Ascension Gates: Rise of the Beast Monarch-Chapter 108 - 107: The City of Beasts

The road stretched endlessly ahead, winding through the vast expanse of the lower realm like a silent guide leading toward something greater. At first, it had been nothing more than a narrow stone path, uneven and weathered by time, with only the occasional traveler passing by. However, as Aether continued forward, the path gradually widened, becoming smoother and more refined, as though shaped by countless footsteps over generations.

Villages began to appear along the roadside, their modest homes clustered together in quiet harmony. Smoke rose lazily from chimneys, and the distant sounds of daily life echoed faintly in the air. Farmers worked in their fields, merchants set up small stalls, and children ran freely without worry. Yet Aether did not slow his pace, nor did he spare more than a passing glance at these scenes.

To him, these places were merely transitional points—temporary fragments in a much larger journey.

As time passed, the villages transformed into towns. The buildings grew taller, the roads more structured, and the population denser. Travelers increased in number, and the presence of beast tamers became more noticeable. Some walked with confidence, their contracted beasts following closely behind, while others displayed their power more openly, allowing their creatures to roam freely as a sign of status.

Still, Aether remained unchanged.

His steps were steady, his expression calm, and his presence—thanks to the Heaven Eye—barely noticeable.

Inside his mind, the Fallen Succubus spoke with a faint trace of curiosity in her tone. "You have not shown even the slightest interest in anything we have passed so far. Most people would at least observe their surroundings more carefully, especially when entering unfamiliar territory."

Aether did not look around as he replied in a calm, even voice. "There is nothing here worth my attention."

She let out a soft, amused laugh. "You really have no interest in anything below your standards, do you?"

"Interest," Aether replied quietly, "is reserved for things that matter."

The Fallen Succubus did not respond immediately, but there was a subtle shift in her presence, as though she found his answer more meaningful than she let on.

Eventually, the towns gave way to something far greater.

At the horizon, towering walls began to rise into view.

They were massive—far beyond anything Aether had seen before. Constructed from dark stone that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it, the walls stretched endlessly to both sides, forming an unbroken barrier that encircled an entire city.

Ancient.

Immovable.

Enduring.

As Aether drew closer, the sheer scale of the structure became even more apparent. The walls were not merely defensive; they were symbolic. They carried the weight of countless years, of battles fought and survived, of power accumulated and preserved.

Behind those walls lay the Imperial City—the central stronghold of influence and authority within the lower realm.

The Fallen Succubus’s voice softened slightly, her curiosity now more evident. "So this is the Imperial City. I can feel it even from here... the density of energy is far beyond anything inside the academy."

Aether did not respond verbally, but his gaze sharpened ever so slightly.

He could feel it as well.

Even before stepping through the gates, layers of energy overlapped across the city like an intricate web. Some were stable, others volatile, and many were carefully controlled. It was not chaotic, but neither was it simple.

This was a gathering place.

For elites.

For power.

For influence.

And more importantly—this was a place where the strong naturally converged.

As he approached the gates, he noticed the guards stationed on both sides. Their armor was polished, their posture disciplined, and their gazes sharp. Unlike ordinary guards, these individuals were not merely watching for trouble—they were actively sensing the people who entered.

Their perception extended outward, brushing against each individual who passed through.

Testing.

Evaluating.

Judging.

However, when Aether stepped forward and crossed the threshold, none of them stopped him.

None of them questioned him.

None of them reacted at all.

Inside his mind, the Fallen Succubus spoke again, this time with clear interest. "They didn’t even attempt to stop you. That level of indifference is unusual for a city like this."

Aether replied calmly, "They did attempt to scan me."

There was a brief pause before she responded. "...And the result?"

"The same as always," he said.

The Heaven Eye had already responded the moment their perception touched him. Its effect was subtle, invisible, and absolute. It suppressed his presence, redirected external sensing, and erased anything that might draw attention.

To those guards, Aether was nothing more than an ordinary passerby.

Unremarkable.

Forgettable.

Invisible.

As he stepped into the city, the world around him changed instantly.

The streets were alive with activity. Crowds moved in all directions, merchants called out to attract customers, and carriages rolled steadily along wide, well-maintained roads. The air was filled with overlapping voices, the sound of footsteps, and the faint hum of energy from countless beasts.

Everywhere he looked, there were creatures of all kinds.

Some were small and agile, perched on their owners’ shoulders or running at their feet. Others were massive, requiring careful control to prevent them from causing damage. Each beast carried a unique presence, reflecting its strength, lineage, and potential.

Yet despite the overwhelming variety, Aether did not slow down.

He did not wander.

He did not explore.

Because he already knew where he needed to go.

"The Beast House," he said quietly.

The Fallen Succubus responded with a faint smile in her voice. "Straight to the point, as expected."

At the center of the city stood a structure unlike any other.

It was not merely a building—it was a palace. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

The Beast House.

Its gates were wide and adorned with golden inscriptions that shimmered faintly under the sunlight. The architecture was grand yet refined, designed to reflect both wealth and authority. This was not a place for casual visitors; it was a hub for those who sought power through their beasts.

As Aether approached, the massive doors opened smoothly, as though responding to his presence.

Inside, the space was vast—far larger than it appeared from the outside. Multiple levels extended upward, each divided into sections that housed different categories of beasts. The atmosphere was controlled, with energy barriers ensuring that even the strongest creatures remained contained.

A well-dressed man approached him almost immediately. His posture was straight, his expression polite, and his movements precise.

"Welcome to the Beast House," the man said with a respectful bow. "How may I assist you today?"

Aether did not answer right away. Instead, he reached into his pocket and revealed his academy insignia—the symbol of the champion.

The man’s expression changed instantly.

His polite demeanor shifted into one of clear respect.

"I see," he said, his tone becoming more formal. "As the academy champion, you have full access privileges. You may select one beast from any accessible tier within your clearance level."

Aether nodded once. "That is sufficient."

Without wasting any more time, he began his search.

The first floor contained numerous beasts, each carefully displayed and labeled. Their abilities, lineage, and potential were all documented for easy evaluation. To an ordinary beast tamer, this would have been an overwhelming opportunity.

But to Aether—

They were all insufficient.

He walked past them without hesitation, his gaze analyzing each one in an instant.

"Weak," he said quietly.

The Fallen Succubus agreed. "Their potential is limited. Even with optimal evolution, they would never reach a meaningful level."

Aether did not stop.

The second floor offered stronger beasts, with better lineage and more refined energy. However, the fundamental issue remained the same.

They had limits.

"They can grow," the Fallen Succubus said, "but only within predefined boundaries."

Aether’s expression remained unchanged. "Then they are not what I need."

He continued upward.

The moment he stepped onto the third floor, the atmosphere changed completely.

The air grew heavier, denser, and more controlled. The beasts here were different—not just stronger, but more complex. Their energy was unstable, unrefined, and filled with untapped potential.

"This is more like it," the Fallen Succubus said, her tone now clearly interested.

Aether moved slowly, his gaze no longer dismissive but focused.

Each enclosure contained something unique. Some beasts radiated raw power, while others displayed unusual traits that hinted at hidden capabilities. However, Aether did not rush his decision.

He observed.

Analyzed.

Rejected.

Because he was not searching for strength alone.

He was searching for something more.

Potential.

Evolution.

Endless possibility.

Then—

He stopped.

Not because something immediately stood out, but because he felt something subtle.

A disturbance.

A faint pull that did not originate from sight or sound, but from something deeper.

"...You feel that?" the Fallen Succubus asked.

Aether nodded slowly. "Yes."

His gaze shifted toward a specific direction, his steps becoming more deliberate.

Whatever he was looking for—

Was close.

And for the first time since entering the Beast House—

His interest was fully engaged.

The third floor remained silent, its atmosphere heavy with restrained power.

But somewhere within it—

Something was waiting.

Not for just anyone.

But for someone who could truly see it.

And Aether—

Was already moving toward it.