Tirh chuckled, his gaze piercing. "Oh, I think you do. But no matter. For now, I'll let you enjoy your little victories. Let's see how far you can go before the real challenges begin."
With that, Tirh rose from his seated position, signaling his warriors to retreat. The remaining Metis fighters obeyed without question, disappearing into the shadows as quickly as they had arrived.
Asher lowered his weapon, watching Tirh vanish into the distance.
With Tirh and the others gone, Asher had successfully completed his mission. As he looked around at the now-demolished camp, Rylen approached him. This chapter is updated by Novel~Fire. (n)et
"Congratulations, young master, on completing your first test," Rylen said, smiling warmly.
Asher nodded in acknowledgment, his expression calm and composed. He wasn't surprised by the sudden test. He had anticipated that there would be challenges if he were stationed at the outpost. Only by proving himself here would he earn the right to be assigned to a larger and more critical post.
"What is my score?" Asher asked, his voice steady.
Rylen smirked slightly and replied, "High enough that you're now assigned to the outer area of this Myrian Outpost."
Asher raised an eyebrow at the statement but didn't respond immediately. He was already considering the implications. The ranking of the areas within the outpost was well-known:
The Periphery housed combatants of E to D ranks.
The Outer Area was designated for C to A ranks.
The Inner Area was reserved for A to SSS ranks.
The Central Area, at the heart of the outpost, was where combatants of even higher, often legendary ranks, operated.
Though Asher's current rank was still technically E, his reassignment to the outer area was an acknowledgment of his potential and accomplishments.
"Are they deliberately pushing me to show excellence?" he asked, his tone measured.
Rylen nodded, his expression serious. "The outer area is no small test, young master. You'll face C ranks there regularly, and it's not uncommon for combatants to encounter threats a rank or two above their level. The weak don't survive long in that zone."
"However, an elite like you should face opponents two or even three ranks above your own level," Rylen said firmly.
Asher nodded in acknowledgment.
"You will leave now and head to your assigned camp in the outer area," Rylen added. With another nod, Asher turned to prepare for departure. His luggage was handled effortlessly by Emily, who stored it in her spatial treasure with practiced ease.
"Let's go, young master," Emily said calmly, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. A soft glow surrounded them as she activated her teleportation ability. In an instant, they disappeared from their current location, reappearing moments later in the outer area of the Myrian Outpost.
The shift in atmosphere was palpable—the energy here was more intense, the air thick with the presence of stronger warriors. Asher took a moment to survey the surroundings, his expression calm but focused.
The difference between the periphery and the outer area was stark and unmistakable. In the periphery, Foundation ranks and low-tier Awakeners were a common sight, creating an environment where even the untrained or less disciplined could mingle. But here, in the outer area, such mediocrity was non-existent. There were no mortals, and no one below the Awakener rank resided here.
Every individual present had crossed the threshold of mortality, bearing strength and abilities that set them apart from ordinary beings. The air was thick with power, and the aura of those around seemed to pulse with controlled intensity. Even the environment reflected this elevated standard, with a sense of order and precision dominating the atmosphere.
As Asher approached the gate to the outer area, the guards, clad in high-grade combat gear, observed him carefully. Their sharp eyes lingered on the Magnus badge on his chest, the insignia gleaming like a beacon of authority and lineage. Without a word, they stepped aside, granting him entry.
Inside, the sheer scale of the outer area was overwhelming. Warriors moved with a practiced ease, their every motion deliberate and efficient. The weakest among them would have been considered elite in the periphery. Their eyes briefly flicked to Asher as he passed, curious but measured in their assessment.
Asher, however, remained calm and composed. He knew this was no place for hesitation or doubt. Every individual here had earned their spot through strength and skill, and he intended to do the same. This was his next battlefield, and he welcomed it.
As Asher walked deeper into the outer area, the bustling sounds of training, sparring, and strategizing surrounded him. Massive training grounds sprawled across the landscape, each section filled with warriors honing their skills. The outer area exuded discipline, its inhabitants clearly living by the mantra of constant improvement.
Emily followed silently behind, her presence as steady and composed as ever. Though she remained unobtrusive, her keen eyes missed nothing, scanning the surroundings for potential threats or opportunities.
They arrived at the Magnus Household Camp, a designated area reserved for those bearing the Magnus name or serving under its banner. The camp was smaller than the sprawling accommodations in the periphery but far more refined. High-tech facilities gleamed under the sunlight, while the banners of the Magnus family flew high, proclaiming their legacy.
A stern-looking camp overseer, clad in a uniform adorned with multiple insignias, stepped forward to greet Asher.
"Young Master Asher Magnus," the overseer said, bowing respectfully, "we've been informed of your arrival. Your quarters are ready, and your schedule has been prepared. You'll find everything you need for training and missions here."
Asher nodded, his demeanor calm but authoritative. "I trust the facilities will meet my expectations."
"They will exceed them, Young Master," the overseer assured, gesturing toward the sleek, modern building that housed the private quarters for Magnus elites.
Before Asher could proceed, a group of warriors training nearby turned their attention toward him. Their gazes lingered, filled with curiosity and perhaps a hint of challenge. Among them was a tall, muscular man with sharp features and an air of command. His golden armor and the insignia on his chest marked him as a high-ranking warrior, possibly a commander in the outer area.