The twins sat beside each other discussing their trip to the new dungeon.

"It's a tier 10 dungeon. I wonder how else will join our party." Maya kept trailing a little ant she found amusing." Dona was more concerned. With such a high tier dungeon, the chances of survival for a bunch of tier 1s were at the bottom. "You know this is the best time to curry a little favour from a bunch of tier 10s. We should go visit our new trainers and check them out." "Let's go back to the academy then. I heard Astra and Justin will join their masters today." The two got up and rushed to the inner chambers.

"This levelling speed is amazing". Sam stood closer to Bai as the duo cleared lair after lair of dungeon mobs. The blast-steel longsword that Bai wielded cut through the beasts as if they were made of butter. Sam stood right behind him collecting the spoils and soaking in the experience. He would sometimes send a lightning bolt or ice shard to help life more mobs towards them.

You reached level 200. Proceed to accept the tier advancement quest?

Accept

Decline

"Looks like you can get promoted now," Bai said looking at Sam who suddenly paused. "Would I accept it now?" Sam asked. He knew advancement quests were hard to complete. Considering the rarity of the job he possessed, there was a higher chance he could die. "It's better to complete the quest in the game. If you complete it in here you will have a higher chance to receive better rewards." Bai said, not stopping him.

The floating window in front of his eyes caused Sam to hesitate. Completing a tier advancement quest would be easy had he not been a legendary job holder. He remembered some of the common job holders just received a small scale kill quest. Seeing Sam hesitate, Bai said, "you don't have to do it now. You can wait and complete it after entering the virtual world." Sam smiled at his master but decided to complete the quest in the dungeon. This could be considered the riskiest thing the twelve-year-old had yet done.

Normally only her tier promotions are attempted in the dungeons. The risk involved was a much higher level compared to the virtual world test. The rewards were equally monstrous. As audacious as the thought was, Sam knew in his heart, if he wanted to become a royal one day, he had to pick this path. A quarter who completed the promotions in the dungeon from tier 1. This could make him the most powerful person in the world one day.

Seeing the determined look on Sam's face, Bai smiled nodding. He intentionally brought the kid to this dungeon so that he could get promoted to the higher tiers. Sam disappeared from where he stood as he was spirited away by the system to the trial grounds. Seeing this, Bai was a little worried again. If something was to happen to her child, Lady Valerie will definitely skin him alive. Bai sat down waiting for Sam to come back.

Inside the Virtual World again.

Sam stared at the world he was ported into. Many spectres were swimming around, the air had a misty feel and the chill he felt caused him to panic. For a second he thought he died.

You have reached the Trial Grounds.

Would you like to start the advancement quest?

Accept

Decline

Without any hesitation, Sam accepted the quest.

Find the spectre of Al'Satu.

The true essence of mana manipulation, Satus were created from the will of mana. To understand the depth of the mana essence, find the ancient ruler of magic, Al'Satu's tomb.

Difficulty: A

Time limit: N/A

Sam looked up and checked for any clues he could find. There was nothing but spectres in the vicinity. A thick mist blocked his vision beyond a few meters. 'Will I have to ask these spectres?" Sam felt his head heavy. Spectres were difficult to speak to. They usually tried to steal life from their victims. Most of them hated the living as well.

Sam reluctantly approached the closest sentient spectre he could find. The thing hovered mid air rooted to the spot as if waiting for someone to approach.

"Who are you? Why is a living in this palace of the dead?" The spectre asked sensing someone approach it. 'Palace? Could it be he was already in the tomb?' Sam respectfully did a small bow. "Respected sir, I'm called Sam. Could you please tell me about Al'satu's tomb?" "Al'satu? This being hasn't heard of that name in such a long time. I can tell you where his tomb is located. But before that, you will have to pass the basic test. Are you willing to submit to the test?"

Sam wasn't sure what the test was about. Spectres, who were famous for trading young adventurers, often heard this method to steal the souls. Before Sam could ask anything he received a quest notification. Thankfully it wasn't a forced quiet.

You have found a sentient spectre that seems helpful. The spectre has the answers you are looking for. Are you willing to take the spectre's test?

Reward: Path to the tomb

Penalty: -5 level

Accept

Decline

Seeing the massive penalty, Sam was a little stunned. Since he would lose a few levels, this quest cannot be reset if failed once. There was a high chance he might get teleported out to the dungeon and forced to level up again. Considering his options, the quest penalty wasn't too harsh. Sam decided to try and taste this soup.

"I accept the quest." Sam said with a resounding voice which made the spectre happy.

"Good. You have guts. You have passed my first trial. You will have to face two more questions from me. Answer me to the best of your knowledge and you shall be rewarded." The spectre took a noble aura as it got ready to drill the little kid with its puzzling questions.

*****