Tower of Heaven

It would seem that this floor was entirely focused on ingenuity, not factoring in combat at all. If combat was also added to this trial, it'd be a miracle if anyone could make it across that vast expanse of ocean unharmed.

It was unknown just how many voracious beasts could be hiding in its depths.

[Ascender [Atlas Vaun] has met the required conditions for success.]

[Reward Granted. Check [Status Panel] for more information.]

[Trial of Ingenuity complete. Transporting Ascender to the 9th trial.]

Atlas once again found himself on a new terrain, this time a grassy plain that stretched for miles on end. Since there was nothing special about it, he went straight to his status panel to check his rewards.

And on it, he saw an entirely new section, a permanent one, unlike the reward shop.

[Inventory]

When he clicked on the section, he felt an ethereal link form between himself and some other place. Although he couldn't physically see it, he could feel its structure and contents clearly.

It was shaped like a massive cabinet with multiple cube-shaped inserts where items could seemingly be placed. As for its total size, it was similar to a one-story house.

About half of these cabinets were currently filled with foods of various types. From all kinds of meats to vegetables and fruits, it was all present. There were even a few different kinds of seasonings and garnishes.

The Inventory tab of his status panel also showed the same scene that he could feel, except it clearly detailed what every item was.

[Horned Bull Meat x100]

[Giant Fish Meat x100]

[Reflective Corn x50]

Each and every item's name and quantity were clearly listed for him, and if he wanted to, he could use this screen to pick how much of each he wanted to withdraw from his inventory.

Although he could also do this manually, it would be much easier to withdraw larger portions of things with this system.

As Atlas checked his rewards, 9 other people were transported to his location, appearing around him.

Of these 9, the only ones he knew were Leon and Helia. It seemed like the rest of his previous teammates had failed or died during the last trial.

Once all 10 of the Ascenders needed for the trial were present, the floor began to rumble.

[Beginning the trial of Floor 9: Trial of Battle]

[Description: The Tower is home to a plethora of races, with no small number of them being titanic or powerful. The enemies you will face in the future may be much greater than even your wildest imagination. The ability to battle with skill, precision, and quick decision-making is incredibly valuable for any cultivator.]

Time Limit: Until only one side is left standing

Conditions for success:

Slay the beast

Stay alive

Inflict damage worth at least 5% of the beast's total health

[Rewards: Based on contribution]

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Atlas was barely able to finish reading the prompt before thunderous booming resounded from the distance.

It sounded like someone was bombing the area in front of them, but based on the trial prompt, it was easy to judge the identity of the sound.

They were most definitely the footsteps of some enormous beast.

A massive shadow approached them with seemingly slow movements, but every one of its steps covered tens of meters. It just spoke to the sheer size of the beast.

And as it came closer, blotting out even the sun, its form could be seen.

It had four massive legs thicker than tree trunks with weathered and leathery skin. Its body was close to 50 meters long with massive spikes protruding from its spine all the way down its tail.

The tail itself was relatively normal, except for the end which was a large spiked ball like the end of a mace.

As for its head, it had two protruding horns and a fan-like forehead. Its weathered skin had small scales that seemed to protect its organs. Steamy breaths left its mouth, burning the grass in front of it. And its eyes were a piercing gold, looking down on the Ascenders with pride.

Atlas could clearly feel the fear of those around him as they gazed upon the beast. Hell, even his own legs were wobbling enough to mess with his balance.

Still, he forced himself to stand up straight. It wasn't a matter of pride, but one of survival. If this beast judged them as weak prey, who knew what kind of drastic move it would make?

[Intrinsic Foresight]

Although the beast was too far away to fall within the effects of the grey world, he was still able to use Intrinsic Foresight's other abilities.

The one he was mainly trying to use was its ability to break things down to their base components. He wanted to see if he could find a weak spot or maybe even a clue on how to defeat this titan.

And he got his answer quickly. The bones, organs, and other internal structures of the beast were made clear to his eyes. But it wasn't just that.

'This beast has only just entered the Core Formation Realm.'

Despite its harrowing size, its strength wasn't much higher than theirs. And since there were 10 of them present, it wasn't impossible to beat it, though they might incur some losses.

Structurally, the beast was built like a tank. Its joints were fortified and even its skin was woven in such a pattern where penetrating it would be difficult.

Anywhere one could pierce to hit a vital organ, there were thick patches of scales that prevented it. Still, it wasn't without flaws.

Its weight was incredibly massive, matching its size. It wasn't necessary to do any insane work to kill the beast as long as they could take advantage of this.

After all, if its frame was made unable to support its weight, the beast would collapse on itself.

"Listen up," Atlas said towards his teammates for this round.

"We aren't necessarily working together, as we are fighting for the highest contribution, but we at least need to be on the same page."

"We aim for its eyes and its legs. These are the spots we need to weaken if we want to have any hope of winning this fight. I don't know what the beast's strengths are, but it's incredibly adept in defense."

His calm demeanor as he talked seemed to have some effect on the others, allowing their logical thought to win over their fear.

"Watch out for that tail. With the ball at the end, there's no doubt it'd be a deadly weapon. If any of us get struck by it, the sheer weight would turn us into meat paste."

"But the beast itself isn't much stronger than us. If we can fight smart, we have a large chance of success in this raid."

Even as he talked, his eyes never left the beast. At this point, it had almost drawn near enough for them to initiate combat.

Atlas didn't need to wait for any confirmation from the others. The firmness in their eyes was enough for him.

And when the beast finally got within range, he charged.