Players could only visit the square of Adura after reaching a new ring. The seventh ring was an exception, and this place wasn’t accessible when one arrived on the first ring. Thus, there were no more than 5 opportunities to go there.

The system was fair towards all in the sanctuary. There was a fundamental level of difference between each ring. Without system’s help in improving their level of existence, there was no way for new players to survive in the mana rich environment.

Zyrus believed Power of Laws, Concentration of mana, and many such aspects were the biggest differences between the two rings. By leveling up and getting achievements one could shorten the gap. Right now the players were evolving on a fundamental level by getting the blessing of order.

Achievement determined one's future potential, so Zyrus wasn’t surprised when Jacob woke up before anyone else.

“Did you completely merge with the ogre’s heart?”

“Yes! I feel much stronger now,” Jacob’s words were affirmed by his gray hoodie which was on the verge of ripping apart.

Zyrus wanted to remind everyone about how strong the monsters here would be, but he refrained from doing so. There were times when excessive knowledge could be a hindrance.

‘They’ll know once we reach our destination anyway.’

Ria, Lauren, and Kyle were the next three to wake up. There weren’t any physical changes in their appearance, but the aura they gave off was completely different.

Shi kun and the troll leader were the next to complete the process, followed by goblin riders, Pouka, specter scorpions, and the rest.

‘Human players are weakest among them all, but it’s to be expected,’

Challenges in the first ring were too quick for most humans to showcase their potential. Still, they were able to make it up with their numbers. The existence of Shi kun and the other crown holders was a shining example of this.

Nonetheless, there were sufficient opportunities for everyone. The limit for the second ring was lv 50, and it would increase by 50 levels for all the next rings. Unlike the peak of Adura, the players could improve their class and bloodline every 20 levels.

“Listen carefully to what I’m about to say,” Zyrus addressed the players who were busy checking their status screens.

“I’ll explain how to get a class and improve your bloodline.”

“Please do,” Kyle replied on behalf of everyone.

“Open your status, you’ll see a new tab under Class and Race. Click on that and you’ll be teleported to a new location.”

“Why do we have to teleport everytime?”

“You just don’t realize how big this place is. You’ll become an old man by the time you reach there by foot,” Zyrus shrugged at Shi kun and continued,

“These two places are called the ‘Proving grounds’ and ‘Rakt gorge’. As the name suggests, you have to prove your worth in the Proving grounds to get a desired class. The terrain and challenges will be random depending on your past performance, so there’s nothing I can advise you about.”

As he had said before, the sanctuary was a fair place. Their efforts were already rewarded at the peak of Adura. If they wanted to get a new class or improve their bloodline, then they would have to earn that opportunity.

“Rakt gorge is a gorge filled with blood. There are different caves and crevices you can choose based on your preference and strength. The key there is ‘Blood,’ you can drink it, bathe in it, eat the medicine that grows on the shore or kill the blood beasts that inhabit the area; it all depends on you. The results will vary depending on the choices you make.”

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“I see. It’s pretty straightforward.” Kyle nodded in understanding.

Since Zyrus had been telling them about the sanctuary whenever he had the chance, his subordinates were more prepared than other players.

“Good to hear that, I’ll leave the rest to you then,” Zyrus spoke with a pleased smile.

Ria wanted to curse Kyle for taking the hot potato, but it was too late. Zyrus had already vanished from the spot.

“Great, now we’ll have to explain this ‘straightforward’ process to 6000 players. Pretty easy,” Ria grumbled and wore her conductor’s tiara.

“Looks good on you.”

“Stop buttering me up and explain things to your units,” Ria gave a side eye to Lauren who was trying to sneak away.

“Can’t you tell everyone yourself?” Lauren asked with puppy eyes.

“Though it’s annoying to admit, there was a reason why he left the explaining to us. We should establish a clear command structure from now on.”

“Ugh- how I envy Jacob,”

Apart from Jacob who had vanished right after Zyrus, the rest had no choice but to drag their feet and explain everything to the players.

…

The proving grounds.

A verdant forest floated above the fluffy clouds. Schools of levifin swam in the blue sky, making the scene look like a heavenly paradise.

*Crackle*

A red crack appeared on the edge of the verdant forest, tearing apart the picturesque scene.

“Hmm…This is totally different from the last time,” Zyrus observed his trial grounds with keen eyes. He expected to be sent to a battlefield or an arena given his summoner class, but this place was quite unexpected.

Although he knew that this place was nothing but an array formation, he couldn’t help but admire the scenery.

[Welcome to The Proving Grounds]

The system’s voice rang across the floating island. The levifins dove down the sky as if they had sensed the upcoming threat. Whoever designed this space sure had a knack for building tension.

[Would you like to proceed with the trial?]

[Yes/No]

Zyrus clicked ‘Yes’ without hesitation. He wasn’t an expert summoner by any means, so this was a chance to work on that.

[Commencing the trial…]

[Searching for suitable opponent…]

[Target selected: Oroszlan]

[You have met the conditions to unlock the unique class: Balaur summoner]

[Trial's difficulty will be adjusted accordingly]

*BOOOM*

A crimson lightning bolt descended on the center of the lively forest, sending tremors across the floating island. Zyrus’s reptilian pupils widened at the sight in front of him.

‘That’s a fucking summoner?’

He cursed inwardly as he looked at the crater. His image of a summoner was of a slim person wearing a magic robe with a staff in hand. Although he was somewhat of an exception, he was nothing like the monstrosity in front of him.

*ROOOOOAR*

A 20-foot-tall giant roared to the skies above. He had a lion’s head and the legs of an elephant. Players weren’t allowed to use anything except their class-related abilities in a trial. Thus, Zyrus thought that it’d be more difficult than he’d thought to win this fight with ophidian warriors and amargs.

“Summon”

“Summon”

“Summon”

‘Retribution eh. This is how the verdara beetles must’ve felt.’

╬ Oroszlan ╬

Level: ???

Strength: (50) Restricted

Agility: (50) Restricted

Intelligence: (75) Restricted

Vitality: (100) Restricted

ATK: 90

DEF: 30

Trait: Gigantism, Lionheart (Locked), Barbarian’s Pride (Locked)

Skill: Summoning, ???

He glanced at the status and started running without wasting a single second. Even if the lion-headed man was under a mountain of restrictions, Zyrus was well aware how deep in the shit he was.

Nothing except class related abilities should be used in the proving ground. Forget about someone like Oroszlan; he couldn’t win against a bunch of rabbits without summoning his troops from Earth. But can he summon anyone from earth? the answer was obvious.

Zyrus had never forgotten about his retreat from Earth. While he was safe in the sanctuary, the same couldn’t be said for his summons who were left on the mountain. He had observed that time seemed to pass extremely slowly on earth. Regardless, a few minutes were more than enough for the glemorax army to decimate his 50,000 summons.

A 12-hour cooldown on earth would become infinitely longer on the sanctuary. How could he use his class then?

*ROOOAR*

Whatever the answer may be, Oroszlan didn’t plan to just stand there and let him figure that out. The giant beckoned his followers who had arrived after tearing apart the space.

*Grrowl*

Hundreds of Barbary lions started chasing down Zyrus. Now it made sense as to why this place was chosen. The lions in this terrain were like fish in the pond.

Zyrus made full use of his agility and scuttled around the remaining forest. He was once again grateful towards the Sylvarix bloodline as even in this terrain he didn’t lose out to lions. He could be just as, if not more nimble than the rulers of the jungle.

*Grrr*

*ROOOAR*

No one could die on the trial grounds even if they wanted to. Players could attempt the trials again and again until they learned the essence of their class. Even a nobody would become an expert after being pummeled repeatedly.

Maybe because this was a test, but thankfully, the giant Oroszlan didn’t join the chase. Zyrus knew that with his stamina he could run for hours without being caught.

‘Not that I plan to do that.’

Since Zyrus was aware of the trouble with his class, there was no way he hadn’t thought of a plausible solution.