ARCEUS PENDRAGON.

I was walking calmly to my lesson, breathing in the morning air while enjoying the environment.

"What a pleasant sensation," I thought while the wind caressed my face.

According to my recent research, the elves' territory was made up of five gigantic floating islands that formed a pentagonal star between them. Below these structures lay the Baratheon Desert, which due to changes in atmospheric pressure and lack of sunlight was filled with storms, droughts, and unknown monsters. It was one of the largest and most dangerous places on the continent.

However...

How was it possible to keep several pieces of land thousands of kilometers long each afloat? Through magnetism? Then, the land below the city would be affected by it. Did each city have its own gravitational field?

Still, I had no time for such questions. My mood was bitter and I was still wallowing in regret for the decisions I knew I would have to make at some point, but one look at the land where mom came from was all I needed to temporarily forget my problems and the future difficulties I would have to endure.

The floating orbs emitted a dim, luminous glow that illuminated the well-maintained garden in a peaceful atmosphere.

It was impressive how this castle had endured through the millennia. How many stories must be hidden within its walls...

Sophisticated designs and runes made of what appeared to be precious minerals covered the castle walls, which rose high enough to be seen from kilometers away. The trees bent and intertwined with each other in arches to create a corridor that led to the entrance over a bridge, which shone in a variety of translucent colors.

As I continued my walk, I felt drawn to the mansion's extensive gardens.

The well-maintained gardens, full of vibrant flowers and meticulously trimmed hedges, added a touch of color to the surroundings. I couldn't resist stopping for a moment to admire the impressive view and appreciate the careful planning and dedication invested in maintaining such an impressive landscape.

I remembered the times when my grandmother, Titania, came to visit me. His young beautiful face appeared in my mind, but it was the encounter with my cousin that really left an impression on me.

KathyIn had a personality that intrigued me. She had an air of mystery, often keeping to herself and speaking very little. Her reserved nature made me wonder what thoughts and emotions were hidden beneath her calm appearance.

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I was glad that I was finally going to start training. At this point, I could move my body normally.

Anastasia was strong and yet she died. She died because of me... Remembering it made my heart shrink with pain and regret. Without absolute strength in this world, you cannot survive. I need strength!

The sadness, desperation, and helplessness I felt that day, I refused to let it happen again. A fierce determination took hold of me, I clenched my jaw and fists.

I need strength, I repeated to myself. I would train hard, try harder, and become an Ascendant to be reckoned with. This time will be different, I swore. I won't be weak, I won't lose anyone else.

I stood motionless when I saw my mother's face light up as she saw me approach. Her presence always captivated me: her slender figure radiated natural grace while her silver locks fell like a cascade down her back, shining with a fascinating glow under the ambient light. Each strand seemed to take on a life of its own, dancing cheerfully in the gentle breeze that surrounded us.

Her eyes, those twin sapphire orbs that shone with a veil of mystery, contained a depth that had always been unfathomable to me. Her captivating gaze possessed an enigmatic charm that transported me to other worlds.

I observed her skin, flawless and pale as freshly fallen snow, with that porcelain complexion that so characterized her. It shone with a subtle luminosity, as if bathed in the ethereal moonlight that I so admired during my sleepless nights.

—Do you know why we trained you from a young age, Ars? Have you never wondered? —her voice resonated with an enchanting charm that gave me goosebumps.

I shook my head and looked at her expectantly, genuinely intrigued by her question. —Why was it?

—It was for your survival —she began, and I noticed how her expression became more serious—. You see, the Paradise Tower first appeared in the world millennia ago. Back then, the planet was just beginning to recover from a series of devastating natural disasters and the subsequent wars for resources. At first, the sudden disappearance of thousands of living beings didn't attract much attention. But when millions of inhabitants started disappearing, from children to adults, nations finally panicked. Of course, by then it was too late, although an early response wouldn't have made any difference —I saw her grimace, reflecting the weight of those memories.

—When the disappeared started dying in the Tower and their corpses along with their fluids became contaminants, nobody was prepared. The creatures quickly overwhelmed the national armies and plunged the world into absolute chaos —my mother continued, and I could see the pain in her eyes as she recounted that dark history.

I watched her lick her lips before continuing —For an average person, being chosen by the Paradise Tower is both a risk and an opportunity. Children learn survival skills and fighting techniques in school, just in case they disappear. Wealthy families hired private tutors to train their children in all kinds of martial arts. The Ascendant clans even had access to powerful abilities and combat arts.

I nodded, understanding the cruel reality that lay behind her words. 'In short,' I thought, 'the richer your family was, the better your chances of surviving and becoming an Ascendant in the Tower.'

—The only way to leave the Tower is to clear the first floor. Then, the Tower will give you the option to continue. If you decide to continue, you can only exit after clearing up to the tenth floor —my mother continued—. However, you should know that the Paradise Tower is ruthless and cunning. The moment Ascendants begin to think too much of themselves, they die. I've seen countless Ascendants lose their lives. I've also seen experienced Rankers lose theirs. Even High Ranks like me don't have the certainty of survival.