CHAPTER 368: DESCENDING

[That’s gotta be fast, Master. How many people can even solve that place if any at all? But these trials are really hard.]

Orion exhaled gently, thinking about the remaining steps. "The trials here are ruthless indeed, but I suppose that’s precisely why they’re here. Every level seems designed explicitly to push me to my very limits and beyond."

Taking a few moments to steady himself and fully recover from the intense ordeal, Orion floated upward again, the rune structure dissolving gently beneath him into faint particles of golden brilliance. The staircase reappeared, waiting calmly for him to ascend further.

Orion landed gracefully back upon the crystal stairway, pausing to collect himself before looking upward. His gaze settled resolutely on the path ahead, voice calm yet firm, "Well, there’s no point hesitating. Let’s see what other hellish tests await me."

[LETS GOOOO!!!

Orion lightly laughed at her response as the pressure around him slowly started increasing. Now he could clearly feel his limits approaching. Taking a steady breath, he took a step forward and began his ascent again.

The crystalline staircase beneath his feet shimmered faintly with a soothing, ethereal glow, yet the sensation it delivered was far from comforting.

He knew that each step upward would now feel as if it were pressing upon his very soul, squeezing his physical body, elemental energies, and mental faculties.

Taking another deep breath, Orion carefully began his slow ascent. The moment his foot touched the thirty-first step, the oppressive pressure intensified sharply, causing his muscles to immediately strain beneath the enormous burden.

His soul felt weighed down, his elemental affinities vibrating under constant stress, yet he pressed on, fueled by sheer determination and stubborn defiance.

Step after step, Orion ascended, each forward stride an exhausting battle. As he passed the thirty-third, thirty-fourth, and thirty-fifth steps, sweat poured steadily down his forehead, soaking his clothing and making each movement more uncomfortable and taxing.

Despite the steadily increasing fatigue, Orion maintained a composed demeanor, his gaze unyielding and resolute.

By the time he reached the thirty-eighth step, Orion’s whole body felt heavier than lead, every muscle fiber hurting, every nerve frayed from prolonged stress.

His soul trembled from relentless strain, while his elemental affinities felt frayed, barely holding together under the intense external pressure.

Yet, despite these conditions, Orion continued forward with an unwavering determination that shone fiercely within his eyes.

Finally, standing on the thirty-ninth step, Orion felt as though he had reached the absolute limit of his endurance. His body shook subtly, the sheer intensity of the cumulative pressure nearly overwhelming him.

’Holy fuck, why is the ascent so damn hard?’ he inwardly thought with frustration.

He then took a deep, slow breath, stabilizing himself as he prepared for the next trial, knowing instinctively it would likely surpass everything he had faced until now.

With every ounce of resolve he possessed, Orion firmly stepped forward onto the fortieth step.

In an instant, everything around him shifted dramatically. The crushing pressure vanished abruptly, leaving Orion momentarily disoriented.

His surroundings transformed entirely, replaced by an endless sea of white clouds extending infinitely in every direction.

The gentle fragrance of flowers drifted softly through the air, accompanied by delicate, translucent petals that slowly fluttered downwards in a graceful dance.

Momentarily bewildered by the tranquil beauty of his new environment, Orion glanced around carefully, eyes narrowing slightly in suspicion. "What is this now?" he murmured, voice wary and alert.

He had barely finished speaking when suddenly an immense, suffocating pressure descended from high above, locking onto him with unmistakable hostile intent. Instinctively, Orion’s gaze snapped sharply upward, eyes widening in shock.

From high above, a colossal hand formed from shimmering golden clouds swiftly descended toward him, its immense size blotting out the sky, pressing downward with unstoppable momentum.

Its sheer size and aura exuded an overwhelmingly oppressive power, threatening to utterly crush and obliterate Orion’s already exhausted form.

Faced with imminent danger, Orion’s instincts erupted fiercely within him. Already fatigued from all his previous trials, he gathered every remaining ounce of his strength and determination, channeling his soul and elemental energies at maximum intensity.

His eyes flashed with brilliant azure lightning, and his body erupted into a dazzling transformation.

In an instant, Orion shifted fully into his mighty Thunder Dragon form. Powerful azure lightning danced across his massive, scaled body, filling the surrounding air with electrifying energy.

His wings stretched wide, crackling with potent power. At the same time, he swiftly unsheathed both of his swords, gripping them tightly in his massive claws.

Immediately, he ignited both blades, channeling Intermediate Grade Sword Auras, fiery crimson flames blazing brilliantly upon one sword, vibrant azure lightning fiercely surging along the other.

"RAAAAAAARRRRRGHHHHHH!!!"

With a thunderous roar, Orion swung both swords upward with every bit of strength he could muster, while also unleashing a devastating Thunder Dragon Breath, aiming directly toward the colossal descending palm.

The two elemental sword auras surged forth together with the Dragon’s Breath in a brilliant burst, colliding fiercely with the gigantic hand.

A deafening explosion echoed across the sea of clouds, shaking the entire illusionary space violently.

The immense impact hurled Orion backward through the air, his body spinning uncontrollably, the overwhelming backlash sending agonizing jolts through every inch of his form.

As he spiraled backward, Orion saw cracks appear along the sky itself, shattering and fracturing the previously serene and deceptive illusion.

Reality rapidly splintered around him, the tranquil clouds and drifting petals dissolving violently into chaotic fragments.

Despite his best efforts, Orion couldn’t regain his balance as the illusion shattered completely. In the blink of an eye, he was thrust violently back onto the crystalline staircase, tumbling down its shining steps at breakneck speed.

He crashed downward, step after step, the pain from each impact searing through his exhausted body, forcing him further downward with relentless momentum.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Orion came to a painful halt at the very base of the staircase.

He groaned softly, sprawled awkwardly across the gleaming surface, every muscle aching fiercely, every fiber of his being utterly exhausted.

Within his Sea of Consciousness, Lumi looked at the scene with a speechless expression,

[Master, are you alright!? That last trial was ruthless!]

Orion coughed weakly, slowly forcing himself upright with immense effort. His body felt battered and bruised as he looked towards the 40th step. However, just then, a gentle warmth radiated across Orion’s forehead.

The familiar sensation startled him, causing his eyes to snap open as the Golden Headband slowly materialized, settling comfortably upon his brow.

Its runes shimmered gently with a golden brilliance, instantly soothing the exhaustion and chaos that still lingered in Orion’s mind.

Before Orion could question its appearance, a calm voice resonated clearly from within the headband:

[Trial Taker, you have successfully passed the 40th Step. However, due to your exhausted state, you were unable to withstand the aftereffects, resulting in your fall back to the bottom. Nonetheless, your victory stands confirmed.]

Orion blinked, momentarily stunned. The sudden announcement washed over him with relief, yet surprise colored his expression. He still felt fatigued and weak all over his body, yet this small announcement of his victory filled him with energy.