"Hmm…"
Rustle—
Only two sounds filled the silent office: papers turning, and Dickel's quiet sighs.
After the gloomy reunion with the child he once cherished, Dickel returned to his work as if nothing had happened. One hundred and thirty years—he didn't know how much it had changed the boy, but if Hoaquin was still the boy he rembered, he would linger in the fortress for a few more days before leaving.
"In that case, I'll head up to the 100th Floor then."
The 100th Floor—where the Arie Family's Main Estate was located. The floating fortresses scattered across the floors, including the one he currently governed, were originally branches of the Main Estate. Now, the scattered Arie forces were being gathered again.
Yet Dickel's expression was far from bright.
It was obvious why—when all the branches reunite, it never ant peaceful circumstances.
Rustle—
Another page of the report turned. Its contents also detailed the recent developnts of the Tower's power blocs.
The Zahard Royal Family, the Ten Great Families, and the other forces vying for influence—all of them were acting strangely.
"The Lo Po Bia Family contacted the Workshop. The Khun Family issued a summons to their direct-line Rankers. The Ha Family's twin sisters have been moving in ways I don't like… The Yeon Family, the others… everyone's preparing for sothing."
Naturally, the Arie Family was no exception. If the branches stationed on lower floors for stability were being summoned back, it ant consolidating scattered power.
Rustle—
The next page listed groups outside the Ten Families—less prestigious, but not weak enough to ignore.
Dickel found these far more troubleso than internal rivals. The Ten Families were nominally allies. But these others—were not.
He read line by line:
Workshop — Recently contacted by Lo Po Bia. Presud to be regarding the Workshop's classified project Project: Beastkins. Further investigation required.
Le'Ruye — Suspected to have made deals with FUG's extremist faction on upper floors. Possibly involving Ancient Species. Verification needed.
FUG — Elder Khell Hellam sighted on Floor 124. Slayer Immort currently unaccounted for. Extremists making deals with Le'Ruyé. No major movents otherwise.
Blood Coral Alliance — Recently increased military production of warships and airships. Clients unknown.
Pungwolru — Increased provocations against Yeon Family along floor borders. Recently attempted theft of a Jeghena hatchling on Floor 21; failed.
Eternal Frost Cult — … (omitted)
…
…
Summary: With the exception of FUG and the Workshop, most high-strength non-family entities appear to be entering an active phase. Based on the above, it is advised that the Arie Family reinforce security around the Floor 98 mining zone.
Thud—
Reaching the final page at last, Dickel shut the report and casually hurled it aside.
The uneasy movents of the Ten Families, and the restless maneuvers of countless shadow factions hiding beneath them—
"Slls like war."
After the Great War, the Tower had found balance, but not perfection. The forces that defied Zahard and the Ten Families united as FUG—only to be defeated. The Ancient High Rankers of the Hidden Garden were sealed. FUG suffered heavy losses and vanished underground.
With overwhelming force, the Royal Family and the Ten Families seized control and established order.
But that was all.
The Ancient High Rankers who survived beca FUG Elders, or ford new independent factions. In darkness, they nurtured strength—and now every one of them stood as enemies of the Royal Family and the Ten Families.
— Do you really think war will break out? Isn't that a stretch?
The 96th Floor's ruler, Arie Schmitt, had been quietly listening through the Pocket the entire ti.
— Even if it did, the victors are obvious. You know that, Dickel. They can compete with us, but they cannot defeat us.
"…True. We're still stronger. Then and now."
— Exactly. Stop worrying. Besides, when has FUG—or anyone else in this Tower—not acted suspicious? A thousand years ago they claid another war was coming, and nothing happened. My rank is 111, yours is 137. Tell —how many in the Tower could kill either of us?
For once, the solemn Dickel cracked a laugh. Schmitt wasn't entirely wrong.
"Heh. Quite the confidence you have."
— Confidence born of skill. And anyway—war and politics are matters for the Elders above us, not us. FUG's quieter than usual anyway, so stop fussing.
Dickel pondered it, then nodded.
"Perhaps I was imagining the worst. Very well—see you at the Main Estate."
— Sure. Although I'll be delayed. That Hoaquin or Hoaking or whatever did quite a number on the 96th. Bastard decided to collapse a mountain?
Listening to Schmitt grumble, Dickel exchanged farewells and was just ending the call when a new ssage on his Pocket made his eyes narrow.
It has been verified that the traitor Arie Hoaquin is currently aboard your floating fortress. Seal the fortress imdiately and cooperate with transfer of the criminal.
— Arie Elder Council Enforcent Unit
"…What is this?"
Worse— the ssage had arrived quite so ti ago.
Expanding his detection range, Dickel finally sensed multiple combat signatures fighting near the fortress.
Beep—
— Hey, what the hell is this? They want to testify?
Requesting witness testimony in the upcoming trial regarding destruction caused by the traitor Arie Hoaquin.
Since Schmitt received the sa ssage, its authenticity was no longer questionable.
It was real.
At this rate, everything involving that boy refused to end quietly. How many tis today alone had Hoaquin startled him?
That was when Dickel's mind snapped back into clarity.
Rushing out and confronting the Enforcent Unit would only make matters worse—he could easily be branded a traitor himself.
But to simply leave that child alone and do nothing…
A shadow crossed Dickel's face.
Was it really his responsibility to intervene? Why should he gamble his own safety? He could just feign ignorance. That would be the easiest path. If he did nothing, then today's events would eventually fade into obscurity, and life would return to its usual, peaceful rhythm.
Why risk everything for one child?
The decision ca quickly.
What am I thinking?
Dickel imdiately berated himself. Had he not sworn, on the day he lost so many children, that such tragedy would never happen again?
That boy—Hoaquin—must not be allowed to suffer further misfortune.
He deserved to be happy now. To regain the brightness he once had.
"…Leblanc, I suppose I'm becoming more like you."
With a bitter smile, he quickly sent Hoaquin a ssage—offering the only escape route he could think of, one that would not violate Elder authority nor provoke the Enforcent Unit.
.....
"Sanjoong."
"Yes, my lord? Do you have orders?"
"Prepare to depart for the 100th Floor imdiately!"
.....
"Hah… hah… haah…"
This was ridiculous.
Before I could even wipe away the sweat pouring down my face like rain, a quickdraw slash darted for my throat. I parried, only to be t by five chain-swords simultaneously aiming for vital points. I scattered my blade in wild intercept lines, barely managing to defend my vitals.
Redirecting strikes, dividing blows—each swing fanning dozens of slashes in all directions.
But my opponents were still Arie.
Parrying a synchronized barrage from lower High Ranker–level Arie swordsn alone was already exhausting—yet Arie Cain, commander of the Second Squad, was even worse. Whenever I hinted at counterattack or exposed the smallest gap, he pounced, forcing to the brink.
"Ow… this is not quite the fight I had in mind. Also, why keep aiming for my vitals if you're supposedly trying to keep alive?"
After crossing blades several tis, Cain had declared it would be a sha to waste my talent and vowed to take alive to the Main Estate.
Based on the fact he'd been stabbing at my heart, throat, and joints, I had my doubts.
My complaint earned only a dry, mocking laugh.
"I know you'll block. Focusing only on defending vitals will leave you with minor cuts, and exhaustion will claim you in the end. Surely you didn't believe we'd engage in an honorable duel?"
"…I kind of hoped."
"We are Enforcent. Duty over honor. Rest assured—you will arrive at the Main Estate alive and in one piece. If you surrender now, I'll accept it."
Cain's deanor had grown oddly polite—Tower natives were straightforward that way: admire strength first, arrest later.
"I appreciate the kindness, but no. If I go, it'll be on my feet. I don't do the whole 'captured and dragged away' thing."
"A pity. One more thing."
"…?"
"Why have you been speaking to so casually? I am at least a thousand years older."
"…I appreciate the kindness, but I refuse politely… sir?"
Only after I corrected myself did Cain nod, apparently satisfied. With that youthful appearance of his, I kept forgetting—
CLANG—!
Thoughts cut short as Cain closed distance in a blink, his blade sweeping for my head. Simultaneously, more slashes rained from every angle. I twisted my blade's path to match, barely keeping pace.
"Ghh—!"
"Enough chatter. I won't allow you ti to recover."
"Says the one who chatted my ear off before this… sir."
I unleashed Thousand Execution Gale—a storm of a thousand swirling slashes. Cain appeared to retreat for a mont, only to cleave through the storm with broad strokes—consuming my attacks entirely.
SHUUU—
"Your sword is interesting."
He absorbed another line of slashes as he spoke.
"Yours as well… sir."
He'd been devouring my attacks like a vacuum cleaner. It wasn't Shinwonryu, so how was he doing that—?
Wait. I can use Shinwonryu.
So why not do the sa?
Realizing the counter ca with a grin I couldn't suppress.
"…Why are you smiling?"
"Because now I can actually fight that vacuum cleaner sword properly."
"Then let us test that claim."
Without pause, Cain charged. His rotating blade carved circles in the air—a spinning buzzsaw of slashes rushing toward . Even brushing one would carve like lumber.
I struck head-on.
Lion's Roar—Hundredfold Split
Heat and explosive shinsu burst outward, lting the spinning wheels of slashes in a harsh, violent pulse.
Even before I could re-shift my stance for the next technique, Cain ca flying through the lingering shockwave, blade darting for my heart.
I cut downward.
CRACK—!
A blade of pure shinsu fell between us like a guillotine, deflecting Cain's thrust. While the shinsu blade held him back, I spun and swung—
Finally, a clean hit—
SHRRK—!
No—chains.
Five chains whipped around , one snaring my arm and yanking. My finishing blow only grazed Cain's chest.
"Oh co on!"
Ignoring my complaints, Cain kept attacking even as the chains coiled tighter. Gone was the chatty swordsman—replaced by a cold machine built for duty.
Once satisfied, he abruptly retreated.
The chains did the rest.
Under exquisitely precise control, they wove around from all directions, binding tighter no matter how I struggled—like they possessed their own will.
Fine. Cut, then—
CLAAAANG—!
"…!"
What—? It didn't cut?
Was this really just tal?
SHRRSHRR—!
Five chains beca ten, coiling around limbs and torso, binding completely. Once fully restrained, they yanked—hauling upward like a fish caught in a net, compressing until I could barely breathe.
Ah. I may have lost this one.
....
"And the target has been secured. Notify the Elders."
"Yes, sir."
With the orders executed, Cain finally looked at —bound and cocooned in chains—with a relaxed expression.
"I did tell you—alive and intact."
"..."
My face likely scread I have many complaints, but all I could do was pant.
"Prepare for transport. We're escorting the prisoner."
Cain casually straightened his disheveled uniform, sheathed his sword, and approached to take Hoaquin into custody. Step by unhurried step, he reached for the chains to drag him away—
—but it did not take long for him to notice sothing was wrong.
"…?!"
Hoaquin's body began to glow—first flickering, then bathing itself entirely in white shinsu light, until his form resembled a spectral apparition. Slowly lifting his head, he smiled—just as Cain had earlier, relaxed and confident.
The mont of confusion lasted only an instant. As befitting the commander of the Second Enforcent Squad, Cain imdiately drew his sword and prepared to restrain him again.
"Everyone—re-secure the prisoner!"
At his shout, the swordsn unsheathed their blades and rushed toward Hoaquin.
Cain thought, He's still bound by chains. This won't be difficult. Just a final tantrum, no doubt—
But in the next instant, the white light surged outward.
SHAAAA—!
The chains snapped like threads.
"Damn! Fall back!"
Cain barked a late retreat order, but it was already too late—white shinsu slashed outward like flying blades.
SHRIIIP—!
"Kh!"
Cain was close enough to be caught in the blast, but managed to counter-slash and cancel the attack.
By the ti the dust settled, Hoaquin was already free—hovering above them, looking down.
"Heh"
His voice reverberated directly inside their skulls—ethereal, overwhelming, and difficult to place. The Enforcent swordsn tensed instinctively beneath the pressure. Only Cain stood firm, eting Hoaquin's gaze with his own shinsu.
"So, running away? Futile. The family's eyes reach everywhere. You'll only worsen your situation."
Cain wasn't wrong. Today it was just the Second Squad. Next ti it would be the First. After that, the Chief Commander. Eventually, the entire Arie Family. There would be nowhere left to hide.
BOOOOOM—!
Before Cain could question him, Hoaquin began pulling shinsu in from every direction. Cain didn't know what technique this was—only that it was extrely dangerous.
Transcendent Art: Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts
The pure white light grew even brighter—so brilliant it reminded him of the legendary "sun" spoken of in ancient Tower myths.
Then—another flash.
But not from Hoaquin.
From the fortress.
Why the fortress?
Even while gathering power, Cain shot a puzzled glance toward it—only to whip his head back as the light around Hoaquin exploded outward.
"—!"
He's launching an attack—!
Hoaquin's abilities, techniques, and transformations were unknown and unpredictable, but Cain still raised his sword to counter whatever ca next.
Yet when the light receded, the battlefield before him was empty.
Hoaquin was gone.
…What?
Where did the prisoner go?
"…No."
Realization hit him all at once. Cain snapped his head toward the fortress.
The overwhelming presence that monts ago seed ready to strike him down—was now perched safely atop the floating fortress. Its glow intensified as Hoaquin exhaled with relief and glanced back toward them.
Their eyes t.
Hoaquin smiled—sharp, sly, victorious.
"You planned this from the start!"
Cain and the swordsn launched off the air to intercept—but just before their blades reached the hull, the fortress flashed and warped away in a burst of light.
They were left alone in empty sky.
"...…"
The Enforcent Unit stood stunned, caught between awe and disbelief. Cain recovered first, quickly dialing the number of the 99th Floor's administrator—Dickel.
To Cain's irritation, he answered imdiately.
— "Dikel speaking."
"What exactly do you think you're doing?! That act could be interpreted as aiding and abetting a traitor!"
— "Hmm? What are you talking about?"
"Do not feign ignorance! You warped the fortress to help the fugitive escape!"
— "Oh dear, what a grave misunderstanding. I rely followed orders to return the fortress to the Main Estate. As luck would have it, the prisoner happened to be aboard. What a coincidence, hahaha!"
"Then halt the fortress now and wait for us to arrive—!"
— "Impossible. Do you have any idea how much fuel it takes to move a fortress? Besides, judgnt awaits the prisoner at the Main Estate. Since he's surrendered himself to us and we're already en route—what harm is there? See you at the Main Estate, Cain!"
— "Ya, see you there, Cain-hyung~!"
Beep—
"…The prisoner only had clearance to reach the 99th Floor. How is he entering the 100th?"
Cain turned to his subordinates as if grasping at one final thread.
The swordsn bowed their heads repeatedly before answering.
"W-well… we obtained external access permissions from the administrator beforehand for the trial and escort…"
"In other words— we just helped him get through…"
Wind blew past them, cold and sharp. The thought of facing the Elders made it feel even colder.
User Comments
0 comments from readers