There was one common reason as to why people came to Nepal's capital city, Kathmandu.

It was to climb and conquer the highest mountain the world offered, Mount Everest.

Therefore, as soon as the plane landed at Tribhuvan International Airport, Alan grabbed his newly bought gear and made his way straight to the Himalayan mountain range. Upon arriving, he began hiking the renowned mountain.

The beast of nature known as Mount Everest couldn't be conquered by strength and endurance alone. Apart from the two internal factors, Alan also had to worry about other external factors, such as the lack of oxygen due to the high altitude, the frigid temperature, freezing gusts of wind, the constant threat of avalanches, and many more.

After all, with the training he had undergone in the past few weeks, in addition to the three years of experience of the hellish Apocalypse Game from his previous life, Alan had the necessary physical as well as mental capabilities to succeed in reaching one of the highest peaks in the world.

His objective was definitely not to get the opportunity to include his name on the record book like most people. In his endeavor to conquer the illustrious mountain, he had one specific objective in mind

To acquire a specific blue flower that only grew on the peak of the Himalayan mountains.

When he reached the peak and finally found the flower, he was looking for. Even so, Alan's journey was far from over. He continued wandering through the snowy mountains for days until he reached his destination. An Old monastery hidden from the outside world.

In the midst of freezing winds and blizzards, the sight of the lone monastery that stood on a cliff gave off an eerie yet mysterious feeling.

Two huge ancient-looking wooden doors stood in front of Alan. They made a creaking sound when pushed open, and upon gazing inside, his eyes were greeted by the sight of dozens of people in black clothes. All of them were staring at him.

Swords could be seen hanging on these people's waists, and their demeanor seemed as if they were ready to cut him down when he made one wrong move.

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However, despite the unnerving sight, Alan confidently stepped inside.

Contrary to expectations, these people didn't do or try anything even when Alan nonchalantly walked past them.

He continued to go deeper into the monastery until he arrived at a dark hall filled with flickering candles, where an older man with a long beard was sitting on a stone chair. He looked at Alan in a curious manner.

"Foreigner, what are you seeking?"

Alan walked forward and brought his knees to the ground. Taking out the blue flower, proof of the tribulations he went through, and spoke in a solemn tone.

"I seek power, strength to stand firm against death."

Hearing that, the older adult stood up and slowly approached Alan. He took the flower before looking at Alan and saying, "Welcome to Kal-Umbra."

Kal-Umbra was an ancient monastery whose existence had been hidden from the world for over a millennium. In the past, during its golden age, it was known to be the birthplace of ancient martial arts. These days, however, it has become a secret training ground for black ops mercenaries or assassins.

The blue flower was the key requirement to get accepted without question.

With that, Alan began his training in Kal-Umbra. The kind of training done in Kal-Umbra was extremely gruesome, but also the same kind that allowed him to push through the boundaries of human physical abilities.

In strength training, Alan was told to climb a steep mountain with nothing but bare hands. To improve his endurance, he was asked to dive into a frozen lake and stay there for several minutes. As for agility training, he had to lap through the forest barefoot at night, with only moonlight to bare witness to his struggles and guide his way

It was training that only a few could pass.

Alan, however, had the same training before his regression. Hence he knew what to expect and how to tackle each challenge efficiently to improve even faster.

In just two weeks, Alan passed all the initiation requirements and was inaugurated as an inner member, where he could finally start learning the secret arts of Kal-Umbra. The arts to move in complete silence, undetected in shadow, hand-to-hand combat arts, and, ultimately, the art of the sword.

All these training regimes were working wonders for Alan, as through them, he was able to integrate the countless experiences he had with his current body, bringing the height of his previous life as the foundation of his current life.

After another three weeks, Alan finally reached the physical shape he was hoping for.

His tremendous growth was akin to a rocket that attracted the attention of the Kal-Umbra master, Yi Tan. Through observations, he realized Alan seemed to be already familiar with the secret arts of Kal-Umbra. That fact alone made the man pay special attention to him.

On the other hand, now that Alan had achieved what he came here for and the Apocalypse Game was drawing near, he could not afford to stay in the monastery anymore. Hence, he asked for the final test, which was the only way for the members to be allowed to leave the monastery.

Within the dark hall of Kal-Umbra, a group of people could be seen in the center of the hall; Alan knelt before the old master.

"Master, I am ready for my final test."

An amused smile appeared on the old master's face before he opened his mouth. "You are one of the best students I ever had. Hence for you, the test will not be as simple as for others."

As if on cue, one of the figures in black garbs stepped forward. They bowed to the old master, before turning around towards Alan and taking off their mask. Alan was very surprised when he saw the face that was revealed.

He recognized the man as one of the people who would become the strongest participant in the Apocalypse Game in the future. A man of Indian descent with a thin mustache, Nim Temzen.

The old master's voice sounded in the air again.

"Your final test is to defeat him in a life and death battle."