"My, my. Irregulars are popping up left and right these days," said Headon while holding his chin.
"Nevertheless, welcome to the Tower, boy. My name is Headon. I'm the Guardian of the first floor. What's your name?"
"Indrah. Indrah Otsutsuki."
He stood calmly in the vast chamber, hands at his sides, but his mind was already moving.
'So Bam's already passed his test. That means Yuri and Evan are gone… maybe even it has left. Good. That gives me time.'
Headon tilted his head. "So tell me, Indrah. Why have you come to the Tower?"
"To live a new life. One without regrets," Indrah said plainly.
It was the truth. There was no point in lying.
"That's new," Headon chuckled. "Anyway, I can guarantee that if you reach the top of the Tower, you'll live your life however you wish."
He pointed his staff upward. "Here, take this. It will help you."
A small black orb floated over. "This is an E-rank Pocket. It's a multifunctional tool. Most importantly, it'll automatically translate every language in the Tower into Macsethian."
Indrah caught the orb. The Pocket bound itself to him and hovered at shoulder height.
"You can make it invisible by saying 'Invisible mode'," Headon added.
Indrah gave the command. The orb disappeared, though he could still sense it hovering near.
"Neat," he muttered, playing along like it was new.
"Now, let's see if you're qualified to climb the Tower." Headon tapped the floor with his staff.
A deep grinding noise followed. The wall behind him lifted, revealing a large arena filled with shimmering blue water-like fluid.
Shinsu.
Inside it swam five massive creatures.
"These are White Steel Eels. You just need to kill all five."
The eels were monstrous. Long white bodies with red streaks across their skin, and dark armor plating covering their heads and spines. Thick and fast. Predators.
Headon was clearly testing more than strength. He wanted to see something else.
Indrah didn't move yet.
'No chakra. That's gone now. This body… this is Shinsu-based. My entire structure is rebuilt with it. Even my eyes. Even the jutsu…'
He understood. It wasn't just a reincarnation—it was a reconstruction.
Headon stared at him. He might already knew his strength.
That's why this test wasn't the same as Bam's. This wasn't about fairness—it was about containment.
Without a word, Indrah stepped into the cage.
The eels charged immediately.
Indrah didn't blink.
[Fire Style: Great Fire Annihilation]
*Whoos*
A massive wave of fire burst from his mouth. No seals. No hands. Just will and control.
The flames covered the entire cage in seconds.
*ROAR*
Screams echoed as the eels were consumed. The burning heat boiled the Shinsu. Smoke and steam filled the space.
In less than a minute, it was done. The cage was blackened. The creatures were ash.
Indrah stepped back out without a scratch.
"Fascinating," Headon said under his breath.
"You passed. With flying colors. You have more than enough resolve to climb the Tower."
He spun his staff once.
A soft light engulfed Indrah.
"Whether you want wealth, immortality, power, or peace… it's all up there. Climb the Tower, boy. I wish you well on your journey."
In a flash, Indrah's body shot upward like a streak of energy, vanishing into the ceiling of light.
Headon watched him go.
"A new variable has entered the game," he said quietly.
He turned to the shadows behind him.
"Interesting, isn't it, Miss Rachel?"