Chapter 31: The First Steps of Ascension

The blinding light of the doorway faded as Aric and his clones emerged into a new realm. It was an entirely different world compared to the chaotic balance of the Nexus Convergence. Here, the sky was a deep violet, streaked with bands of golden light that danced like auroras. The ground beneath their feet was a mixture of smooth obsidian and glowing crystal veins, pulsing softly in rhythm with an unseen force.

System Notification:

[Welcome to the Realm of Ascension.]

[Floor 31 Initiated: The Celestial Plateau.]

[New Objective: Activate the Ascension Pillars (0/4).]

Aric scanned the vast landscape. In the distance, towering structures of light—likely the Ascension Pillars—stood at the edges of the horizon, each one pulsating faintly. Between them and the pillars was a sprawling expanse of treacherous terrain. Floating islands, jagged cliffs, and shimmering rifts in reality dotted the landscape.

"Looks like the Tower's not taking it easy on us," Clone 10 said, flipping his daggers as he surveyed the area. "Not that I expected it to."

"The Trial of Balance was just the warm-up," Aric replied. "This… this feels different. Bigger. Like we're stepping into something far more significant."

Clone 8 crouched, examining the crystalline ground. "The energy here is thick. Almost alive. It's connected to the Tower somehow."

"Not just the Tower," Clone 19 added, his voice subdued. "This is a place where realms overlap. Heaven, Hell, and everything in between—this place is a crossroads for power."

Aric nodded, his mind already working through the implications. "Then the Ascension Pillars must be the key to controlling it."

The group's thoughts were interrupted by a low, resonant hum that filled the air. In the distance, figures began to appear. At first, they looked like shadows, but as they came closer, their forms solidified. They were humanoid, but their bodies were composed of a mixture of light and shadow, constantly shifting and writhing.

System Notification:

[Enemies Detected: Celestial Wraiths.]

[Objective Updated: Defeat the Wraith Sentinels guarding the Ascension Pillars.]

"Of course, there's a catch," Clone 7 muttered, raising his shield.

Aric activated his Nexus Harmony ability, feeling a surge of clarity as his senses expanded. The ability allowed him to attune to the balance of energy around him, identifying weak points in the environment and the enemies.

"They're not just guards," Aric said, his voice sharp. "They're tied to the pillars. The more we defeat, the weaker the protective barrier around the pillars becomes."

Clone 19 stepped forward, his hands glowing with elemental energy. "Then we take them down one by one."

The first wave of Wraiths descended upon them, their forms shifting unpredictably as they attacked. They moved with eerie grace, their strikes infused with both light and shadow. Clone 7 held the front line, his shield glowing with defensive energy as he absorbed the brunt of their attacks.

Aric and the others worked in perfect sync, their movements honed through countless battles. Clone 8 darted around the battlefield, striking from the shadows and disrupting the Wraiths' coordination. Clone 19 unleashed blasts of elemental energy, shattering their forms and forcing them to retreat.

As the group pushed forward, the air grew heavier, the energy around them becoming more unstable. The Wraiths increased in number, their attacks more ferocious. But with every victory, the faint barriers around the Ascension Pillars flickered, their defenses weakening.

After what felt like hours of relentless combat, they reached the first pillar. It stood tall and imposing, its surface inscribed with runes that glowed faintly. Aric placed his hand on the pillar, feeling a surge of power as the runes lit up.

System Notification:

[Ascension Pillar Activated: 1/4.]

As the pillar came to life, the surrounding area changed. The crystalline ground brightened, and the oppressive energy lessened slightly. The Wraiths seemed to hesitate, their forms flickering as if unsure of themselves.

"This is working," Clone 7 said, catching his breath. "But if the first pillar was this well-guarded, the others are going to be worse."

Aric nodded. "We'll need to be smarter about how we approach the next ones. The Wraiths are connected to the pillars, but so is the environment. If we can use that connection to our advantage…"

He trailed off, his mind racing. The Nexus Harmony ability revealed faint currents of energy flowing between the remaining pillars. They weren't just barriers—they were part of a larger network. If they could disrupt that network…

"Clone 19," Aric said, turning to him. "Can you manipulate the energy streams between the pillars?"

Clone 19 frowned, studying the faint lines of power. "It's possible, but it'll take time. I'd need to be close enough to one of the streams to interact with it."

"Then that's our next move," Aric said. "We split up. Clone 19 and I will focus on disrupting the network. The rest of you handle the Wraiths and protect the team."

The group exchanged nods, their resolve unshaken. They had faced worse odds before, and they would face worse again. Together, they moved toward the next pillar, ready to take on whatever challenges awaited them.

As they advanced, Aric couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. The air felt charged, as if some unseen presence was observing their every move. But there was no time to dwell on it now. The Ascension Pillars were their priority, and the path ahead was fraught with danger.

"This is just the beginning," Aric murmured to himself, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "The Tower's secrets are starting to unravel. We just have to survive long enough to uncover them."

With determination burning in their hearts, the group pressed on, their journey through the Realm of Ascension just beginning.