Chapter 360: Climbing the Tower (4)

Chapter 360: Climbing the Tower (4)

I guess I shouldnt be surprised at what you did.

Lous whisper was enough to make Yeon Nam-Ju shudder. He, however, didnt dare to make a single sound because Lous anger was palpable.

So youre saying you sacrificed your people to survive here. Els voice was icy. Yeon Nam-Jus survival story had reminded them of the humans selfish, authoritative, and cowardly nature.

So, you killed the other Phoenix Guild members with your own two hands? asked Lou.

T-that is correct.

Yeon Nam-Ju hadnt been imprisoned in Gehenna alone. All those who had been a party to the Phoenix Guilds terrible acts had also been sent there. At the time, Yeon Nam-Jus arms and legs were amputated. And when they had entered Gehenna, they had learned just what kind of hell they had bought tickets for.

It is hellish here, Yeon Nam-Ju whispered. Just being in this place was agonizing, driving many to insanity. They were in the middle of nowhere, they didnt have a source for necessities like food and water, and if one could survive all that, this place further tortured them with odd, insistent screams and an overwhelming amount of energy. And then there was the despair from knowing they could never leave this place.

Youve never been to hell, so how can you say that? Lou muttered. But I guess youre right.

Lou had to admit that Gehenna was indeed very much like hell before it had become more organized. Before said organization, hell had been a world of nothingness filled with monsters hunting each other for food and power.

But it seems that your colleagues were decent people, said Lou. He knew Yeon Nam-Ju was an evil man, but based on what he had heard, Yeon Nam-Ju was lucky to be surrounded by players who seemed to care about him.

... Yeon Nam-Ju remained quiet. A new emotion had replaced the fear in his eyesguilt. The other Phoenix Guild members were the sole reason he had survived here despite being limbless. They had done their best to keep him alive, going as far as to sacrifice themselves for him.

And the elixir Lou muttered. According to Yeon Nam-Ju, they had stumbled upon two vials of elixir.

Elixir wasnt a common item. A player would hardly see one in their entire life, so for them to chance upon two vials, there had to be something to this place called Gehenna.

Lou studied Yeon Nam-Ju. All the other Phoenix Guild players had died, and he had consumed one of the two elixir vials.

So where is the other elixir? asked Lou. Yeon Nam-Ju flinched.

And tell us how you were able to survive so far. When Lou asked the second question, Yeon Nam-Ju began shivering again.

Even after all the Phoenix Guild members' death, Yeon Nam-Ju had managed to survive. Consuming the elixir had made him stronger, but that shouldnt have been enough to survive in Gehenna.

Tell us right now, Lou insisted.

Yeon Nam-Ju shuddered and slowly opened his lips. Someone has been helping me.

Lou and El looked at each other knowingly.

***

This is Go Hyung-Chul trailed off. Dont you think its too peaceful here?

Gi-Gyu and the rest were finally on the 85th floor. There was one main difference here compared to the other floors: This floor was just too peaceful and quiet. Unlike the other floors, which felt unstable, nothing was happening on the 85th floor.

Gi-Gyu nodded. I think this might have been a safe zone all along.

This wasnt a fact, but all players considered floors ending in five a safe zone. They were currently on the 85th floor, and while all the floors before had collapsed, this floor showed no sign of collapsing.

It wasnt just Gi-Gyu who felt uneasy. Although nothing was happening around them, everyone seemed to have their guard up.

Wait. Gi-Gyu suddenly released his power toward the ground. Like fog, it spread to explore the area around them. He estimated how big this floor must be and then sent out his energy again to investigate.

Where on this floor is that powerful creature?

Gi-Gyu had to find the identity and location of this mysterious creature. Strangely, ever since they had arrived on this floor, he hadnt been able to sense the creature. There had to be a good reason for this; it was either a bait or a warning.

When Gi-Gyu and the rest had been on the 84th floor, whoever was on the 85th floor had purposefully given away its presence.

Either it wants me to enter if I feel confident enough or get lost if Im scared.

Its over there, said Gi-Gyu. He could see a faint barrier, the kind used to hide presence, far away. He could feel that there was something giant behind it.

Haa Haa Slow down a little, Go Hyung-Chul complained as he and the rest of the group arrived. The dragons, Fenrir, and the human players quickly took positions in case of an attack.

Go Hyung-Chul asked, Is that it?

Yeah, Gi-Gyu replied. Behind the barrier, far away, was something that kept bothering Gi-Gyu. He needed to take care of this before going to the next floor. If it werent an enemy, there wouldnt be a battle. But if it was, Gi-Gyu did not intend to avoid the fight.

Fenrir. When Gi-Gyu called out, the giant wolf growled and shook its head. It appeared next to Gi-Gyu and began enlarging. Its hair stood on its end and became sharp like swords. Their color darkened, making them look like black swords. And as the wind rustled its fur, the sword-like hair strands rubbed against each other and created sparks. And then, it began blending into its surroundings.

Is that the same wolf?

I cant believe it

The Red Players who had ridden Fenrir here couldnt hide their shock. After the transformation, Fenrir shook its head again, creating a sound similar to a gunshot. Everyone stared at the wolf.

Gi-Gyu wondered in confusion, Is that a horn?

Bi had evolved into Fenrir, but this was Gi-Gyus first time seeing Fenrirs true form. The wolf had decided to transform because it had probably also sensed the presence behind the barrier. Fenrirs energy was powerful enough to make even Gi-Gyu shudder. When Gi-Gyu patted its leg, Fenrir growled affectionately.

Deputy Guild Master Kang Ji-Hee, Gi-Gyu called out.

Y-yes, sir! Kang Ji-Hee answered crisply like a newbie soldier. It was clear that she had an excellent instinct.

She knows I hold her and the other players lives in my hand. Gi-Gyu liked Kang Ji-Hees attitude. Even though she was a deputy guild master of a famous guild, she showed him the utmost respect. This showed that she really cared about her guild members.

The Angela Guild players dont have to join the battle. Just focus on keeping yourselves, the Red Players, and the injured safe, Gi-Gyu ordered.

Of course! Kang Ji-Hee didnt arrogantly try to participate in the upcoming battle.

She is an excellent leader. Gi-Gyu was impressed.

Kirrk! Suddenly, the lizardman rushed forward. It stood in front of Gi-Gyu and saluted, waiting for an order.

Gi-Gyu grinned. All right. You help the Angela Guild too.

Kirrk! Kirk!

As soon as the lizardman answered, the barrier far away began disappearing. Whoever was behind the barrier had likely taken Fenrirs transformation as a taunt. This was exactly what Gi-Gyu had wanted. Now, the mysterious creature would reveal itself.

Just then, Gi-Gyu heard a voice in his head.

-Master.

...? Gi-Gyu turned around, thinking he had heard it wrong.

-I want to fight.

You Gi-Gyu stared in disbelief. Fenrir You can talk?

-What are you talking about?

Fenrir tilted its head.

-I could always talk.

While Gi-Gyu was still reeling from the shock, Fenrir continued.

-Ill take that as a yes.

With an explosive sound, Fenrir shot toward the barrier, which continued to open. Gi-Gyu was still staring at the wolf when Go Hyung-Chul asked, Didnt you know he could talk?