Eternal Tower: Atreia Era

After a night's rest, Lynn's shoulder wound had mostly healed.

The power of the Brightening Elixir seeped into the skin, and even the scars faded at a visible rate.

As dawn broke, Cecil arrived at his temporary residence.

His white armor was spotless, his golden hair was slightly fluttering in the morning breeze, and the wings of light on his back were folded up, leaving only a faint halo.

"Ready?" Cecil asked.

Lynn stood up and took a deep breath.

Overnight, he went from a young hunter in a border village to a guardian about to step into the celestial realm.

My state of mind is different now.

"Ready."

His voice was steady, no longer showing the immaturity of yesterday.

Cecil nodded slightly, then turned and walked outside: "Follow me, the teleportation hall has opened its passage, and we can go directly to Elysium today."

The two walked through the still relatively quiet fortress streets in the early morning.

On the streets, many Celestial Guardians were clearing the battlefield, moving the wounded, and repairing the city walls.

Everyone's face showed exhaustion, but there was no sign of them backing down.

Yesterday's battle, although the fortress was successfully defended, came at a considerable cost.

Many young guardians remained forever on the city walls, becoming part of the land of Atreia.

Lynn remained silent the entire way.

As he looked at the busy figures and the still-dry bloodstains, the sense of "mission" in his heart grew heavier.

This is the destiny of the guardians.

It wasn't for glory, nor for power, but for those behind us who couldn't fight, and to prevent more villages from becoming ruins like Falling Wind Village.

The Teleportation Hall is located at the deepest part of the Fortress of Light, and is a magnificent hall made entirely of light crystals.

In the center of the hall stood a huge circular teleportation array, covered with runes and shimmering with light, the air filled with a rich and pure aetheric aura.

Several Celestial Mage mages responsible for teleportation stood beside the array, maintaining its stability.

"This is the main teleportation array at the edge of the Celestial Realm, which leads directly to the central temple of Elysium," Cecil explained. "The teleportation process may cause some dizziness; just keep your mind calm."

Lynn nodded and stepped onto the teleportation array.

The runes beneath their feet lit up instantly, and golden light shot into the sky.

A powerful pulling force enveloped my entire body, and the scene before me instantly distorted and shattered.

Fortresses, city walls, wastelands... everything was swallowed by the light.

Consciousness seemed to be thrown into an endless stream of light.

I don't know how much time has passed—maybe a moment, maybe a century.

When the light faded and his feet touched the ground again, Lynn froze on the spot.

The world before him exceeded all his imagination.

The sky was a pale gold that was crystal clear, and the white clouds floated as softly as cotton. The air was filled with a light ether so rich that it was almost liquid. Taking a deep breath, it felt as if every meridian in my body was cheering.

In the distance, towering temples floated in the sky, their golden roofs gleaming in the sunlight, and crisscrossing light bridges connected the floating islands.

Countless Celestial Guardians spread their pure white wings and soared freely in the sky, their wings leaving streaks of golden light as they swept across the heavens.

On the earth, grass and trees flourish, flowers bloom all the time, and deer and birds stroll leisurely in the forest. Everything is peaceful and sacred.

There is no smoke of gunpowder, no bloodshed, no despair here.

This is the Heavenly Paradise.

It is the home of the Celestials, the holy land of light, and the ultimate destination for all who yearn for order and peace.

"This is paradise..." Lynn murmured to himself, his eyes filled with awe.

Cecil stood beside him, looking at this familiar land with a hint of tenderness in his eyes: "After the Tower of Eternity collapsed, the chief god Shiel led us to establish this place, using the light ether to protect the people of the Celestial Race. For thousands of years, this place has been our strongest support."

He raised his hand and pointed to the tallest, most magnificent, colossal temple that pierced the sky in the distance: "That is the main temple, the residence of the chief god Shiel, and the core of the entire heavenly realm."

Lynn looked in the direction he pointed, and found his mind completely drawn to the temple.

It was a reverence that came from the depths of the soul, a reverence for the power of creation, for the supreme god, and for the will of the Tower of Eternity.

"However, before heading to the main temple, you need to enter the Guardian Academy and complete your formal Guardian training." Cecil withdrew his gaze and looked at Lynn. "Only by graduating from the academy can you become a true Celestial Guardian, possessing your own wings, armor, and mission."

Guardian Academy.

Lynn silently memorized the name.

That will be his only goal for the foreseeable future.

Cecil said no more, unfolded his wings of light, and gestured for Lynn to follow: "Hold on tight."

A gentle aetheric force enveloped Lynn, and the two of them rose into the air, flying towards the depths of the floating temple.

The wind whistled in my ears.

Beneath your feet lie endless golden temples, verdant forests, and clear lakes.

Lynn looked down and felt as if the whole world was unfolding beneath his feet, and his heart was suddenly filled with joy.

Luofeng Village was once his everything.

Now, the entirety of Atreia is his stage.

The flight lasted less than a quarter of an hour.

A massive and magnificent academy complex appeared below the two of them.

The academy occupies an entire floating island, surrounded by a light-attribute barrier. Inside, there are teaching halls, cultivation chambers, training grounds, and martial arts arenas.

Countless young figures moved about in the courtyard. Most of them were about the same age as Lynn and exuded varying degrees of ethereal energy.

This is the Celestial Guardian Academy.

Cradle of all Celestial Guardians.

"From today onwards, you are a member of the Guardian Academy." Cecil slowly descended, leading Lynn through the academy gates. "I will complete your enrollment procedures. In the days to come, focus on your training and do not disappoint me, nor betray the Guardian bloodline within you."

Lynn nodded emphatically.

He knew that the real test was just beginning.