Where it began

Three years passed in a flash, and within these years, David was able to reach the 7th level, and also achieved quasi perfection in the first of the nine forms of the spear technique, which beared the name, "Nine forms spear art", simple as the name suggested, it was a rather complex technique, expecially because of it banal nature.

The first form, called "Thrust", was as it's name suggested, consisting of a simple thrusting motion, but with the objective of mobilising as much force as possible, only losing minimal amounts of energy in the process, the less you lose the higher your proficiency in the technique, and naturally the closer you are to mastery.

Despite being a martial genius, it took David three years to achieve the quasi perfection stage, he contemplated the need to leave his captivity as soon as possibile, but his pride didn't allow him, even though the gate was right in front of him.

As he broke through to the 7th level, the 20 meter Crystal by which he trained tirelessly broke, it's material disintegrated and reintegrated into a set of armour, it was radiant with white, turquoise and golden colours, like those of which only nobility were worthy.

The apparition of the armour was followed by the materialistion of an astral projection similar to that which gave warden a hard time three years ago, David recognised it but wasn't wary, he confidently held his spear, which he had poetically named, "Endless" in his right hand, with a slient deamenor and otherwordly splendor he stood straight and firm,his hair everso pure white, flowed in the wind, his skin was pale and almost outshined the crystals in the far distance, the silver tattoos all over his body were much more numerose and complex, his bright silver eyes gazed into the far distance seemingly in thought, not bothering to look up at it the projection that towered before him.

The pensive yet aloof deamenor permiated his sorroundings, and his disinterest was as to say "all things are vanity", he turned to look at the set of clothinglike armour emanating considerable amounts of astral energy, it's purity rivaled that of the 8th level, mortal sphere, on sight of it his noble and disinterested gaze vanished, replaced by intrigue.

The projection spoke after while, occasional breaking and stuttering like an old recording, clearly it was not the same as the more formidable counterpart from three years ago.

"Noble Quintessential, i am..am..honoured to present to you this inheritance, the "starlight combat suit" congrat.. congratulation son of Princess Osayana of Criesy, for reaching the.. the upper mortal sphere(7th to 12th lvl)"

The astral projection said, vanishing soon after, leaving behind the armour which quickly found itself suited the David, the astral energy it emanted, acting like flames to burn away the pitiful remains of the once state of the art Vanguard force armour.

David wasn't surprised, as if expecting this reaction, but he was shown a new light by the refreshing feeling that came along with it, the suit was a three piece, with gloves and combat boots.

The initially vabrant colours of the armour turned dark, the white became black and the turquoise turned neon blue, only the golden ornaments of celestial gundarium at the edges and the joints matained their appearance, though it was because they were detachable metal parts, this change was unexpected, but he seemed rather pleased by the look, infact he preferred darker colours, despite his brilliant appearance(pale white skin, silver pupils, snow white hair and silver white tattoos), maybe it he wanted his features to stand out more, or maybe he wanted to mimic that person.

SAI>what is our next course of action?

David>Is Weiss still dormant?

SAI>Affirmative

From what the projection said, this seems to be a treasury hosting the inheritance of a quintessential princess, that means if I were to reach the 8th level here, another crystal will open which is sure to enhance my strenght further, I will stay

If so, I must warn that, around three million oscillation(three universal years) have passed, the more time passes the hard it will be

To defeat 001,i know, but I have a feeling that aslong as I perfect atleast two of the 9 forms of the spear technique I would be able to cross levels(defeat an opponent of higher level, one on one).

David said as he stared down at his cleanched fist, which was now adorned with jet black gloves, coated with celestial gundarium at the knuckles.

Having said this, he turn away from the door, and headed towards the other towering crystals, to resolutely continue his training.

Five years later David managed to dismantle two more Crystal towers, but it was only at the destruction of the second, was he able to finally advance to the 8th lvl which for most, would take decades, even he wasn't so confident in himself to succeed, and he understood that the "crystal field" as he called it, accelerated his growth.

Naturally after the disintegration of the Crystal towers, rewards were inhand, and just like the first and last, a door to exit appeared, but this time, but he had to exit despite his reluctance.

David stepped through the opening, but not before asking about Weiss, who continued to be dormant, there was no response, but he had to continue forward still.

As his silhouette disappeared from the Crystal field, it shrunk and riverted back to the narrow room it used to be, David finally reappeared at the entrance to the second great archive, where he was greeted by the familiar scene, two magnificent giant guardians towered over him, but this time however, they wielded large maces, also made from celestial gundarium.

The guardians at the entrance of the second great archive seamed more robust, although one couldn't tell the difference visually, David felt it, these were much more stronger than the last.

"I fought the earlier ones without weapons or armour and even at a disadvantage, since I couldn't use astral force effectively, if I take the initiative now I might make it in time", David thought as he drew closer whilst brandishing "Endless" and circulating his astral force.

David was taken by surprise when with a sudden "BOOM", the massive mace of one of the guardians menacingly lommed over him, in a span of milliseconds many thoughts flashed through his head, and time seem to slowdown,

What?

Why?

How?

I am clearly not within range yet!

Why, How, is it so fast?

David eyes oscillates as he ponders these thoughts over and over, he was unwilling to died without so much as a chance to resist.

The mace came down, and another from behind, make a pincer strike, in the next moment David found himself blocking a nonexistent attack, even Reigis only activated, but again there was no danger.

A mirage, or mental attack?

David wondered, only now realising his was no longer at the door, he found himself standing a familiar room, where he first saw the life crystal, where he first met warden, and where he came to know the void prison, and where his urge to fulfill the emperor's mission weakened.

He quickly turn around as he realised he had his back faced to where the crystal used to stand, but upon turning, he gaze met with that of the warden.

"Greetings noble celestial"

Warden mockeningly said with a manic grin, and glowing emerald eyes.