Tower of Heaven

[Trial of Self complete. Ascender can stay in the 10th-floor neutral zone, [Astir], or continue to the 11th floor.]

The flood of notifications poured in at full force, this time even ingraining something into his very soul. But Atlas ignored it all, basking in the refreshing feeling of completeness that he didn't even know he was lacking before now.

Still, he wasn't necessarily allowed to ignore the messages this time since he had to choose where he wanted to be transported. At the moment, even he himself didn't know what kind of world he was in.

It wasn't the Void Space he had been trapped in for that unknown amount of time, nor was it a true world or realm. If he had to relate it to something, it was a waiting room.

But he didn't allow this to perturb him as he sunk into thought. According to the Tower Rules from the first floor, there was a neutral zone every 10 floors.

These neutral zones were multi-purpose, being used as residential areas or trade markets most of the time. Clan and Society headquarters would be located in neutral zones as well.

As for the reason they were termed neutral zones, it was also simple. Combat within established cities in the neutral zone was disallowed. Only in the wilderness could Ascenders fight.

If this rule was broken, one's right to climb the tower would be immediately revoked. The tower system wasn't forgiving at all.

Of course, there were bound to be loopholes in the rules, but that didn't matter to Atlas.

In the first place, he had no need to go to the neutral zone, and with this kind of energetic mood he found himself in, he was itching to continue challenging himself.

[Transporting Ascender to the 11th floor.]

The false scenery of the waiting room melded into the surroundings as if it were always a part of them, leaving Atlas in the middle of a fantastical environment.

He was on the side of a mountain overlooking a large realm. Even at his current elevation, he couldn't see the end of it.

Vast plains and grassy fields stretched as far as the eye could see, forests lined the horizon and large lakes decorated the ground. Beasts of all kinds could be seen living in harmony, creating a stable ecosystem. It was a scene that screamed "nature."

But Atlas wasn't fooled by this seemingly peaceful world. This was a trial floor, which meant there would inevitably be something happening.

He quickly left his exposed position and dashed up the side of one of the large trees that encompassed his surroundings, reaching a high vantage point.

In doing so, he noticed how much easier it was to maneuver his body. Every twist of his joints, every flex of his muscles, all of it felt so much smoother than it had in the tutorial.

If he had to compare, it was like he was previously a rusted sword that, even while not working how it should, could get the job done. Now, he was one that was pristine and new, completely able to fulfill its purpose.

After reaching the top of the tree, Atlas finally took the time to read through the messages he was receiving, as well as the trial description.

[Trait: Perfect Adaptability]

[You have gained the ability to adapt to any circumstance you find yourself in, unperturbed by anything. Your emotions will not be unsettled by any situation. You are now immune to status effects.]

If anything, he could understand why he wasn't as excited as he should be to complete the tutorial and feel so free at the moment. Otherwise, he'd have most definitely been jumping for joy.

But he couldn't help but be slightly disappointed with the trait he received. He understood its practical benefits, but with his first trait being the Eyes of One, he was expecting something grander.

Not to mention, with a name like [Perfect Adaptability], he assumed he'd get something more substantial. Perfect affinity to elements, the ability to adapt to any form of energy, or something along those lines.

Nevertheless, he would make do with what he had. He didn't know what status effects were but if he was granted full immunity to them, it would most likely be a great help in the future.

[Beginning the trial of Floor 11]

[Description: History has seen the rise and fall of countless societies and races, yet the ones that have survived it all are the Mythical Beasts. These beasts, who have obtained Godhood by forging their own paths, became legends that all beasts look up to and worship.]

[As an Ascender, you follow a similar path to these beasts, and it isn't always wise to do so alone. Perhaps, you can give rise to a Mythical Beast of your own as you ascend the tower.]

Time Limit: None

Conditions for success:

1. Successfully create a beast that will become your companion.

[Reward: Beast Nurturing Liquid]

Within his sea of consciousness, Atlas felt the budding of a small colorless seed. The seed itself was nothing special, but he was well aware of its purpose.

Even if it wasn't stated in the trial description, he strangely knew exactly what to do with this seed. It was the origin of the beast he would be "creating."

In this trial, he would have to put his thoughts, his ambitions, his power, and everything else that defined him into this seed. Once it was saturated to an optimal point, the seed would bloom into a beast that was connected to his soul.

'Hmm, what do I do with this?'

Although he was made aware of what he had to do, he still hadn't been clued into the process. That was something he had to figure out alone.

What kind of beast did he want? And what ideals would it embody? The beast was supposed to be a reflection of the cultivator's truest self. Even after the Trial of Self that allowed Ascenders to understand themselves to a much greater extent, this still wasn't an easy task.

After all, every cultivator would want their best traits to hold prominence in the beast, not the insecurities or negativity they find within themselves during the previous trial.

It could be said that Atlas's Trial of Self was an unprecedented case. Although reincarnation was something every soul went through after death, Atlas didn't remember any case of someone regaining memories of their past life.

Shaking off his thoughts, Atlas returned his focus to the environment around him. Now that he had read the trial description, he was better equipped to deal with the world.

This trial didn't seem to be a violent type like the ones he had been in so far, being more geared towards similar aspects as the 10th floor. But that didn't mean there was no danger on this floor.

Atlas's intuition was ringing alarm bells in his head, telling him not to drop his guard. There were surely predators lurking in the surroundings.

And not only here, but throughout the entire realm. It was a realm modeled or named after the Mythical Beasts. Who knew what kind of terrifying existences might be making their homes here?

He no longer had the protection of the tutorial, where only cultivators at the same level as him were present. He was painfully aware of that particular section of the tower rules he had read on the first floor.

[On floors up to the 50th floor, any cultivator at the World Core Realm or below can traverse freely.]

Combat between them wasn't barred, as they were all a part of the so-called "Mortal Realms" of cultivation.

The meaning of this was as clear as day. Even if it was rare, the possibility of Atlas meeting enemies that could crush him with a single glance still existed.

As he pondered, an unexpected notification entered his vision.

[Adaptation period has ended. Ascender will now be exposed.]

The second the text appeared, Atlas felt tens of gazes scan his body simultaneously.