Chapter 152: The Rapid Ascent

With every floor, Li Yang followed the same strategy, instructing Ares to target and break through the ceiling. As they finally reached the top, the ancient clock hovering above them showed a time of 2 minutes and 50 seconds. Just ten seconds shy of the 3-minute mark! A deep, reverberating voice echoed through the chamber, "Congratulations, challenger, for achieving the highest tier in record time. Your reward shall be bestowed upon the conclusion of this trial."

Li Yang scanned the room and spotted six ornate chairs. He chose one at random and settled into it, glancing up at the five large screens that showcased the progress of the other contenders.

One of the screens displayed Eclipse, who had already advanced to the fifth level. Among the group, he was arguably the fastest. His chosen beast, the Shadow Dragon, emanated an aura of power and dominance. On this floor, his opponents were the Kappas, wielding heavy hammers as their weapons of choice. Yet, they were no match for Eclipse's beast. In a flurry of moves, the Shadow Dragon swiftly vanquished all the Kappas, clearing the way for Eclipse to proceed to the next floor.

Another screen showcased Lysander and his Celestial Armor Warrior, a being of immense power and stature. Just like Eclipse, Lysander effortlessly navigated the challenges of the fifth floor. His Warrior, radiating a golden glow, fought with precision and grace, making short work of the adversaries that stood in their way. It was clear that both Eclipse and Lysander were on par with each other in terms of skill and strategy.

Li Yang leaned back, deep in thought. Watching the prowess of the other contenders, he realized the trials ahead would not be a cakewalk. He had made it through the tower with a unique approach, but the subsequent challenges would require more than just brute force or clever tactics. They would test his endurance, wit, and adaptability.

Still, there was a sense of camaraderie in the air. They were all warriors, representing their respective realms, driven by a common goal – to emerge victorious in the grand duel of the cosmos.

Yet, as the clock continued to tick and the battles raged on, a thought lingered in the back of Li Yang's mind. Would they be able to withstand what awaited them in the next trial?