When Finn heard the mechanical voice of the system, he froze. This was the first time it had ever failed to provide him with information.
In the past, every time he came into contact with something from this world, the system would instantly analyze it and reveal its properties. Yet now, holding this old black lamp in his hand, the system remained silent—unable to offer even a single detail. Even the mysterious power that guided him couldn't decipher what kind of object it was.
In this world, Finn was the only one who possessed a system. Ever since that incident at the Adventurer's Training Ground in the Sacred Dragon Institute, the system had merged with him, supporting him in countless ways. Through it, he had learned many things—things that no ordinary Adventurer could ever hope to know. Anything he touched, the system could read. But now... this was the first time it drew a blank.
This made the old lamp all the more intriguing.
If veteran Adventurers were to discover that Finn had such a power—one capable of identifying the information about anything—they would no doubt try to unearth the secrets buried deep within his body. That alone was reason enough for him to keep the system a secret. He didn't want to put his life, or his clan's, in jeopardy.
Finn quietly shook his head. Not even his parents could be told. He couldn't risk it—not when the consequences could complicate everything. Letting out a slow breath, he tucked the lamp back into his interspatial ring. He would investigate it later... inside his Myriad World Mirror.
A few more hours passed, and finally, the auction came to a close.
Members of the Immortal Sword Pavilion, Ancient Darkness Palace, and Alchemist Association each secured a Top-tier Rare Armament. Other factions, however, weren't as fortunate—including Finn's own, the Cloud Soaring Sect.
Only Ashe, Lore, Leo, and Finn had received armaments. Of course, no one questioned Ashe and Lore's eligibility—they were, after all, the strongest members of the Soaring Seven. Leo, on the other hand, was Marcus's personal student, so his treatment was understandable.
As for Finn... he was becoming more and more valued by the sect's high-ups. They were willing to spend a fortune if it meant winning his favor.
Lan, Juvia, and Ezekias hadn't received any equipment, but they harbored no resentment toward Noah or Marcus. They had seen with their own eyes how hard Noah tried to win armaments that suited them. But resources were limited—and so were their chances. Even so, the sting of envy couldn't be denied, though they kept their thoughts to themselves.
Just as everyone was beginning to relax with new armaments in hand, Helbram's voice rang out once again, silencing the crowd.
"The auction is over. You may now proceed to your designated faction houses," he declared. "I trust that the faction masters and elders know where to go?"
His eyes swept across the room before he continued, "However, let me make this clear—until the Seven Great Faction Games officially begin, no participants are allowed to leave their faction houses. Only the faction masters and elders may roam the Floating Island. Disturbing another faction's house is strictly forbidden. The punishment for violating this rule, as decreed by the Royal Clan, is severe. Understood?"
No one dared voice any dissent. Each person wore a serious expression, and the leaders of each faction merely nodded in acknowledgment.
"Very well. Faction masters, allow your elders to escort your young Adventurers to their faction houses. I ask that you remain behind—I have something important to discuss."
The masters exchanged glances, already suspecting that the discussion would be about the rules, format, and details of the upcoming tournament.
Noah turned to Marcus and spoke firmly, "Elder Marcus, I'll leave them to you. Make sure they behave."
Marcus bowed slightly and smiled. "Understood, Sect Master. I'll watch over them carefully."
Noah nodded, then gently stroked the furry head of Little Red, the small tiger who had been sleeping peacefully on his shoulder. The little beast stirred, let out a yawn, and stretched its paws lazily.
"Little Red, go with Ashe for now. I have something I need to take care of," Noah whispered.
The winged tiger gave a soft chirp and floated over to Ashe's waiting arms. She hugged it close and stroked its head affectionately.
It was clear they shared a bond. Ashe was like a daughter to Noah, and the beast known as Little Red, a Six-Winged Enormous Blood Tiger, was as gentle as a lamb in their presence—despite being as powerful as a 6th Level Profound Rank adventurer. It was a great blessing for Ashe to be close to such a guardian... but Noah would never allow Little Red to accompany her on real journeys. After all, trials and danger were essential for any Adventurer's growth. If someone too powerful stood at her side, wouldn't the whole point of the journey be lost?
Noah turned to the Soaring Seven once more.
"I place my trust in you. As members of my Cloud Soaring Sect, I will do all I can to protect you... but only if you are in the right. I will never endanger the name of our sect to cover for your mistakes," he warned sternly.
Each member of the group nodded with utmost respect. They understood, and none of them had any intention of disappointing their sect master.
With that, Noah turned away and left the room.
--
The members of Cloud Soaring Sect exited the Floating Island's Auction House along with the other factions. There was no more reason to linger—they had to get to their respective faction houses to rest and prepare.
Outside, seven elegant carriages awaited them. Each carriage bore the unique symbol of its corresponding faction, and each was pulled by three pristine white horses—no ordinary breed, that was certain.
Marcus stepped into the carriage marked with the Cloud Soaring Sect's emblem. Seeing him take his seat, the rest of the Soaring Seven followed.
These carriages were a special gift from the Royal Clan, crafted with luxury and space in mind. The Floating Island was vast—traversing it by foot would only waste time.
As the wheels turned and the Cloud Soaring Sect's carriage began to move, Ashe glanced at Finn and asked from across her plush seat, "Finn Doria, I just want to ask... is that pill you gave me really going to work?"
Finn smiled, his golden eyes meeting hers. "There's no reason for me to lie. Trust me. That Advance Scarlet Pill will definitely help you. I'm a hundred percent certain it'll raise your strength from 4th Level to 5th Level Scarlet Gold Rank. And don't worry—there are no side effects."
He knew why she valued the pill so much. Ashe was proud, and strength was everything to her—it was the path to respect, recognition, and status.
A Rank 5 Pill was worth as much as a high-tier Rare Armament. There was no way Ashe could afford something like that on her own. Her clan, the Vermillion Bird Family, refused to let its members rely on wealth alone. They had to earn everything through their own effort.
Ashe grimaced at the boy's smug grin. Her expression turned cold. "It better be true... Hmph."
She averted her gaze and focused on playing with Little Red.
The rest of the trip was quiet. Everyone seemed lost in thought.
Finn, too, was deep in contemplation. He couldn't stop thinking about the lamp. What was its secret? Why did he feel such a strange connection to it? He needed answers.
--
Nearly an hour passed before their carriage rolled to a halt before a massive building. From the window, the group could see a cloud emblem above the grand front gates—the Cloud Soaring Sect's Faction House.
All seven of them stared in awe. This was where they'd be staying for the next month. The exterior alone was breathtaking—none of them could wait to see what the inside looked like.
As they stepped down from the carriage, the driver cracked his reins, and the white horses trotted off into the distance.
Finn turned his gaze toward the towering building. A mix of awe and emotion stirred inside him. Compared to this, even the Azure Wood Family's Main Hall looked like a hut. His clan was poor—just a small name in the kingdom. They couldn't afford luxuries like this. Not like the Royal Clan with their Floating Island and countless territories.
Marcus entered the building first, and the Soaring Seven followed.
The moment they stepped inside, their eyes sparkled. The interior was even more majestic than they imagined. A vast hall, ornate chandeliers, beautifully carved furniture. This was to be their home while the games played out.
Marcus cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "There are seven rooms on the first floor. Feel free to choose whichever one you like. You're all old enough, so don't cause trouble."
"If you need me, or have something important to report, I'll be on the second floor," he added before turning to Leo. "Leo, follow me. There's something I want to teach you."
Leo glanced at Finn and nodded before following his teacher.
Finn, meanwhile, wandered through the hallway and picked a room at random. Once inside, he used a technique powered by his true strength to seal the door. He didn't want to be disturbed.
He exhaled slowly, then summoned the Myriad World Mirror once again. It required focus—and time.
When the mirror's portal appeared, Finn stepped into it, and it vanished behind him.
--
Inside, the world was just as he remembered—glittering mountains of treasure, rolling green fields, towering trees, breathtaking peaks.
He touched his interspatial ring and summoned the old lamp. It materialized in front of him, and he grasped it, turning it in his hands.
Then, just as before, the little black creature appeared.
It usually stared blankly at him, but now... something was different.
It was confused.
Its eyes no longer showed the usual dullness. Instead, they were filled with caution as it backed away from the stone it normally sat on.
Finn frowned.
"What's going on...?" he whispered.