Jeremy and Ritchie stared at the quietly flowing river for several minutes, deep in thought.
Jeremy was the first to break the silence.
"I believe that entering this river directly poses a significant risk. However, aside from that course of action, we find ourselves with no other viable options. Here, we have been unable to uncover any clues."
Ritchie silently nodded in agreement.
Of course, Ritchie was well aware that stepping into this river would entail considerable danger.
Just as Jeremy had articulated, they were unable to find any leads in this place. The only thing they had discovered was that the cyclops had smashed wall sconces into one wall after another.
As for why the cyclops had chosen to do this? What meaning did the flames burning within those sconces hold? They had no idea whatsoever!
"Then let us move forward without delay! Just as you stated, the longer we hesitate, the greater the dangers we will face!" Ritchie sighed and said to Jeremy.
With that, Jeremy stepped towards the river. Just then, a voice suddenly emerged from behind Jeremy and Ritchie.
"If you wish to avoid death, you would be wise not to step directly into the dark river."
Upon hearing this voice, Jeremy and Ritchie displayed entirely different reactions.
Jeremy was initially taken aback, but a smile quickly spread across his face. He recognized that the voice belonged to the entity known as the "World."
The appearance of the "World" here indicated that he should not encounter any significant danger.
In contrast, Ritchie's expression was marked by surprise, tinged with a hint of fear.
He sensed that the voice resonating in this place was likely detrimental to both himself and Jeremy.
Consequently, Ritchie immediately prepared himself for a confrontation.
Before Ritchie even had a chance to turn and look in the direction from which the voice emanated, he heard Jeremy speaking.
"So it's you! What brings you here?"
Jeremy directly inquired of the "World."
After the initial thrill of recognition, Jeremy swiftly realized that something seemed amiss.
Prior to executing this plan, Jeremy had specifically consulted with the class change goddess Janna and the "World."
He had sought their opinions regarding the overall strategy he intended to pursue.
At that time, the "World" had not uttered anything particularly significant.
At the very least, it implied that the "World" had not yet formulated any plans involving the Tower of Exile.
Realizing this, Jeremy immediately assumed a defensive stance.
The "World" gradually materialized within Jeremy and Ritchie's line of sight.
As soon as he finished speaking, a large door radiating a blue glow materialized before Jeremy and Ritchie.
"Once you pass through this door, you will enter the true lower levels of the Tower of Exile. There, you will encounter some deities whose self-awareness has not been entirely extinguished.
These deities may be able to provide you with some assistance. However, do not place your complete trust in them, for some deities defeated by the 'Fool' are actually evil gods.
Certain deities will undoubtedly attempt to deceive you. You must discern the truth in their words. During your mission, you will also have the opportunity to seize their powers.
Once you have acquired sufficient strength, you can then proceed to the upper levels of the Tower of Exile. Only then will you be qualified to truly challenge the White Tower."
After delivering this message, the "World" turned to leave.
Jeremy quickly called out to him.
"Where are you going now? We encountered you here unexpectedly, don't you want to join us in this endeavor?"
The "World" replied calmly,
"I certainly have my own matters to attend to. Although our paths crossed here, your mission is not related to me. I merely offered you a bit of assistance.
Even without my help, you should be able to find a way to reach the lower levels of the Tower of Exile. After all, Jeremy can utilize the King of Time and Space's talents to escape the moment he steps into the dark river."
"Even if you are briefly observed by the White Tower upon entering the dark river, you can still escape its control through constant teleportation.
Although the overall difficulty of your mission may increase due to mistakes, I have great confidence in you. After I have provided you with assistance, your mission will certainly not fail."
After saying this, the "World" quickly vanished from sight.
Jeremy felt quite helpless.
"It seems he really does not want to provide us with any more help! Let's not waste any more time, we should hurry and step into the portal!"
As soon as Jeremy finished speaking, he moved toward the door radiating blue light, with Ritchie following closely behind, his expression slightly hesitant.
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Just as Jeremy was about to enter the portal, Ritchie asked him,
"Do you really believe what he said? Why do I feel like there are both truths and lies in his words? If he is deceiving us, then following his advice might lead us right into a trap!"
Ritchie's words made Jeremy pause for a moment.
However, Jeremy quickly adjusted his mood.
"Your caution is indeed commendable! But I have spent a long time with the 'World.' Although he comes off as very cold, he would never abandon someone in need.
His immediate departure indicates that he believes we have the ability to complete the entire task on our own. You don't need to overthink things, just move forward with me."
After saying this, Jeremy pulled Ritchie into the portal as well.
The two of them then passed through the portal that radiated blue light.
After a burst of intense flashing, they suddenly found themselves in a dilapidated small town. Just a short distance away, they saw a warrior lying on the ground, his body covered in wounds.