A grand city unfolded before them—walls towering high into the sky, forged from veins of polished white stone laced with threads of gold and obsidian. Sunlight reflected off the surfaces, casting long glints that made the city seem almost like a jewel nestled in the land's heart. Crowds bustled beyond the massive gates, and from miles away, one structure stood tall above all:
Even from the outer edge of the city, it was impossible to miss. A spiraling monolith of pale metal and radiant crystal, stretching toward the sky like it was trying to pierce the heavens. Layer upon layer, floor upon floor—it seemed to go on forever, a landmark of legend in the center of the city that bore its name: Infinity City.
Asher stood at the front, flanked closely by Valeris, Veyra, Catherine, and Freya. They had dressed light for travel, but carried weapons and soul gear beneath their cloaks. They made no attempt to hide their power. When they reached the gates, the guards—Soul Rank cultivators themselves—felt the pressure in an instant.
The lead guard, a man in silver-black armor, stepped forward and bowed deeply. " Asher Magnus. We've been told to expect you. Please—enter freely. Your companions as well."
He didn't question them. He didn't dare. The gate split open with a low hum as layers of barrier runes peeled back.
Asher gave a nod and stepped through, his four companions following without a word.
Inside, Infinity City was nothing short of vast. Wide boulevards crisscrossed past towers and domes, each district built to reflect a different school of cultivation. Streets were lined with floating markets, sky bridges, and elemental conduits channeling pure energy overhead. People from every race and power walked here—mana core users, beast tamers, soul cultivators, and more. The city felt alive, and yet everything led back to the massive tower in its center.
"That thing…" Catherine murmured, eyes fixed on the towering Infinity Tower in the distance.
"I know, right? It feels like it's pierced the sky," Freya added softly, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade as she stared in awe.
"What a structure… I can sense over a thousand different Laws gathering around it," Valeris muttered, her eyes narrowing. "It's the best place for any World Rank cultivator to comprehend new Laws. No wonder I feel the presence of so many World Rankers in this city."
Veyra tilted her head slightly, studying the spire. "She's right. Even from here, I can feel my own Law understanding growing just by being near it."
Asher gave a faint nod and said, "We'll come here later. For now, let's get some rest. Once we enter the tower, we'll be separated—no teams, no support. Just solo trials."
He paused, glancing sideways with a small smile. "So let's make it a race. Whoever reaches the highest floor first wins."
The girls exchanged glances—competitive, amused, and intrigued.
Freya grinned and stretched her arms behind her head. "Then let's raise the stakes. Among us four… the winner gets to command Asher however she wants for a whole day."
Catherine laughed and tilted her head. "I'm in."
"So am I," Veyra said with a smirk. "Sounds fun."
Valeris chuckled and crossed her arms. "I'll win, so it's fine with me."
Asher blinked. "Hey—wait a second. I didn't agree to—"
"Too bad," Freya said with a smirk, cutting him off as she crossed her arms triumphantly. "This is your punishment for having four girlfriends and somehow getting away with it."
Catherine giggled, and even Valeris and Veyra cracked small laughs as they all turned and began walking toward their lodgings in the city.
Asher let out a quiet sigh of surrender and followed behind them, muttering to himself.
"…This tower's going to be easier than dealing with you four."
The streets of Infinity City were alive with activity as Asher and the four women made their way deeper inside. Wide roads of pale silverstone gleamed under the afternoon sun, lined with banners displaying ancient symbols of Law, Dominion, and Ascension. Merchants called out from stalls filled with strange artifacts—essence pearls, Law crystals, soulsteel shards—while cultivators from dozens of factions passed by in cloaks, robes, or armor marked by their clans and ranks.
Despite the noise and movement, the group drew attention.
Four powerful, stunning women flanked a man whose presence demanded silence. His silvery white hair shimmered faintly in the sunlight, and his eyes—deep red and unreadable—glowed with a calm power that unsettled the arrogant and intrigued the brave. His features were striking, almost sculpted, and he walked with the effortless confidence of someone who didn't need to prove anything. Whispers followed them, some in awe, some in curiosity, but none dared approach. The air around them felt too refined. Too sharpened by battle and experience.
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They stopped briefly at a high-end inn near the central ring, close to the Tower district. A tall, elderly man in a dark blue robe stepped forward at once, recognizing Asher and giving a respectful bow.
"We've prepared the Sky Lotus Suites for your stay, my lord. All five as requested."
Asher gave a small nod. "Thank you."
After settling in, they regrouped at the main balcony of the inn. From here, the Infinity Tower was clearer—its obsidian, gold, and white structure standing at the city's heart like a divine spear pointed at the heavens. The air around it shimmered faintly with concentrated Laws, like ripples in glass.
"Tomorrow we head in," Asher said, arms crossed.
Veyra leaned against the railing beside him. "Do we know how many floors there are now?"
"As of last record," Valeris answered, "the top cleared floor is 1,378. But it doesn't end there. Some believe it goes far beyond that, but no one has reached the true peak yet."
"And we can't go in as a group?" Catherine asked, frowning.
"No," Asher said. "That's one of the tower's fixed rules. Once you enter, you're alone. Each trial is based on your cultivation path and comprehension. No shortcuts. No teamwork."
Freya smirked. "Makes it more fun this way. Now we'll see who's really been training."
"You mean when I win and make Asher carry me around the city for a day?" Veyra teased.
"In your dreams," Valeris shot back. "He'll be too busy attending to my orders."
Catherine just smiled, and Asher slowly backed away.
"...Can I just say I changed my mind about this whole competition thing?"
"Nope," all four of them said at once.
Asher sighed and leaned on the railing, the evening light casting a soft gleam on his silver hair.
Tomorrow, the Infinity Tower would test them all.