Outside the Tower, Headmaster Jean and the others monitored the surroundings carefully. They were afraid that something might just pop out of the Tower if they ignored this matter.
Jean squinted his eyes as he summoned Vale's shadow in his palms…
"It's still here… However, the shadow isn't moving. Did he enter another realm?" Headmaster Jean muttered as he looked at the unmoving shadow. This rarely happens, so he could only guess Vale's situation.
'This Tower must be taken down in the future…' Jean considered this matter seriously.
The Dark Arts Factions didn't build the Dark Soul Tower. The Tower was already erected on this land, hidden behind a mountain, before the Academy was even made.
Jean's knowledge about this place was also quite limited to what he heard from the Patriarchs of the Five Main Families of the Dark Arts Faction and the Previous Headmaster of the Academy.
Nevertheless, there was one thing he was sure of, the Dark Soul Tower was sealing a Mysterious Existence.
Some believe that this Mysterious Existence is an ethereal spirit, the remnants of a powerful Necromancer who once sought immortality and merged their essence with the Tower. Others speculate that it was a manifestation of the collective knowledge and energy accumulated within the Tower over countless centuries.
On the other hand, According to the First Patriarch of the Moontomb Family, the Mysterious Existence was said to be a guardian of the Tower, tasked with preserving something that was sealed inside. It is rumored to possess immense wisdom and an intimate understanding of the Dark Arts, especially the Dark Soul Arts.
The First Patriarch of the Vermont Family also mentioned to him that the Mysterious Existence likes to shape-shift, taking on various forms and appearances, making it difficult to discern its true nature.
Some claim to have encountered it as a spectral figure, while others describe it as a shadowy presence or a mesmerizing light that dances through the corridors of the Tower.
What is certain is that the Mysterious Existence holds great significance within the Dark Soul Tower. Those who encounter it are often left with a sense of awe, reverence, and a profound understanding of the immense power that resides within the Tower's depths.
'I wonder how you will change this time, Vale… I hope this is a good opportunity for you.' Jean muttered as he sighed and turned his back, leaving this matter to the Professors and the Fourth Squad of the Order.
***
Meanwhile, inside the Dark Soul Tower, Vale immediately covered himself with his Arcane Armor and Dark Energy. His Spell Dispersion was also ready to be thrown.
With a quick jump, Vale distanced himself from the sound of footsteps before turning his gaze to the Being behind him.
There, standing just a few paces away, was a figure cloaked in darkness. The hood of their cloak obscured their face, leaving only a glimpse of piercing eyes that seemed to shine with an otherworldly light.
Vale's heart quickened, unsure of what to expect from this unexpected visitor.
Vale used his Divine Sense, followed by his Spirit Vision, to see through this Being, but he simply failed. Nevertheless, this also tells him a lot.
'An otherworldly existence…' Vale silently thought.
Then, the Mysterious Existence's gaze locked onto him, its eyes sparkling with recognition and intrigue.
It could sense something unique about Vale, a spark that set him apart from others who had dared to enter the Tower.
"You... You have journeyed through the realms of life and death."
The Mysterious Existence spoke in a voice that resonated with ancient echoes. "I can sense it. You have tasted mortality and emerged anew. Very interesting…"
Vale's eyes widened in astonishment. How could this entity know of his past, of the rejection he had faced in the Spirit World?
Vale looked at the Being with a frown. It was as though the Mysterious Existence possessed a connection to realms beyond the mortal plane.
The entity seemed to have read his thoughts and added. "I have seen a glimpse of your journey, human. Your resilience, your defiance of death... It is a rarity among mortals."
"Hmm?" Vale found something was off. He didn't defy death because he was resilient. It was because of his system!
This tells him that the entity doesn't know the existence of his Divine Extraction System and believes that he defied death with his own efforts.
Vale couldn't help but smirk at this.
After a few moments, he hesitated to speak, unsure of how to respond to the Being in front of him.
Before he could think of something, the entity already continued speaking.
"I want to send you at the core of this Tower to free me… However, you are still too weak. You have the power to resist Demonic Corruption, but that's not enough. You need to get stronger. Reach the level of the weakest Immortal to get a better chance. I will send you away for now. Return once you're ready. If you succeed in freeing me, I'll give you a precious Immortal Item."
'That's it?'
Vale didn't like this request… If he wasn't feeling threatened by this existence, he would immediately say no. However, he knew he had to be careful since he was basically in the base of this fellow.
"But I am weak. I'm unable to fulfill such a task. I cannot free you from this Tower in my current state, or maybe even in the future." Vale replied.
A faint smile danced upon the Mysterious Existence's spectral lips. "Indeed, you lack the talent for such a feat… But I can aid you, even in your mortal form. I offer you this broken Immortal Item, a remnant of its former glory. Though shattered, it still holds great potential."
Vale eyed the broken artifact in the Mysterious Existence's outstretched hand, a mix of skepticism and curiosity in his gaze. The offer was tempting, but he was wary of accepting such a deal without guarantees.
"I will not return to free you unless you provide something of value in return," Vale asserted, his voice firm.
"I seek knowledge, power, and… means to save me from great dangers."
To be honest, he wanted to request corpses from this Being, but he didn't feel comfortable if someone was watching him Extracting corpses.
The Mysterious Existence's eyes gleamed with a mixture of amusement and respect. It understood the mortal's desire for self-gain and ambition. With a nod, it kept the Broken Immortal Item and handed Vale a different one.
"Take this, human…" the Mysterious Existence spoke, its voice laced with a hint of mystery. "Though it is still broken, it possesses the essence of immortality. Use it wisely, and when the time comes, return to fulfill our agreement."
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