Chapter 159 - Overwhelming Pressure
The tower in front of them was massive, but the inside of it was even more spectacular. The six Champions were entered through the wide doors of the tower as soon as the set time reached.
Noah felt the changes around him as he felt slight pressure after he entered the first floor, with no other changes besides that. The first floor was an expansive room of brightly glowing fauna, giving the tower a calming look as the six champions looked among one another and then descended onto the wide black space at the center of the room that transferred them to the next floor.
Outside of the Aqua Tower where Atlanteans and Merfolk were congregated, a bright blue screen had appeared beside the large tower that showed six names.
Three were neon in color and three were golden, signifying three Legendary and three Mythical individuals taking this challenge today.
The inhabitants of Atlantis watched the movement of names on the screen with rapt attention while discussing their movements.
In a few minutes, all six names were on the twentieth floor as they passed through them with ease, their powerful bodies withstanding the pressure as if it was nothing.
Noah continued to feel the increasing pressure around him, but every time he entered another floor and increased pressure descended, his body would adapt and the pressure would be reduced.
He wasn't forced to use any skills to take the pressure head-on so far.
Another tens of minutes passed and the names in a golden shade that signified Mythical individuals on the screen were leading ahead and had reached the fiftieth floor, with the ones at Legendary stage still passing through the floors in the forties.
"Its exciting so far, not a single dud that has suddenly dropped out has appeared below the 50th floor so far."
"Ah, I'm jealous just imagining what the one to reach the furthest floor today will receive. Can you imagine the enhancement that comes with a Golden Serum that is highly concentrated? Someone might even be able to gain the Golden Sea Body that we've only heard about from history."
"Haha that myth? There were very few in history that were able to reach the 100th floor. It's unlikely you'll see history write itself today"
There were many discussions and arguments going around as the inhabitants of Atlantis watched the names continuing to descend down the Aqua Tower.
Ula was closely watching the names, even more at the golden shining name of Noah. He was the Atlantean from the City of Liquinia that just arrived in Atlantis and was trying this for the first time, yet he followed the others with ease as his name remained in the top 3 of those descending down.
The floors of the Aqua Tower were all similar in their designs, having resplendently glowing faunas growing amongst the pristine floors with pulsing blue lines running on the walls.
The arduous journey down the tower continued as the Atlanteans and Merfolk finally noticed a change. One name had pulled away from the others!
"Who is leading?!"
Their sharp eyes saw the glowing name that read Noah, as he stepped on the 65th floor faster than the other 5 Champions. The moment his feet landed onto the floor, he felt a crumbling pressure that he couldn't withstand with his body alone. His face hardened as he quickly activated the fifth style of Mountain Sea Sect, [Descent of the Emperor].
ZOOM!
A shining light resounded out as the regal aura and outline of an emperor wrapped around Noah, a shining blue crown appearing above his head as his shoulders that were slumped raised again. He let out a deep breath as his body was raised, the pressure still palpitating but bearable.
He glanced around the floor that didn't seem to have any sophisticated machines or items that continued to cause this increasing pressure, and even going down to a similar sea level on the outside shouldn't change the pressure by this much. Noah knew why he was here though, so he persevered. His advance was unhindered as he continued, his goal being the most concentrated serum at the lowest floor of the Aqua Tower, as well as the information he would gain from reaching the lowest floor.
Surprised gasps and discussions continued outside as an unknown name took the lead for the challenge to select more Seekers of Atlantis. In a location not too far from the Aqua Tower, an Atlantean with the usual golden hair stood atop a ferocious [War Shark] as he observed the happenings of the tower below him.
The rapidly moving name that continued to descend through the floors caught his eyes as his figure came closer to the Aqua Tower. The appearance of the [War Shark] that moved closer to the Aqua Tower caught the attention of the surrounding Atlanteans and Merfolk as the discussion quieted down somewhat, the person appearing was undoubtedly someone of high importance
He stood grandly atop the [War Shark] as the masses parted, coming near the entrance of the tower where Ula, the mermaid that had been taking care of Noah, bowed down towards him.
"Prince."
The man referred to as the prince nodded towards Ula as he asked.
"What do we know about him?"
"He's an Atlantean that appeared in the City of Liquinia a while back. He passed through the trial of becoming a champion with ease, and now seems to be doing the same."
The Prince nodded as he continued.
"That's all we know?"
"Yes, Prince."
A sharp light passed through his eyes as he heard this and looked at the name that continued to rise higher in the ranks as it continued to descend. The 70th floor was soon reached as the watchers outside floated with bated breaths. Would a Seeker be crowned just like this?
They didn't have to wait long as a blue light was released from the tower, expanding outwards as cheers were released from the floating Atlanteans and Merfolk. The release of blue light signified that the 71st floor was reached!
OOOH!
The sharp light in the Prince's eyes increased as a light smile appeared on his face. Finally, yet another Seeker would join them. He was thinking of a way to give them a grand welcome, when his thoughts stopped as the light that was on the 71st floor...quickly entered 72.
Silence came to the surroundings as the people realized what had occurred. The contestant Noah, had not taken the prize at the 71st floor, and continued further down. Excitement began to course through the bodies of those watching as a thought appeared in all of their minds. Were they about to witness something incredible?
A few minutes back before Noah went further down the tower, a mechanical voice had resounded on the 71st floor as soon as he stepped in.
[Successfully cleared 70 floors, Grade 3 Golden Serum is available as a reward. The modification that will be carried out will grant you a body that will be as tough as Neon Battle Suits. Will you claim the reward or continue?]
An elevated clear glass table magically rose from the ground as mechanical attachments with long needles appeared in the room. The tubes had golden liquid flowing through them as they waited for Noah's reply. He looked around at the astounding sight as his face remained firm and he replied.
"I will continue!"