Formless Ascension: My Affinity Is Limitless

At times when he could have explored his power more, doing things that would have pushed his understanding of his Formless nature further, he had kept himself in check.

Perhaps this was the tipping edge Zara had talked about earlier.

It wasn’t the fighting that got to him. It wasn’t the battles or the killing. Rather, it was this silent tension of being watched. The Tower had just brought it forward even more, making it blatantly apparent.

The moment Uhtred confronted this silent tension for what it was, he realized exactly why Handler Roy’s warning had made him feel so... off.

What’s the use? he thought. Why do I need to keep this pressure on myself constantly? When is it going to end?

Thoughts about what would happen if he was revealed to be Formless — to possess a class that broke the restrictions of the System — surged through his mind.

What would happen to him then? Were there entities set in place to hunt down System bugs like him? Was his class even something natural under the System?

So far, keeping his class secret had done fuck-all to alleviate the growing suspicions of his multiversal viewers.

The more he grew in strength, the more difficult it would become to hide, and the more suspicious they would become.

This was now a direct conflict of interest.

To what end was he willing to go to keep his class a secret?

Was he willing to stifle his growth consciously just so he could keep up the facade that he was normal like everyone else?

Or was it more logical to come out in blazing glory, face the multiverse, stop hiding, and maximize the extent of his Formless nature to the fullest?

Time passed by quickly as Uhtred pondered his situation, his mind in turmoil.

If there was ever a time to choose himself over keeping a secret that stifled his growth, it was now. If he was ever going to come out and stop hiding, there was no better time than during this interview.

Handler Roy had told him and Zara to make a statement, and that making a statement would give them immense advantages — donations and gifts that would make their climb up the tower significantly easier.

If it was inevitable that his class was going to be revealed at some later point in the future, then why not reveal it now when it would benefit him immensely?

There was no statement more shocking than someone who defied the System entirely.

Uhtred let out a light groan, running his palms across his face. He sat at the edge of his seat, thinking deeply.

While he could see the logic in revealing his class now, the only thing holding him back was the thought of what would happen afterward.

Uhtred didn’t know the scope of what his revelation would cause. If he was just being paranoid, then perhaps it would be like every other class, except much more logic-defying.

But if it wasn’t just his paranoia — which he thought far more likely — then he was about to reveal the single greatest anomaly the multiverse had ever heard of.

And the repercussions of that...

Unfortunately, Uhtred didn’t have the time to come to a definite conclusion. Out of nowhere, the door on the wall morphed open again with a hiss, startling him out of his thoughts.

The voice of the Host boomed from down the corridor, and loud cheers, even more resounding than the previous time, echoed as Zara and Handler Roy stepped back through the door.

Uhtred stared at them blankly, his heart suddenly thudding against his chest. He had completely forgotten about the question he had wanted to ask Zara earlier.

He saw Handler Roy’s rat lips moving, saying something like his name, but all he could hear was the heavy sound of his own breath.

His body moved automatically, nodding and walking toward Roy.

The rat-man looked slightly concerned, and Zara by his side raised an eyebrow, saying something to Uhtred.

Uhtred heard nothing of it.

He moved with Roy as the Handler directed him down the corridor, speaking in quick bursts.

The rat-man paused suddenly, and Uhtred felt a slight shake on his arm that grew violently intense until a sharp burst of pain shot up his left arm, jolting him awake.

”—Uhtred!! Get yourself together, Uhtred! What’s going on with you? You were fine just minutes ago!”

Handler Roy’s voice came crashing in full, along with the thunderous cheers and the voice of the Host sounding in the background.

The Host was already introducing him to the audience, riling up their anticipation in preparation to call him out to the stage.

”I’m fine, Roy,” Uhtred answered calmly. His rapidly thudding heartbeat slowed down. His breathing evened out. He even cracked a light smile.

The normal, calm, and collected Uhtred had returned.

The sudden change took Handler Roy completely by surprise. The words he had been about to say got caught in his throat.

He looked Uhtred straight in the eye, and immediately he seemed to understand something.

His expression turned solemn.

Uhtred held his gaze, saying nothing. In that silent moment, no words were needed.

Handler Roy already knew his champion’s intentions, and Uhtred’s mind was already made up.

Without waiting for Roy to lead him, Uhtred moved the moment he heard the Host call out his name across the arena.

—have another human ascender again, folks!! Can you believe that?! When was the last time such a thing happened in the Illustrious Tower of Wonders?!!

The crowd went crazy, their cheers vibrating the solid floors beneath his feet.

And I can tell you that this next human ascender is no less remarkable than his teammate!!

He is a simple Nascent Realm ascender who has embodied not just one, not just two, but four Elemental Manifestations in quick succession!! Fluidly and without any harm to his core!!!

The loud cheers somehow sounded even louder, excitement palpable in the air.

Please, folks, give it up for... Uhtred, the number one ascender among the human race!!!