The first rays of dawn pierced through the cloud layer, spilling over The Centennial Gauntlet square at the Celestia Arcane Academy.
The entire city was boiling with excitement!
Today, it wasn't just The Proving Grounds that was packed to capacity, with even the aisles overflowing with fanatic spectators. In every major plaza, commercial street, and even the narrowest alleys of Valorhold, giant magical projection screens had been hastily erected.
The magical light rippled, broadcasting the scenes from within the trial space in real-time.
On the streets, shops that were usually bustling with business had hung out "Closed" signs.
One tavern owner kicked his doors open and roared at his regular customers on the street, "No business today! Come on, let's all go watch Zephyr!"
On the high balcony of the City Lord’s manor, the City Lord stood with his hands behind his back, staring solemnly at the massive projection. "Beyond the 80th floor... no one has set foot there for 50 years. This young man named Zephyr—just how far can he go?"
The high-ranking officials of the Celestia Arcane Academy and representatives from various great families gathered in the VIP section. Shock and greed were etched into every pair of eyes; they weren't just here to witness history, but to make contact with and recruit Zephyr the very moment the trial ended!
The commentator's hoarse, lung-bursting roars echoed throughout Valorhold via magical amplifiers:
"Citizens! Spectators! Zephyr has reached the gates of the 79th floor!"
"The 79th floor! That is the wall of despair that Vincent of House Nocturne challenged 10 times, only to end in crushing defeat every single time!"
"It was also the final battle that the legendary Professor Aldwin Harrow barely won with every ounce of his strength—past this gate lies territory that has remained untouched for 50 years!"
"For half a century, this has been a true no-man's land!"
On the giant screen in the center of the square, light erupted with a thunderous boom!
[Trial Space - Floor 79]
[Target Enemy]: Cerberus Incarnate (Level 9)
[Enemy HP]: 15,000 / 15,000
[Enemy Combat Power]: 2,500
Within the trial space, scalding lava surged upward. A Cerberus Hound as massive as a small mountain stepped through the flames. Its three hideous heads snapped their jaws simultaneously, as fire, frost, and the lightning of Rampage condensed violently deep within their throats!
In a corner of the spectator stands, Vincent gripped the armrests of his seat so hard his knuckles turned white.
He hadn't wanted to come, but he simply couldn't control his feet!
Inside, he was screaming and cursing frantically, Die! Just watch how you die! You’ll be just like me! Blown to pieces by the three elements!
However, facing a terrifying level 9 beast, Zephyr's gaze didn't waver in the slightest.
[Shadowrealm Dominion] activated!
In an instant, an Umbral darkness as black as ink surged out from Zephyr, covering a 40-meter radius!
The rolling fire, frost, and lightning lost their momentum the moment they entered the Umbral Dominion, their power decaying rapidly before everyone's eyes!
[Shadowstrike]!
Zephyr transformed into an elongated black line, instantly flashing past the flaming head!
[Spellsteel Tempest]!
An impenetrable net of black sword light ravaged the air!
Squelch!
Squelch!
The fire head was severed! The ice head shattered!
In a mere two seconds, Zephyr had closed in on the final lightning head. He twisted his black longsword, turning it into a dark rainbow that pierced straight through the Cerberus Incarnate’s heart!
BOOM!
The massive beast collapsed, dissolving into a cloud of glowing shards!
Time taken: 25 minutes!
[Trial Space - Floor 79 Cleared!]
[Enemy Slain]: Cerberus Incarnate
[Stage Rating]: Legendary
The entire arena fell into a momentary, deathly silence, followed by an earth-shattering wave of cheering!
The commentator’s face turned bright red with excitement as he waved his hands and screamed, "He passed! Zephyr cleared the 79th floor in just 25 minutes!"
"He did what Vincent couldn't! He has completely surpassed Vincent’s limits!"
In the VIP section, Vincent looked as if he’d been struck by lightning, his face deathly pale.
He slumped into his chair, his body trembling violently. Finally, under the strange looks of those around him, he lowered his head and fled the arena in utter disgrace.
However, Zephyr didn't even glance at the portal. He took a single step and walked straight into the 80th floor!
[Trial Space - Floor 80]
[Target Enemy]: Riftkeeper (Level 10)
[Enemy HP]: 20,000 / 20,000
[Enemy Combat Power]: 2,800
Floor 80—the finish line of 50 years ago! This was where the legendary Professor Aldwin Harrow had stopped!
Tens of thousands of people across the city held their collective breath at this moment.
Inside the arena, a 10-meter-tall Riftkeeper manifested, its body wreathed in the space-warping power of the Void-black!
"Roar!"
The guardian swung its massive void blade, unleashing a wide-range destruction skill—[Null Cascade]!
A terrifying spatial storm whistled into existence, sweeping across the entire stage!
Faced with this world-ending strike, Zephyr pushed [Shadowrealm Dominion] to its limit. The black Umbral barrier let out a sickening creak under the grinding force of the void storm, and cracks began to spread wildly!
Zephyr grit his teeth, a trickle of blood leaking from the corner of his mouth, but his feet never stopped!
[Shadowstrike]!
Relying on his extreme speed, he wove through the dense Voidrifts, searching for that single, fleeting opening!
Found it! The Riftcore in the guardian’s chest, currently in a brief energy lull!
[Duskfang]!
The longsword in Zephyr's hand erupted with black light. Like an arrow piercing the void, he and his blade became a streak of eternal darkness, ruthlessly impaling the guardian’s core!
Crack—
The Riftkeeper’s massive body shuddered violently before exploding into countless Purple specks of light!
Time taken: 40 minutes!
The light screen flickered, and a global announcement appeared out of thin air!
[Historic Breakthrough!]
[Zephyr - Floor 80 Cleared!]
[Global Announcement]: Zephyr has broken a 50-year-old historical record! (The message echoed repeatedly through the city’s broadcast arrays, refusing to fade.)
The entirety of Valorhold erupted into absolute chaos!
Crowds in the plazas cheered wildly, strangers in taverns hugged each other in celebration, and every single spectator in The Proving Grounds leaped to their feet, their screams nearly blowing the roof off the building!
The commentator was in tears, shouting in a trembling voice:
"50 years! It’s been 50 long years!"
"Today, we have witnessed a myth! Zephyr has written new history!"
From the 81st floor onward, everything entered completely unknown territory. There were no records, no strategies.
The Headmaster of the Celestia Arcane Academy appeared at the very top of the VIP section at some point, his aged eyes full of shock. "Even I couldn't pass these levels back then. Just how strong is this young man?"
Floor 82!
[Trial Space - Floor 82]
[Target Enemy]: The Colossus Prime (Level 11)
[Enemy HP]: 25,000 / 25,000
[Enemy Combat Power]: 3,200
Zephyr fought a grueling battle for an entire hour, narrowly escaping death multiple times before finally slaying The Colossus Prime!
[Trial Space - Floor 82 Cleared!]
The audience watched with their hearts in their throats, their palms slick with sweat.
Next, Floor 85!
[Trial Space - Floor 85]
[Target Enemy]: Maw of the Abyss (Level 12)
[Enemy HP]: 30,000 / 30,000
[Enemy Combat Power]: 3,500
The massive Maw of the Abyss poured out endless Abyssal Breath.
Zephyr deployed [Shadowrealm Dominion] fully, unleashing a continuous barrage of [Spellsteel Tempest] as the mana in his body drained rapidly!
After 1 hour and 20 minutes, with multiple injuries across his body, Zephyr finally brought the Maw of the Abyss down!
[Trial Space - Floor 85 Cleared!]
[Status Alert]: Heavily Injured, Mana Exhaustion
The "Heavily Injured" status displayed on the giant screen sent everyone's hearts racing.
"Can he even continue?"
"He's pushing too hard! This is his absolute limit!"
Inside, Zephyr downed a Greater Healing Potion and sat cross-legged. 30 minutes later, he reopened his cold eyes and resolutely stepped into the next level!
This sheer willpower deeply shook everyone in the city!
Floor 88!
[Trial Space - Floor 88]
[Target Enemy]: The Primarch (Level 13)
[Enemy HP]: 35,000 / 35,000
[Enemy Combat Power]: 3,800
The Primarch, master of The Four Primal Elements, attacked with unpredictable variations.
Zephyr fought a bitter battle for 1 hour and 40 minutes, hovering on the brink of death several times, but he dragged himself up from the pools of blood again and again!
Finally, [Duskfang] exploded with unparalleled radiance, piercing The Primarch’s heart in a single thrust!
[Trial Space - Floor 88 Cleared!]
[Status Alert]: Near Death, Mana Almost Depleted
In the plaza, countless citizens clasped their hands together, spontaneously praying for him. "Go, Zephyr!"
"Hold on! You can do it!"
Boom!
Accompanied by another brilliant burst of light, Floor 90 was broken!
[Trial Space - Floor 90 Cleared!]
[Historical Height]: Unprecedented
[Distance to The Hundred Gates]: 10 Floors
The commentator shouted until his voice cracked, "Floor 90! He's at Floor 90! He stands at the unprecedented Ascendant Threshold! And his goal... is the end of The Hundred Gates!"
The path from Floor 91 to 99 was a road through hell in every sense of the word. Every floor was a choice between life and death!
On Floor 92, Zephyr's HP dropped to 10%, nearly resulting in an instant kill. At the critical moment, he used the extreme displacement of [Shadowstrike] to secure a counter-kill!
[Trial Space - Floor 92 Cleared!]
On Floor 95, [Duskfang] could no longer withstand the high-intensity impacts and snapped in two with a sharp crack!
a collective gasp filled the arena!
But Zephyr held the broken half of the sword, his eyes still as fierce as a wolf's. He used the jagged shard to forcibly pierce the enemy’s throat!
[Trial Space - Floor 95 Cleared!]
On Floor 98, Zephyr's mana was completely dry; he couldn't use a single skill!
Under the despairing gazes of the entire city, he didn't give up. Instead, he engaged in a bare-knuckled brawl with his powerful foe, using the broken sword, his fists, and even his teeth to beat the enemy to death!
Boom!
The Proving Grounds erupted into thunderous applause and the sound of sobbing!
Floor 99!
His mask shattered under a terrifying shockwave, revealing Zephyr’s handsome yet pale face.
He was covered in blood, his armor was in ruins, but the willpower in his eyes was as unyielding as divine steel!
[Trial Space - Floor 99 Cleared!]
[Status Alert]: Near Death, Equipment Destroyed, Mana Zero
The commentator’s voice was completely choked with emotion. "Floor 99... there’s only one left... but... does he have any strength left?!"
The void trembled as the ultimate arena of Floor 100 opened!
[Trial Space - Floor 100]
[Target Enemy]: The Voidlord Supreme (Level 15)
[Enemy HP]: 50,000 / 50,000
[Enemy Combat Power]: 5,000
[Enemy Traits]: Immune to all control effects, 50% Damage Reduction
The five-meter-tall Voidlord Supreme descended, radiating an aura of despair that felt like it could destroy the world.
The Voidlord Supreme looked down at the bleeding Zephyr and spoke coldly, "Mortal, reaching this place is a miracle. But this is where your journey ends."
Zephyr wiped the blood from his eyes and slowly raised the broken sword. "No... my end... comes only after I pass through here!"
The battle exploded!
Under the absolute crushing force of 5,000 Combat Power, a heavily injured and mana-less Zephyr was completely outmatched. He was sent flying again and again, slamming heavily into the walls!
HP: 50% → 30% → 10%!
Near death!
In the audience, countless people covered their eyes, unable to watch any longer. A deathly silence fell over the city.
In that hair-thin moment of crisis!
In the most remote shadow of The Proving Grounds, Elena’s eyes were slightly closed, the Umbral Core inside her body vibrating violently!
[System Alert]
[Limit Break]
[Shadowpact Resonance] Triggered!
Umbral Force from the master, Elena, is being transferred via Consciousness Link!
Zephyr's attributes have been temporarily increased by 50%!
Strength: 65 → 97 (+32)
Agility: 92 → 138 (+46)
Combat Power: 2,650 → 3,975 (+1,325)
In the shadows, Elena whispered softly, "Go... end it."
BOOM!
In the center of the stage, a towering black radiance suddenly erupted from the nearly dead Zephyr!
[Shadowrealm Dominion] expanded once more by force!
Paying the price of burning his very life force, he forcibly activated his final ultimate technique—[Spellsteel Tempest]!
Seven consecutive strikes!
Each strike was accompanied by afterimages and Umbral explosions!
"Impossible!" The Voidlord Supreme let out an unbelievable roar.
The seventh strike! Zephyr turned into a streak of black light, his broken sword ruthlessly piercing the core of The Voidlord Supreme’s heart!
RUMBLE!!
The massive Voidlord Supreme crumbled and collapsed, turning into a sky full of golden light!
Zephyr dropped to one knee, propping himself up with the broken sword, a faint smile touching the corner of his mouth.
The next moment, a vast pillar of golden light shot into the sky, enveloping the entirety of Valorhold!
[A Historic Moment!]
[Zephyr - Floor 100 Cleared!]
[The Hundred Gates Completed!]
[First Conqueror]: Zephyr
[Time Taken]: 4 Days
[Rating]: Mythic
[Global Announcement]: Zephyr has completed The Centennial Gauntlet! An immortal legend is born! The number one individual in the history of Celestia Arcane Academy!
"He did it! Celebrate! Oh my god! He cleared The Hundred Gates!!"
The commentator completely lost his voice to sobbing.
The Proving Grounds went wild! The whole city went wild! Countless citizens took to the streets, cheering and running, setting off fireworks with tears streaming down their faces!
Everyone was chanting the same name: "Zephyr! Zephyr! Zephyr!"
And in the corner of the chaotic spectator stands.
Elena slowly stood up and pulled her hood lower. Through the Consciousness Link, she felt the extreme exhaustion and glory radiating from her clone.
No one noticed her departure.
Elena walked along the edge of the boisterous crowd, a cold and satisfied smile playing on her lips.
Well done, Zephyr... no, well done, me.
This is exactly what I wanted.
Everyone is frantically worshipping and admiring Zephyr... but they have no idea that this untouchable myth is the very "trash" they once trampled and looked down upon.
On the stage, the host shouted excitedly into the amplification array:
"Tomorrow afternoon! The academy will hold the most grand award ceremony!"
"We will bestow upon Zephyr the highest honorary title! The entire city will witness the birth of a myth!"
Inside the high-level infirmary of The Proving Grounds, Zephyr lay quietly on a Crystal Infirmary Bed, unconscious.
The Headmaster of the Celestia Arcane Academy personally stood guard by his side, his eyes filled with shock and wonder. "This young man... is simply incredible."
Behind him, the Vice Headmaster whispered, "Headmaster, his true identity and background..."
The Headmaster waved a hand, cutting him off decisively.
"It doesn't matter! No matter who he is, from this day forward, he is the supreme pride of our academy!"
As night fell, all of Valorhold was ablaze with lights, immersed in a sea of celebration.
Only in a dim alleyway did Elena stand alone in the shadows.
She looked up at the distant giant screen illuminated by lights, a mysterious smile curling her lips.
"Tomorrow... will be even better."