Chapter 152: The Edge of Ascension

The Giant Tower stood tall and imposing.

Beneath the Spirit Tower, which glowed with a dark blue light, a large contingent of Awakener soldiers in army green uniforms formed two neat rows to welcome the arrival of many high-ranking officials from the Capital. As many as seventy Third-Stage Awakened patrolled solemnly to prevent any mishaps.

As one of the most vital structures in the post-apocalyptic development of spirit technology, this place not only supplied continuous spirit energy but also served as a trial tower for the System Link.

The high-tech, mysterious Spirit Tower stood in stark contrast to the surrounding buildings.

Bulletproof military vehicles were parked outside the Spirit Tower, and every person stepping out held an exceptionally high status.

After several blue-grade spirit off-road vehicles rolled to a stop, all eyes turned toward them in anticipation.

“Has Commander Zhang arrived? I think I saw his military badge.”

“Not only him—there’s also the deputy commander of the Shujing Group Army. I heard that several high-ranking officials from the Fire Seed Plan are here.”

“What are they here for? I haven’t even heard what today’s event is… Who’s up for promotion to Third-Stage?”

Whispers spread among the crowd.

A host of mid-to-high level officials from the Capital Safe Zone, along with influential Third-Stages from outside, began inquiring among themselves. Many had come specifically after hearing that numerous high-ranking figures would be present, hoping to forge connections. Only the Military and a select few well-informed individuals knew the full details.

“You don’t know?”

A Third-Stage Awakened, startled, glanced at the middle-aged man beside him, who, judging by his strength and appearance, appeared to be a high-ranking official of the Merchant Guild.

“I heard that a new Awakener Seed was sent from the external Battle Zone, ready to challenge for Third-Stage today.”

“Seems his name is Yenir or something—his talent is reportedly SS-level!”

“SS-level!?”

“Isn’t that the same as the one under Commander Zhang!?”

The Merchant Guild official was visibly taken aback. In the Capital, while A and B levels were common, S-level and above were exceedingly rare. As he mumbled with wonder, his mind raced with plans to find out exactly who Yenir was. Investing early in a genius, after all, was the best gamble in these post-apocalyptic times.

But then, as if struck by a thought, doubt suddenly flickered in his eyes:

“My friend, wasn’t the Fire Seed Plan just starting? How is it that promotion is already on the table?”

“How short a time? Even the most gifted shouldn’t be that gifted!”

A mid-level military officer scoffed, lowering his voice mysteriously.

“How short a time?”

“Two weeks!”

“I heard that powerful forces have been relentlessly pouring resources behind these geniuses, building them up by sheer force. I don’t know how exactly they’ve done it, but several Fire Seed candidates from major factions broke through to high-difficulty dungeons just days ago.”

“Two weeks…”

“Hiss…”

He gasped as if he had swallowed a mouthful of cold air.

The Merchant Guild Awakener stared blankly at Yenir and his companions not far off, his heart filled with both envy and awe.

“I’ve spent half my life—over a decade—just to reach Third-Stage.”

“That gap… is simply incredible…”

As a merchant, he could only imagine the vast resources needed to achieve such a meteoric rise. Behind each notch of power lay countless Awakeners who had sacrificed their spirit crystals.

“Are these all here for Third-Stage promotion?”

“I see some are young, but there are also a few who must be in their thirties…”

Glancing at the Awakener Seeds in Fire Seed Plan uniforms, the middle-aged man’s curiosity grew; he was eager to gather more information.

A well-connected Third-Stage from the military shot him an impatient look from nearby:

“What do you think all these bigwigs are here for?”

“Not only is that Yenir here for the promotion, but the other Seeds aren’t far behind. As for those others—heh…”

“Some things are better left unsaid…”

Grasping the hint in the officer’s tone, the Merchant Guild official’s heart sank, and he dared not press further.

But as more prominent figures arrived, everyone realized that today’s event was far from ordinary.

……….

“You’re Yenir, right?”

“That’s right, and I’m quite pleased with what I see.”

Under the watchful eyes of several senior generals, an elderly man in his sixties strode briskly over to Yenir, appraising him with visible admiration.

Though advanced in age, for a Third-Stage Awakened, men like him still retained remarkable vitality.

Meeting the elder, Yenir’s eyes flickered with surprise.

Among the many unfamiliar high-ranking officials, he recognized this man.

Zhang Long, a senior Third-Stage and one of the key members of the Military Committee in the Huaxia Battle Zone! His status ranked among the very elite in China. In his previous life, he perished in the third year of the war on the Shanghai Bund during an attack by sea beasts.

At that time, to rescue several crucial researchers, this old man donned armor and led a group of Third-Stages in a desperate paradrop into the Shanghai Battle Zone!

Crossing thousands of miles to rescue them, he eventually collapsed from exhaustion and died.

Facing the venerable elder, Yenir couldn’t help but feel deep respect. In those early days, he had only learned of this man’s name through official eulogies. He never expected that the first familiar face he encountered would be Zhang Long.

Extending both hands, Yenir solemnly introduced himself.

He had always held heroes who sacrificed for their country in the highest regard.

“Do your best. I heard you’re of the Willpower Type.”

“Willpower Type… that’s no small feat…”

“Old man, I’m eager to see what you’ll look like once you’ve reached Third-Stage.”

Zhang Long chuckled, patting Yenir on the shoulder and squeezing his hand with heartfelt admiration. Having weathered the early days of the apocalypse, every promising newcomer warmed his heart.

Several high-ranking officials nearby couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy at the regard Zhang Long showed for Yenir.

Although Zhang Long wasn’t the strongest among the officials, his esteemed status and personal encouragement signified that Yenir had officially caught the attention of the upper echelons—even though Yenir hadn’t yet reached Third-Stage.

Following Zhang Long’s lead, other high-ranking officials joined in praising Yenir—a customary display of network and courtesy.

After a few cordial exchanges, on the first floor of the magnificent tower, Yang Guoping slowly turned to the crowd and began his address:

“Welcome, esteemed officials and Third-Stages, to witness the promotion trials.”

“Let’s get straight to it—today there are seventy-seven candidates, including twenty-one from the Fire Seed Plan.”

“All Awakener candidates participating in the trial, please step forward and line up!”