"Ah..."
Finn's lips parted in speechless shock at Sierra's words. He froze, momentarily stunned, unable to comprehend the final trial she had just declared.
"What's that look on your face? Didn't you say you were ready to face any challenge I'd throw at you? Don't tell me you're afraid now?" Sierra asked, her voice edged with a teasing reproach.
Finn forced a smile. He had indeed vowed to confront any ordeal Sierra demanded of him—but he had never imagined his final opponent would be Sky Rank. He had thought perhaps a lone 9th Level Profound Rank opponent, maybe two at most. Never had it occurred to him that she would send a 1st Level Sky Rank beast as his last trial.
There was a vast gulf between Profound Rank and Sky Rank. The difference could be seen at once: the Sky Ranks could use the Flying Technique, soaring freely into the skies, gaining a crushing advantage over those who could not follow them aloft.
How am I supposed to fight a Sky Rank if it can just hover above me?
The question gnawed at him, heavy and cold. Beyond that, the power gap between the Profound and Sky Ranks was immeasurable. Even a 9th Level Profound Rank could never truly compare to a single Sky Rank combatant.
"Lady Sierra... It's true I said I would face any trial you set before me. But...isn't it still too early for me to challenge a Sky Rank? I have no way to fly. There's no way I can match a Sky Rank in the air..." Finn's voice came out bitter, almost pleading.
"Hmph! That's your problem to solve. As an adventurer, you'll face countless ordeals far crueler than this one. You must learn to weigh every decision with care, and rely on your own strength. Besides, I'm certain you'll face more Sky Rank enemies the moment you leave this world. With the secrets and powers slumbering inside your body, danger and responsibility will forever follow you," Sierra replied calmly, her gaze unwavering.
Finn fell silent, thinking deeply. He did not dwell on her last words—he knew she was right. If he wished to gain the strength to protect his clan, he could not afford to waver. He had to trust himself.
The entire Azure Wood Family was counting on him. He was their sole hope to alter their fate. He had to leave this place soon and uncover what had befallen his kin. No one even knew he was alive—he had yet to reveal himself to Ashe—and his absence could plunge his family into peril.
Even if the Golden Lion Family, their allies, tried to shield them, Finn's heart could not rest easy. Not with the Ice Feather Sect still lurking. It was possible they were secretly aiding the Nine Ice Family. He had to return and see it for himself. He only hoped the Cloud Soaring Sect was still watching over his kin.
After a long, heavy silence, Sierra spoke again.
"Moreover, if you can defeat this 1st Level Sky Rank opponent, there is a great chance your cultivation will advance to 9th Level Profound Rank. You must also understand—it is nearly impossible for you to step into Sky Rank soon. It isn't as simple as you think, especially without treasures. I will not help you excessively. As I've said, you must depend on your own abilities. And because of that, you are forbidden from using any forbidden pills," she declared evenly.
Moments later, she added, "You must give this battle your absolute all. Your body hides too many secrets. Greedy and selfish beings will inevitably come for them. If you wish to protect what you carry, you need strength. You already know—in our world, wealth always draws the eyes of the envious and the treacherous."
Finn lowered his head respectfully. "I understand. I will finish this last trial as quickly as I can—for the sake of my clan. I left them treasures and an Epic Armament. If word spreads to the greedy, I have no doubt they'll do anything to seize it. Perhaps even the Royal Clan itself will join the fray."
"Hm. That is one reason I'm letting you leave this place at once. I don't wish for you to blame me for any tragedy that befalls your family. And to prepare you, you must first taste what it means to fight a Sky Rank. Finn Doria—are you ready for your final trial?"
A determined smile slowly formed on Finn's face. "Yes, Lady Sierra. I am ready to face a Sky Rank opponent."
A radiant light enveloped the entire space. Then, Sierra vanished before his eyes.
All that remained was a blazing lizard, soaring swiftly toward him—
Humanoid Fire Lizard!
A violent chill of dread lanced through Finn's chest when he recognized what he was up against.
This was a monster clad in tough scales. It could stand upright like a man, and its claws were as strong as Mid-tier Excellent Armaments.
It flew fast—far too fast—and its blood-red eyes glared at him with murderous intent. Its entire body erupted in searing flames.
Finn steeled himself, clenching his interspatial ring.
[Blood Heavy Sword]
Armament Grade: Excellent
Quality: High-tier
Damage: 10,200
A massive crimson sword materialized in his grip. He held it firm, waiting for his chance. The instant he felt it—the perfect moment—he wrapped thick soulforce around his legs and launched himself high.
ROAR!!!
A thunderous roar shook the sky as the Humanoid Fire Lizard unleashed a savage slash toward him.
Finn met it head-on, his greatsword blazing with soulforce as he swung.
Their attacks collided midair. The impact was immediate and brutal.
BANG!!!
Finn's body slammed back into the ground, carving a deep crater. But he didn't stay down. Within seconds, he rose from the hole, face grim, gaze locked on the monster still floating above.
There was no denying it—matching a Sky Rank with his current power was almost impossible. He had used nearly all his energy just to counter the lizard's casual attack—and still, he had been overpowered.
He tightened his grip on the sword as the Humanoid Fire Lizard dove again, claws gleaming with deadly energy.
Finn's instincts screamed. He drew back, vanishing in a blur—leaving only afterimages in his place.
Nightmare Shadow Step!
BANG!!!
An explosion tore the battlefield apart. Smoke billowed. Stones rained down. Even with the movement skill, Finn was forced several steps back by the shockwave.
He had only recently learned this technique after clearing the first stage. Even on his first use, he could not help but feel a surge of awe—
Nightmare Shadow Step relied heavily on the user's strength. It was perfect for evasion and retreat. Finn regretted not mastering it sooner.
But it wasn't entirely his fault. He hadn't known there would be such powerful foes waiting in the Mystic Treasure Realm.
ROAR!!!
The Humanoid Fire Lizard rose again, releasing a deafening roar.
Finn gathered his energy into the Blood Heavy Sword, which began to blaze with a crimson glow. He aimed the blade and swung with all his might.
Seven Heavy Sword Art, First Skill: Heavenly Slash!
A crescent wave of destructive energy screamed toward the monster, striking it dead on.
BANG!!!
Smoke erupted, swallowing the lizard's figure. But when it cleared—
Finn's expression darkened. Not even a scratch.
Heavenly Slash was a high-grade technique. Coupled with all the strength he could muster, it could shatter Rare Armaments. But against a Sky Rank—it was little more than a gust of wind.
Yet his resolve did not break. His eyes were still alight with fierce determination.
He surged forward, soulforce igniting around his legs.
BANG!
BANG!
BANG!
Blow after blow, they traded strikes. Again and again, Finn was hurled back to earth—yet every time, he climbed to his feet and charged back into the sky.
--
High above the battlefield, behind layers of thick black clouds, a soft orb of light hovered beside a small, cloaked figure. Together, they silently observed the fierce battle unfolding below.
"I'm impressed by Finn Doria's tenacity and spirit," Sierra murmured, her voice touched with admiration. "But… do you think he has a chance at defeating his opponent?"
A cold, dispassionate voice answered, "If he can't even defeat that worthless creation of yours, then he's just as worthless."
The voice belonged to none other than Munting Black.
"You're still as arrogant as ever," Sierra sighed softly. "You were the one who suggested I give him this trial. I'm only following your wishes."
"Don't talk to me like you bear no guilt—for him, for me, for the entire cosmos," Munting Black said sharply. "You're the reason everything has come to this. The least you can do is become part of the solution—to restore peace to the Four Realms."
A shadow crossed Sierra's face at those words. But her voice remained steady.
"Why won't you let me enter the Myriad World Mirror with him? Unlike you, I haven't suffered any major injuries. I still have the power to protect Finn in the Middle Realm. And if what you say is true—that the Divine Artifact there can heal and restore—then perhaps I could even reclaim a new physical body."
Little Black turned slowly to her, his gaze sharp and heavy with disdain. "I don't trust you. You betrayed us once. There's no guarantee you won't do it again."
Sierra fell silent, a flicker of sadness in her eyes. Then she whispered, "You care about him, but you won't let him gain strength too fast. You've hidden items that could help him. You've even stripped him of access to Divine Artifacts—artifacts that are rightfully his. What are you really planning?"
"Hmph. You must have sensed it too—the power slumbering inside his body. That force… it's akin to the divine energy that birthed us Divine Beasts. So tell me, Sierra—why do you think they brought that boy down to the lower realm?"
"To train him?" Sierra offered cautiously. "But why go so far? With their power, if they had kept him in their care, he could've become a great Adventurer in their image."
Munting Black scoffed. "Think, Sierra. You've lived for hundreds of thousands of years, yet you still fail to grasp the obvious. I've thought about it for a long time—and I'm certain his parents had a deeper reason for sending him down. Training is only part of it."
"Then what else?" she asked, her voice faltering. "He already has everything—wealth, protection, influence. No one dares threaten the lives of those from their realm. They can do whatever they please without consequence…"
Her eyes widened. A sudden realization hit her. "That's it… They never had to fight for survival. They've never faced death. But here in the Lower Realm, every moment is a struggle to live. Every fight is a gamble with your life. If he learns that kind of hardship—if he survives it—then his future will be far brighter than anyone from their realm."
She turned to Little Black, breathless with wonder.
But he said nothing, his gaze locked on Finn, who was still locked in deadly battle with the Humanoid Fire Lizard.
--
Heavenly Dragon Roar!!!
A terrifying roar erupted, shaking the very ground. The Humanoid Fire Lizard was blown backward into the air—but it still didn't seem truly hurt.
Pulwark!
Finn vomited blood. His current state was far from ideal. His breathing was ragged, and his once-crimson uniform was now scorched and in tatters. He was dangerously low on energy.
Wasting no time, he swallowed a recovery pill as the Humanoid Fire Lizard staggered in disorientation.
He had been fighting this monster for nearly a whole day—and even after consuming multiple recovery pills, he had never once gained the upper hand.
'The gap between a Profound Rank and a Sky Rank… was simply too vast.Thank the heavens I have my Excellent Armament…' he thought grimly. Without them, his body would have been crushed long ago, shattered like glass under the weight of this fight.
ROAR!!!
The Humanoid Fire Lizard, now recovered, let out another earth-shaking roar. Then, without warning, it unleashed a blazing inferno from its mouth—a wave of flames seething with violent energy.
Finn's face darkened as he sensed the terrifying force within that fire. He bit down hard on his lower lip, so hard that blood flowed.
Yet even the blood quickly sealed, his body instinctively healing.
"I only have one chance left!" he shouted through gritted teeth.
Gripping his Blood Heavy Sword tighter, Finn lifted it high—and with everything he had left, he slashed forward at the incoming firestorm.
Seven Heavy Sword Art, Second Skill: Heavy Splitting Blade!!!
BANG!
A massive wave of soulforce clashed against the inferno in the air, halting it in its tracks.
The impact was immense. Finn's face paled. Sweat dripped down his temples as he fought desperately to maintain control of his attack.
BANG!!
The inferno surged with renewed power. Finn's feet were driven deep into the earth, and he was pushed back several steps—but he didn't give in. He held his ground, pressing forward with all his might.
It was his first time using the second skill of the Seven Heavy Sword Art. He hadn't mastered it—it demanded too much energy for his current level. But it was all he had. His strongest move.
The technique rapidly drained his energy. His body trembled. He was nearing his limit. His knees buckled slightly.
Still—he smiled.
A broken, tired smile.
He didn't want to give up. But this… this might be the end.
Then—something stirred.
A strange power suddenly surged through his soulforce pathways. A glowing, ancient symbol appeared on his forehead, its shape faint but divine.
The moment it emerged, the entire realm quaked. The air itself roared as a devastating surge of power enveloped the land.
The strange mark disappeared just as quickly as it came—but the strength it left behind surged into Finn's attack.
In an instant, the balance shifted. His energy wave roared forward, tearing through the wall of flames.
BANG!!!
A massive explosion tore through the air.
Then—silence.
And within that silence, a strange voice echoed inside Finn's mind:
[You've Leveled Up.]