70th Floor: The Infernal Hydra
The arena was a molten cavern, lava bubbling in pools across the floor. The Infernal Hydra roared, its three heads—one of fire, one of lava, and one of toxic smoke—lunging at Asher in unison. Each head attacked independently, forcing Asher to move with agility and precision.
The fire head unleashed blazing streams, forcing Asher to weave through the flames. The lava head vomited molten rocks that exploded on impact, and the smoke head cloaked the battlefield in poisonous mist. Asher activated Pulse Crash, sending a shockwave to clear the toxic fog, giving him a clear view.
He dashed toward the fire head, using Severing Edge to sever it cleanly before it could regenerate. The lava head retaliated with a torrent of molten rock, but Asher countered with Breaker Surge, disrupting the energy fueling its attacks. With swift movements, he dodged a snap from the smoke head and plunged his blade into its throat.
The hydra's remaining heads writhed in agony, attempting to regenerate. Asher, not giving it a chance, leaped into the air and unleashed Void Rend, severing all three necks in one motion. The hydra collapsed, its body sinking into the lava as the battlefield cooled.
Reward: 700 Tower Coins
Asher chose another Soul Ascension Potion and moved forward.
80th Floor: The Celestial Sentinel
Suspended platforms floated in an ethereal void, the Celestial Sentinel standing tall on the highest one. Its body glowed with divine light, and twin energy blades shimmered in its hands. Asher stepped onto the first platform, feeling the hum of radiant energy around him.
The Sentinel wasted no time, leaping from its perch and slashing at Asher with a flurry of precise strikes. Asher parried with Shatterstrike, his blade disrupting the flow of divine energy in its weapons. The platforms trembled under their movements as they exchanged rapid blows.
The Sentinel retreated, raising its hands to conjure a barrage of light spears that rained down from above. Asher dashed between the platforms, narrowly avoiding the attacks. Using Pulse Crash, he shattered the smaller projectiles before closing the gap again.
With a quick feint, Asher unleashed Severing Edge, cutting through the Sentinel's left blade. The construct faltered, but its remaining weapon glowed brighter. It swung with increased speed, forcing Asher to rely on Breaker Surge to deflect the strikes.
Asher saw an opening and delivered a final Void Rend to its core, splitting it in half. The construct's light faded, and it dissolved into particles, leaving behind silence.
Reward: 800 Tower Coins
Asher pocketed another Soul Ascension Potion and prepared for the next challenge. New novel chapters are published on Novel~Fire. (n)et
90th Floor: The Revenant King
The chamber was a stormy battlefield with swirling winds and crackling lightning. The Revenant King, clad in ghostly armor, sat upon a spectral throne, a cursed greatsword resting in his hand. Spectral warriors surrounded the throne, their hollow eyes glowing with unholy energy.
Asher stepped forward, and the Revenant King stood, his voice echoing with a deathly chill. "You are unworthy of ascending."
The spectral warriors charged first. Asher activated Breaker Surge, shattering their ghostly forms with swift, calculated strikes. The King watched, unimpressed, before raising his greatsword and stepping into the fray.
The King's strikes were heavy and relentless, each swing sending shockwaves across the room. Asher parried, countering with Shatterstrike to disrupt the cursed energy fueling the weapon. The King summoned more spectral warriors, but Asher dispatched them with Severing Edge, the technique slicing through their ethereal bodies effortlessly.
Their battle intensified as the King unleashed a cursed storm, dark energy swirling chaotically. Asher activated Void Rend, cutting through the energy and striking the King's chest. The monarch staggered but raised his sword for one final attack.
With a precise upward slash, Asher cleaved through the Revenant King's armor, shattering his form. The storm dissipated, leaving only silence.
Reward: 900 Tower Coins
Asher claimed another Soul Ascension Potion, his mind focused on the challenge of the 100th floor.
100th Floor: The Ascendant Gatekeeper
The chamber was grand and radiant, a stark contrast to the darkness of the lower floors. The Ascendant Gatekeeper, clad in gleaming golden armor, stood with a massive energy blade glowing in its hand. Its presence was overwhelming, the very air vibrating with its power.
The Gatekeeper moved first, appearing in front of Asher in a blur of speed. Its blade came down with terrifying force, but Asher parried with Severing Edge, the clash sending shockwaves through the room.
The Gatekeeper leaped back, summoning radiant orbs that hovered around it. Each orb unleashed beams of light, forcing Asher to dodge and deflect with Pulse Crash. The room lit up with explosions as the battle raged on.
Asher countered with Breaker Surge, disrupting the energy of the orbs and creating an opening. He dashed forward, engaging in a fierce exchange of blows with the Gatekeeper. Their blades moved like blurs, each clash echoing through the chamber.
The Gatekeeper's movements grew erratic, its energy faltering. Asher activated Void Rend, his blade cutting through the Gatekeeper's armor and exposing its core. With a final, decisive strike, Asher severed the core, shattering the Gatekeeper into golden fragments.
Reward: 1,000 Tower Coins
In addition to the coins, Asher received another Sword Aura Ascension Potion, raising his mastery to Bronze Rank.
"Haaa, I am also reaching my limit," Asher muttered, standing up from his meditative position. He glanced at himself, observing the changes in his Aura. It had grown more condensed, its once pure blood-red hue now taking on a metallic sheen—a sign of his advancement to the Bronze Rank.
"My body feels fine, but mentally, I'm drained," he admitted, rubbing his temples before turning his gaze toward the gate leading to the 101th floor.
"I should rest a bit," Asher mumbled, sitting down on the floor and closing his eyes to meditate, allowing his mental energy to recover. As he focused on his breathing, he released the two shadows.
There were two of them now, a result of his mastery over the Soul Reaper Monarch ability. This skill allowed him to assimilate and refine the souls of defeated bosses from other floors, condensing their essence into formidable entities.
One was the Abyssal Knight, a towering figure clad in shadowy armor, its blade radiating a cold, otherworldly energy. The other was the Revenant King, a spectral monarch wreathed in eerie flames, its presence exuding a palpable aura of authority and dread.