You are all my wings!

A sudden surge!

This is comparable to the growth of advancing to the fifth tier for the second time.

It seems that what Astalia meant by "unable to recover" was the inability to complete the game.

Once you clear the level, you'll receive a corresponding reward. No wonder there's such a huge difference in the difficulty of becoming a god between ancient and modern times, depending on whether or not there's a path to godhood.

At this moment, he looked thoughtfully at the other fragment of authority he had been awarded.

This fragment of authority is even more interesting. The mysterious characters engraved on it are as small as ants, intricate and exquisite, containing astonishing meaning. Holding it in one's hand gives one a dizzying feeling, as if one's soul is being impacted by numerous mysteries, making it difficult to absorb.

It is clearly one or two levels higher than the Ice and Time Dual-Element Authority Fragment rewarded after comprehending the [Frozen Void] mystery.

Its name is [matter].

The mysterious inscription in the temple hinted at—

[With a fifth-tier physique, reaching the top within eight hours, comprehending six common mysteries and one superior-grade mystery, he can be ranked as the first in the history of the Investigation of Things Long-term Rank, and is awarded one fragment of the Top Ten Authority]

The Ten Powers?

What does this mean?

Behind them, Feherrotija arrived at the finish line one after another. They were also slightly cleansed by divine energy, which strengthened them, and each of them obtained a fragment of authority.

Lyon's gaze swept over them, noticing that their mysterious text prompts were all different.

Florentiga's is—

[With a ninth-tier physique, reaching the summit within eight hours and comprehending a common-type mystery, one can be ranked among the top 100 in the history of the Investigation of Things Long-Term Ascension, and will be rewarded with a fragment of a high-grade authority from one of the top 100 major magic systems.]

Castiglione's is—

[With a damaged ninth-tier body, reaching the top within eight hours qualifies one of the top fifty in the history of the Gewu Long Tier as a reward of one fragment of a top-tier thirty-six-star magic-based authority.]

Lyon seemed to be deep in thought, not expecting that Castiglione would receive an even higher evaluation than Florentiga.

Moreover, Castiglione has clearly not gained any secrets.

It seems that the Trial of Ascension to Godhood will take into account the negative buffs of those who ascend. The more negative buffs one has, the lower one's rank, and the faster one ascends, the greater the rewards.

'Not only that, but these two are ranked among the top 100 in the vast history of mythology, which shows their exceptional talent.'

Lyon knows his own limitations; his strength mainly stems from the enhancement of multiple S-level or higher talents.

'However, being a con artist is my natural talent, and some rewards are deserved.'

Just as she was thinking this, Castiglione spoke up:

"I never expected that you would obtain a fragment of the power of the top ten, and even achieve the highest ranking in history. No wonder the God was so confident that you could win. I am very happy to be able to compete with you in this trial."

[Castiga's affection level +4%, current affection level 28%]

She didn't seem to care about losing; on the contrary, she was calm and smiling.

Although she had the same face as Britta, her style and demeanor were completely different; she was clearly much more outgoing.

Lyon's heart skipped a beat, and he asked, "Do you know what the Ten Powers are?"

This was knowledge he had never known in his previous life.

After all, much of his experience from his previous life only reached the demigod level, and many subsequent plot points were buried deep within the main storyline, making them difficult to detect.

"The so-called Ten Powers are the top powers besides the two supreme powers."

Castiglione explained:

"The supreme authority consists of the two great authorities of origin and end. Beyond these two are the ten powerful authorities, namely [Matter], [Space-Time], [Information], [Miracle], [Life and Death], [Concept], [Spirituality], [Calamity], [Sacredness], and [Civilization]. It is said that if one gathers any five of the ten powerful authorities, one may be able to contend with the supreme authority! However, the ten powerful authorities are unique and are truly close to the ultimate top-level authorities, making them extremely difficult to obtain."

Lyon was surprised: "I didn't expect this thing in my hand to have such a big background."

"Number one in history, you deserve it."

Castiglione said, "Even if it's just a fragment, its importance far surpasses that of a divine-level treasure. You'd better keep it in a sufficiently hidden location so that outsiders don't notice it."

"Then how are the levels of authority corresponding to the seven fundamental laws of origin divided?"

"Leon asked."

"As I understand it, most of them did not have the authority of origin or end at the beginning."

Castiglione said:

"Initially, the Ten Powers existed before the world. After being shattered for some reason, some fragments of the powers reassembled before the world's origin. Some became the Origin Powers, triggering the world's origin. Some became the End Powers, triggering the world's end. Others reassembled, becoming the Ten Powers, a weaker tier, scattered throughout the world, becoming the world's fundamental rules. Only then did the two supreme goddesses, who were attached to the Origin and End Powers, come into being. They are both nature goddesses, and are of a different type from the later intelligent beings who became gods."

"So, the Seven Origin Laws are themselves products of the reorganization of the Ten Powers?"

Lyon seemed lost in thought.

“That’s right, at least that’s how I understand it. So this fragment of your authority can probably be part of the Origin Authority. Maybe it’s even a fragment of authority that existed at the beginning of the world.”

Castiglione laughed.

Lyon asked, "Is this pure speculation, or the truth?"

Castiglione shook her head: "I heard the analysis from the gods before, and it was mostly speculation with no evidence. But you did indeed comprehend the mysteries of time from ice, which proves that each of the seven origin laws contains the mysteries of the ten strongest powers?"

Lyon seemed to understand; that did indeed make sense.

For example, his fire acceleration and ice deceleration, in the end, may all involve the authority of [space and time].

His Shadowless ability and Trickster skill allow him to advance to the [Concept] Authority.

As for the Miracle Astrologer profession, there is a high chance that one will also have access to the authority of [Miracle].

Even the "Basic Deduction Return to Truth Technique" that he had previously fabricated has already successfully achieved the ability to transform soul and information in Anemii, and it is likely that it can touch the authority of "information".

Therefore, Astalia's true main focus is most likely on the two top ten areas: [Time and Space] and [Civilization].

In other words, all cultivation can pursue the Ten Powerful Authority as its ultimate goal; at the very least, one must first master the Ten Powerful Authority to reach the ultimate level of authority.

Lyon originally only had a vague idea of ​​his plans, but after communicating with Castiglione, he suddenly had a much clearer understanding of them.

As they spoke, streaks of light flashed past, landing on the three of them and transforming into a suction force, as if trying to teleport them away.

"Looks like it's time to move on to the next level."

Castiglione smiled slightly at Leon: "The next round will most likely be in my favor. I won't lose to you again. Even if you're in the lead, I'll do my best to overtake you. Get ready."

Beside her, Feherotija remained silent, her expression calm, as she quietly departed with the teleportation power.

Lyon was somewhat surprised by Floro Tija's silence, and wondered what she was thinking at that moment.

He waved to Margaret, Hamla Camille, and the other two from afar, and then left using the teleportation power.

When I opened my eyes again, another temple appeared in front of me.

New, mysterious characters shot out from the obelisk and landed before my eyes.

Life is ever-changing, containing profound truths. Between life and death, a spiral of mystery unfolds. The secret of creation lies in the distinction between decay and flourishing.

Those who ascend to godhood can only comprehend the mysteries of life and death after experiencing countless deaths.

Those who ascend to godhood can transcend destiny by looking down upon life and death.

The words flashed by, followed by a dark, long staircase, completely different in style from the [Long Staircase of Investigation], extending down from a corner of the temple and spiraling downwards into the endless abyss beneath it, its end nowhere to be seen.

It was dark and eerie, filled with a ghostly atmosphere.

Looking down slightly, even though the three were all seasoned experts, their expressions changed slightly upon seeing this scene.

Because even a slight glance can create a terrifying feeling of one's soul being swallowed up.

The constant sense of impending doom sent chills down the spines of the three masters.

"This level is a bit strange."

Florodija frowned slightly.

Based on the clues from the mysterious text, Leon realized that this level likely also contained fragments of the Ten Powers' authority, "Life and Death."

Of all my knowledge, only the properties of the phantom seem to have a slight connection to this.

As for fraudsters, they may be able to deceive life and death in the future, but it is uncertain how much their current unrealistic fraud is linked to power.

It seems this hurdle will be quite difficult for me.

To at least achieve the historical first place and obtain the fragments of the top ten authority, just like in the previous level, is extremely difficult.

On the contrary, Margaret and Jiajiali are probably more suited to this long staircase.

'I only have Divine Mode and Miracle Mode left in this level, and I don't have much time left. It seems I can only test the waters for a while and then figure out how to complete the other modes with Machiru and Iris when I get back.'

Lyon maintained a stable mindset and did not fret about gains or losses.

On the field, the three remained silent for a moment, then Castiglione suddenly chuckled:

"What a coincidence, this is actually the most suitable trial for me. I have experienced many deadly situations and treated life and death as commonplace in every life alchemy experiment. I only have a little over a month left to live. This trial is perfect for me."

As she said this, she gave Leon a cryptic smile, then lightly stepped down the steps, her fair feet landing gracefully on the ground, and descended into the abyss.

Her sheer nightgown fluttered gently against her exceptionally fair skin, making her appear like a dark elf, vanishing silently.

Florodija glanced at Leon, her bright golden eyes flashing with intense light, her aura surging once more:

"Last time you won because of your knowledge reserves, but this time, in addition to knowledge reserves, it obviously also tests willpower and comprehension. Past life-and-death experience will probably also be useful. You definitely won't be able to surpass me this time."

As soon as she finished speaking, she stepped onto the stairs.

Lyon shrugged and followed.

Floro Tija glanced at Lyon sideways: "Why are you walking alongside me?"

"The steps are just that narrow, there's nothing we can do about it."

As Lyon spoke, he reached out and touched the outside of the steps.

Beyond the steps lay endless darkness, untouchable and imperceptible, concealing an aura of terror.

When he tried to touch it, it was as if he had encountered some kind of hard air barrier, and he couldn't reach beyond the steps; it was clearly being protected.

"Look, these steps aren't even enough to get out; you can only keep going down."

Leon replied with a smile that he was no longer afraid of Feherrotija. Although the woman was strong, she was sealed by the power of Astalia's authority and could not harm him.

Feherrotija gave a soft snort, her dignified demeanor vanished, her long eyebrows raised, her face contorted with frost, and she remained silent.

Lyon discovered that even standing on the steps, he wasn't absorbing any knowledge cloud.

He was somewhat surprised. What kind of trial was this?

According to the mysterious writing, this level requires one to have witnessed life and death, and to have a detached perspective on life and death?

As I was pondering this, a series of faint voices suddenly echoed in my mind.

"Such a rich power of creation, wait, and also the power of death... Where is this place?"

It was Agniemi! Her voice clearly carried a hint of surprise.

"This is the [Stairway to Life and Death] in the Trial of Ascension to Godhood."

Lyon said.

"It's this place?"

Anemi's voice changed noticeably, becoming more solemn:

"Darling, you have to be careful. Besides the seven laws of origin, she has the most fragments of the [Life and Death] power among the ten strongest powers. If you move around here, you are likely to attract her attention. Once she discovers that I am hidden in your mind, I may or may not live for a month or two, but you will definitely be in great danger!"

"The power of life and death—doesn't that sound like the Goddess of the End's forte?"

Lyon was surprised.

"Because the Goddess of the End suffered a severe blow and was stripped of a portion of her authority over life and death by the Goddess of Origin, the Origin currently holds the upper hand in the conflict between the End and Origin. Therefore, the world remains stable. However, this balance is easily broken."

Anemi said:

"If the End prevails, the world will definitely decline further. In fact, the methods we sisters use as the Goddesses of Origin to fight against the Goddess of the End are also a key factor that determines how long the period of world peace can last."

At this point, she let out a soft sigh, unable to hide her emotions.

Lyon frowned. If that were the case, it would mean a dilemma: the destruction of the world and the survival of the pure elemental spirits.

"By the way, what kind of behavior is likely to attract the attention of the Origin Goddess? How can we best avoid the risks?"

"Leon asked."

"It mainly depends on your historical ranking after the Ascension Trial. What other ranks have you ascended before?"