Tower of Paradise

Raymond slowly lowered his arm, releasing the aggressor's fist, who stepped back with a frown, though without daring to throw another punch.

—If we really want to get out of here alive, —he continued, looking at everyone seriously—, the first thing we need to do is organize ourselves. Fighting for leadership now won't get us anywhere.

—That's easy to say, —someone growled in the back—, but we can't simply follow just anyone.

Philip, still tense, let out a snort.

—I'm not "just anyone," —he snapped with annoyance—. I'm not going to act as a mere spectator while everyone goes like sheep to the slaughter. If we don't make decisions now, this situation will only get worse.

—And what guarantees us that you know what you're doing? —another retorted with a hint of challenge in his voice.

—And what guarantees us that you do? —Philip counterattacked immediately.

The murmur grew among the group. Everyone was on guard, each with their own opinion, but none with a clear solution.

Raymond clicked his tongue. It was evident that he considered that the more people joined, the greater the chances of overcoming each floor. But I knew well that the tower didn't always function according to that logic.

If the sixth floor hadn't changed with respect to the information I possessed, then it was practically impossible for a single person to traverse it successfully. Of course, there was no guarantee that reality would coincide with the data provided by Successor's Eyes, but I would know with certainty as soon as I entered the next level.

The difficulty level increased rapidly with each multiplier of 5 layers. It was a kind of boss stage concept. For example, it was suicidal to go to the tenth floor like this. Regardless of the level or equipment, the number of people was insufficient.

Although the sixth floor would be difficult, at least it wasn't an impossible challenge like the tenth. If these people were willing to listen to my indications, I would do everything possible to guide them all through the danger that awaited us.

—Let's go, it's time to continue, —Raymond announced, ending his speech with a loud clap, as if intending to awaken the dormant senses of those watching him.

He began to walk confidently towards the door, but soon stopped when he realized that no one was following him. He turned, visibly confused by the lack of response.

The women avoided his gaze, some with expressions of deep concern, others contemplating the floor while nervously biting their lips. The men touched their chins thoughtfully, frowned with indecision, or simply maintained somber looks, filled with uncertainty.

—No one follows him... Because, obviously, everyone is afraid, —I commented quietly to KathyIn, who observed in silence.

Raymond scratched his cheek, clearly perplexed. From his perspective, he had managed to calm the crowd by delivering a motivational speech and sincerely expected the enthusiastic collaboration of the group, so that uncomfortable situation had caught him completely off guard.

—He doesn't seem to understand why everyone is like that. How amusing, —I murmured with a certain sarcasm.

It was no surprise that everyone felt fear. It was absolutely absurd to risk one's life for people you had just met. The situation worsened considering that any of them could try to eliminate you at the least expected moment.

—Are we going to go there and climb up to that place...?

—No! I won't do it! That place really gives me the creeps!

People began to whisper among themselves, some even openly shouting that they wouldn't enter the portal even if their lives were directly threatened.

Raymond tried to gather them again, employing different tactics and arguments. However, in the end, none showed a willingness to follow him.

I scanned the ten individuals with my gaze and again focused on that young woman with the indifferent expression who had caught my attention previously. As before, she remained isolated, with no one around her. The cold look she exhibited seemed to have become an invisible force field that instinctively caused everyone to move away from her.

This observation sparked my curiosity, but I decided to focus on what was a priority.

—KathyIn, will you go with me? —I turned to look at her directly.

—Yes! Of course!

Her response made my lips curve slightly into a small smile.

—Good, then we'll continue together.

There was no point in continuing to waste time in that room. We had to move forward if we wanted to have any chance of overcoming. I began to walk, passing by the group of indecisive people, heading directly towards the portal.

—Hey! —Raymond shouted from behind, his voice mixing with the chorus of alarm that rose in the room.

—What the fuck are you doing?! —someone shouted.

—Don't be so reckless! —another warned.

—Stop! —someone else ordered.

A cacophony of hysterical screams erupted when I positioned myself in front of the luminous portal that led to the sixth floor.

I turned slowly, observing KathyIn approach my position with cautious steps while casting uneasy glances at the crowd surrounding us.

—We are going to enter, —I directed my gaze straight towards Raymond, establishing unbreakable eye contact—. Raymond, will you come with us?

I asked him, challenging him to demonstrate the conviction of his previous words.

—I... —he began, but his voice broke in evident hesitation.

—Decide quickly, —I urged him, turning partially towards the portal—. I'm not going to wait for people who don't want to continue.

I turned again, this time facing the entire crowd with an impassive expression.

—If you don't believe you can do it, then... die here like cowards.

I pronounced coldly, licking my lips in an unconscious gesture. I didn't enjoy this type of manipulation, but I knew it was necessary given the circumstances.

—Don't you know? —I continued, looking at them one by one, letting my words sink deeply—. Those who don't dare to continue are nothing but a burden. They are unnecessary. Raymond, you seem to be more daring; that's why I'm asking you.

Raymond lowered his head, contemplating the marble floor as if searching in it for some answer or some indication of the path to follow.

—Quickly, make a decision.

—Alright. I'll go with you, —he finally responded, raising his face with renewed determination.

Those who until now had kept their gaze fixed on the floor raised their eyes, surprised. The fear of being abandoned, of being left alone in the face of the unknown, was palpable in their eyes.

—I'll go too!

—Me too!

—Let's all go together!

—Me too!

—I'll go!

As I had anticipated, the only thing necessary was to make them feel insignificant, to awaken in them the fear of irrelevance. At the end of the day, no one wanted to be left alone in the face of the unknown.

—I have no intention of continuing as a group. I doubt things will improve just because there are more of us.

People looked at me with eyes wide open, pupils dilated with amazement and fear. Eyebrows arched upwards in expressions of disbelief, mouths half-open and trembling lips that betrayed their anxiety. Their tense bodies, with rigid muscles, executed abrupt and nervous movements that evidenced their mental state.

Contemplating those expressions of fear was fascinating to me. It was unusual to find someone who openly rejected the idea of advancing as a group. However, soon I could perceive how courage and an incipient bravery began to manifest in the faces of those people.

What they ignored was that that small spark of courage would extinguish as quickly as it had ignited, as soon as they set foot on the sixth floor.

Deep down, I only needed them to overcome this specific challenge. I knew I had to be extremely cautious, evaluate each situation quickly, and make the most effective decisions based on concrete data, not passing emotions.

There was no reason to let myself be influenced by people whose fate was probably sealed. All of them would die sooner or later in this relentless place. My goal was to take advantage of their presence until then, using them as resources in my own survival.

—Since no one wants to stay here, let's continue, —I announced, satisfied with having captured the attention and willingness of the group.

Shortly after, I crossed the threshold of the portal, feeling the ethereal energy envelop me as I entered the Sixth floor. Behind me, a dozen people followed.