Tower of Paradise

[You can only exit after surpassing the fifth floor.]

The message significantly disturbed my mind. It meant that even if I wanted to return to reality, I couldn't do so, something that hadn't happened in previous waiting rooms. This situation was completely new to me. I had always known that my innate ability, powerful as it might be, was insufficient at best. Regardless of its scope, there would always be a vast ocean of information that would remain hidden from me.

When I opened my eyes, I felt my face harden. I was in the waiting room, similar to all the previous ones, but about twenty meters away, near the end where the portal to the sixth floor was located, there were two groups of five people each observing us in complete silence. They were about a meter apart from each other, and all were looking at us with different expressions: frowning, arched eyebrows, hardened faces, and somber gazes. Their eyes were fixed firmly on us, the newcomers. The tension in the atmosphere was palpable, like a minefield about to explode with the slightest movement.

Beside me, KathyIn was also alert. She now wore armor that looked light and elegant. It was both functional and flattering, offering high levels of protection while accentuating the elegant lines of her body. It was the item she had obtained from defeating the undead boss.

We hadn't unsheathed our weapons, but our hands were ready to do so at any moment. The only thing preventing an immediate fight was the fact that none of the ten strangers in front of us held a weapon in their hands. That didn't mean they weren't dangerous.

If things went wrong, I could kill five of them if I used my entire arsenal and my skills to the maximum. But that would also mean my death. Ten against two were odds too bad to be worth the risk. I glanced sideways at KathyIn, dressed in armor; she had always been a formidable fighter, and now she could demonstrate her full combat potential. In short, she was a fearsome threat. It seemed as if her silver sword had a will of its own. Everything would depend on her strength and how events unfolded.

Then, among the crowd, I saw a young woman. Her immaculate skin betrayed her youth; she was roughly the same age as KathyIn, but her expression was... distant. Indifferent. It wasn't that she was scared or on guard, but she simply didn't seem interested in the situation.

I didn't like judging people by their appearance. I knew that, no matter how cold they acted, no one could free themselves from human emotions. However, there was something about her that caught my attention.

Before I could analyze her further, a man of robust build and imposing height, with muscular arms crossed over his chest, undid his posture and began to walk slowly towards us.

He had tanned skin along with long brown hair, messily combed back with the sides shaved up to his temples, and hazel eyes that scrutinized our every movement. He wore a sleeveless yellow jacket, visibly dirty and worn, revealing a cyan shirt underneath, complemented with thick black pants adorned with stripes on the sides.

—Oh, come on, there's no reason to be so tense.

The man stopped halfway between his group and us.

The familiar tower interface activated in my vision.

[Raymond Chandler.]

[Level of existence: 2 (E)]

[Class: Warrior.]

[Public attribute: Field.]

[Description: Allows him to perceive everything within a three-meter radius.]

I couldn't help but slightly open my eyes. Interesting. A useful attribute in combat, though not invincible. Ambushing him from behind would be practically impossible, but there were ways to deal with someone like that.

—Relax a bit. I have no intention of fighting you. —He added, with a slight smile.

I didn't respond, simply observing him cautiously. At this distance, I could react to any kind of surprise attack they might be planning.

—Arceus, what are we going to do? —KathyIn whispered beside me, her voice revealing some concern.

—Don't worry.

I responded without taking my eyes off Raymond. I took a step forward, shortening the distance between us. If he wanted to talk, so be it.

—I'm Raymond. Nice to meet you.

He introduced himself, slightly inclining his head in a gesture that, more than education or respect, seemed to be simply an ingrained habit. He extended his hand in a friendly manner, seeking a handshake.

—...

I remained silent momentarily, now aware of Raymond's true stature. Now that I was in front of him, his size was even more impressive. Almost two meters tall and a robust build that left no doubts about his physical strength. He didn't seem to be more than twenty years old, but his presence made him appear older.

Was he the leader of his group?

—You know there's no need to say our names, right? —I finally commented, accepting his handshake while raising my head to look him directly in the eyes. His grip was firm.

—Ah, right. You're Arceus, aren't you? —he responded naturally.

—That's right.

After that brief exchange, Raymond returned to his group. From my point of view, he seemed to be introducing us to the others. Frankly, he didn't seem like a bad guy, though that didn't mean I could trust him.

KathyIn turned to me, looking for any sign of tension in my expression. Finding none, her posture visibly relaxed.

—Can we trust them?

—There's no need to fight against them. We won't gain anything from that. —I responded without bothering to look at her, crossing my arms while thinking—. For now, we should continue together.

—Good, I trust Arceus. —She declared, bringing her hand to her chest, glancing at me with an expression difficult to interpret.

—Don't trust anyone. —I warned her, turning to look at her.

—But I...

—Use your head.

KathyIn's expression turned playful, as if she had just received a fun lesson instead of a warning. Her eyes curved into half-moons, forming a charming smile.

—Alright.

Something in her carefree smile made my heart beat faster for a second. Was this some kind of cardiac arrhythmia? It couldn't be anything else.

I ignored the sensation and turned my attention back to the front. Raymond had addressed his group and was speaking enthusiastically.

—It's not a sure thing, but... considering what we've already been through, I guess we'll have to fight again. —He opened his arms, as if trying to encourage the others. But his companions didn't react as he expected. Their gazes remained distant, apathetic, and somber. They seemed lost in their own thoughts.

Then, someone else spoke up.

—From now on, I'll take command... Follow me if you want to live.

It was a strong, masculine voice that resonated with confidence in the room. Everyone turned to see a blond man, with slightly disheveled hair and sapphire eyes that shone with confidence. He brushed a lock of hair from his face with a rehearsed gesture and let out a slight smile, enjoying the attention he had gained.

However, the reaction of the others was not what he expected.

—What? —Raymond frowned.

—What did you say? —Another voice rose with incredulity.

Instead of acceptance or interest, Philip was met with a wave of skepticism. His body tensed when he noticed that the looks did not reflect respect, but challenge.

—You're going to take command? Who are you? —Asked a man with crossed arms, observing him with suspicion.

—Do you have any experience leading? —Another intervened, with a cutting tone.

—You may be older than some of us here, but that doesn't mean you're fit to guide us.

—And what do you suggest, then? That we follow you? —Philip narrowed his eyes, annoyed.

—What I suggest —the other spat out harshly— is that we don't put our lives in the hands of someone we barely know.

—If you become our leader, I bet we'll die before even seeing the portal. —Another said, with a sneer.

Philip's jaw tightened. He prepared to respond, but one of the men had already stepped forward with his fist raised, ready to attack.

And then...

A dry sound cut through the air.

The punch stopped midway.

Philip blinked, surprised. Then he looked up and found Raymond, who had intervened at the last moment to stop the blow.

—Enough. —Raymond's voice resonated firmly. His eyes swept over the group with severity.

The aggressor remained rigid, still with his fist raised. He swallowed.

—If we keep fighting among ourselves, we'll die right here. —Raymond stated, without taking his eyes off the group.

Philip exhaled with frustration and looked away, but said nothing more.

The tension still floated in the atmosphere, heavy and uncomfortable. No one was willing to trust anyone.

From the distance, I observed in silence.

—Tch... This doesn't look good.

Silence extended among those present like a thick fog. No one said anything, but the tension was evident on everyone's faces. Some looked at Philip with distrust; others averted their gaze, not knowing what to do or say.