Chapter 98: Will: Third Limiter

Principal Yuan continued his speech with an air of grandiosity, "And after that, the Raven Master will personally reveal his next test.

Believe it or not, this is the greatest opportunity you will ever have in your lives."

His words electrified the crowd. Ruchir and the other students who had come for this selection felt a surge of determination.

This was their chance to prove themselves, to achieve greatness under the guidance of the revered Raven Master. The principal, seeing the fire in their eyes, smiled with satisfaction. "Let the climb begin!" he declared.

With that, the students surged forward toward the base of the mountain. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation.

The mountain loomed above them, almost brown with a tinge of black, its rugged surface dotted with treacherous paths and sheer cliffs. The task seemed straightforward: climb to the top. But as the students approached the first step, it became clear that this was no ordinary ascent.

People in the crowd watched in shock as many students stopped at the very first step, their faces contorted with strain.

They were sweating profusely, as if they had already climbed thousands of steps. Garret, who had managed to reach the fourth step, paused to observe the strange phenomenon.

"What's in the fifth step?" Garret wondered aloud, wiping the sweat from his brow. He was breathing heavily, the effort of climbing just these few steps taking a visible toll on him.

At that moment, Flippy, with an almost casual grace, stepped onto the fifth step and then continued to the sixth without hesitation.

The crowd gasped in astonishment. How was it that others were struggling so much, yet Flippy seemed unaffected?

Below, the people were filled with confusion and intrigue. The students who had stopped at the first step looked as if they were enduring an immense burden.

Their legs trembled, and some were on the verge of collapsing. Yet, here was Flippy, moving forward with ease.

"Why is it that others are stopped at the fifth step while you can easily cross it without breaking a sweat?" someone in the crowd murmured, the question hanging in the air.

Garret, seeing Flippy's effortless progression, felt a mix of envy and curiosity. He gritted his teeth and took a deep breath, preparing himself to step onto the fifth step.

He placed his foot down and immediately felt a heavy pressure bearing down on him. It was as if an invisible force was trying to push him back.

Principal Yuan observed the students with a keen eye. This test was designed not just to measure physical endurance but also to gauge their mental fortitude and resolve.

The mountain's steps were imbued with a special technique, creating a field of resistance that grew stronger with each step. It was a test of willpower as much as it was of strength.

Alice, seeing Flippy's progress, steeled herself and followed suit. She moved with swift precision, her wind and stealth techniques aiding her ascent. Each step was a battle, but she pressed on, driven by the desire to prove herself.

The scene at the base of the mountain became a chaotic mix of effort and determination. Students pushed their limits, some managing to climb a few more steps before being forced to pause and gather their strength.

The crowd watched in a mix of awe and sympathy, the sheer difficulty of the task becoming increasingly apparent.

As the students continued their arduous climb, the principal's smile widened. He could see who among them had the potential to overcome the challenges and reach the top.

The Raven Master's disciple selection was no ordinary event, and only those with the greatest resolve would succeed.

As Ruchir stepped onto the fifth step, his vision blurred momentarily, and when it cleared, he found himself facing an enormous mountain.

It was so tall that even the clouds were far below its peak. The sight was awe-inspiring and intimidating.

An old Taoist, with a long white beard and eyes full of wisdom, appeared before him.

"Climb the mountain," the Taoist instructed, his voice echoing in the vast expanse.

Determined, Ruchir began his ascent. He climbed for what felt like days, the landscape around him changing subtly but constantly.

The path was steep and treacherous, and he encountered various challenges along the way: rocky terrains, steep cliffs, and harsh weather.

The journey stretched on for weeks and then months, with no end in sight. His body grew weary, his spirit tired, and despair began to creep into his heart.

As he climbed, his mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. He knew this was not just a physical test; it was designed to break his will.

He recalled the principal's words about determination and realized this was the essence of the trial.

The endless climb symbolized the endless struggles one faces in the pursuit of greatness.

In a moment of clarity, he understood the true nature of the test. It wasn't about reaching the top of the mountain; it was about realizing the futility of the physical climb and instead seeking enlightenment from within.

The mountain was an illusion, a metaphor for his inner struggles. Once he accepted this, he felt a profound shift in his consciousness.

Ruchir stopped climbing and sat down in a meditative pose. He closed his eyes and focused inward, seeking the truth within himself. His mind became calm, and the illusion around him began to dissolve.

When he opened his eyes, he was back on the fifth step of the mountain at the foot of the Raven Master's domain.

To his astonishment, he realized he had broken through the third limiter and had entered the sixth step.

Regaining his composure, Ruchir continued his ascent. The physical challenge resumed, but this time he felt a newfound strength and clarity. When he reached the tenth step, he noticed a sudden increase in gravity. The weight bore down on him, almost causing him to lose his balance and fall. Each step after that seemed to magnify the gravitational force exponentially.

At the eleventh step, the gravity increased again. Ruchir braced himself, knowing that with each step, the difficulty would only intensify. His muscles strained under the immense pressure, and every movement required tremendous effort. By the time he reached the fiftieth step, the gravity was twenty-five times that of normal gravity. The pressure was immense, testing his limits both physically and mentally.

Ruchir paused to catch his breath, sweat pouring down his face. His body ached, and every muscle felt like it was on fire.

Despite the pain, he was determined to keep going. He knew that this trial was designed to push him beyond his limits and to test his resolve.

The Raven Master's disciple selection was not just about physical prowess; it was about mental fortitude and the ability to endure the impossible.

As he stood on the fiftieth step, he looked up at the daunting path ahead. The mountain seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky, each step a greater challenge than the last.

He took a deep breath and prepared himself for the journey ahead, knowing that every step brought him closer to his goal. The climb was arduous, but Ruchir was resolute. He would not give up, no matter how difficult the path became.