Chapter 153: Revelations and the Dark Enigma

As the last rays of the sun settled, Eclipse, with a triumphant gait, reached the pinnacle of the tower. With just 8 minutes on the clock, he was convinced that he was the frontrunner. However, to his astonishment, Li Yang, shrouded in mystery, sat there silently. Without uttering a word, Eclipse chose another chair and sat down, his gaze fixed on the young prodigy.

Soon after, Lysander made his appearance with a time of 8 minutes and 40 seconds. The subsequent entrants were Orion at 12 minutes and 10 seconds, Lyria at 13 minutes and 14 seconds, and finally, Luna, completing the trial in 15 minutes and 23 seconds.

Once all contestants had settled, the omnipresent voice of the tower resonated once more, "The trial is now concluded. It is time for the rewards to be bestowed." Six beams of light emerged from the top of the tower, each making its way to a specific challenger.

Li Yang examined the luminescent orb that landed in his palm. It was the Sacred Orb of Virtue, capable of amplifying one's combat abilities, with a chance to unleash a staggering triple power surge. A significant asset for any combatant! With a nod of approval, he pocketed the orb.

As they were bathed in light and transported outside the tower, Mr. Henry, beaming with pride, pointed at Li Yang, "You have done exceedingly well! Truly the pride of our academy." The other challengers, through whispers and murmurs, learned of Li Yang's unprecedented 2-minute 50-second ascent and his unconventional approach of blasting through the ceilings. Both Lysander and Lyria were taken aback by this revelation.

Lord Arian stepped forward, his voice echoing, "Congratulations to the Seven Stars for winning the first trial. It's time for the next challenge - The Enigma of the Dark Abyss."

As the twilight deepened, Mr. Henry and Lord Arian collaboratively produced another card, invoking the mystic realm of the Dark Abyss, setting the stage for the upcoming trial.