The next day.
Marilyn once again arrived at the Darkness City with the intention of studying at the elven sanctuary, as she usually did.
Ever since the Demon King constructed the Ancient Elven Sanctuary in the main city, she had successfully mastered several new magic spells that significantly aided her growth in strength.
The sanctuary was incredibly powerful, leaving her eager for more. Marilyn was a fanatic when it came to training and possessed an exceptional talent for it. With the elven sanctuary, she was confident that she would become one of the top elven powerhouses.
However, the moment she stepped into the main city, Marilyn could not help but notice that something was different today.
While the main city's energy field would usually provide a significant enhancement to the Demon King's subjects who entered it, today's buff amplification was particularly exaggeratingly potent.
It was on par with, or even slightly surpassed, the Tree of Miracle's power.
This left Marilyn feeling incredulous. She followed the source of this power and immediately noticed the newly upgraded Demon King's Castle.
The Demon Dragon Castle stood tall and dominant, ruling over the Darkness City. Its oppressive aura and the continuous emanation of energy could be felt clearly from every corner of the Darkness Valley.
"Incredible!"
"The castle has undergone such a massive transformation!"
"It seems that the Demon King has once again done something astonishing!"
Marilyn could not comprehend the reason behind the changes in the Demon Dragon Castle when her attention was suddenly drawn to a previously unseen tower-like structure.
This tower, enveloped in a dull gray color, appeared plain and unremarkable at first glance.
However, it exuded a mysterious atmosphere that piqued Marilyn's curiosity, making her eager to explore its secrets.
Marilyn noticed several draconians lining up to enter the tower. Unable to contain her curiosity, she approached a draconian general who was maintaining order on-site to inquire about the situation.
"This is the latest trial tower created by His Majesty. It can aid those who participate in the trials to awaken and enhance their potential, thereby increasing their strength," explained the general.
"Is it really that amazing?" Marilyn was greatly surprised. "Can I give it a try?"
"Our master has ordered that chieftain Marilun, as one of the esteemed individuals, has priority access to the trials. As long as there are available slots, you can enter whenever."
However, the draconian general pondered and added, "But please be cautious, chieftain Marilyn. The trial tower has its benefits and uses, however it also carries certain risks."
"Hehe, it's just a trial tower, what kind of danger could it pose? I'm more curious to see if it's truly as miraculous as you said!" Marilyn exclaimed with a smile.
After registering, Marilyn stepped into the trial tower.
Suddenly, darkness enveloped her vision. She found herself in a realm that felt both partially real and partially ethereal. As her sight cleared, she found herself standing in a stone palace.
Simultaneously, a spiritual message devoid of any emotion was transmitted to her.
[The trial is about to commence!]
[The trail theme is being randomized...]
[Theme confirmed.]
[Prepare yourself, trialist.]
[The trial for this session: Trial of Mirror!]
Perplexed, Marilyn was taken aback when a mist gradually coalesced at the center of the stone palace, forming the graceful figure of an elegant and slender elf with pale golden hair.
She exuded a mature and poised aura, embodying the qualities of both a leader and a formidable warrior. Adorned in leather armor and carrying a longbow, her face remained devoid of any expression.
"This... this is me?!"
Marilyn was astonished.
The elf formed within the stone palace was an exact replica of herself!
"Could it be that the so-called Trial of Mirror is a mirror match against an identical version of myself?"
Before Marilyn could react, the mirror image teleported directly behind her.
She felt a surge of magical energy, an arrow of astonishing speed slicing through the air, hurtling towards her back, triggering a strong sense of danger.
"Oh shit!"
"This is no ordinary mirror image!"
Marilyn quickly activated her evasive skills, realizing in shock, "This mirror possesses all of my abilities, even my level and strength... It's a perfect replica!"
Furthermore, this mirrored elf lacked emotions.
She remained entirely focused, undistracted, which put Marilyn at a disadvantage.
Two identical figures immediately engaged in a fierce battle, clashing and exchanging blows for over three hundred rounds without a clear winner.
Marilyn's MP was depleted.
Her body was covered in bruises and wounds.
Marilyn finally could no longer dare to underestimate the trial tower.
In the end, relying on her unwavering determination and a daring strategy, Marilyn achieved a narrow victory.
"I won!"
"Hahaha!"
"I emerged victorious!"
"A phony will always be a phony!"
Marilyn was overcome with excitement.
It felt as if she had overcome countless challenges in a video game, experiencing an unprecedented sense of accomplishment and joy!
[Trial complete!]
[Performance evaluation: Excellent!]
Suddenly, energy surged from her surroundings, swiftly entering her body.
Not only did it heal her injuries, but it also ignited Marilyn's potential. She felt a significant boost in her HP, MP, strength, and constitution!
Marilyn was originally at the midpoint of Level 4, but this trial not only enhanced her stats and potential, but even her power level approached the late stage of the level 4. The progress was incredibly remarkable.
"This is incredible!"
"It's truly incredible!"
"Our Demon Lord is omnipotent!"
"To be able to create such magnificent trials!"
"It's so fun and thrilling, and it enhances my strength!"
"With something like this, there's no doubt I can become super powerful!"
"The trial themes are randomized, and there should be many other trial themes besides the mirror trial, right? I must try them out!"
"..."
In reality, the previous trial was extremely dangerous.
A single misstep could have resulted in severe injuries, or even the loss of life. Any normal person would have felt fear and trepidation after such an experience.
However, Marilyn not only lacked fear but was instead filled with enthusiasm, determined to challenge again.
The second trial - Trial of Infernal Daemon.
The third trial - Trial of Battlefield.
The fourth trial - Trial of Night.
The fifth, the sixth...
Marilyn seemed like a masochist, enduring injuries after every trial, only to be healed and immediately apply for the next one.
Throughout this process, her stats improved rapidly. Although her cultivation did not experience a significant breakthrough, her prowess grew significantly.
If the Ancient Elven Sanctuary was a place for acquiring knowledge, then the Tower of Lost Trials was a place for honing practical combat skills, forging oneself into a stronger being in the face of life and death.
Inside the Demon King's Castle, Li Si was reporting on the trials from the previous day.
"Based on our test results from the trial tower yesterday"
"Normal combat soldiers have a 100% chance of advancing to high combat soldiers after one trial, but high combat soldiers need to pass at least two trials to evolve."
Zhang Nu nodded, "Well done. In terms of cost-effectiveness, it seems more advantageous for the high soldiers to participate in the trials. What is the probability of passing the trials?"
Li Si replied, "It's about 50%."
Frowning slightly, Zhang Nu asked, "Only 50%? What about the casualty rate?"
"If the trial fails, there is a 90% chance of severe injuries and a 10% chance of fatality."
A 10% fatality rate?
While the potential losses could be significant with larger numbers, it was still within an acceptable range for him. After all, this was a way to improve the strength and quality of the draconian legion.
Super soldiers who evolved through the trials were likely to have overall higher qualities than directly summoned super soldiers.
This approach would not only save him a considerable amount of resources but also contribute to the advancement of his draconian legion.
Suffice to say, it was a win-win situation.
Just then, a visibly concerned draconian general rushed in to report.
"Your Majesty, there is an urgent matter. Chieftain Marilyn of the Giantree City has undergone eight consecutive trials in the trial tower!"
"What?"
"Is this elf a masochist?"
"Summon her to me immediately!"
Ten minutes later, the elven lady appeared before the Demon King.
Marilyn looked embarrassed as she said, "Your Majesty, I apologize. I was not aware that there is a limit to the number of trials available in the trial tower each day!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Nu also felt frustrated.
The trial tower only allowed a maximum of 100 trials per day. Even if they were all allocated to the draconian soldiers, it would only produce a maximum of 25 super soldiers daily.
While this rate was not necessarily slow, considering that they could potentially produce 750 super soldiers in a month, it was still a significant expense to create them.
Truthfully speaking, the rate of super soldier production could not be considered slow. After all, there would be 25 of them in a day, 250 in ten days, and 750 in a month.
Draconian super soldiers were not cheap units by any means, this production method could save a substantial amount of resources.
However, Zhang Nu could not allocate all the trial opportunities to train regular soldiers. Individuals like Marilyn, who had an insatiable appetite for training, could easily monopolize a significant portion of the available trials.
This situation was truly infuriating.
Suddenly, an idea struck Zhang Nu.
He remembered that he had a Level 4 Upgrade Scroll in hand. Why not use it to upgrade the trial tower from Level 4 to Level 5?
The Tower of Lost Trials, while currently useful for training and developing subordinates, had the potential for even greater value. Its current capabilities were not yet strong enough, but with an upgrade to Level 5, it would surely become a game-changer.
Marilyn, feeling guilty for potentially angering the Demon King, panicked and quickly pleaded, "Your Majesty, I take full responsibility for my actions. It's my fault, and any punishment you deem appropriate, I will accept."
Marilyn began to worry that she had displeased the Demon King.
Shit, now she has done it.
The elven chieftain panicked and quickly pleaded, "Your Majesty, I take full responsibility for my actions. It's my own fault and it has nothing to do with my fellow tribesmen, any punishment you deem appropriate, I will accept."
However, Zhang Nu decided to let this incident slide, "Forgot about it this time."
As the saying went, ignorance is bliss.
Instead of reprimanding the tribal leader, he looked at Marilyn and asked, "Have you already reached the later stage of Level 4?"
"Yes!" Marilyn replied with confidence.
The trial tower was indeed invaluable.
Even if Marilyn were to be deprived of her trial privileges, with her current level, natural talent, and the amplification effect of the Tree of Miracle on training speed, she was certain to break through to Level 5 within a decade.
"Come with me", Zhang Nu uttered.
Marilyn was then sent to the Demon King's Altar.
The Demon King proceeded to perform the Demon King's Baptism on Marilyn. Instantly, she felt her level progression skyrocketing, effortlessly breaking through the bottleneck.
[Silver Spring Elven Chieftain] Level 5 overlord.
Zhang Nu was highly satisfied with the effects of the baptism. He had casually created another powerhouse subordinate of Level 5 overlord rank.
Marilyn was completely astonished by the series of changes that had occurred. Instead of reprimanding her, the Demon King had personally bestowed the baptism upon her.
It was said that within the entire elven race, only the Elven King received such treatment. Marilyn became the second elf to be baptized by the Demon King.
Marilyn could clearly feel her training advancing several decades in an instant, effortlessly breaking through the Level 4 bottleneck and even making significant progress in the realm of Level 5.
It was truly miraculous!
Unbelievable!
Marilyn immediately knelt down in gratitude. Her loyalty increased from 90 to 95.
Thank you, Your Majesty, for nurturing me. I will cherish this power and assist the Elven King in managing the elven race and serving Your Majesty faithfully!"
Satisfied, Zhang Nu nodded. "You may leave now."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Marilyn, filled with fanatical admiration for the Demon King, finally understood why the Elven King was so fiercely loyal to him.
Having reached Level 5, it was undoubtedly uplifting news.
The strength of the elves in the Giantree City had significantly improved once again.
Marilyn could not wait to share this joy with her fellow tribesmen.
Zhang Nu took out his cherished "Level 4 Building Upgrade Scroll" and no longer hesitated to use it directly on the trial tower.
[Upgrade the Tower of Lost Trials? The upgrade costs "Level 4 Building Upgrade Scroll" x1, "gold" x3 million, "light gem" x1000, "dark gem" x1000, "life gem" x1000, "undeath gem" x1000!]
It was expensive.
Incredibly expensive!
Zhang Nu's collection of precious gemstones was almost depleted!
However, considering the more powerful trial tower could potentially save millions in gold for upgrading units in the future, it was a small price to pay.
The gems were gone. But they could be collected and purchased again.
The trial tower had to be upgraded to Level 5.
[Upgrade successful!]
[Tower of Lost Trials has been successfully upgraded!]
The difference between a Level 5 building and a Level 4 building was not just a single level, but a massive leap.
The Level 5 trial tower offered significantly enhanced benefits. Previously, advancing from a draconian high soldier to a super soldier required at least two trials. But now, with the Level 5 trial tower in place, a single successful trial was all it took for a high soldier to evolve.
In addition, the Level 5 trial tower had an increased daily trial limit of one thousand, and it was opened to all units below Level 5 to participate in the trials.
This was truly a game-changer.
With such a formidable structure, Zhang Nu could effortlessly transform all his advanced soldiers into super soldiers within a short span of time.
The savings in terms of gold expenditure would undoubtedly outweigh the initial investment.
Before Zhang Nu could fully look into the new benefits, he received a private message from a familiar face and a loyal customer, the Succubus Queen Han Kexin.
Succubus Queen Han Kexin: "Since when did you reach Level 5?"
Zhang Nu: "???"
Succubus Queen Han Kexin: "Hmmph! Stop playing dumb! I saw your listing in the trading market of another Demon King channel!"
So that's how it is.
Cross-channel trading was a privilege reserved for Level 5 Demon Kings.
Zhang Nu: "Oh, so you're also Level 5 now?"
Succubus Queen Han Kexin: "I was planning to surprise you, but once again, you beat me to it. How frustrating!"
Zhang Nu: "Why bother competing with me?"
Succubus Queen Han Kexin: "No, I refuse to accept defeat. You're just temporarily ahead, but I will surpass you for sure."
Zhang Nu was speechless.
How strong was this woman's competitiveness?
Succubus Queen Han Kexin: "Anyway, let's not dwell on that. The more we discuss it, the more frustrated I become. I just got my hands on an extraordinary item that I thought might interest you. Want to take a look?"
Zhang Nu: "No need to ask. Show it to me first. As long as the item is exceptional, money won't be a problem."
Han Kexin's items were always top-notch. Afterall, they were both influential figures with extensive experience.
If she claimed it was an exceptional item, it certainly wouldn't be something ordinary. How could Zhang Nu not be interested?
