The Beast Tower shook so violently that cracks spread across the walls of every floor.
Golden runes flickered on and off.
The ancient artifact groaned as if it were alive.
Kai steadied himself while Nova held onto his shoulder.
"The Tower..."
"It's crying."
Kai placed his hand on the wall.
A faint pulse answered him.
Almost like a heartbeat.
"It's alive..."
"And it's in pain."
The System immediately displayed several warnings.
WARNING!
Tower Core Corrupted: 15%
Corruption Increasing...
Emergency Authority Granted.
Temporary Function Unlocked:
Tower Communication
Kai closed his eyes.
"Tower..."
"Can you hear me?"
For several seconds, nothing happened.
Then a weak voice echoed inside his mind.
"...Help me..."
Kai's eyes snapped open.
"I will."
"I promise."
The trembling gradually slowed, as though the Tower had heard him.
Nova smiled.
"It believes in you."
Kai nodded.
"And I won't let it down."
Together, they climbed the final staircase before the summit.
The Ninth Floor
The doors opened with a thunderous rumble.
Kai stepped into an immense throne room.
Hundreds of ancient banners lined the walls.
Broken crowns lay scattered across a crimson carpet.
At the far end of the hall stood a single throne carved from black crystal.
Seated upon it was a man wearing golden armor.
A magnificent crimson cape flowed behind him.
A jeweled crown rested upon his head.
His sword was planted beside the throne.
Without opening his eyes, he spoke.
"I have waited..."
"...for another king."
Kai bowed respectfully.
"I am Kai."
The man's eyes slowly opened.
One eye was gold.
The other silver.
"I am Leonis."
"The Ninth Guardian."
His gaze alone felt heavier than a mountain.
Nova instinctively stepped closer to Kai.
Leonis slowly rose from his throne.
Unlike the previous Guardians...
His presence wasn't violent.
It was commanding.
Every movement carried the dignity of an emperor.
"The Ninth Trial..."
"...is the Trial of Kings."
Kai frowned.
"What must I do?"
Leonis smiled.
"Sit."
He pointed toward the throne.
Kai hesitated.
"You want me to sit on your throne?"
Leonis nodded.
"If you possess the heart of a king..."
"The throne will accept you."
"If not..."
"It will reject you."
Kai slowly walked toward the throne.
The closer he came...
The heavier the pressure became.
Each step felt as though countless invisible hands were trying to force him to kneel.
Sweat formed on his forehead.
Nova called out,
"Master!"
"You can do it!"
Kai smiled weakly.
"I know."
He took another step.
Then another.
When he finally stood before the throne...
An overwhelming aura erupted from it.
Images flooded his mind.
He saw countless kings throughout history.
Some ruled through kindness.
Others through fear.
Many sought glory.
Many fell to greed.
A voice echoed through the hall.
"What is a king?"
Kai closed his eyes.
After a long silence...
He answered.
"A king is not someone who stands above everyone."
"A true king stands in front of everyone."
"He protects."
"He guides."
"And when necessary..."
"He sacrifices himself first."
The throne glowed.
The pressure disappeared.
Leonis smiled.
"Then sit."
Kai slowly lowered himself onto the throne.
The moment he sat...
Golden light exploded throughout the hall.
Every broken crown floated into the air.
The banners fluttered proudly.
The throne recognized him.
The System rang loudly.
Congratulations!
Hidden Title Obtained
The Young Sovereign
Effects:
All contracted beasts gain +30% combat power.
Charisma greatly increased.
Easier to gain the loyalty of intelligent beasts.
Leonis knelt on one knee.
Kai quickly stood.
"What are you doing?"
The Guardian lowered his head.
"The throne has accepted you."
"From this moment..."
"I acknowledge you as my king."
Kai hurried over and helped him up.
"Please."
"Don't kneel."
"We're allies."
Leonis laughed warmly.
"You truly are different from other rulers."
He walked toward the center of the room.
"Now..."
"There is one final test."
He raised his sword.
"Defeat me."
The System displayed the challenge.
Final Battle Before the Summit
Guardian: Leonis
Difficulty:
Extreme
Reward:
Access to the Tenth Floor
Kai summoned Nova.
Golden light connected them.
"Ready?"
Nova grinned.
"Always."
Leonis smiled as he raised his sword.
"Come."
Outside...
The corruption inside the Beast Tower suddenly spread to 40%.
Dark crimson veins crawled across its surface.
The Black Monarch looked up and smiled.
"It has begun."
Deep beneath the Tower...
A massive crystal heart was slowly being consumed by black energy.
Yet, hidden within its core...
A tiny spark of golden light continued to shine.
It whispered only one name.
"Kai..."