Chapter 373: Ancient Stairway
It was a spiral-shaped building, with a staircase winding around it all the way to the top. Ancient carvings and engravings were etched into its surface, giving it a unique beauty of its own.
It stood tall exactly like a masterpiece, like a work of art, rising all the way into the clouds. What was even more interesting was that the entire building was sealed off and no one was allowed to enter.
Even so, a massive crowd had gathered all around it. It was clear everyone was waiting for it to open.
"What is that?" Ilaris and Daniel asked at the same time. It was obvious that even Ilaris had never seen such a thing before.
"It’s called the Ancient Stairway, a fragment of the true Ancient Stairway, whose location is currently unknown," Andreas explained with a smile, then continued.
"The real Ancient Stairway, according to legend, was created by the gods to find mortals worthy of divinity. What you’re seeing here is a piece of that stairway, which the founder of my family brought here."
"So that thing was made by the gods?" Daniel asked in awe, staring more closely at the staircase spiraling around the building.
"That’s right. My founder and even my other ancestors tried to use this stairway to comprehend divine power and increase their understanding of divinity.
Still, that alone is not the only benefit of this stairway.
Every year, about once, my family allows entry into this stairway. All those who count as members of the Lionheart family can challenge it and try to climb."
"Every ten steps you climb, your awareness is drawn into another dimension, and you have to fight one of the famous historical figures. If you win, you can obtain a reward directly from the stairway. But if you lose, you get thrown out without any reward.
After each victory, you also get a choice: you can take your reward and step aside, or you can continue climbing.
If you continue, you are forced to advance another ten steps. If you fail to advance or cannot withstand the pressure of the steps, you can back off — but you still won’t receive any reward." Andreas finished his explanation.
"So there’s something like this too, huh? Fighting with historical figures, interesting..." Daniel murmured to himself, a spark of curiosity flashing in his eyes.
"Last year, I only managed to reach the twenty-third step before I lost. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any reward," Andreas sighed.
"This year, I will definitely advance at least to the fortieth step," he added with confidence.
"Can I join too?" Daniel glanced at him and asked.
"Of course. Right now, you count as a member of my group, and that basically makes you a member of the Lionheart family."
"Good. Still, why didn’t you tell me about this place earlier?"
"I wanted to surprise you," Andreas laughed.
While they were still talking, several figures slowly approached them. In fact, it was two different groups.
"It’s been a while, brother. Looks like you managed to return safely from that incident," a calm, indifferent voice rang in their ears.
The three of them, along with Rynor, turned and looked at the two groups approaching them. Daniel only recognized two people among them, though Ilaris and Andreas were familiar with all of them.
"I’m glad to see you too, brother," Andreas replied coldly to the handsome young man standing in front of him.
He was a handsome young man who resembled Andreas somewhat, though his hair was a little lighter and his eyes were ocean blue.
Tall, with a powerful and noble aura, he looked exactly like a real prince.
Behind him stood several people who were clearly his subordinates. Interestingly enough, Lorak was also among those standing behind him.
"So this must be the one who beat up my subordinate." Tormyn’s gaze fell on Daniel, and he tried to apply some pressure on the white-haired boy — but it had no effect at all.
"Is there a problem? As we all heard, Lorak was the one who caused trouble first. My friend here only taught him a lesson," Andreas said lazily, shrugging his shoulders.
Tormyn’s gaze grew colder, but there was nothing he could do. Lorak was infamous for always causing trouble. On top of that, Tormyn himself was the one who had sent Lorak yesterday to provoke this boy.
"Of course there’s no problem. After all, he only defended himself. I just wanted to see what this friend of ours looks like, so that maybe in the future I can give him a proper welcome." He masked his cold look with a smile.
Still, deep in his eyes, his anger was obvious. His reputation was being damaged again and again, and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Naturally, he was furious.
Andreas frowned. It was clear his brother was threatening Daniel. He wanted to say something, but someone else spoke first.
"That would be great. I’ve already experienced your hospitality. Just yesterday this friend of yours... what was his name? Lorak, right? The only hospitality you had for him was in the bathroom." Daniel said with a smile on his face.
Tormyn’s expression darkened, and he shot a cold look at Lorak behind him. The news that this useless bastard had wet himself yesterday had already spread everywhere.
How could he not understand what Daniel meant? The problem was that he had no comeback — after all, Lorak was his subordinate.
"Are you planning to participate in the Ancient Stairway as well? I wish you luck. By the way, did you tell him the rules? He’d better know — because maybe we’ll give him a welcome right there." Tormyn sneered, then left without waiting for a reply.
His subordinates followed him. Lorak kept his head down the entire time, too scared to even glance at Daniel.
After they left, Andreas, Ilaris, and Daniel turned their attention to the other group. They had arrived at the same time as Tormyn, but until now they hadn’t spoken, only watching the drama unfold.
"Do you want something, Selera?" Andreas asked with a smile.
"Can’t I just come and see my brother?" The beautiful girl at the head of the group said with a cheerful smile.
She had long black hair and ocean-blue eyes like Tormyn, though she looked livelier and more vibrant.
"The stairway will open soon. If you have something to say, get to the point."
"Relax, I didn’t come to cause trouble," Selera raised her hands in a gesture of peace. Unlike Tormyn, she wasn’t an idiot.
"This is the boy you told me about?" she then turned toward Olivia, who was standing behind her, pointing at Daniel as she asked.
Olivia just nodded, then raised her hand in a small wave to greet Daniel.
Daniel replied with a nod.
"He’s even more handsome than you described. So, what do you think, boy? Do you want to work for me? In return, I’ll give you anything you want."