Ch. 14 The Tower’s Secrets

Alex groaned as he turned over in bed, the sound of Nova's voice nudging him awake. [Good morning, Host. And by morning, I mean you've already missed breakfast. You might want to hurry if you don't want to keep Alfred waiting.]

He bolted upright, the words hitting him like a splash of cold water. "What? Missed breakfast? Why didn't you wake me up?!"

[Because,] Nova replied matter-of-factly, [you wouldn't wake up no matter what the maid tried. And I thought you needed the rest.]

"Well, thanks for letting me sleep through everything!" Alex snapped, throwing on his clothes in record time.

[You're welcome,] Nova chirped, her tone laced with mock cheerfulness. [You looked so peaceful, drooling and all. Who was I to interrupt such grace?]

Ignoring her, Alex dashed out of his room, his hair still slightly messy as he made his way to the courtyard. The estate around him gleamed under the morning sun, the intricate architecture a blend of medieval grandeur and futuristic elegance. Towers of polished stone and crystal loomed high, their surfaces shimmering with mana-powered lights. Manicured gardens stretched out between the paths, dotted with fountains that seemed to defy gravity, their water flowing in impossible patterns.

As Alex approached the courtyard, Alfred stood waiting, his arms crossed and a stern expression on his face. "You're late."

"Sorry," Alex panted, coming to a halt. "I overslept."

Alfred studied him for a moment before nodding. "It's clear the training is taking a toll on you. From now on, your schedule will be adjusted to every other day to allow for rest."

Alex blinked in surprise. "Really? Thanks, Alfred. I—"

"But," Alfred interrupted, his tone sharpening, "that doesn't mean training will be easier. In fact, it will be harder. And I expect you to train on your own time as well."

Alex swallowed his gratitude and nodded firmly. "Got it. I won't give up."

Alfred's stern expression softened slightly. "Good. Now, today's training will be different. We'll be leaving the estate and heading to The Obsidian Arena Tower."

"The Obsidian Arena Tower?" Alex asked, his curiosity piqued.

"You'll see soon enough," Alfred replied. "Follow me."

As Alfred led Alex through the estate toward the front gates, Alex couldn't help but admire the sprawling grounds. The paths were paved with shimmering mana-infused stones, glowing faintly with every step. Mana-powered lamps hovered above the paths, their light steady even in the morning sun. The air was filled with the faint hum of magical energy, blending with the chirping of fantastical birds flitting through the trees.

When they reached the front, Alex stopped in his tracks. A sleek, futuristic car awaited them, its metallic surface gleaming with faint mana circuits that pulsed like veins. The design was far more advanced than anything Alex had seen in his previous life, its streamlined curves and hovering tires giving it an almost otherworldly appearance.

"That's… a car?" Alex asked, his jaw dropping.

"A mana-powered car," Alfred corrected. "Common among the wealthy in Astria."

Alfred opened the door with a subtle motion, gesturing for Alex to enter. The interior was no less impressive—smooth leather seats, glowing controls, and an aura of quiet luxury. Alex slid in, still marveling as Alfred took the front seat.

As the car began to move, Alex stared out the window, taking in the scenery. The Argoth estate was surrounded by untamed wilderness, the dense forest teeming with vibrant, fantastical life. Enormous trees with shimmering leaves towered above the ground, their roots twisting in intricate patterns. Streams of crystal-clear water wound through the landscape, reflecting the sunlight like liquid diamonds.

Nova's voice broke his trance. [Enjoying the view, Host? It's quite a step up from your old world, isn't it?]

"It's incredible," Alex admitted, unable to tear his eyes away.

As the car approached the city, the forest began to give way to towering structures that seemed to grow out of the earth itself. The buildings blended fantasy and futuristic elements seamlessly—crystalline spires reaching skyward, their surfaces etched with glowing runes, and bridges of light connecting them. In the center of it all stood an enormous tower, its obsidian surface gleaming like polished stone, faint lines of red mana pulsating from its base to its peak.

"That must be The Obsidian Arena Tower," Alex said, staring in awe.

"Correct," Alfred replied, his tone professional. "The Tower is an arena where fighters battle for wealth and reputation. It's divided into three categories: mana battles, body battles, and mixed battles."

"Mixed battles?" Alex asked.

"Where mages and swordsmen face each other," Alfred explained. "Each category tests different skills. The Tower is also separated into floors, with each floor hosting increasingly challenging opponents. The higher you climb, the greater the rewards."

Alex listened intently as Alfred continued. "The Obsidian Tower in this city is a branch, with 50 floors. The Main Tower in Astral City has 100. The floors are divided by rank—H to F on floors 1-10, F to E on 10-20, and so on. Only those below S-rank participate, as the gap between A and S is far too vast."

"And the Astral Academy backs this?" Alex asked.

Alfred nodded. "The Tower serves as a training ground for students, allowing them to test their skills against real opponents. It also provides insight into various combat styles, which is why we're here today."

As they arrived, a valet approached to park the car. Alfred led Alex inside, and Alex was immediately struck by the grandeur of the Tower's interior. The walls were sleek obsidian, etched with glowing runes that pulsed faintly. Mana-powered chandeliers hovered in midair, casting soft light across the polished floors. The central atrium was bustling with people—fighters, spectators, and staff, all moving with purpose.

As Alex walked past groups of people, he couldn't help but notice the stares and whispers.

"Isn't that the young master of the Argoth family?" one person murmured.

"I wonder who he's planning to bully this time," another said, their tone bitter.

"It's best to stay away from him," someone else added. "He's nothing but trouble."

Alex sighed, the weight of his past self's actions pressing on him. He knew he couldn't change the damage that had been done, but he was determined to forge a new path.

Alfred ignored the whispers, leading Alex to a counter where a well-dressed attendant greeted them. Alfred pulled out a sleek black card, presenting it with a calm authority.

"I'd like a private room on the tenth floor," Alfred said.

The attendant's eyes widened briefly at the sight of the black card but quickly regained their composure. "Of course, esteemed guest. Right this way."

As they followed the attendant to an elevator, Alex leaned closer to Alfred. "What's with the card? And why are they treating us like royalty?"

Alfred's expression didn't waver. "The Tower issues VIP cards based on the floors you've cleared. Each rank has a color—white at the lowest, black at the highest. My card represents reaching the top floor."

Alex's eyes widened. "You've reached the highest floor? That means you've cleared floor 100 in the Main Tower."

Alfred gave a faint smile but said nothing more. Before Alex could ask, the elevator doors opened to a lavish private room. Plush seats surrounded a crystal-clear viewing window overlooking the arena below. A table was set with refreshments, and the air carried a faint scent of mana-rich incense.

The attendant bowed. "If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask."

As the door closed, Alfred gestured for Alex to sit. "The first fight will begin soon. If you have questions, ask them now."

Alex hesitated, his thoughts swirling with everything he'd just learned. But before he could speak, the lights dimmed, and an announcement echoed through the room.

"The first match: a battle between two mages. Prepare to witness the power of mana in combat!"

Alfred leaned back, his eyes fixed on the arena. "Watch closely, Alex. This is just the beginning."