Scott and the asura crossed the well-illuminated passage in silence, their steps unbroken by conversation. A frigid wind swept through the area, but they pressed on, wordlessly continuing their journey. Moments later, they reached the end of the long path, where a majestic door stood before them. Without a word, Scott pushed open the door, revealing a familiar space.

Simultaneously, Nex's voice resonated across the tiled room. “Congratulations on completing your first ranking stage,” the examiner exclaimed, his excitement palpable. “As promised, I will provide further information about the ranking games, and you are free to ask any questions you may have. How would you like to proceed?”

As soon as the asura stepped into the area, the majestic entrance sealed behind it. The malevolent creature took a moment to survey its surroundings before directing its attention toward the mirror at the far end of the room, mirroring Scott's actions.

“I'll go first,” Scott declared after a brief pause. “Tell me more about the creature we faced during the ranking stage, and what are the consequences of voting or abstaining.”

“I cannot guarantee you'll find my answer satisfactory, but there isn't much to discuss about the titan. It is a creature specially crafted by the lower gods to test champions, designed to be unbeatable for individuals at your level. When you become powerful enough to defeat one, you should have no trouble advancing through the ranking stages,” Nex explained concisely, pausing momentarily for Scott to process the information before continuing. “Regarding voting, it's straightforward. If you vote, you must participate in the option chosen by the majority. If you abstain, you'll face the mandatory challenge. It's as simple as that. The only distinction between the challenges is whether one is confident enough to confront a creature that surpasses them in both strength and cunning.”

“All right then, I’ll—”

“Hold on a moment,” interjected the examiner. “Before you proceed, allow me to fill you in on a few key details.” Silence settled over the room before Nex's voice echoed once more. “I’m pleased you returned with an ally; it will simplify my next explanation. The ranking games, besides serving as a stage to nurture promising talents, are also a platform for champions to forge and solidify alliances. Many of the dominant factions in the tower originated during the ranking stage. While forming an alliance isn't obligatory for champions, it significantly broadens their opportunities. Certain games and stages even mandate alliances, and it's crucial to understand that an official alliance requires a minimum of ten champions.”

Nex paused, as customary after his lengthy explanations, only to resume a couple of minutes later. “Now, let's discuss your personal space, also known as your area, which encompasses the current room you occupy,” Nex explained with fervor. “In your personal area, the concepts of death, hunger, fatigue, thirst, and most other physical and mental needs do not apply. You have the freedom to train, spar, or simply pass the time as you see fit. Champions can also opt out of their assigned path without facing penalties. However, declining participation in a rank stage results in demotion to the first floor of that stage, which may align with your goals depending on your strategy. Now, please feel free to ask your questions,” Nex concluded.

“Is there a way to contact my companions?” Scott's voice barely rose above a whisper.

“Yes,” Nex replied promptly. “But it's a complex process. Please note that this procedure applies only to those sponsored by the same lesser god. For champions with varying sponsors or none at all, it's nigh impossible.”

“So, it's still possible,” Scott murmured.

“Yes,” Nex confirmed from his concealed location. “There are several abilities that surpass my understanding. I'm not narrow-minded enough to believe there aren't champions who have found ingenious ways to communicate.”

Scott nodded in understanding, then turned to the motionless asura who had remained still since they entered the area. He glanced back at the mirror before continuing, “Is it really necessary for us to have this conversation through an illusion?”

“Yes. I'm also speaking with your ally right now. This ensures our conversations remain confidential,” Nex explained. “Do you have any other questions?”

Scott pondered for a moment before speaking. “Can you provide information about the factions controlling this place?”

“Not at this time,” Nex replied instantly.

“I suspected as much,” Scott nodded, turning away from the mirror. “If I'm correct, you can't disclose new information until I complete the next ranking game, correct?”

“That's correct, but I can still answer a few questions within the permitted scope,” Nex clarified.

“What significance do the ranks hold in the ranking game?” Scott inquired after a brief silence.

“Unfortunately, I can't delve into specifics until you meet the qualifications. However, what I can tell you is that you should strive to raise your rank as much as possible,” the examiner explained passionately. “Is there anything else?” Nex asked.

Scott shook his head, then turned toward the asura, who remained motionless.

“Will you proceed to the next ranking game now?” Nex asked.

“Are you finished speaking with the big guy?” Scott countered with a question of his own.

“Yes. He's not much of a talker,” Nex chuckled, continuing, “So?”

If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

“Yeah, prepare the right path for us,” Scott said.

“I'll do that now,” Nex affirmed, and a click followed his words. The surroundings morphed, twisting, and turning as if torn asunder by space. Scott ignored the transformations, focusing instead on his arms, particularly the tendrils.

Will I be able to communicate with them if I pull them into the dream space? he pondered, furrowing his brows. Although he hadn't tested it out, he believed there was a strong possibility of success. However, he couldn't determine if pulling his companions into the dream space would handicap them in their ranking game or stage. While death meant nothing in the ranking games, he believed a champion's rank held significant importance.

Scott lifted his head, gathering his thoughts as the transformations ceased. The previously motionless asura began to move, approaching Scott. Scott turned his attention to the champion, his keen critine eyes fixated on one of the champion’s arms.

Should I test it out on him? Scott pondered, a wicked smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

“Why are you staring at us like that?” the leftmost head asked, its gaze narrowing. “It’s making me uncomfortable too,” the rightmost head added. Like its counterpart, it stared absentmindedly into Scott's eyes.

“I believe this place should be good enough,” Scott said suddenly. “Do you sense any change?” he asked.

The asura appeared perplexed, its gaze fixed on the masked knight. The leftmost head spoke first, “What do you mean? Why should we feel any different?”

The three heads scanned their surroundings simultaneously but found nothing amiss. They turned their attention back to Scott, only to find him gone.

The rightmost head blinked several times, while the leftmost head swiveled from side to side, searching for the vanished champion. Meanwhile, the centermost head stared into the distance, an eerie gleam in its eyes. “This is an illusionary realm,” it declared, though its lips remained sealed.

The astonished leftmost head tilted toward the centermost one. “How did he ensnare us in an illusion?” it inquired, unable to hide its surprise.

“Can you dispel it?” the rightmost head asked.

“I sense no ill intent, so there's no need. Besides, I lack the ability to dispel it,” the centermost head declared.

The leftmost head prepared to speak, only to be interrupted by approaching footsteps. All three heads swiveled to their right, where a blurry figure in yellow hobbled into view, its form flickering in and out of existence. An icy shiver raced down the asura's spine, morphing its expression. With a blink, the figure vanished. Simultaneously, they turned, freezing in place as the figure in yellow materialized barely a foot away, its otherworldly aura warping the surroundings at will. Each head instinctively lowered its gaze, refusing to meet the inscrutable darkness enveloping the figure. Though every fiber urged them to flee, fear, in its purest form, held the asura rooted to the spot. A moment later, a chilling touch grazed their foreheads, and their eyes rolled inward.

Meanwhile, Scott studied the system information before him, a hidden smile playing on his lips.

Do you wish to form an Imprint of Madness? Yes! No!

Without hesitation he clicked on [Yes], and a new system window appeared.

A Being blessed with madness has received the Imprint of Madness!

Scott grinned, as the tendrils coating his arms grinned in excitement. I knew it would work. I should do the same for Llorva and Fi-Fi.

Scott raised his head, staring at muddled eyes of the asura. Even a creature as intimating as this fears the figure in yellow. I can’t even imagine what would happen if it took over my body someday, he pondered.

Carcosa awaits that day!

Scott's brow furrowed as he read the system's message, an uncanny feeling creeping over him as if it could discern his thoughts. He quickly averted his gaze from the asura, and the champion's eyes cleared, though it remained motionless, seemingly questioning the reality of its surroundings.

One of the asura's arms extended tentatively towards Scott, as if to confirm his presence, but Scott deftly sidestepped the reaching limb before it made contact.

“You're awake. You should check out your new ability. I believe it will serve you well,” he said, a hint of a smile in his voice.

The bewildered asura finally noticed the system panel and murmured, “Imprint of Madness...” The leftmost head uttered the words in a daze before snapping its gaze towards Scott. An unsettling mix of excitement and madness flickered in its eyes, fleeting yet palpable.

“Let's proceed to the next floor,” Scott interjected before any of the heads could respond.

The asura nodded, silently trailing the eldritch spawn along the chosen path. They strode away confidently, vanishing into the depths of the corridor.

Moments later, they emerged into a sprawling area, lush with freshly trimmed grass and under a cerulean sky. They surveyed the scene, their attention drawn to the multitude of champions assembled on the grassy field. More champions arrived through portals at irregular intervals, swelling their ranks to over a hundred.

Scott's gaze wandered to the perimeter of the area, where a gray barrier stretched towards the sky. There are significantly more people here compared to the ranking stage. It's a pity Hastur's gaze isn't working properly, he thought to himself, scanning the crowd for familiar faces.

Time passed, and an hour after Scott's arrival, the portals ceased opening. Instead, several orbs materialized out of thin air, coalescing into a colossal sphere.

Scott's expression contorted, mirroring the asura's, as they instinctively withdrew, surprising the surrounding champions. Some chuckled, while others cast derisive glances their way; a few spared them only a cursory glance before turning away with disgust. The majority simply ignored the animated duo. A shared glance between the allies conveyed a sudden understanding. Judging from the nonchalant reactions of the other champions, it seemed none of them had encountered the titan yet.

Returning to their previous positions, they remained mentally on guard. After all, there were promises of surprises in the ranking game. Moments later, a thunderous screech emanated from the orb, and the gray barrier encircling the grassland vanished. Violent winds surged past the champions, catching some off guard, and hurling them across the field. Yet, none of the champions paid attention to the unfortunate few. Instead, they focused on the mystical sight before them: hundreds, perhaps thousands, of floating steps slithered across the air, ascending towards a series of majestic floating islands.

With a resounding bang, the massive orb burst, and a golden fish adorned in a miniature toga materialized above the champions. “It is a pleasure to meet you esteemed champions, and welcome to the Shifting Steps Valley, one of the many paths on the 11th floor of the ranking games. I am Mr. Fishido, and I will oversee this game.”