Evan's gaze fixated on his character screen as he read through his attributes.
Name: Evan
Age: 16
Class: Awakened Soul Cultivator
Cultivation realm: Soul Manifestation realm
Level: 12 (Legendary stage of Soul Manifestation realm)
Exp: 1200
Exp required to reach the next level: 1500
Soul Plate: Skill Weaver
Sps: 0
Stats:
Strength: 100, Dexterity: 100, Constitution: 88, Agility: 100, Stamina: 100, Soul energy: 1400
With only 300 EXP left to reach the pinnacle of the Soul Manifestation realm, Evan could already feel the alluring power that awaited him - the power of a Soul Fusion Realm Cultivator. Upon reaching level 13, he would have the opportunity to use the Celestial Connector Pill to advance to the next realm.
Despite this, Evan was cautious and did not want to rush into things. If he were to make a breakthrough during the inheritance war, his enemies would have the chance to accuse him of foul play, claiming it was unfair for a second-step soul manipulator to compete against others still in the Soul Manifestation Realm. This would result in the minor families using legal reasons to restart the inheritance war, but with stronger opponents this time. Such a situation was something Evan could not afford to happen.
While considering the ramifications of making a breakthrough during the inheritance war, Evan's eyes narrowed, and the shadow cast by his long eyelashes emphasized the prominence of his cheekbones.
"I want to use the inheritance war to leave no room for doubt about my abilities or my integrity. Despite it being unfair to me, I will not break through to the next realm until the end of the inheritance war."
'Anyway, what should I do now?' Evan wondered.
Evan was lost in thought, wondering what he should do next when suddenly, the wall of the cravenourous area in the labyrinth split open. Startled by the sound, he turned towards the source, only to see a man stepping out of the darkness.
The man had creamy skin and a sharp, chiseled jawline. His slanted eyes glinted in the dim light, and his yellow hair covered his forehead and reached his eyebrows. His red lips were pressed into a thin smile, and he was dressed in a sleek, stylish suit that accentuated his confident demeanor.
But it was the man's aura was what caught Evan's attention.
It was so thick and dense, like that of a ancient beast.
Evan felt a sense of unease wash over him as he stared at the stranger, his eyes narrowing to the size of thin needles.
He didn't doubt that the man was stronger than him and could snape his neck if he wantes to. He didn't expect to come across someone so strong in just the first floor of the Monster Tower.
As he studied the man, Evan couldn't help but wonder what his intentions were and whether he should be worried. After all, the stranger's aura was unsettling and powerful, and Evan couldn't shake off the feeling that he was in the presence of something dangerous. He knew he needed to tread carefully around this individual.
"Quite interesting. I didn't expect that there would be a climber daring enough to kill all the enemies when the subject of the trial was survival," the man said, his tone tinged with novelty.
Evan was still in shock but managed to compose himself enough to ask, "Who are you?"
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Marcus, the manager of the first floor of the Monster Tower," Marcus replied with a bow, placing his hand on his chest.
"Floor Manager?" Evan muttered under his breath.
According to the historic records of the Imperial Frost Clan, the managers of the Monster Tower were created by the spirit of the tower to oversee and manage the floors of the tower. There were nine of them in total, each with their unique abilities and characteristics.
The managers were said to be powerful beings with immense magical abilities and an unwavering sense of duty to the tower. They were known for their intelligence, cunning, and strategic thinking, which allowed them to devise intricate trials to challenge those who dared to step into and climb the tower.
The appearance of the managers varied widely, but they were all said to be imposing and awe-inspiring figures, with an air of authority that commanded respect from all who encountered them. Some were described as towering giants, while others were more elegant and refined in their appearance like Marcus.
Despite their fearsome reputations, the managers were also said to be just and fair, always striving to uphold the rules and maintain order in the monster tower and making sure that it's well kept.
"So you are a floor manager." Evan breathed a sigh of relief.
Floor managers couldn't harm climbers unless they were provoked.
That meant he didn't need to worry about his life any longer.
Marcus raised an eyebrow in surprise as Evan's response revealed that he already knew about the Floor Managers. "You don't seem shocked at knowing who I am," he remarked.
Evan shrugged nonchalantly.
"Well, I know about you guys from the books," he explained.
"I have read that floor managers don't show themselves in front of climbers unless necessary. What did I do to warrant your attention?" Evan asked.
Marcus's interest was piqued. A normal person would tremble at the sight of him, but Evan was acting like he was certain that he wouldn't be attacked.
Marcus was intrigued by Evan's nonchalant attitude and decided to answer his question.
"You have done something unexpected. The trial was about surviving the chase of vicious monsters for three hours, but you killed all of them in less than two hours, ending it in a way different way than a normie would have. Your performance is way above average. Although not unprecedented, it's excellent," Marcus said, his voice tinged with admiration.
He continued, "According to the rules of the tower, for completing the trial before the time limit and annihilating all the enemies, your reward will be tripled."
