In a campus dining hall, Gallen Jin was having breakfast when he received word that Xena Xiao was heading to the Machine Tower.
"Machine Tower? Looks like Xena Xiao plans to break the Machine Tower record! It was one of my goals, too. Perfect opportunity to see how capable you really are!" Gallen Jin hurriedly finished his breakfast and rushed to the Machine Tower.
Meanwhile, many others were also flocking to the Machine Tower, eager to witness Xena's challenge, making the area unusually crowded.
...
At the entrance of the Machine Tower, Xena Xiao stood calmly, waiting her turn.
The Machine Tower had eighteen entrances, allowing eighteen people to attempt it simultaneously. Since each attempt required one point, students usually only challenged the tower occasionally, meaning the wait was generally short.
"Xena Xiao, I'm a big fan! Can I get your contact info?"
"Xena, how did you get so strong? Do you have any training tips?"
"Xena, do you remember me? We're in the same class. I'm…"
Surrounded by excited students, Xena could hardly respond before a shout interrupted them.
"Look! Gallen Jin is here!"
Instantly, many female students rushed over to him. As a descendant of the Golden Sovereign and a highly esteemed member of the Jin family, Gallen Jin was already famous even before attending Galaxy University. Many saw him as the perfect male idol.
Upon his arrival, Xena Xiao and Ethan Lin both looked over.
"Xena, it seems Gallen Jin heard about you coming to the Machine Tower and decided to show up. Maybe he wants to challenge you head-on!" Ethan remarked.
"Let him try. My current level may not match his, but I'm confident I can outpace him. Don't you trust in our Lightfoot Technique?" Xena rolled her eyes.
"Of course I do! But confidence aside, we should respect our opponent. There are plenty of geniuses in this world; underestimating them would be unwise." Ethan advised.
"Don't worry, I won't let my guard down." Xena nodded.
At that moment, Gallen Jin approached, his gaze sharp. "So you're Xena Xiao? I hear you're quite skilled. Care to race me through the Machine Tower to see who can finish faster?"
"Why should I compete with you?" Xena smiled, amused.
"Uh..." Gallen was momentarily speechless, caught off guard. Wasn't she supposed to accept his challenge on the spot?
"Could it be that she lacks confidence in her speed and doesn't dare accept?" he wondered, misinterpreting her response.
Not wanting to lose face, Gallen continued, "Xena Xiao, if you're unwilling, I won't force you. But if you're brave enough, and I lose, I'll pay you 1 million Starcoins. If you lose, you only need to admit defeat. Nothing more."
"One million Starcoins!" The nearby students gasped.
A million Starcoins was no small amount; it was enough to support years of training for students from smaller families. For those in poverty, it would take a lifetime to amass such wealth.
By old Earth standards, one Starcoin was equivalent to five yuan in ancient Chinese currency, making Gallen's offer worth a staggering 5 million yuan.
"Xena, the Jin family clearly has money to spare. If they want to give it to us, why not accept?" Ethan urged.
"Alright, I accept!" Xena agreed.
A million Starcoins was significant for her, especially since, although Galaxy University operated on points, Starcoins would be essential outside campus. If Xena won the title of Freshman King, she'd be awarded a spaceship, but the ship's energy requirements were also costly.
"Great. Once two entrances are free, we'll enter together and see who can clear all five floors the fastest," Gallen said confidently.
"No problem!" Xena responded.
Soon, as other students exited the Machine Tower, two entry spots opened.
The crowd, eager to watch the showdown, held back, allowing Xena and Gallen to approach the entrances.
"Begin!"
Swoosh!
Xena and Gallen disappeared through their respective entrances simultaneously, entering the Machine Tower.
Inside the first level, guardians were not allowed to be summoned, nor could they merge with their bonded. Nonetheless, Guardian Spirits like Ethan could observe the proceedings.
Ethan watched closely as robots materialized along a wide corridor. These robots were holographic but capable of solid attacks, their bodies slightly transparent with a vibrant glow.
"These robots have been scaled to match my level, each on par with a Stage Seven Awakener. Engaging them head-on would get me overwhelmed," Xena muttered, either to herself or to Ethan.
"Xena, your Lightfoot Technique has already reached a state of mastery. You've fought countless battles on the Star Network. Just play to your strengths." Ethan encouraged her from within the Guardian Spirit space.
Xena nodded, and in a flash, she moved with the grace of a breeze, slipping into the shadows and accelerating down the corridor.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!
Laser beams shot from the robots' eyes, while others leapt into the air, launching attacks at Xena.
The Machine Tower was designed to train students' agility, speed, and reflexes, challenging them to evade these relentless assaults and reach the other side of the corridor.
Within just thirty seconds, Xena maneuvered past every robot's attack, reaching the end unscathed.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]