November 8, 2024 - Russia, ???

"A new signal?"

"Yes, it was received just after the last event."

"What did it say?" Viktor asked.

"Challenge Completed. Knowledge Acquired. It followed the prompt with a large data sequence that was processed and related to seemingly two paths to refine the body and the mind core energy output efficiency."

"Interesting," Viktor mused. "So, how does this knowledge relate to what you have now—to what those in Gen-2 went up with?"

"There are strong similarities to what I identified as the first step in body refinement, using principles similar to our Body Strengthening Method. The second step holds some resemblance to our Advanced Prototype Version, but it is undeniably more refined than our approach. Additionally, it includes a passive enhancement of the mind core output—something we had not yet managed. Until now, we only had the active Neural Link Boost Diagram. This new information goes beyond that, providing guidance past the first step, with vague mentions of a third stage and hints toward reaching a fourth."

"So just up to the fourth?" Viktor mused. "Rather stingy of The Tower," he chuckled.

"Are there more stages, sir?"

Viktor remained silent for a moment. "Did you receive an update, CASI?"

"Yes."

"HAHAHA," Viktor let out a deep laugh. "What, that old geezer Julian was bored and updated your code again? He's still alive? How long has it been?"

"Your last in-person meeting, that I am aware of, occurred 17 years, 4 months, and 13 days ago, sir."

"Sounds about right. Anyway, send your dad my regards. Tell him to stop hiding in whatever hole he's dug up and drop by sometime. We can grab some drinks and watch the kids climb together."

"Noted, sir."

"Brings back old memories," Viktor sighed. "Anyway, about the new information—pack it up, make some intuitive manuals, and make public only the first two steps that are clear and concise. Limit details of the third for now until you can construct the full path. As for the fourth, don't drop the hints yet. We should have plenty of time before the Third Ascent, so keep it under wraps for now."

"Understood."

"And, CASI…"

"Yes, sir?"

"Do not ask me any more questions unless they're from Julian or one of the others," Viktor said, his tone heavier.

"Understood."

"That will be all."

November 8, 2024 - Melbourne, Australia

Jack finished watching the event. He had lost count of how many times he had replayed it already.

He had analyzed every detail—zoomed in, slowed it to half speed, then a tenth, pausing at critical moments. He had studied every movement, every glint in the creature's eyes, the suspended drops of blood in the air, the split-second it evaded, the precise moment it severed an arm. And then, of course, the sequence—absolutely mesmerizing—that Alonso had executed to end the fight.

Jack was certain. If that creature appeared here, in this camp, right now, every soldier would be dead in an instant. Sure, maybe a missile strike could work. Maybe a well-placed sniper shot. But at that speed? With that reaction time? That level of control over EM waves? It was a menace—a true monster in every sense.

And yet… it had been killed.

Killed by seven climbers wielding nothing but swords and propelling bullets with their own waves.

The fight had left a deep impression on Jack. It showed just how ruthless The Tower was, how far climbers could push their strength, and how Alonso was evolving into an incredibly skilled warrior—at a level that almost unsettled Jack, or perhaps… excited him, wondering just how far his friend would go.

Jack had heard the commentary, seen the endless cycle of influencers milking every scrap of climber content, especially Alonso's. He had watched fight clips, edited highlight reels, even fan-made animations. Cosplays. And, of course, the inevitable internet filth that came with fame.

His friend's name was everywhere. And people really liked him.

For once, there were barely any haters. Women liked him, men respected him, elders valued him, and kids wanted to be like him. Just a month in, and he was already a global sensation.

Jack wasn't particularly fond of that. He didn't like seeing others profit off his friend's battles without consent—while the man himself was inside, fighting, bleeding, suffering with every strike.

And those showoffs claiming they'd be just like him once they entered? Fucking clowns.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Jack shook his head and pulled off the VR.

He sighed.

It had been over a month since Pablo left. Nearly four since Alonso did.

When would it be his turn?

When would he get his chance to prove himself?

November 15, 2024 - The Tower, Tier 2, Stage 1, Oasis

Pablo stood, his hide backpack strapped securely to his back, carrying mostly water and food.

This would be his first and last time venturing into the caves at the center of the lake. He had watched the paths form—five of them—every day at 7 AM sharp, and had seen expeditions from various factions coming and going. He also knew that one of those paths, the one directly in front of The Shadows' camp, was for their exclusive use.

He glanced at Henry, standing beside him, and then at the 47 other members of The Shadows, all standing firm, their posture disciplined. Each carried a backpack like his, but unlike him, they were armed to the teeth—swords, slings, daggers, bucklers, and a variety of individual weapons, including spears for those who preferred them. Their black cloaks draped over their shoulders, their presence absolute.

Pablo felt out of place. Like a kid standing with the football team before a big match. Or a civilian standing next to a special forces platoon.

And before them all, actually wearing her black cloak for once, was Leonie.

She was different now. Not the smiling, charismatic woman he had spoken to in her tent, but someone entirely else. Her silence was heavy, her gaze sharp. She let the seconds drag on, and Pablo couldn't tell if she was just waiting or if she was speaking to them—with EM waves.

And he was just… left out.

Then, without a word, Leonie turned on her heels and walked calmly to the lake.

Immediately, The Shadows moved, positioning themselves into a perfect straight line behind her.

Pablo simply followed Henry's instructions and took his place at the very back—just behind Henry.

A voice echoed in his head.

"Keep the pace, kid. You don't wanna be shark food when the path disappears."

Pablo gulped but steadied himself. He was at peak Stage Progress, after all. Even if he was the last, he had more than enough time to cross.

And so, seconds ticked by.

Eventually, the rocky path ahead appeared.

And they moved.

Pablo ran after them.

His heart pounded—fear, excitement, longing to see his friend, and a hint of curiosity about what lay ahead.

And that lingering, absurd thought of how the hell he had ended up in this position.

Lukas claps his hands together, standing before the gathered group, a familiar grin playing on his lips.

"Well, here we are. The 25 of us that remain," he begins, his voice carrying over the quiet murmurs. "Nearly 49 days in this stage—49 days of blood, sweat, and… well, let's be honest, mostly blood." A few chuckles break out, but he continues.

"For some reason, it felt longer, didn't it? Maybe because we spent every waking moment trying not to die, or maybe because of the memories we made—some good, some bad, and some that will stick with us forever.

And Datu—man, I don't know what we would've done without your post-boss victory concerts. Nothing says we survived by the skin of our teeth like you belting out Elton John while half of us are still trying to process the fact that we're not dead yet. And Mohan's meals—look, I don't mean this in a bad way, but thank god you're here with us."

A few chuckles break out, and Datu grins, clearly unbothered by the attention.

"But hey, that's part of what made this stage ours, isn't it?" Lukas continues, his expression softening. "Not just the battles we fought, but the moments in between. The band practices we were too exhausted to play properly, the salsa performances where our very own young couple showed off more than just their footwork." He winks at Ayu and me, earning an eye roll from her and a smirk from me.

"And of course, let's not forget our wine enthusiast," he says, dramatically glancing at Chiara, "who also happens to be the genius scientist that has helped so many of us—guiding our understanding of the Pillar, revolutionizing electromagnetic theory, and somehow managing to keep her sanity while dealing with the rest of us mere mortals."

Chiara lets out a small huff of amusement, shaking her head.

"And speaking of prodigies, let's not forget Ayu—a teacher to many, even if she was a bit shy at first. If you've managed to dodge a tentacle at the last second thanks to Overdrive, well, you know who to thank for still being here."

Ayu smirks, crossing her arms.

"And, of course, we have our top marksman—whose daughter and wife should be damn proud," Lukas says, glancing at Arjun, who nods with a soft smile. "And speaking of fathers, I don't think anyone comes close to our wise giant and main tank, Imani."

He pauses, tilting his head theatrically. "Hmm, I feel like I'm forgetting someone from the main squad. Oh, right—that guy. Ayu's boyfriend."

Laughter ripples through the group as I shake my head, while Ayu's grin widens, threatening to split her face.

"But jokes aside," Lukas continues, his voice steadying, "we've learned a lot. We started as strangers—some of us barely knew each other a month or two ago. And now? Now, we're something more. We've trained, fought, bled, and survived together. We've made mistakes, but we've also grown. And every single one of you here today—you're here because you earned it."

His gaze sweeps over the group, and for a brief moment, silence settles over them.

"And so…" Lukas claps his hands together, shaking off the weight of the moment. "It's time to move on—or better said, move up," he says, his tone turning firm. "A new stage, another set of challenges, another adventure. And yeah, it's going to be brutal. It's going to push us harder than ever. But if there's one thing I've learned in these past months… it's that I wouldn't want to face it with anyone else."

He exhales, letting the words settle before his grin returns.

"So, enough with the motivational speeches—let's get going, guys."

The group stirs into motion, some adjusting their gear, others exchanging brief looks. There's an energy in the air—not quite excitement, but something close. Anticipation, maybe.

I turn to Ayu, and she's already looking at me. We nod to each other before stepping forward.

Lukas is the first to climb, his figure disappearing beyond the staircase, passing through the dimensional frame—or whatever that portal at its end is.

Ayu follows.

I step up right behind her.

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