Master's army.
"Remember that the forged land is founded by different laws from our world's. And believe me when I say you haven't learned everything yet."
I gestured to an administrator staff carrying a crate next to me.
She proceeded to approach the new advanced heroes.
"Each of you, take three of the objects inside."
I told them.
They all did as asked and each pulled out three glowing blue stones from the crate.
"What is this mineral? I've never seen the kind before."
The dwarf asked.
"They are called Replay Stones. A special object that you can only find its use in the forged land."
I told them.
I pointed to the huge gates carved with two winged-maidens embracing each other and went on.
"Take the rocks with you into the rift of space-time. Inside there you will learn the rest that you need to know."
"What would that be?"
Graihan asked.
"All of you understand that you are summoned here to overcome the trials Master set you upon."
While recalling my experience climbing the tower, I continued.
"Inside the rift, you will learn what kind of challenge awaits you all."
The five of them stared curiously at the Replay Stones in their grasp.
With inquiring minds, the advanced heroes started for the rift.
Given their star-ranking and skills, Master would integrate them into the Raid Team and strengthened the climbing force even further.
They needed to see what sort of battles Master expected them to win over. The great mountains Master wanted them to overcome. The tower Master wanted them to climb.
"The advanced heroes would be watching all three Quintal Trial records."
I told the administrator that provided the Replay Stones.
I continued.
"The viewings would take a while, but they should be done once the banquet tonight starts. Take them to the third floor mansion once they're done."
"As you wish, Your Excellency."
The staff replied with a slight bow.
Having completed escorting the advanced heroes, I began making my way back to my office, all while inspecting the workers of the lobby as I climbed back to the third floor.
The journey to the twentieth floor, the fourth Quintal Trial, was upon us.
I did not know exactly the kind of challenge awaiting Sigyn's army of heroes in this next stretch of the climb.
But I knew for certain our burden was not getting any lighter.
Despite the arrival of several 4-star heroes to the forged land, I just knew we would still be facing difficult challenges ahead.
The heroes of the forged land would be tested once more in the trials to come.
As the Vice-Master, I had to ensure our army overcome any challenge and adversary heading our way. Sigyn and I both.
We needed to work together to save our world.
The fate of the heroes and all of Dunia rested on our shoulders.
The Master and the Vice-Master of the forged land.
I just hoped Sigyn understood the weight of their burden.
Our cooperation and the way Sigyn lead us moving forward would show the kind of master they were.
Oh how I wished you would not fail us, Sigyn.
Please don't fail us…