Awakening The Only SSS-Rank Class! Now Even Dragons Obey Me Chapter 768: Three Month Later III

Three months had elapsed, yet the capital city still had not recovered its former vitality. Streets that once shone with life and activity were now obscured by metal scaffolding and incomplete walls. The Awakened, organized into various teams, were diligently engaged in reconstruction, utilizing both mana and specialized equipment. Some erected new fortifications, others reinforced temporary structures, while a few simply stood, their gazes fixed upon the void where something significant had once been. The sky above was clear, but it offered no solace or sense of peace. The war had concluded, but its profound impact lingered palpably. Amidst this partially restored metropolis, Daniel emerged from his residence. A gentle breeze rustled his hair as his eyes swept across the cityscape, still bearing the visible scars of conflict. His gaze paused momentarily. "...I ought to visit him." He had intended to see Varnos. Before embarking on the challenge of the Tower's fourth floor, there were matters requiring discussion, primarily concerning future endeavors. Specifically, he wished to inform him of his impending departure from the country. With no remaining adversaries within the nation and no further threats directed at him, the Guild had effectively concluded its immediate objectives. In essence, the opportune moment had arrived for him to advance. He took a step forward, but the piercing ring of his phone interrupted his movement. Pausing briefly, he withdrew his phone. The caller ID displayed a name that softened his expression slightly: Alice. He accepted the call. "Hello?" "We've accomplished it!" The voice on the other end resonated with palpable excitement. A faint smile touched Daniel's lips. "The first floor?" "Yes! We've completely cleared it. As per Guild protocol, we've proceeded to Fallen Sun to file our report. Our task is complete... Are you coming to collect us?" "Remain where you are. I'm on my way." Daniel fell silent for a few seconds, then stated quietly. Upon the call's conclusion, he remained stationary for an additional moment. A peculiar sense of calm, unlike anything he had experienced in recent months, settled within his chest. It would be misleading to claim he hadn't harbored concerns for his sisters. While it was true they possessed exceptional power, surpassing any prodigy of their generation, therein lay the challenge. Their heightened abilities presented a more demanding trial within the Tower's tests. He then began to move. The Fallen Sun Guild headquarters, in contrast to many sections of the city, had largely escaped destruction. Military-trained sentries guarded its entrance, and within, Awakened individuals moved with silent determination. Daniel entered without hesitation. Numerous gazes turned towards him; he was instantly recognizable. Some instinctively made way for him. Following the recent events, he had become the nation's most renowned figure. Even prior to this, his concealed identity had already garnered considerable acclaim. Now, amplified by the war, his fame had reached unprecedented heights. Many privately referred to him as the strongest individual in the country. And then, he saw them. Alice and Tiana stood beside one of the grand pillars. For a moment, Daniel simply observed them. Alice was no longer the exuberant girl she once was; her gaze now held a firmer resolve, her movements more deliberate. Tiana, too, seemed transformed, possessing a deeper tranquility, as if an experience had instilled a quietude within her. Both had undergone a significant change. "...They've matured." "We're here!" Alice was the first to spot him. She raised her hand and spoke with a smile. A few minutes later, the three of them were in the car. Daniel had considered arranging a meeting with the leaders of the Fallen Sun Guild, but the sisters appeared too fatigued for such an undertaking. A brief silence enveloped them. "How was the first floor?" Daniel inquired, his attention fixed on the road ahead. "It wasn't a confined space... it was an expansive area. Resembling a forest, yet... not entirely natural," Alice explained, taking a deep breath. "They referred to it as the 'Silent Zone.' None of the systems functioned correctly. No maps, no accurate enemy level indicators, and virtually no mana!" Tiana elaborated. "So, it was a test of survival." Daniel's eyebrows lifted slightly. His own experience on the first floor had also been a survival challenge, and a particularly arduous one at that. He had been forced to evade a creature far more formidable than himself in an icy mountain environment and endure. Naturally, he had successfully completed the floor. "Survival, not just against monsters, but against people as well." Alice nodded in agreement. "Initially, we presumed it would be straightforward. A few monsters, a defined environment… we expected a swift completion. However, we were mistaken." Her expression turned serious for a moment. "The monsters… they were akin to hunters. They lay in wait. They observed and adapted. They even anticipated our movements," Tiana recounted quietly. "At one point, we were extremely close to failure. If that other group hadn't appeared..." Alice let out a laugh, though it carried a hint of weariness.

A slight sting to her pride was felt. She had never imagined requiring assistance on the Tower's first floor, having been so certain she could manage things solo.

However, she had been demonstrably wrong. No matter her personal power, the Tower scaled its expectations to meet her. This was the reason all the monsters encountered had been C-rank.

"Another group?"

"There were three of them. A girl wielding ice, a boy manipulating shadows, and one individual... who favored analysis over direct combat."

"Without their intervention, we would never have survived the third night," Tiana added, her voice tinged with relief.

"That's quite a feat for the first floor," Daniel mused, considering the information for a few moments.

"So, does this confirm it?" Alice inquired with a smile.

"It means you returned alive," Daniel stated. He felt a profounder sense of joy that his sisters were back safely than that they had conquered the first floor.

As they hadn't mentioned the 'Hell' difficulty setting, it appeared the Tower hadn't deemed them worthy of such a challenge, a fact that caused Daniel to ponder.

Both his sisters were now considerably more potent than he had been at their current cultivation ranks. Therefore, he wouldn't have been surprised if their initial floor had indeed been set to 'Hell' difficulty.

Yet, it had not been so. Upon questioning them directly and receiving their confirmation, his certainty grew.

"Difficulty? I believe it was 'Extreme'," Tiana responded after a brief period of reflection.

This implied that the 'Hell' difficulty wasn't solely predicated on an Awakened's current strength. It might be more intrinsically linked to their future potential rather than their present might.

Perhaps this was the reason the death penalty was active. Ordinarily, on the Tower's first floor, death was not final; even upon demise, one would be resurrected.

However, within the 'Hell' difficulty, such was not the case. Death indeed meant true finality.

Could it be that the Tower sought to eliminate individuals with exceptionally high potential from the outset? But if so, why would it pursue such a course of action?

Surely, the Tower's purpose was to foster the growth of Awakened individuals, wasn't it? This line of reasoning seemed entirely illogical.

He ceased his contemplation on the matter, lacking any concrete evidence to substantiate his theories.

A short while later, the vehicle slowed to a halt before their residence.

As the door swung open, Liana was visible, standing expectantly. For a fleeting moment, her gaze swept over them, as if needing reassurance that they were truly present.

Then, without uttering a word, she moved forward and enveloped both young women in a powerful embrace.

"Thank goodness..." Her voice, though quiet, carried a distinct tremor.

Alice and Tiana returned the embrace with equal fervor.

Minutes later, the interior of the house resonated with the sounds of animated conversation and joyous laughter.

"Alright, recount every detail. What did you witness? Were you frightened?" Liana inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Alice began her eager narration, describing their initial night, the errors they made, and the precise moment they felt utterly trapped with no escape.

Tiana occasionally interjected with nuances, details Alice might have overlooked.

Daniel observed the proceedings in silence, a subtle, almost imperceptible smile gracing his lips. Yet, this fleeting expression soon vanished. He quietly rose from his seat.

"I have an appointment... I must depart now."

"Take care of yourself," Liana simply met his gaze and then offered a nod.

Daniel offered no further words. He cast a brief glance at the three women before exiting the house.

The sky was beginning to adopt a dusky hue.

The thoroughfares had grown noticeably more tranquil, and certain sectors of the metropolis remained shrouded in the lingering gloom of devastation. Eschewing the car, he opted to fly.

Fortunately, he had secured authorization for aerial transit within the capital's airspace.

It wasn't long before his destination was reached.

Varnos's residence. Regrettably, the Guild headquarters and its surrounding environs had been utterly destroyed, necessitating ongoing reconstruction efforts that would consume considerable time. This unfortunate circumstance necessitated their meeting at this alternate location.

The imposing, closed gates stood in silent sentinel. The area surrounding them was eerily calm, perhaps too serene.

He delivered a gentle series of knocks.

Knock knock!