SSS Ranked Awakening: All My Skills Are at Level 100 Chapter 429: First Hurdle in the Tower—2

"I am Velrith Moonscar, the Ascension Tower's mid-level administrator, and I'll be the one personally evaluating your trial today... Mister Paragon."

He spoke with evident amusement, as if the name itself was a jest.

"What a remarkably bold name you’ve chosen. Quite... presumptuous and arrogant for someone clearly of humble origins."

He was plainly trying to provoke a reaction, aiming to elicit something from Leon through anger or pride.

However, Leon remained vigilant, carefully maintaining a neutral expression despite the evident condescension and insults.

Velrith smiled faintly at Leon’s lack of outward reaction, seemingly pleased with his composure.

Then, without any warning, he descended from his elevated position.

WHOOSH!

In an instant—not via spatial teleportation but through sheer, overwhelming physical speed that Leon’s eyes could barely follow—Velrith materialized directly beside him, less than a meter away.

Leon could only flinch instinctively as the man abruptly appeared before him. His body reacted on pure instinct, immediately executing several rapid steps backward to create distance and establish a defensive perimeter.

"Relax, human," Velrith stated casually, making a dismissive gesture with his hand. "I intend no harm."

Yet, his amused gaze seemed to silently convey a different message.

Regardless of the reassurance, Leon maintained his guarded stance, distrusting every word from this obviously arrogant and potentially hostile being.

Actions certainly spoke louder than his words. His movements screamed superiority and disdain.

Velrith’s smile broadened slightly at Leon’s continued wariness and refusal to let his guard down. He then extended an elegant hand and retrieved an object from what appeared to be thin air—clearly extracting it from a high-grade spatial storage artifact.

Leon’s gaze immediately focused intently on the item.

It was an exceptionally luxurious bottle, evidently crafted from some form of crystallized mana or precious material. Within it swirled a luminous liquid that seemed to fluidly cycle through multiple vibrant hues—deep crimson, brilliant azure, radiant gold, pure silver—in mesmerizing, hypnotic patterns.

Even contained, Leon could instantly discern that it was something truly extraordinary due to the potent ambient energy it emitted.

Suddenly, without any effort from Leon to identify it, detailed information materialized in golden text directly before his eyes:

[Prismatic Awakening Elixir]

[Rarity: Legendary]

[Primary Effect: Permanently increases ALL physical and mental stats by exactly 100 points]

[Secondary Effect: Awakens one random Rank 6 elemental affinity in the consumer]

[Note: Awakened affinity will be entirely random—cannot be selected or influenced]

[Value: Immeasurable—Wars have been waged for lesser treasures in certain realms]

This was an incredibly, extraordinarily valuable artifact!

Leon’s eyes involuntarily gleamed upon observing those potent effects so clearly detailed.

With this, Seraphine would experience an immediate and significant increase in strength...

The initial trial separation had starkly illuminated the critical importance of Seraphine becoming significantly more powerful on her own—developing into a true powerhouse rather than someone perpetually reliant on his protection.

To achieve that ultimate objective, he had already firmly resolved that she would soon undergo her class reawakening process, which would propel her to a level far beyond her already impressive current state.

And this particular item would render her vastly better prepared for future perilous trials. Possessing three distinct elemental affinities instead of two would grant an immense tactical and power advantage.

The prospect of three elements to combine and utilize was thrilling; the sheer versatility alone would be incredible.

The trial overseer keenly observed Leon’s facial expressions with predatory interest, clearly perceiving the overt desire and fascination displayed on the human’s features.

He chuckled softly, the sound resonating with deep satisfaction.

"You recognize true quality. Excellent. You may have this item, human. Accept it with my blessings."

He paused deliberately for dramatic effect.

"All you need to do is answer a single, simple question of mine. That is all I require."

Upon hearing this seemingly generous proposal, Leon remained completely silent, his wariness escalating dramatically.

Nothing in this world comes without a price, especially from someone of this nature.

The overseer proceeded with his question nonetheless, despite the lack of a verbal response, his voice imbued with unmistakable pride and superiority.

"This elixir, even among individuals of my standing and elevated status, is a much-sought-after treasure, often leading to intense conflict. Though the affinity awakening is 'merely' Rank 6, it still grants a complete, additional affinity—a prize so valuable that it typically warrants a fight to the death."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in with theatrical effect.

"Rank 7 affinity elixirs are essentially legendary artifacts; entire powerful factions and ancient clans engage in protracted wars to secure even a single dose. Even these Rank 6 versions are exceptionally difficult to obtain by any means, this difficulty fluctuating based on the specific affinity and prevailing market conditions."

Rank 7? Items that can awaken Rank 7 affinity do exist! Leon's mind raced greedily, his eyes widening. It was clear from the situation that both of these items were immensely valuable.

His gaze, sharp as a laser, locked onto Leon with unyielding focus.

"So, tell me, human. Answer this single, straightforward question, and all of this will be yours."

Another deliberate silence stretched between them.

"How is it that a human from a world obviously far beneath this one, with cultivation at merely the Ascendant rank, manages to possess a cosmic system of a higher grade?"

The question lingered in the space between them, heavy with unspoken implications, like a blade poised to strike.

Externally, Leon's expression remained impassive, yet inside, his thoughts churned at a furious pace.

So this is what he detected when I probed him. He's aware I possess a system superior to the norm. Just how much does he truly know?

The overseer resumed speaking, his tone shifting to one of increasing curiosity, a palpable hunger for knowledge evident in his voice.

"It is utterly unprecedented in all my extensive experience and knowledge. Completely unheard of. I attempted to access your basic status information, but for a reason that defies all comprehension, I cannot even perceive your name—an absurdity given the vast disparity in our levels."

Velrith's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of genuine confusion and frustration crossing his features.

"I can ascertain that you are at the Ascendant rank of cultivation—that much is readily apparent. However, the secrets you hold are undeniably heaven-defying in nature. Are you perhaps some ancient, immensely powerful being's meticulously planned reincarnation? Yet, even that extreme explanation falls short of adequately accounting for how you possess a cosmic system of such apparent caliber."

He leaned forward slightly, his entire posture radiating an intense, gripping interest.

"Or the reason why I—someone more than one hundred full levels above your current, rather pathetic rank—cannot even scrutinize your most fundamental information, such as your name. Your Class and affinity could theoretically be concealed from detection, as I too possess a cosmic system of a higher grade. But your physical stats, your skills, your name, your Age, your racial details—everything? That should be utterly impossible through any known means."

The beastfolk's smile took on a distinctly predatory edge, revealing the glint of sharp fangs.

"I cannot allow this captivating enigma to remain unanswered and unexplored. This secret alone—whatever method you employ—would grant me rewards and recognition far exceeding the value of this paltry elixir, as valuable as it is."

Leon considered for only a fleeting moment before responding with clear, unwavering resolve.

"I unequivocally decline your offer."

His voice was firm, devoid of any trace of hesitation.

With sufficient causality accumulated over time, I can acquire items with effects comparable to this, or even of superior quality, directly from the cosmic shop. Alternatively, I can obtain similarly potent rewards by ascending the Tower and conquering its challenges—which is, in all likelihood, how this overseer acquired that elixir in the first place.

Leon is unaware that for ordinary individuals, even those who have achieved immortality, the accumulation of causality presents an insurmountable hurdle. Earning causality is no simple feat.

But who could possibly inform him of this, especially when he's negotiating with higher beings capable of obliterating his world with a mere expell? Well, if they were to acknowledge him.