The heavens roared.
The gigantic spear of darkness descended like a falling star, tearing through the clouds with enough power to destroy an entire city.
Below, the barrier surrounding the Royal Beast Academy shimmered into existence.
Thousands of runes lit up across the campus.
Every instructor poured spiritual energy into the formation.
Principal Evelyn stood at its center.
"Hold the barrier!"
The teachers shouted in unison.
"Yes, Principal!"
The transparent shield expanded until it covered the entire academy.
A heartbeat later—
BOOOOOOOOM!!
The black spear struck.
The world seemed to stop.
A deafening explosion echoed across the Azure Kingdom.
The barrier bent inward under the terrifying force.
Cracks spread across its surface.
Students inside the academy looked up in terror.
"W-What's happening?!"
"Are we under attack?"
Parents in Azure City hurried to gather their children, while Beast Tamers rushed toward the academy.
Above the battlefield, the hooded man watched calmly.
"So this is the famous Royal Barrier."
"It disappoints me."
He casually snapped his fingers.
Hundreds of Shadow Cult Beast Tamers raised their hands.
Dark spiritual energy surged into the spear.
CRACK!
A massive fracture appeared in the barrier.
Principal Evelyn coughed up blood.
Several instructors collapsed from exhaustion.
"It's... too powerful..."
Meanwhile...
Inside the Beast Tower...
Kai nearly lost his footing as the tower shook violently.
Dust rained from the ceiling.
Nova jumped onto his shoulder.
"Master!"
"The tower is under attack!"
The System responded immediately.
Emergency Quest
Protect the Beast Tower
Failure:
Beast Tower destroyed.
Origin Key lost.
Royal Beast Academy falls.
Reward for Success:
Origin Key (3/7)
Tower Authority
100,000 System Points
Kai clenched his fists.
"I have to get outside."
Argos lowered his massive head.
"You cannot."
Kai looked at him.
"What do you mean?"
"The Tower is sealed during the trial."
"It will not allow anyone to leave."
Kai frowned.
"Then how do I stop them?"
Argos smiled.
"There is another way."
He spread his wings.
"The Beast Tower recognizes you as its future master."
"If you pass the remaining trials..."
"You can control the Tower itself."
Kai's eyes widened.
"Control the Tower?"
Argos nodded.
"It is more than a building."
"It is a Divine Artifact."
"One powerful enough..."
"...to repel armies."
Outside...
The barrier shattered.
BOOM!
Thousands of pieces of light scattered across the sky.
The Shadow Cult erupted into cheers.
Mordecai smiled cruelly.
"The academy is finished."
The hooded leader remained expressionless.
"Advance."
At his command, thousands of cult members charged.
Flying beasts darkened the sky.
Ground beasts rushed through the broken gates.
Principal Evelyn summoned her contracted beast.
A magnificent Ice Phoenix appeared behind her.
Its cry echoed across the battlefield.
"Protect the students!"
Teachers and academy guards clashed against the invading beasts.
Explosions shook the academy.
Buildings caught fire.
Students fled toward underground shelters.
Lucas Sterling stood frozen.
His Flame Wolf growled nervously.
"We..."
"We have to help."
Sophia White nodded.
"We're Beast Tamers."
"We can't just hide."
Together with dozens of senior students, they joined the battle.
Although they were far weaker than the Shadow Cult, they fought bravely.
Back inside the Tower...
Kai looked toward the staircase leading upward.
Five floors remained.
"I don't have much time."
Nova nodded determinedly.
"We'll clear them as fast as we can."
Argos smiled.
"Then allow me to help."
He opened his mouth.
A sphere of silver light floated toward Kai.
The light merged into his chest.
Immediately—
Tower Blessing Received
Movement Speed Increased
Cultivation Speed Increased
Challenge Difficulty Adjusted
Kai felt his body become lighter.
"Thank you."
Argos nodded.
"The Sixth Guardian awaits."
Before disappearing, he spoke one last sentence.
"Remember..."
"The Tower is alive."
"It is watching you."
Kai and Nova rushed up the staircase.
As they disappeared...
Argos looked toward the ceiling.
"The final battle..."
"...has begun."
Far above...
On the One Hundredth Floor...
A massive throne sat in complete darkness.
A figure wearing pure white robes slowly opened his eyes.
Unlike the others...
His aura felt boundless.
He smiled gently.
"So..."
"My successor is finally climbing."
"I've waited long enough."
He slowly stood.
The Tower trembled.
Every Guardian, from the First Floor to the Hundredth, simultaneously bowed toward the top floor.
A single sentence echoed throughout the entire Tower.
"Welcome home... Beast Sovereign."