The pendant on my neck glowed again that morning, brighter than ever before. For weeks, it had only pulsed faintly whenever I meditated, but this time the light was alive — restless, calling me.
I sat cross‑legged near the cliff of Aarvak Island, closing my eyes to focus. The hum of the ocean faded, replaced by a soft voice only my soul could hear.
"You are ready, Mukul Sharma. Let the seal open."
The voice wasn't human; it felt ancient, patient, and kind. The pendant grew warm, almost hot. A spiral of golden symbols wrapped around me, forming a dome of light. Then, before I realised it, the ground vanished beneath me.
I was no longer on the island.
The place I landed in was unlike anything I had ever seen. A vast expanse of silver clouds stretched in every direction. Floating pillars of light rose high into the darkness above. And in the far distance stood an impossibly tall tower — so high its peak disappeared into infinity.
At the base of the tower were glowing doors, each marked by runes older than any human language I knew. The pendant hovered near me, its voice echoing softly.
"Mukul, this is the Infinite Training Hall—a world hidden inside the pendant. Its tower holds more than ten thousand floors, each one guarded by creatures, spirits, and warriors born from past eras."
I touched the nearest wall; it radiated energy. "And if I clear every floor?"
"You grow. Each victory grants rewards — weapons, potions, and techniques. But every tenth floor bears a Guardian. Defeat them, and they will serve you, bound by loyalty and soul."
My pulse quickened. "So this... is the heart of Etherion inside the pendant."
"Yes," the voice said faintly. "And now, it is yours."
I walked up to the gate of the very first floor. The runes glowed blue, sensing my energy. Then, slowly, the door opened with a low hum.
Inside spread a forest made entirely of silver trees. The air smelled like metal and thunder. Strange creatures crawled through the shadows — beings made of molten stone, their eyes burning like coals.
The pendant whispered, "Defeat the floor beast and claim your reward."
A roar echoed across the air. From a cliff ahead, a massive creature appeared—a Stormfang Tiger, its fur alive with arcs of lightning.
I steadied my breath and drew my blade, Astra, letting my spirit energy flow into it. The tiger's eyes locked onto me, and in a blink, it leapt forward, lightning trailing behind.
Its claws cut through the air, but I twisted aside, countering with a slash of compressed energy. Sparks flew. The beast's strength was incredible; every strike sent tremors through the ground.
We circled each other, exchanging blow after blow. My arms burned, my spirit nearly dry, until instinct took over. I poured my last strength into one technique — Thunder Split Slash.
The blade struck true. A burst of lightning surged outward, shattering the storm around us. The tiger roared once more before dissolving into streams of light.
The forest calmed. The pendant's voice returned.
"Floor One — cleared. Reward: Energy Potion, Intermediate Weapon Technique—Blade of Tempest."
I smiled, exhausted but thrilled. "One down, nine thousand nine hundred ninety‑nine to go."
Days turned into weeks inside the pendant's timeless space. I fought beasts of ice and fire, spirit wolves, stone golems, and even shadow dragons across the second, third, and fourth floors. With each victory, I earned new techniques, potions, and crystals that refined my cultivation.
Every battle tested my mind and heart more than my body. Some monsters attacked with illusions, forcing me to conquer my fears to win. Others required a strategy — how to balance my energy and timing.
When I finally reached the tenth floor, the tower itself trembled. Gold light poured from the ceiling, forming a colossal gate twice my height. On its surface, a single rune glowed crimson: Trial of the Guardian.
The pendant whispered, "This one will test your leadership."
I stepped through.
The chamber inside glowed with fiery red light. Lava rivers crisscrossed the floor like veins. In the centre stood a man in crimson armour, holding a golden spear. His eyes were molten orange, hair flowing like living flame.
"I am Ignis, the First Guardian of the Tower," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "Master of Flame and War."
I took a cautious step forward. "You're the tenth‑floor guardian?"
"Yes. Prove yourself, and my flame will serve your will."
Without warning, he slammed his spear into the ground. Fire erupted like a volcano.
The heat forced me to shield my face. He leapt through the inferno, striking fast, every blow leaving trails of burning light. I blocked barely in time, feeling the power of each strike rattle through my bones.
"Your fire is wild, Guardian!" I shouted.
"Then control it!" He roared.
I spun, channelling the Blade of Tempest technique. Wind and lightning merged with his fire — two storms colliding.
Flames twisted into spirals, and at their center our weapons met. The explosion lit the entire chamber, waves of colour flashing blue, red, and gold.
For an instant, time itself seemed to stop. Then the fire went out.
Ignis knelt, his weapon dissolving into embers. "You have my respect. From this moment, my flame answers only to you."
A faint smile touched my lips. "Then rise, Guardian Ignis."
When the battle ended, the pendant shimmered again. New energy flowed through me, stronger and purer than before.
A golden mark shaped like a flame appeared on my right wrist — proof of my first victory.
Outside the pendant, the air of Aarvak Island responded. A pillar of fire burst briefly from the cave's centre before calming. Ignis now stood beside me in physical form, wearing his armour but looking more human than ever.
"You called, my lord?" he said respectfully.
I still wasn't used to being called that. "Just Mukul will do," I said with a grin. "We'll fight together from now on."
Ignis bowed slightly. "Then my flame belongs to your destiny."
The pendant pulsed—the Tower within waiting for me to climb again.
Ten thousand floors. Ten thousand challenges. A thousand memories buried in fire and time.
And now, the journey had truly begun—with my first guardian walking beside me, and the Tower's endless call echoing deep within my soul.