Chapter 90: Abnormal Movement of the Golden Lion Tribe
In the High Tower Hall, Enzo heard High Tower Soul's questioning and responded, "Is something wrong?"
His illusionary brows furrowed, his beard trembling, then he used his authority to perceive the condition of High Tower Space. He suddenly jumped around like a cat scorched by flames, letting out an ear-splitting scream: "No! Why is this happening? I distinctly set the operational rules for High Tower Space correctly!"
High Tower Soul shouted loudly.
Enzo could only ask helplessly, "Can you quiet down?"
High Tower Soul instantly stopped, bowed slightly, placed a hand over his chest in a gesture of respect, like an elegant noble, and said, "As you wish, sir."
What a strange fellow!
Enzo thought to himself, continuing, "So, it's your fault they were dragged into High Tower Space. Since it was your mistake, you should get them out."
High Tower Soul shook his head.
He explained, "No, once they've entered High Tower Space, they must abide by its rules. The rule is they must undergo the trials of the High Tower. Even I cannot break this rule. And you, despite awakening me, cannot change the rules either."
Enzo fell silent for a moment before asking, "Is it dangerous for them to stay here?"
Without hesitation, High Tower Soul replied, "Yes. High Tower is a place of trials meant to cultivate the strongest warriors and priests. Anyone weak or not strong enough will be killed by High Tower, without exception. Moreover, your awakening of me means the true trial is about to begin."
At that moment, Christina and her group entered.
Christina had heard much of Enzo and High Tower Soul's conversation. Curious, she asked, "Your Excellency High Tower Soul, what are the trials about?"
High Tower Soul was forthcoming, "The fang of the Ghost-Face Spider, the claw of the Shadow Wolf, and the crystal of the Gurgle Beast. If you bring me one of these items, you can pass the basic trial and earn a chance to leave. Of course, you can also choose to undertake higher-level High Tower trials, which might offer more substantial rewards."
Christina declined, "The basic trial will suffice."
She then asked, "Where can we hunt down these monsters?"
High Tower Soul replied, "The lairs of those monsters are at the outskirts of High Tower Space. However, I must warn you that due to recent disturbances caused by these individuals, the creatures' strength has greatly increased. In my estimation, you are not capable of facing them."
Christina's expression darkened, but she responded, "Thank you for the warning."
Hevert, the elderly woman who rushed over and learned the situation, thought about her years spent here, all due to High Tower Soul's negligence. Unlike Christina's restrained response, Hevert angrily shouted, "High Tower Soul, we never intended to enter High Tower Space! This is all your fault! You should send us out instead of subjecting us to these damn trials!"
Her words were not incorrect.
However, Hevert had mistaken her target.
This was High Tower Space, and High Tower Soul was not one to negotiate with, despite appearing gentle towards Enzo, Christina, and their companions because they hadn't violated the rules.
But Hevert was different.
High Tower Soul's illusory form instantly grew massive, occupying half of the High Tower Hall. It roared, "You dare to accuse the great High Tower Soul! By the rules, you will be sentenced to death!"
Before anyone could react, terrifying thunder descended.
Hevert was blasted into charcoal, then pulverized into carbon powder, and finally blown out of the High Tower Hall by a gust of wind.
This horrifying spectacle left everyone shaken.
Only High Tower Soul remained seemingly unaffected, addressing everyone, "I'll reiterate: no defiance of the rules of High Tower Space!"
Seizing the moment, Enzo asked, "What are the rules of High Tower Space, then?"
High Tower Soul hesitated briefly before saying, "I apologize for my oversight. I forgot to inform you."
With a gesture, High Tower Soul caused the stone wall it pointed at to change. Words began to appear densely across the surface, but three core points stood out:
First, in High Tower Space, no fighting amongst each other is allowed.
Second, upon entering High Tower, one must complete trials to earn the right to leave. The difficulty of trials varies, with corresponding rewards, classified by the levels of High Tower.
Third, damaging High Tower Space is strictly prohibited.
After reviewing the rules, Enzo understood how the trials in High Tower operated.
It was a trial with no retreat.
Only by completing the trials could one leave High Tower.
Failure meant being stuck forever in High Tower Space, either killed by its terrifying monsters or dying from old age.
It seemed harsh and inhumane, yet it perfectly aligned with the current world's rules.
After all, the world outside was even more brutal.
At that moment, Enzo thought about his own situation and asked, "Your Excellency High Tower Soul, do I also need to participate in the trials?"
High Tower Soul tossed a metallic token to Enzo and replied, "No need. However, I will seal the rifts of High Tower Space from now on. Outsiders won't be able to enter High Tower Space through these means. This token can activate a passage to let you enter High Tower Space. Of course, the next time you enter, you must still abide by the rules!"
Enzo nodded.
He took the token but realized it wasn't a physical object. The moment he touched it, the token transformed into an imprint of the High Tower symbol on his hand. He also learned some additional information.
Clearing the highest level of High Tower trials allowed one to control High Tower.
Furthermore, within High Tower were three Soul Seeds containing extremely valuable supernatural knowledge.
These revelations surprised Enzo. What surprised him more was that High Tower Soul seemed unaware of this information's existence; otherwise, it would never allow others to control it.
After some thought, Enzo decided not to reveal what he had learned.
He didn't linger in High Tower Space for long, only briefing Christina on some matters before returning to his body. This time, he didn't experience the dark void but instantly returned.
Back in his body, Enzo pulled up his sleeve, revealing the High Tower mark on his skin.
He murmured softly to himself, "Clearing the highest level of High Tower trials allows one to control High Tower... Within High Tower, there are not just many people but also numerous monsters. If the rules can be changed slightly, it could be an excellent trial ground..."
Enzo had made up his mind.
Meanwhile.
In the Margot Forest where the Golden Lion Tribe resided, there was a great commotion at the moment of High Tower Space's revival.
Chloe, the priest of the Golden Lion Tribe, hurriedly made his way to the altar. The altar was constructed from rectangular stone blocks, each meticulously chiseled into smooth, stair-like tiers. At the top of the stairs stood a golden lion stone carving, the totem of the Golden Lion Tribe—a legendary creature known as the Golden Lion.
It is incredibly powerful, wielding extraordinary power.
However, Chloe was not concerned with the altar itself.
What caught his attention was the peculiar circle of structures surrounding the altar. Among them, a miniature tower about the height of a person was emitting a faint glow, bearing an uncanny resemblance to High Tower. Beside this modified version of High Tower stood a stone tablet and a scepter.
Chloe exclaimed excitedly, "High Tower has appeared once again!"
He called over members of his tribe and inquired, "What are Freya, Zona, and the other priest candidates doing?"
A tribesman replied, "Lord Priest, since Lord Freya returned from investigating the scepter of the barren mountain last time, it seems she encountered some trouble. She has been staying within her own administrative area and hasn't been active much. As for Zona, he isn't at the Golden Lion Tribe; he went to the Gold Oak Tribe, seemingly searching for someone. The remaining candidates are busy rallying the tribal members."
Chloe frowned slightly, feeling somewhat displeased.
The concept of priest candidates had been proposed to strengthen the Golden Lion Tribe after its reconstruction, ensuring each successive priest was exceptionally powerful. However, this also brought its share of problems, chief among them being the intense competition among the candidates.
But it was a necessary price to pay.
Thinking this through, Chloe suddenly smiled and instructed the tribesman, "Inform Freya and the others to return immediately. I have a task for them to complete!"
"Yes, Lord Priest."
The tribesman replied before leaving.
Shortly afterward, Freya and the other priest candidates arrived.
Chloe addressed them, saying, "High Tower Space has appeared once again. It is a great creation of the former Tower Tribe and crucial for the development of the Golden Lion Tribe! I will now open the passage to High Tower Space. Your task is to seize control of High Tower Space by any means necessary!"
"Whoever gains control of High Tower will be the next priest of the Golden Lion Tribe!"
Chloe's words ignited the crowd with fervor.
Only Freya hesitated slightly. Dealing with the Energy-devouring Worms summoned by Enzo using life energy had been extremely challenging. Despite expending several valuable items to eliminate them, she had still suffered significant losses. Entering High Tower Space under these circumstances would not be advantageous for her.
However, Freya understood that this was not something she could refuse.
Reluctantly, she assented, though in her heart, she couldn't shake the image of Enzo's face.
"That infuriating guy, just wait and see!" she thought to herself.