The space in front of Akimoto rippled with every movement. His hand was still on the cold surface of the Dark Primordial Stone, but the stone did not move even a little. An invisible force was holding it down, or perhaps it had never belonged to this floor in the first place.

Akimoto's breathing became heavier. He could feel the terrible pressure pressing down on him. A feeling of helplessness welled up, even though he had used all his strength, the stone remained completely motionless.

From behind, Jasper's voice rang out, still in a calm and authoritative tone.

Jasper: "You can't take it out."

Akimoto gritted his teeth, turning around, his eyes filled with confusion.

Akimoto: "Why? I already touched it!"

Jasper moved closer, his sharp eyes seemed to see through everything.

Jasper: "The problem isn't whether you touched it or not. It's where you are."

Jasper waved his hand lightly, and immediately the surrounding space changed. The originally empty sky suddenly appeared five giant circles, rotating in a mysterious orbit. Those circles were like gears of the universe, moving constantly, each circle was larger than the inner circle, like shells enveloping each other.

Akimoto instinctively took a step back. He could feel the immense power radiating from them.

Jasper: "You are at the lowest level, the Layer Of Knowledge. This is where everything you can understand is contained. But..."

Jasper raised his hand, pointing at the stone.

Jasper: "The Dark Primordial Stone does not exist in this level. It is above everything in the Layer Of Knowledge."

Akimoto glared.

Akimoto: "You mean... it is on another level?"

Jasper nodded.

Jasper: "Yes. Everything in the universe exists in layers of consciousness. And these are the five layers that encompass everything."

He pointed to the circles, each layer becoming clearer:

The first layer: Layer Of Knowledge, where Akimoto was standing. It contained only what could be comprehended, but only within the limits of individual understanding.

The second layer: Layer Of Information, where all the facts of all things existed. It was far beyond what could be learned or understood in the usual way.

The third layer: Layer Of Laws, where the principles that govern reality existed in their pure form. This is where the laws of space, time, energy, etc. originated.

The fourth layer: Layer Of Concepts, where the essence of all things was formed without being bound by any laws. Only what belonged to the pure essence could exist here.

Fifth Layer: Layer Of Illusion – The Illusory Layer, also known as The Shadow. This is where the Dark Primordial Stone truly lies. An entity of absolute nothingness, transcending all the rules of reality.

Jasper withdrew his hand, his gaze still cold.

Jasper: "To reach the real stone, you must pass through all these layers."

Akimoto felt his whole body stiffen. He had never thought that he was trapped in a layer of consciousness.

Akimoto: "Then... how can I pass through them?"

Jasper curled his lips, a meaningful smile.

Jasper: "Each layer exists according to its own rules. But to leave the Layer Of Knowledge, there is only one way..."

Akimoto felt his heart pounding.

Akimoto: "What is it?"

Jasper lowered his voice, each word resounding clearly:

Jasper: "Destroy it."

The atmosphere became heavier than ever. Akimoto felt a chill run down his spine.

Akimoto: "Destroy... an entire floor?"

Jasper: "Not just once. But infinite times."

Akimoto clenched his fists.

Akimoto: "What the hell are you talking about?!"

Jasper remained calm.

Jasper: "Layer Of Knowledge is not simply a layer of knowledge, but an endless system of perception, constantly expanding according to your understanding. When you destroy a layer, it will immediately recreate another layer, deeper and wider. This is the first layer but also the harshest layer after the other four layers, because it only needs to perceive that knowledge to advance to the next layer of knowledge until infinity, if it continues like that it will be stuck so you have to break through its infinite layers to be able to advance to the next layer.

Akimoto felt his head spinning.

Akimoto: "So that means... I have to fight an infinite layer?"

Jasper: "That's right."

Akimoto: "Then where do I start?"

Jasper closed his eyes for a moment, then softly replied:

Jasper: "Let's start by destroying everything you think is true."

Akimoto took a deep breath. He looked  around, where everything still seemed like a normal reality. But now he knew, it was all just a layer of consciousness that was trapping him.

If he wanted to become stronger, if he wanted to reach the Dark Primordial Stone, he had no other choice.

Akimoto gritted his teeth, preparing for an infinite battle...