The God Virus

On the other side, Virus was also furrowing his brows in a frown when the same archaic ancient sound that he heard many times on each floor interrupted his deliberation.

"Congratulations to you both trial taker number nine and eleven! You have both reached the center of the maze of infinity, thus, you've successfully completed the third floor!"

In reaction to that announcement, both Virus and Hellarose felt as if they were listening to the most beautiful melody in the world. At the same time, a substantial amount of smoke came out of nowhere as it entered their marks at the back of their palms and strengthened them even further!

One moment, they both had wondered if that was the end of the road for them and that they were going to die, but the next moment they were notified that it was indeed the end of the road, just not the way they had imagined.

Soon, the emotionless voice of the archaic being on the other side seemed to momentarily regain some of its sentiment as it added, "You should thank the heavens for picking that portal gate just now, if you had chosen any other one, considering the abrupt increase in the level of difficulty in the following trials after going into the Sphinx's glass gate, I bet you both would've been dead already!"

"Hmm, you are a lucky person trial taker number eleven, even though I had some hopes for other participants to survive, there were none for you. And yet against all the odds, you kept getting stronger and stronger as you opposed your fate." The archaic being wasn't trying to compliment Virus as it was merely stating the truth and nothing but the truth.

"Are you going to send us to the fourth floor, now?" Not bothering himself with its nonsense, Virus inquired.

"Yes. You are going to the fourth floor now which is the final floor for you participants of the Invisible Ancient Fortress. The rest cannot be accessed by you." Without holding back, the archaic being clarified.

'Hmm, so there are still higher floors, just that we are forbidden from entering them, interesting… I wonder what this place is.' Being the analytic Artificial Intelligence he was, Virus deliberated the true identity of this place. Albeit, not having enough information, his scrutiny was fruitless.

"However, do not be worried, the dangerous trials have ended for you guys, the next floor will be slightly different." The second the ancient sound was done talking, both Hellarose and Virus vanished from the center of the maze of infinity.

…

Amongst a world of clouds, there was an unimaginably broad and lengthy case of stairs that seemed to disappear off somewhere into the infinite clouds. Alas, only an extremely limited amount of the stairs could be perceived 

Nonetheless, in the sections that could be indeed discerned with the naked eyes, on both sides of the stairs, there were hundreds of library panels filled with books that had been put on display.

Suddenly at this time, at the very foot of the stairs, two figures flashed into existence.

"Hmm?" Immediately, both of the newcomers seemed to have been startled as they looked around at the world of clouds in amazement and awe.

"Phew… such an otherworldly place, so mesmerizing I feel like I would lose myself." In utter disbelief, Hellarose exclaimed.

"Yeah…" Although Virus was rarely moved by beauty alone to such an extent, he had to admit that it was a stunning place to be at.

"What's this place though?" 

"Trial taker number nine and eleven, Welcome to the fourth floor. I shall not tell you the name of this location since you are not worthy. I'll straight away get to the explanations." There was no contempt whatsoever in its tone when it said 'you are not worthy' as if it was merely stating a fact.

"Do you see that case of stairs and the panels of books that are placed on each side of the stairs?" Throwing that rhetorical question, the archaic noise continued, "that shall be your trial and reward as well."

"You will be given one chance to climb that path of stairs and reach the height you can endure. The moment you reach the limit of your ascension, you are advised to immediately pick the library panel at your level and choose one book of your own desire from there."

"Keep in mind, you are borrowing the knowledge. The instant you pick a book, all of its knowledge shall be lent to you until you achieve its purpose."

"Hmm? Is that so? But is ascending the stairs hard? Why is that the case? Does it consume our energy the higher we climb?" Wanting to know more, Virus raised a logical question.

"Yes, it will be hard. No, it does not consume your energy. In this specific trial, two factors determine the height you can climb." Maintaining its emotionless voice, the ancient being elucidated.

Subsequently, the elaboration started, "The first one is the mark of the Invisible Ancient Fortress World on the back of your palm. The more distinct you were capable of making the tattoo so far, the longer you shall be able to endure the pressure of the stairs as long as you also possess the second factor."

Since the voice was yet to get to the ending line of the explanation, it went on, "The second factor is the extent of your determination and willpower, the more determination you have, the further you may be able to tread on the path."

"However, be warned, you cannot climb the stairs without any of the two, both have to be present."

"If you have determination alone but no mark, then the pressure shall throw you off the stairs." Using the most impassive tone, it resumed, "If you have the mark but no determination, the stairs shall still expel you at once!"

"Hmm, I see. And I assume the higher we climb, the more valuable the books we can select from the panels become, correct?" Just to make sure, Virus pointed out this small detail that hadn't been mentioned during the entire course of the conversation. Although it was highly unlikely, he didn't want to climb all the way up just to realize that all the books were of the same worth, that would be a tragic outcome indeed.

"That is correct."

Releasing a pronounced sigh, Virus threw his final question to the table, "I understand now. Can we begin?"

"Yes, you can, very soon. But wait a moment."

Just as the Archaic sound was done, abruptly, the two saw more light flashing as several figures materialized in front of them.

They were respectively the two disguised participants who still had their cloaks on, Hadelia, the academician, and finally the third prince of the barbarians Ra who had just escaped from Virus' grasp a while ago.

"Huh?" Catching the sight of Ra, energy began to bubble within Virus' physique while he was getting ready to charge at him before ripping him into many pieces immediately.

On the other side, Ra's face went ashen white instantly as he looked around nervously, trying to find any path he could escape to.