What would have happened if someone who was actually powerful, some old monster was present in Nymphomania and came to the system shop to personally take Liam out?
What would have happened if all of the trinkets he had proved useless in the presence of true power?
Just like they had blocked out his teleportation tokens, they could have also nullified his protection barriers using some method that he wasn't aware of?
Liam's brain was bombarded with hundreds of what-ifs and for a moment his expression faltered. But he quickly regained his composure.
Though it might feel like he had taken a huge risk, in truth he had made this move only after thoroughly analyzing and confirming many things.
In the past few days, he had taken several meetings with several big shots of the world who had wanted to buy out everything in his possession. He did not take these meetings for fun. He used them to probe for information.
He had confirmed through multiple avenues that most of the beings who walked the streets of Nymphomania were only awakened. And perhaps there were a few transcendents. That too the latter was very rare.
He had also confirmed this fact by hanging around in the system shop day in and day out. Moreover, he had examined and prepared all the trinkets beforehand, ensuring that they had the proper ability to withstand powerful attacks.
He also had the last option, the token to the Spire of Ascension at his disposal and made sure that this last resort wouldn't be so easily blocked.
Only then he had dared to act boldly, facing numerous unknown beings at the same time. He was willing to admit that a part of this action was risky but he had made enough preparations to mitigate at least 50% of the risk.
Besides, how could one walk on the path to power without taking risk? His very action of coming to this new world was risky! Could he have avoided it? If had done so or remained inconspicuous, could he have gained anything?
No. Liam regained his composure as he forcibly controlled his mind and his thoughts that were running amok. He was not going to waste his time by second-guessing his every move.
As he reined in his wandering mind, he couldn't help but notice that the second road sign had popped up a few feet ahead of him.
[Conviction is the steel upon which the sword of purpose is forged.]
[Ding! Your title has been upgraded]
[Ding! You have received the title 'Spire of Ascension Elite Trial Taker']
Spire of Ascension Elite Trial Taker: Gain a 2% boost to all your attributes
Liam stared at the system screen which briefly flashed in front of him before disappearing once again, leaving him and him alone in his lonesome path.
Liam let out another sigh. This time his doubts were confirmed. This trial probably tested him for his mental strength or willpower or perhaps both and as he continued to walk the path it would be harder for him to remain focused. At this point, maybe he would be teleported to the actual Spire?
The only way to find out was to keep moving forward.
However, this was easier said than done. The next section seemed to be even longer as Liam continued walking and walking without any end in sight.
The silence around him was absolute, a stark contrast to the chaotic noise of the world he had left behind. In this void, he had no other choice except to confront his own thoughts, doubts, and fears.
No matter how much he tried to avoid thinking about things and pondering over the past, present, or future, he couldn't control his mind. It seemed to have a penchant for wandering, especially in this place.
Liam was stumped. This was completely different from any mental attacks he had experienced so far. This was something else entirely.
At a certain point, his thoughts had become so chaotic that he forcibly tried to shut down his mind and take back his control but immediately a tremendous pressure enveloped him, arresting him in place.
He could tell that if he did not let go, he wouldn't be able to progress further and his time inside this place would come to an end. He should still be able to access the main part of the trials inside the Spire but his path here would come to an end.
Liam did not really plan to strive for perfection in this place. He also did not want to leave abruptly when he knew that he could walk further. He immediately relinquished control once again and willingly let his mind delve into the chaos.
This time too the pressure on him increased and it felt difficult to take steps forward with his mind in this condition but he could still move.
Without any other options in front of him, Liam focused on his breathing and tried to sort out his thoughts. The next moment, it felt as if he was being sucked into a never-ending abyss of his own psyche. The chaotic thoughts swirling in his mind were like a torrential storm, each one colliding with the other, creating a cacophony that threatened to overwhelm him.
Ever since the tutorial game had launched in his first life, he had been running non-stop. He had faced one hardship after another that had made him numb to violence and bloodlust.
It was as if he was not even living and simply jumping from one hell to another. He was running away from his impending doom. He was running away from the divine temple high priestess. He was running away from the monsters of the apocalypse. He was running away from the elves of the Tirnanog. Even now, he had entered this place while running from someone else.
Constantly facing one dangerous situation after another had made him strong but also weak. There were plenty of scars left behind.