A vast, crimson-gold sea of clouds surged, with rays of golden light shining down through the gaps in the clouds. One by one, the students of the Holy Sword Academy stepped onto the misty steps to begin their own trials.
"Last time I made it to 143 steps in about an hour. I don't know how far I'll get this time..." Lancelot looked up at the Holy Sword Stairway, which stretched to the horizon under the golden clouds, and the towering white jade pillars on both sides. His gaze lingered on the names of the people for a moment before he stepped firmly onto the stairs.
Several senior students who had just finished the first round spotted Lancelot, recognized him, and began to discuss it amongst themselves.
"Come quick, isn't that Lancelot? He's here to challenge the Holy Sword Stairway too."
How many levels do you think he can reach?
"Judging from Lujin's progress, he should be able to reach the 300th step, right?" one person said hesitantly.
His companion immediately retorted, "How can you compare him to Lujin? Lancelot is an Innovation School Ability Energy. While I acknowledge his extraordinary talent, the drawbacks of the Innovation School are well-known: it's difficult to build strong combat power in the early to mid-game. Based on past experience, Lancelot will be lucky to even pass level 270; level 300 is highly unlikely."
Another senior student shook her head and said, "I don't think so. Lancelot was able to win the Joint Entrance Examination championship as Innovation School Ability Energy. His growth rate even far exceeds that of an SS-level potential Sublimation School Ability Energy. Although it will be difficult for him to break into the 300th level, it is not impossible."
The group argued incessantly.
Their argument attracted the attention of other students, who became interested when they learned that it was Lancelot, a prominent figure, who had come to challenge the Holy Sword Stairway.
Incited by some weasel-faced guy, they even started a gambling operation, betting a lot of academic credits.
However, most people bet that Lancelot will have difficulty passing 300 steps, while a few bet that he can pass 300 steps but not 350 steps.
As for the options above level 400 in the betting pool, only one person placed a bet.
First-level stepped space.
Lancelot gazed at the unfamiliar figure surrounded by crimson-gold clouds, wondering to himself, "I wonder how things are going with Raquel?"
The thought flashed through his mind, and Lancelot began to focus his attention on the battle before him.
The opponent was a mechanical Transcendent whose body had undergone simple implant modifications. After appearing, he aimed his palm at Lancelot and fired a dense barrage of bullets.
Because they are energy projections, these bullets are also made of energy, and they carry streaks of light as they fly at high speed.
With a thought, Lancelot unleashed a series of diamond-shaped metal plates from his back, which combined to form a steel shield that crackled with blue electricity.
The bullets struck the shield and shattered into points of energy.
"Go!"
With a shout, the steel shield transformed into a dense jet of metal, 502 sharp Steel Feather raining down like Gale, instantly turning the opponent into a beehive.
Passing the first set of steps.
"Tier Three combat power is nothing to me; killing it is easy." Lancelot beckoned, and Steel Feather flew back, wrapping around his arms and transforming into two ferocious-looking Iron Fist.
To speed things up, Lancelot prepared to use melee combat.
Lancelot's Regenerative Bone Marrow Ability Energy and Extraordinary Endurance Attribute Talent him with abundant and exceptional energy and stamina, greatly enhancing his ability to sustain combat, especially in close combat.
Ranged attacks primarily consume energy, while melee attacks consume stamina.
Given Lancelot's current physical condition, he could fight non-stop for an entire day.
Moreover, his extraordinary regenerative abilities extended the time he could use Cell Liberation by nearly ten times.
The scene before him changed, and soon a second opponent appeared—a gentle and graceful female projection. This was an Energy Manipulation type of Ability Energy, who was quickly defeated by Lancelot in close combat.
They swept through the enemy lines.
Completely devastating.
Opponents in ranks 1-300 all have combat power below Tier Six.
Lancelot's current peak combat strength has reached the Tier Seven. In addition, his fighting style is unpredictable and uncontrollable, so no opponent can stop him.
At first, no one paid much attention to Lancelot's soaring ranking.
Even after he broke through 200 steps, he didn't slow down. Some people's hearts started to race; they had been betting that Lancelot wouldn't be able to cross 300 steps.
"Don't worry, climbing the Holy Sword Stairway is like a long-distance race. If you run fast at the beginning, you'll run out of steam later. Just wait and see, it won't be long before Lancelot's speed slows down," a third-year student wearing tactical glasses said with great seriousness.
His words seemed to have come true; Lancelot's progress in the levels did indeed slow down.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, the student with the pointed face and monkey-like features shouted that he could continue to bet more credits. Many students' eyes lit up and they quickly bet more credits.
Raquel's lips curled up slightly as he looked at the increasing number of credits on the betting board. He couldn't help but sigh, thinking that he might not have made as much money as he had in several months of sales.
Indeed, gambling is the only way to get rich.
Of course, the prerequisite is that you have to become the house.
After exchanging a subtle glance with the student wearing tactical glasses, the two began working together again to recruit more people.
Lancelot continued his journey, moving at a snail's pace, but with remarkable tenacity.
250, 251...270, 271...29...
Before he knew it, he had arrived at the entrance with 300 steps.
Those who bet that Lancelot wouldn't be able to clear the 300th step turned pale, while those who bet that Lancelot would be able to clear between the 300th and 350th steps began to smile.
However, as Lancelot crossed the 300th step and gradually approached the 350th step, these people could no longer laugh and all showed bitter faces.