[You did well maintaining Fortify and that versatile Veil. Perfect Score for this run.]

'He is a fast learner and has a talent for this,' Lapis grinned. 'Phantom Tower is indeed the best for him to gain experience of Phantom Hunter's true power. If he can create a solid Phantom Ability to bring out more of his potential today, then a top Phantom Guild will surely manage to see his potential.'

…

Entering the Phantom Tower, Aeron registered his name and also got himself a Tower Card, a necessary item for Phantom Hunters to enter the tower.

The reception lady smiled and said, "As you prove your strength and move up the floors, your Tower Card will get a higher rating. There's also a prize for every 10 Floors you clear. Higher the floor, better the prize."

"And please note that breaking the rules, especially the one about using any hidden items or weapons during a fight will result in a heavy fine and physical punishment."

"Gotcha," Aeron nodded.

"Good luck, sir."

"Thanks."

Aeron was entering the first time, so he got a 1st Floor Tower. But after hearing how this Phantom Tower worked, he started feeling itch all over.

[There's nothing to watch here. They are all newbies or students with low Curse and Spirit power. Clear the Floor's challenge and move up.]

[You have to move up to the 9th Floor before you'll see something worthwhile that'll become your first stop.]

'Alright.'

Aeron arrived in the 1st Floor's massive Arena hall. It had five big fighting platforms and thirty smaller rings all around the hall.

People were already fighting each other on several Rings while some were training. Most of the people were young kids, ranging from 14 years old to late teens.

To the left were also private training rooms for people to practice their Phantom Abilities.

Aeron didn't want to waste time, so he directly went to the central desk where a burly man sat while reading a newspaper.

The man saw Aeron approaching and put his newspaper down. "What's the matter, young man? Finding a sparing partner?"

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"I want to move to the next floor," Aeron grinned. "What do I have to do?"

"That one is simple," The burly bald man wearing a black tank top stood up, towering at 6'8 feet in height. "You just have to land three clean hits on either my chest or back."

"I am Raymond, nice to meet you."

Aeron shook his hands with Raymond who greeted him and nodded while smiling, "I am ready for the challenge. Let's start right away."

"Haha, alright."

Both of them arrived on one of the four square platforms.

Raymond used Fortify and Field as he stood with his arms crossed. "I am limiting my physical power to a peak E-grade Haunt as per the rules. You just have to display power above that and hit me thrice."

"Alright," Aeron cracked his index finger with a nod, using Fortify and Field around him that covered the platform.

The young referee outside the platform whistled and said, "The battle will begin the moment this coin lands on the floor."

"Also," the referee looked at Aeron's dark red sports shoes. "Don't use those Phantom Gears. The shoes will give away aura when It activates."

"Yeah, I know the rules," Aeron nodded.

The referee nodded and tossed the coin while Aeron and Raymond looked at each other.

*Tink.*

The moment the sound of the coin landing rang, Aeron vanished from his spot. He dashed forward, passing by Raymond while punching his right arm.

Raymond's feet dragged to the left side while breaking the concrete, surprising him. "Not bad. You have enough power and mastery to move up."

"Do I hit two more times?" Aeron asked. 'This guy is strong, Lapis. I didn't even hold back.'

Aeron looked at this fist that had turned red and was burning with some pain.

"My bad," Raymond wryly smiled. "Your punch was strong enough to break my Fortify so my Phantom Ability activated for protection."

[You should've used lesser power, heh. He sensed the power in your fist, which was why he activated his Phantom Ability.]

"Anyway, you don't need two more hits. I'll give you a pass."

"Thanks," Aeron grinned. "If you don't mind, can you tell me about that Phantom Ability?"

"You don't know Raymond the Iron Tank?" the referee asked with a weird expression.

"I am kinda new here in the city," Aeron grinned and turned to Raydmon.

"It's nothing impressive," Raymond laughed before his arms and legs suddenly turned gray and slick metallic, with a red sheen.

"It's a mix of Fortify with Transmute," Raymond smiled. "This allows me to turn my body's hard surface, including bones if I wish to, into powerful metal and I can further use Enchant to boost it."

"That's powerful," Aeron's eyes shone.

"Haha, you'll be able to create your Phantom Ability too. You just need to explore and master some ideas suitable to you, and constantly upgrade it to reach great heights."

Raymond walked towards Aeron and stretched his hand, "Give your Tower Card. I'll mark the pass. Show it to the 2nd floor's reception to upgrade to your card level."

"Thanks," Aeron grinned.

[This guy is a C-rank Phantom Hunter in terms of stats. With his massive and trained physique, his Phantom Ability is indeed powerful. Great in both attacks and defense.]

'I want to create a Phantom Ability!'

Lapis chuckled.

[That's why you are here. Clear the floors, increase your proficiency of basic techniques, watch other Phantom Hunter's abilities, and learn. When you get an idea of what kind of Phantom Ability you want, you can move towards creating it.]

'Great! This place is best, Lapis.' Aeron readily moved to the exit while grinning—onward to the 2nd Floor.

Two hours later…