"Behind me," Zac said, hefting [Verun's Bite] as he stepped into the crackling mist.
Emily kept close, warily scanning the surroundings for Technocrats or different threats. The immense Dao of Lightning that suffused the interiors was almost blindingly bright, and it only took a second to confirm they were alone. The gates behind them closed, sealing them in a large circular chamber fifty meters across.
The room, from floor to ceiling, was made from the same alloy as the sheet Zac spotted before. It seemed to act as both a conductor and isolator, keeping the energy active and contained. It clearly had extraordinary isolating capabilities, too, since the Tribulation Throne was the first room he'd seen completely free from spatial scars.
"It's really a throne," Emily exclaimed. "I thought it was a metaphor."
The 'throne' Emily referred to was the only item inside the chamber. It was placed in the middle and the sole exception to the monochromatic surroundings. While metal, the throne was made from a different material. Instead of the bright blue, it was a mottled brown and black and undoubtedly of higher grade than the rest of the room. It exuded an intense pressure, but not one of lightning.
It held the mark of the mysterious Earthly Peak.
"Earth… And the Heavens," Zac muttered as his gaze shifted to the twenty-three metal spikes hanging from the ceiling.
They formed a circular pattern over the throne, with the two central spikes being the largest. The ceiling was roughly ten meters, and the main spikes would only be a meter from the head of those seated on the metal chair. The second ring held four spikes, one in each cardinal direction. Then came eight, and finally nine, each circle formed with smaller spikes than the one before.
"Nine Seals, Eight Pillars, Four Laws, but why are there two equal spikes in the middle?" Zac muttered, glancing at the throne. "The Sangha's Cosmic Chart only holds twenty-two paths. What could be at the same level as the one Destiny? Is it the self, equaling the Heavens, for a total twenty-three layers of existence? Just like..."
"What's that?" Emily said. "Why are you speaking all cryptic-like? You're not an old monster just yet."
"I'm just saying that this setup is not simple," Zac said, his main focus returning to his human side after a brief intermission. "Its design draws from the fundamental truths of the universe. Perhaps that's the only way to simulate true Tribulation Lightning."
Zac was certain that was the case after seeing the arrangement. The previous owners hadn't trapped tribulation clouds to fuel the throne, though there was some sort of treasure within one of the central spikes. Still, the Tribulation Throne was generating its own lightning, which explained why he couldn't feel the primordial wrath of the old heavens.
The Heavens' anger of having its longevity and providence stolen had been replaced by Faith, just like the sign outside. Looking at the spikes felt like gazing upon an indifferent God. The feeling was very similar. It resembled the System's attention.
Perhaps the Tribulation Throne was a side product of the Limitless Empire's work on the System. That massive undertaking had taken millions of years, and it wouldn't be surprising if their findings had spawned thousands of side projects.
"Don't go too close to the throne. Let's check out the other rooms first."
Emily nodded, and they followed the room's edge to the first of three other doorways in the chamber. None of them were guarded by locks, and it smoothly slid open to expose a soothing chamber carrying a similar aura as the throne.
"A meditation chamber?" Emily said as they entered. "There's not a speck of lightning in here."
"Look," Zac said, nodding at the wall next to the door.
A tablet identical to the one outside had been hung there, and this one hadn't been eroded by time. The title said 'Centurion Earthly Devas – Pure Lords,' and was followed by ten names and their accompanying times.
"So it was a leaderboard," Emily said. "I guess people were supposed to sit here and ready themselves, using the feats of previous experts as motivation. But what's Earthly Devas and Pure Lords?"
"I don't know about the Devas, but Pure Lords is referring to Late Hegemony," Zac said. "The Limitless Empire called D-grade Golden Core and based their titles on the concepts of discovery, gathering, purification, and dissolution. A Late Hegemon would be a Pure Lord, whose focus is getting their core ready to form an Inner World."
"I guess those sketchy missives you've bought over the years are finally coming in handy. I have to say, Pure Lord is a lot more stylish than Late Hegemon," Emily grinned as she tapped the tablet. "We should—Ah!"
Zac dragged Emily away upon sensing energy entering the tablet, but they breathed out in relief upon seeing it was simply redrawing the leaderboard.
"Was that you, or is it just rotating information?"
"I think it was me. I felt the tablet release a weak pulse when I touched it."
"No wonder," Zac said and looked at the new list.
[Centurion Earthly Devas - Awakened Lords]
Meso Helo - 3 minutes 32 seconds.
1st class Corporal Zer Esodor - 2 minutes 42 seconds.
1st class Corporal Eli Qeron - 2 minutes 28 seconds.
…
Ensign Tur Pesko - 1 minute 49 seconds.
"So we're Awakened Lords? The best guy at our level lasted just three and a half minutes," Emily said. "That's a full two minutes worse than the 10th spot at Late Hegemony."
"Their bodies are much more durable," Zac said. "And it looks like it's quite the feat, considering how the other fared."
"Anyway, this proves we can use the throne," Emily grinned. "You want to give it a go? See who's better—the current generation or the ancient experts?"
Zac was tempted, his eyes darting to the chair. "Let's keep looking for now."
Emily shrugged, and the two continued to the next side chamber.
"Damnit!" Emily said, her face scrunched up like a raisin.
Zac's reaction was the opposite upon seeing the Teleportation Array. It was in pristine condition, gently humming with power that formed a pale blue sheen. Zac walked over and sent his mind into the array. A frown appeared on his face, and he took out the [Court Cycle Token] again.
"Wait! You're not sending me back already! At least give a turn on the throne!"
"Don't worry," Zac sighed as he stepped back. "It's sealed. We're not going anywhere."
"It's sealed?" Emily hooted before her face sobered up. "By the tower or the Technocrats?"
"Don't look so disappointed," Zac snorted. "And by the former, I think. The rejection I got was confusing, but it seems the tower has sealed all teleportation arrays, including escape arrays, as a mid-launch safety precaution."
"Mid-launch? We're launching?" Emily said, her brows arching as she felt the ground for vibrations.
"The fortress seems to think so, at least," Zac grimaced. "I guess the spinning is part of a launch sequence?"
The two spent the next minute analyzing the array, hoping to undo the seal while keeping the array operational. Unfortunately, they were inextricably interlinked. Destroying one would destroy the other.
"That's a shame," Zac sighed. "I'm not sure we'll find another one in this good condition."
"This might be a good thing," Emily offered. "The original owners wouldn't seal even escape arrays without good reason. The fortress must be doing something that has turned all teleportation into a sure-fire deathtrap. And that might mean we're not the only ones stuck here right now."
"That's true," Zac concurred, trying to figure out the next step.
The information had implications beyond the need to find another escape route. What Emily said made sense. If teleportation arrays linked with the many layers of defenses were unsafe for use, then similar methods had to be even deadlier. On the flip side, it hopefully meant the Technocrats were stuck until the fortress finished its launch sequence.
"Looks like we'll really have to go to the top," Zac muttered. "Either to shut off the launch sequence or figure out some other solution."
"Let's deal with this place first," Emily said, eagerly dragging him to the third side-chamber.
The last room was the control center for the Tribulation Throne. Projections showed the main chamber from four directions, and there were two consoles in perfect condition. There were no buttons, only two smooth crystals to place one's hands on. Zac hesitated a moment before walking over to the left one.
A stream of information filled his mind without using the token. The console held the controls and diagnostics of the Tribulation Throne, thankfully designed in a way that even a meathead like Zac could understand. Most systems were in working order, except for two blaring warnings that forcibly took up a corner of his mind like a compulsive thought.
The energy pathways outside the reinforced chamber had been damaged, and the Tribulation Throne could only draw 8% of its required energy during operation. Luckily, the room was equipped with a backup source to prevent a power outage mid-activation, though it only retained enough energy to use the equipment for ten minutes.
More than enough time for both of them to get blasted twice over, judging by the leaderboard.
The second warning was not too surprising, either. The connection with the main systems was severed, forcing the chamber to operate independently. There was no explanation of what that meant, but Zac suspected it was a good thing. Though possibly limiting their options, it was no doubt the only reason they could freely use the chamber and its consoles without further security checks.
"Wow, it's completely unlocked!" Emily exclaimed, echoing Zac's thoughts. "Look!"
Emily had checked out the second console while Zac fiddled with the first. A large map replaced the four screens of the throne. It was their current floor's floorplan, with more than half the rooms named or categorized. Zac's eyes gleamed as Emily shifted the view to the floor above.
One after another, the layout was laid bare until they reached the top.
"Only twelve floors left," Emily said. "Unless there are hidden floors, I guess."
"Can you see the situation inside?" Zac eagerly asked.
"No, it's an offline map," Emily said. "This thing isn't connected to the main network, it says."
"Same as this," Zac said. "Anything about the project or a mission log?"
"No, there's nothing," Emily said. "But take a look at this."
The five uppermost floors appeared side by side, where roughly half the rooms turned blue and the other yellow.
"Military operations and project operations," Emily recited.
"They're kept separate," Zac said, realizing what Emily was getting at.
There were only one or two doors on each floor connecting the divisions. The topmost floor, where the Fortress Main Command Center was located, was fully separated.
"Probably a security measure," Emily nodded. "We might be able to avoid the Technocrats altogether on the way to the control room. If those consoles are unlocked like this one, we might be able to turn things around without lifting a finger."
"We'd already be running for our lives from energy sentinels if it was so easy to take control over the defenses," Zac said, but he had to say it looked pretty good.
They had a good chance to avoid the main Technocrat party so long as they were careful and kept to their side. As for what they'd do after reaching the top, Zac had no idea. It all depended on what state the control center was left in.
There wasn't any other useful information on Emily's side. Her console seemed like the external connection, while Zac's managed the internal system.
"You think it's working?" Emily said expectantly.
"The automated diagnostics giving the go-ahead," Zac said. "One has to stay here and activate the throne after the other has formed a temporary bond with the chair. There are safeguards and a manual override if you pass out or refuse to give up. So if you see me—"
"Alright, that's my cue," Emily interjected as she moved toward the door. "Wish me luck."
"Don't joke. You're not going first," Zac staunchly said. "We don't know if it works like it should just because the systems say so."
"That's my point!" Emily countered with a stubborn glare. "If the thing malfunctions and you can't get out, what am I supposed to do? You have a much better chance to save me. Besides, don't you think I know how you operate? Will there even be any throne left to sit on after you're done with it?"
"The spikes might be incorrectly calibrated for all we know!" Zac almost shouted. "What if it all comes flooding out, hitting you with the equivalent of a C-grade tribulation?!"
"In that case, better me than you," Emily shrugged. "Way more people are relying on you than me, and only you can lead Earth through this mess. So, either I go first, or we don't go at all."
Zac glowered at his disciple and got an equally fierce look right back. He eventually deflated and shook his head in defeat. She was right. "When did you get so stubborn?"
"I learned from the best. Now, watch me tame the Heavens."
"Be careful," Zac reminded. "This device is designed to mimic Boundless Tribulations, not the System's. They'll hit fast and hard, and it'll only get worse from there."
"But the longer I endure, the greater the rewards," Emily said. "Don't worry, I know my limits. I won't get myself killed or crippled over the first opportunity we run into. There's more good stuff waiting for me."
"Fine, then go," Zac said. "Good luck."
Emily winked and headed for the throne. There wasn't much to do. It only took Emily a minute to form the required bond and stabilize her mind. Zac took a calming breath before pressing start with his mind.
A deep rumble made the whole chamber vibrate as the throne activated. Four sharp thuds followed as metal panes fell down to protect the doors from the rising energy levels, which made Zac's alarm bells go off. He'd seen how durable that alloy was. How was he supposed to get Emily out in case something went wrong?
Should he just cancel it?
No, Emily had the right to fight for her opportunities and decide what risks she was willing to take. Besides, just the activation had drained three minutes of energy. There might not be enough juice for two more tries after this, provided each activation was this costly.
Zac didn't blink as he scoured the monitors for any signs of problems. He found none, and the console was communicating everything was operating smoothly as one of the outermost spikes turned blinding white. It looked like it had become a solidified lightning bolt. Then it struck, and the whole chamber was drowned in boundless fury.
Emily sat completely unmoving in the center of it all, but her muscles strained like she was trying to break free from invisible restraints. Her face was locked in a feral growl, with veins bulging on her forehead. She was in agony, yet she held on. A second spike lit up ten seconds into the baptism, doubling Emily's torment. Every ten seconds, another spike lit up, and it soon looked like Emily was submerged in a pillar of lightning.
Zac's hand was covered in sweat as he gripped the control crystal. The fourth spike had pushed her to the breaking point. The fifth overwhelmed her endurance, making her readings fluctuate wildly. Zac was about to press the emergency halt, but the chamber calmed down without his input. After realizing she couldn't deal with the fifth spike, Emily voluntarily stopped the tribulation.
Every second felt like an eternity as the alloy absorbed the unbound energies. Errant arcs of lightning still filled the chamber when the protective panel rose, but Zac didn't care. He squeezed through the doors the second it was possible and forcibly punched through a lighting cage to drag Emily out.
He kept going, running right into the waiting room on the opposite side. He gently placed Emily on one of the mats, relieved to see the lighting being dragged out of her body by the arrays. She came to a minute later, her eyes wildly looking around.
"H-How long?" she asked with a weak voice, unable to get up from the floor.
Zac hesitated a moment before telling the truth. "Fifty-two seconds."
"Not even a minute?" Emily exclaimed, her eyes turning to the tablets on the wall. "Monsters."
"You're not a body cultivator, and your Soul Cultivation Method is mostly focused on control. Your result is already very good. There's no point in comparing yourself to the best of the best, who all had experience dealing with the real thing," Zac said.
However, Zac had to admit that these old soldiers were the real deal. They had all reached the second circle, which Zac suspected came with a qualitative change to the lightning. As for Meso Helo, he was clearly in a league of his own. Three and a half minutes, did that mean he managed to activate all but the very last spike?
And what about those in Late Hegemony enduring over six minutes? Monsters was an apt description.
Zac shook his head and looked down at Emily. "How's is it? Can you walk?"
"I'll be fine in a minute," Emily said. "My body isn't damaged. It's just like my synapses were overloaded, and my brain needs to reboot."
"That's one way of putting it," Zac smiled. "Were there any benefits to go with the pain?"
"Yeah, this is good stuff," Emily grinned. "Every part of me has been purified. I feel like I've taken a shower after a day of fighting in the trenches. Much of the impurities I've accumulated with pills and treasures over the past year have been dealt with. It's just a shame; my core was about to reach a malleable state, like when I broke through. I could have fixed a few of my mistakes."
Zac whistled appreciatively. The Tribulation Throne was the real deal, providing the same benefits as [Void Heart]'s refined Tribulation Lightning. And while Zac wasn't confident in reaching as far as the record holder, he should have no problems dealing with the nine outer tribulations.
He'd already made great strides on his core thanks to the [Myriad Paths Water]. Just a few hours had passed, and he'd already found the opportunity to finish the job.
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