Vol. 1 - Ch. 7 - The First Tower

The following day, Ash departed from the inn earlier than the sun had risen. He entered the dense forest that surrounded the central plaza and continued west.

After a short while, he emerged from the jungle, greeted by a wilderness devoid of water and trees.

The ground was wet and blackened, emitting a faint heat along with a dusty sound.

His body felt hot, and he couldn't help but wonder if this was a premonition of what lay ahead.

Ash looked up and saw an incredibly massive tower, dyed in flaming red and exuding an overwhelming sense of intimidation that seemed to halt any progress.

The Red Tower.

The tower Ash planned to challenge today.

He proceeded through the wilderness and arrived in front of the tower.

There, he noticed about twenty challengers already waiting in line.

Most of them appeared to be divided into teams, with three or four challengers huddled together, tending to their weapons and discussing their strategies.

All of them were clad in heavy equipment, giving off the impression that they were preparing to hunt. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ NøᴠᴇlFire.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

"You must be the newcomer, Sir Ash, correct?" a sudden voice greeted Ash. It was a Milma, whose age Ash couldn't discern.

"That's right. And you?" Ash inquired.

"I'm the supervisor of the Red Tower."

The Milma, whose hair was as red as the tower itself, replied.

It was most likely a coincidence, but it was quite conspicuous.

"Are there supervisors at the other towers as well?"

"Yes. However, although I am a supervisor, I don't enter the tower personally. My main responsibility is...  Well, let's say I explain things to newcomers."

"Don't you get bored?"

"No. It's quite enjoyable to see challengers return in tatters and imagine the challenges they faced that day."

"That's quite an interesting hobby you've got going on there."

Ash remarked, noting that the Milma was being dead serious.

He decided that in the future, no matter how grueling his experiences in the tower, he would return with a cheerful countenance.

"So, what's that explanation? If possible could you keep it brief? I can't wait to head up."

"Do not worry. It won't take long. Do you see the circular formations at the entrance of the tower?"

"I do. There's one on each side." Ash replied, looking at the large gate leading into the tower.

On either side of it, a magic circle in the shape of a hexagram had been inscribed on the ground.

Even now, they emitted a faint blue light.

"Let's begin with the one on the right side. It's called a Lift Gate. You can use it to instantly move to the top floor you've reached," the Milma explained.

"That's a lifesaver. Your explanation is quite straightforward as well."

"Well it's not like you can ascend the Towers of Trials in one go."

The supervisor was hinting that each floor was a tough challenge.

"The floor a challenger reaches is determined by something called the Mark of Completion. You can have the mark engraved on you by placing your hand on the crystal at the entrance of each floor, so please be careful and don't forget to do it."

"Got it."

Despite the convenience of the Lift Gate, no one had managed to conquer the tower yet, and it was clear that using it was unavoidable.

"Also, when you decide to return you must jump down from the tower."

"Um I don't feel like going to meet god just yet."

"That's not what I'm talking about. Look, right on time. Look at the formation on the left." the supervisor instructed.

Following her instruction, Ash turned his gaze toward the magic circle opposite the Lift Gate.

Suddenly, four men appeared above the magic circle.

Some stumbled and fell on their buttocks or knees, while others rested their hands on their hips. Their landing aside, they all seemed quite weary.

"I told you! We can't beat the Wraiths on that floor!"

"But we can earn more that way..."

"It will be worth nothing if we end up dead!"

Ash couldn't quite make out what the conversation was about, but it seemed like they had been engaged in a battle with monsters until recently.

Actually, that was probably the case.

"That caught me off guard."

"And that's how you return. Though it's not guaranteed that the friendships will return with you."

The supervisor chimed in with a hint of delight, however Ash didn't feel like listening.

He now knew that jumping down from the tower meant that he'd be able to return easily.

Despite this...

Ash couldn't help but glance up at the tower, which seemed ridiculously high from the outside.

Even its second floor was at a height that would be deadly for a normal person.

"It's only scary the first time. Some people even find it enjoyable to jump down."

"There sure are all kinds of people..."

"This marks the end of the introduction. If you'd like I can provide an even more detailed description or advice."

"That's fine." Ash responded promptly.

The supervisor blinked, then let out a faint laugh.

"Alright. Also, keep in mind that the tenth floor is a bit of an odd one, so be sure to let me know once you safely ascend there for the first time."

Safely ascend, huh. Judging from her tone, I'm assuming there's quite a number that don't manage that.

"I will pray that the path to Aitiel clears for you."

The supervisor said, turning to open the gate invitingly.

Ash took a deep breath and walked forward with determination, positioning himself in front of the imposing gate.

The gate was double-sided and three times the height of an average person.

It was also quite wide, allowing him to reach out and touch it with both hands extended.

With his heart pounding, 

Ash wondered what awaited him on the other side as he attempted to push open the gate.

Suddenly, the light leaking from the magic circle on the left grew stronger, and a new returnee emerged.

Upon seeing this, Ash halted.

"If it isn't Lapis! I haven't seen you since yesterday." he called out.

Lapis was dressed in the same attire as when they had first met on the beach, but this time, she held a Winged Spear that was taller than she was. It seemed like a fitting weapon for someone known for their sharp words and actions.

"Lapis?"

Ash tried to strike up a conversation, but Lapis walked past without acknowledging him.

It was clear she was ignoring him.

However, Ash had a back-up plan.

"Hey, Cat E-"

Ash began but couldn't continue the sentence as Lapis pointed her spear right at the tip of his nose.

"Call me Cat Ears again and you'll get stabbed."

"I got, I got it, I won't do it, so please move that away."

Ash surrendered, and Lapis reluctantly lowered her spear.

However, she still had a sharp glare in her eyes.

Ash, in turn, made it a point to never call her Cat Ears again.

"Are you heading back?"

"If that's how it looks, then that's how it must be." Lapis answered.

"I heard that you're in the upper echelon. That's impressive." 

"I wouldn't say that. There are way more impressive people than me."

Lapis replied, bringing her left hand to her chest and forming a fist, as if she was holding onto something.

(Does she have a pendant or something over there?) Ash wondered.

"Oh! Is the newcomer going in?"

The challengers waiting behind Ash suddenly exclaimed, realizing he was about to enter the tower.

"Let us know when you die! I'll buy you a drink at the bar!" one of them shouted.

"Haha, that's a good one! Count me in. You have a drink on me as well!" another chimed in.

"Will do. Thanks for your encouragement!"

Ash responded to their somewhat chilling words by raising his hand.

Having grown up around pubs since childhood, he was accustomed to this kind of welcome.

Lapis, on the other hand, seemed like she found this kind of thing ridiculous.

"You sure are carefree." Lapis remarked.

"I heard the journey ahead is long, so one needs to know when to let loose sometimes."

Ash replied prompting Lapis to look at him wide-eyed.

It was a peculiar reaction that left Ash feeling a bit unsettled.

(Did I say something strange?) He wondered.

"What's wrong?" Ash asked.

"I-It's nothing. Really, it's nothing..."

Lapis mumbled, seemingly to herself.

She nodded repeatedly, taking deep breaths.

"Lack of sleep?" Ash inquired.

"That's not it. But I'll probably go to bed early today."

She replied. After which Lapis flipped her long blond hair and turned around.

"Try not to get killed during your baptism."

She remarked before departing, drawing the attention of the other challengers.

Despite her somewhat dissatisfied expression, it was clear that Lapis cared enough to offer advice.

After bidding Lapis farewell, Ash turned back towards the tower gate.

"Time to go. It's finally here, the moment I've been waiting for."

Ash said, his hands filled with excitement as he opened the gate and stepped into the tower.