Chapter 459: Vale's Tower Ascension ( 3 )
Of course, since Vale chose the Ritual Branch in the Academy, he had some ideas about the incantation that must be used. However, he had no idea about the number of attempts he could use the Magic Circle that he had arranged.
After some thought, Vale looked at one of his mystical items.
Once again, he used the Orb's ability and almost exhausted its energy.
"Mhmm... So it was like that." Vale muttered as various hints and clues became apparent in his mind.
It didn't completely resolve the problem, but he gained the proper insight on how to resolve this issue.
Given that the magic circle he was working with did not involve the entities of the Spirit World, he deduced that the incantation required would be relatively simple, serving as a direct reference to the Fifth Floor of the Ascension Tower.
Without hesitation, Vale began to weave the words of power, his voice resonating with a commanding tone. In a melodic rhythm, he chanted in Oardic:
"By the sacred circle's embrace, Let the path to the fifth floor be in place. As I invoke this incantation true, Grant me passage, the challenges anew. May the mysteries of the Tower unfold As I ascend to heights untold."
This incantation was quite a typical pattern based on their studies, and he only made a few changes. It wasn't something unique.
Vale's voice carried the weight of his determination and knowledge, each word infused with intent. The incantation echoed through the room, resonating with the energies of the completed magic circle.
A moment of silence followed as Vale noticed a subtle hum of Arcane Energy being triggered by his incantation.
Then, as if in response to Vale's invocation, the Magic Circle ignited with a brilliant surge of light. The room trembled, and a gateway to the fifth floor materialized before him, shimmering with an aura of mystery.
"Whoa~ I feel like a genuine Ritualist this time..." Vale couldn't help but smile and praise himself for a well-done job.
As Vale's heart swelled with triumph upon unlocking the path to the fifth floor of the Ascension Tower, he couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity about the mysteries that lay ahead.
After all, the Fifth Floor seemed to be a very difficult challenge that stopped most of the competitors. Not just for the fourth-year students. It was the same for the higher-year students, according to Anderson and the others.
"Right... My rewards first..."
Before venturing further, his attention was drawn to a familiar sight at the bottom of the stairs leading to the fifth floor.
There, gleaming in the dimly lit room, stood a Bronze Treasure Chest.
It was no longer a Wooden Treasure Chest from the first to the third floor.
"So, am I getting a better reward?" Vale smiled at the thought.
He believed that the intricate engravings and ornate design hinted at the treasures it held within. Vale was certainly excited to see what was inside.
Approaching the Bronze Treasure Chest with a mix of anticipation and caution, Vale gently opened it to reveal three Mystical Items carefully placed inside.
These items were specifically crafted to aid in the creation of advanced magic circles, further enhancing Vale's abilities in the mystical arts.
"Oh... It's related to Magic Circles this time, huh..." Vale nodded.
The first item he retrieved was a Sky Crystal Prism, its multifaceted surface shimmering with an array of colors. This prism possessed the unique property of refracting and channeling magical energies, allowing Vale to manipulate and control the flow of mana within a magic circle. With this mystical tool, his precision and control over the intricate patterns of magic would be greatly enhanced.
It was like a core to a Magic Circle... However, not all Magic Circle requires such an item unless they're at a higher level.
The second item he got from the chest was an Ancient Rune Scroll, weathered and inscribed with ancient symbols. This scroll contained an unknown Rune, and he probably had to get this thing appraised since he had no idea how to use it... He had to get this deciphered, and he could only hope that it wouldn't be too expensive.
The final item that awaited Vale's grasp was a Spirit Inkwell, its ink infused with spiritual essences.
'Mhm... This was mentioned in one of our classes...' Vale muttered as he recalled his lessons.
This ink possessed an inherent connection to the spiritual realms, allowing Vale to infuse his magic circles with spiritual energies. By utilizing this mystical ink, Vale could enhance the spiritual aspects of his rituals, unlocking new possibilities and tapping into higher planes of existence... if possible.
'These things can be bought for 15 Contribution Points in the Academy, not bad..." Vale nodded in satisfaction.
With these three potent Mystical Items in his possession, Vale felt that he had gotten richer.
After he kept the items in his coat's inner pocket, Vale continued on his ascend.
As Vale stepped foot onto the fifth floor of the Ascension Tower, an eerie atmosphere enveloped him.
The air grew heavy with a sense of foreboding, and a thick bloodlust filled the hall. The surroundings took on a darker tone, illuminated only by faint, flickering torches that cast dancing shadows on the stone walls.
The hall itself was vast and grand, adorned with intricate carvings and symbols that spoke of ancient rituals and forgotten knowledge.
In the center of the hall stood a towering figure, bathed in an ominous aura. It was the goat-headed creature, reminiscent of the Baphomet from Vale's past life.
The creature's eyes gleamed with a malevolent intelligence, and its black sword crackled with dark energy, casting an unsettling glow.
If the other students who had reached this floor had seen this, they would easily realize that the being they confronted was nothing compared to the one in front of Vale.
"So this we're getting serious now?" Vale muttered as if he was talking to the Tower.
As Vale locked eyes with the enemy before him, he could sense the raw power emanating from the creature. This being was certainly stronger than the Evil Creatures he had met before but a lot weaker than the Evil Entity that was summoned in the city.
The goat-headed creature spoke, its voice echoing through the hall, carrying an unsettling blend of menace and slyness.
"So, you have finally arrived, seeker of Ascended Being. I am the Guardian of the Fifth Floor, tasked with testing your mettle and pushing you to your limits. Prepare yourself, for only those who prove worthy shall progress further."