Asher, now sixteen years old, stood before the mirror, gazing at his reflection. His piercing ruby-red eyes and long white hair framed a face that had matured far beyond his years.
"Hm, today's the day Catherine will be released," he mumbled to himself, his voice carrying a mix of anticipation and unease.
Reaching for a band, he tied his hair back, securing it neatly before taking another long look at his reflection. This was a day he had been waiting for.
"Finally, the ban will be lifted," he mumbled, his tone carrying a hint of satisfaction.
The punishment Yulia had imposed on him for bringing Catherine from a dungeon—a complete prohibition from participating in any dungeon dives—was finally coming to an end.
Though the ban didn't affect him significantly, as he had his own personal dungeon to train in, he had accepted the punishment silently, refraining from causing any trouble.
"Now, I can finally access the Infinite Tower that Sebas talked about," Asher mused, thinking back to how his classmates often spoke of it. Once they reached the Golden Rank, they eagerly ventured into the Tower to test their skills—something he had yet to experience.
The Tower, known as the Infinity Tower, is a realm of endless challenges, each floor more perilous and complex than the last. It earned its name due to its seemingly infinite number of levels, each containing a secret trial designed to test the strength, intelligence, and adaptability of its challengers.
What sets the Tower apart is its reward system. Every tenth floor grants participants a unique prize—be it artifacts, resources, or enhancements—that cannot be found elsewhere. These rewards alone make the Tower a coveted goal for many students and adventurers alike.
However, the Tower is no ordinary structure. It is closely tied to the academy's legacy and is overseen by the governing forces of the world. Due to its dangers and potential for misuse, access is restricted. Only those of Academy who reach the Golden Rank or higher are granted entry. This ensures that only those with proven identity can attempt its challenges.
Despite its allure, the Tower demands more than just raw power. Many who enter find themselves unprepared for its trials, leading to failure—or worse. For this reason, the Tower has become a rite of passage for the academy's elite students, with many striving to conquer it as a mark of their capability.
And it also has it's own Ranking list, thus another prestige part that every student strive to achieve.
But that was about to change today.
He turned his head toward the bathroom, deciding to wash up and get ready for the day. After freshening up, he emerged dressed neatly in his academy uniform. Sitting down for a quick meal, he ate quietly before waiting for the day's events to unfold.
"She's here," Asher muttered, standing up as he grabbed his bag. Opening the door, he was greeted by Freya.
"Are you ready?" she asked, her greenish red eyes gleaming with excitement.
Asher nodded, stepping out to join her.
Freya had undergone a transformation of her own. Her jet-black hair, now streaked with fiery red highlights, flowed elegantly down her back. Her athletic figure exuded strength and grace, but it was her playful personality that remained the same, that's what truly defines her.
"Let's go," Freya said with a smirk, motioning for him to follow. Together they continue to their class ready for their usual schedule
As they made their way through the bustling hallways of the academy, Asher and Freya drew their fair share of attention. Freya's striking beauty and confident demeanor were enough to turn heads, while Asher's composed, almost aloof presence exuded an aura of quiet strength.
Students whispered as they passed, speculating on the duo's destination.
"They're always together, aren't they?"
"Yeah, but Asher's so hard to read. He doesn't even seem to notice her."
"Freya's strong, but he's on a whole other level…"
"But why he isn't in the Ranking list?"
Freya glanced sideways at Asher, catching snippets of the conversations around them. She smirked but didn't comment.
"You don't mind the stares?" she asked teasingly.
Asher shrugged, his expression unbothered. "They're irrelevant."
Freya chuckled. "You're as blunt as ever."
Soon, they reached the classroom for their next lecture: Dungeon Simulation and Strategies. The room was already half-full, students arranging themselves into groups or reviewing notes. The instructor, a stern-faced man with a scar across his cheek, stood at the front, preparing for the lesson.
Asher and Freya found seats near the back. Just as Asher settled in, a familiar figure approached—Ethan, one of Asher's classmates and a known competitor.
"Asher," Ethan greeted, his tone carrying a mixture of respect and rivalry. "I heard the dungeon ban on you is lifted today. Planning to make up for lost time?"
Asher leaned back in his chair, his ruby-like eyes locking onto Ethan's. "Maybe."
Freya raised an eyebrow at the exchange, sensing the underlying tension.
Ethan chuckled, crossing his arms. "Good. The Tower awaits. Let's see if you live up to the hype, Magnus."
With that, Ethan walked away, leaving Asher and Freya in silence.
"Seems like you have fans," Freya quipped, resting her chin on her hand.
"Or rivals," Asher replied, his tone indifferent.
The instructor's voice cut through the chatter, silencing the room. "Alright, class, let's begin. Today, we'll be discussing advanced dungeon coordination and the risks of hidden-tier anomalies. Take notes—this will be on your practical assessment." New novel chapters are published on Novel~Fire. (n)et
Asher opened his notebook, as he began to take notes like everyone else.
As the class neared its end,
A notification appeared on Asher's holowatch, causing his pen to pause mid-note. Freya noticed and glanced at the watch, curiosity flickering across her face.
"Hope for the best," she said with a playful smile, flashing a V sign with her fingers.
Asher nodded and tapped on the notification to open the message.
[ Subject: Notification of Clearance
We are pleased to inform you that the individual, Catherine Bloodcrown, has been cleared of all suspicion.
Likewise, your punitive ban is officially lifted. You are now free to utilize the Academy's dungeons at any time.
Asher read the message carefully, a small sense of relief washing over him.
"Good news, huh?" Freya asked, tilting her head as she noticed the faint shift in his usually stoic expression.
"Yes," Asher replied simply, closing the message.
The instructor's voice cut in just then, wrapping up the lecture. "That concludes today's lesson. Remember to review the simulation protocols for next class. Dismissed."
Asher stood, grabbing his belongings, as Freya walked beside him.
"So," she said with a grin, "does this mean we're finally going dungeon diving together?"
Asher glanced at her, his ruby-red eyes calm yet focused. "Perhaps."
Freya smirked, satisfied with the answer for now, as the two left the classroom together.
As they stepped into the bustling corridors of the Academy, students moved about, engaged in their own discussions and plans. Freya walked alongside Asher, her excitement bubbling beneath her composed demeanor.
"So, what's your first move now that you're unbanned?" she asked, casually adjusting the straps of her bag.
Asher considered for a moment, his mind already forming a plan. "First, I'll confirm the dungeon schedule. Then, I'll revisit the Infinite Tower."
"The Infinite Tower, huh?" Freya raised an eyebrow. "Finally joining the club? Everyone's been raving about it. You know, they say the challenges there are tailored to push you to your absolute limit."
"That's the point," Asher replied, his tone calm but determined. "If I want to progress further, the Tower is my best option. It's time to test myself."
He now only has Two years left to rise to peak of Prismatic Realm, and he has defeated all the lower level Dungeons of his level in the Dark Existence realm, hence need a new place to acquire more resources to advance further. The resources given by Academy are not enough for him.
Freya smiled at his resolve. "Well, don't forget about us mortals while you're at it. If you need a team for backup, I'm always game."
Asher didn't respond immediately, his thoughts drifting to Catherine. After everything that had happened, her release marked a turning point, not just for her but for him as well.
Freya nudged him lightly. "You're lost in your thoughts again. Thinking about Catherine?"
"She'll need time to adjust," Asher said, brushing past the topic. "But I trust she'll manage."
Freya shrugged, deciding not to pry further. "Well, whatever you decide, just don't forget to let me know when you're heading for the Tower. I might want to watch."
"Noted," Asher replied.
They exited the building, stepping into the Academy courtyard. The sun cast a golden hue over the pristine grounds, and students gathered in groups, discussing upcoming trials or sharing news. Asher's holowatch buzzed again, this time displaying a reminder for a meeting with Yulia in the administration wing.
"I have to go," Asher said, turning toward Freya.
"Administration business?" she guessed, raising an eyebrow.
"Something like that," he replied before heading off.
Freya watched him go, shaking her head with a small laugh. "Always so serious," she muttered to herself before heading toward her own dormitory.
Asher made his way to the administration wing, his footsteps echoing in the quiet halls. When he arrived at Yulia's office, he was greeted by the sharp-eyed Director herself. She gestured for him to take a seat.