Elle said the effect of ‘must exist’ meant b Divine Ultimatum} would not disappear in any case. To be frank, he wondered what the heck it could mean. To make it easier to understand, Elle offered an example.
“Do you remember the 10th-floor duel?”
It was the duel where he met the Sword Saint in the past. At that time, Yoon-seok had to fight with his stats and skills sealed. At this point, Yoon-seok also noticed what she was trying to say.
“Does it mean that even the Tower can’t get rid of it?”
“Yes. That’s exactly what it means.”
As if he’d understood correctly, Elle nodded. However, it was difficult for him to accept.
‘Does this make sense…?’
It must exist. Rank C was an ability that forced it to keep its original form by intersecting the system. Breaking something that can’t be broken. Rank B was an ability that could exert physical force on what was in the influence of the system. Escape from predetermined fate, rank A was a little ambiguous, but it was also similar. Should he say that each one felt like a skill to counter the Tower?
Divine Ultimatum didn’t seem like a simple coincidence. That was why it didn’t make sense.
“…”
The b Divine Ultimatum} that was created through Skill Synthesis was not part of the system. But is the system giving a challenger the ability to fight against itself? Wasn’t that kind of weird?
“Elle, I want to ask you something.”
“…Anything.”
Elle complied in a slightly shaking voice. He had asked so many questions, and she was already anxious about what kind she would receive this time. When Yoon-seok confessed his new questions about b Divine Ultimatum} and sought her opinion, only then did she make a face as if she were relieved.
“It’s unusual. As far as I know, no challenger has gained this kind of ability before. But there must be a reason why the Tower gave you this.”
Elle’s answer wasn’t particularly helpful. However, knowing that she couldn’t answer properly, he decided to dismiss the concern for now.
“I’m sorry. Even if it weren’t me, no one would be able to read the purpose of the Tower. But if it’s that guy…”
“That guy…?”
Yoon-seok, who was listening to Elle’s apology, tilted his head. He recalled the mysterious man that appeared in her last memory.
“Are you talking about the one who greeted you in front of the Tower?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
He thought he should ask about it when they met again, but he didn’t expect her to bring it up.
“Who is he? Is he the owner of this Tower?”
Elle shook her head reluctantly.
“Well, I don’t know much about him either. Other than being the first admin.”
“First admin?”
“Yes. This is just a rumor circulating among admins anyway…”
“Then did he sign a contract with a challenger or appear in a mission or something?”
“No. His work is a little different from ours. He gives Unique Powers to challengers who reach a certain level.”
How was the power of admins created? The question that he was curious about some time ago had now been solved.
“Reaching a certain level… when is that?”
Yoon-seok asked the question while thinking it would happen on the 20th floor or above.
“Now.”
“…?”
“I just got a call from them. You’re qualified, so they sent me a notice.”
A coincidence so good that he wondered if he was being observed right now. He was displeased, but he didn’t intend to refuse.
“I see. Will you send me to them?”
“But you haven’t finished your tea yet…”
Looking at the full table prepared, she grumbled quietly and pouted. However, she nodded after a moment, knowing that now was not the right time. At that moment, his eyes flashed.
「Moving to the Sanctuary」
When he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was the Tower. Only empty fields stretched endlessly around him while the first admin that granted powers was nowhere to be seen. Thinking he might be waiting inside, Yoon-seok opened the door of the Tower.
Slideeee.
The sight that greeted him past the door wasn’t unfamiliar. Four stone statues in a spacious space, each emitting light. In the past, Yoon-seok chose the duel path here.
“You’re more sentimental than you look. Everything started here. Are you thinking about that?”
Yoon-seok hurriedly turned his back to the voice he heard. Nothing was there except the closing door. But when he turned again and looked to the statues, the man wearing a robe from Elle’s memory stood before them.
“There’s nothing to be wary of. I didn’t call you to hurt you.”
“Who are you?”
“You’re in no position to ask such a question, but I’ll answer this one in particular. I’m…”
“Wait. If you’re going to answer one thing anyway, I’d rather ask something else.”
The man smoothed his chin with his hand. However, he didn’t appear to be offended. Rather, should he say that he found this amusing? The man laughed.
“Maybe because you are out of your destiny, you’re already doing a series of unexpected actions. So, what are you so curious about?”
“…”
Yoon-seok stared at him for a while and organized his breath. For now, he paused abruptly, but it wasn’t because he was selecting what the best question to ask was.
“What should I ask?”
Who was the creator of this Tower, and for what purpose was it created? Why did the Tower give him {Divine Ultimatum}? Was it true that his wish would be granted if he passed the final floor? Then, what were the criteria for selecting challengers and the identity of the invaders appearing on Earth?
His questions were piling up into a mountain. It would be great if he could take this opportunity to solve all of these problems.
“Only one question. That’s all I’ll allow.”
The man cut that thought down. It was still a friendly voice, but Yoon-seok could feel it. The fact that if he were rude once more here, the man’s attitude would turn 180 degrees. Yoon-seok decided after some short consideration.
“Please tell me what the final trial is like.”
The reason for adopting this question was extremely simple. Unlike other things, this was a matter directly related to his survival. No one had ever passed the final trial in a time approaching infinity. Therefore, the information on this would be more valuable than any other question.
“Of all things, you asked the most difficult question. Even I can’t answer that question; ask something else.”
The man refused firmly without even leaving any room. However, Yoon-seok didn’t insist on nitpicking for no reason for fear of losing this opportunity altogether. Yoon-seok took time to organize his thoughts again and quietly said.
“What was my destiny?”
“…”
Was this also a question he couldn’t answer? The man remained silent for a long moment before suddenly praising Yoon-seok.
“…You’re smart.”
“Do you mean you can’t answer this time again?”
“I was just a little impressed because I could feel what kind of worries you have to be asking this question. It’s not like that.”
“Then will you answer my question?”
“I’m not in a hurry, so I shall check this first. What you are curious about is the fate of choosing the Heavenly Warrior. Or was it the fate before you got that skill?”
He was curious about both. However, if only one could be selected, Yoon-seok could decide easily.
“It’s the latter.”
He already learned to a certain extent about his future through Elle’s prophecy, so there was no need to waste this opportunity by listening to that.
“I don’t know how to explain this…”
When the man became speechless, Yoon-seok focused all his attention on him.
“You were eliminated in the final trial and became an admin, then started living happily here with several women.”
…What?
Maybe he heard it wrong. He doubted his ears, but that couldn’t be the case. Even if he couldn’t overcome the final trial, what did he mean by several women?
“There are three of them. Do you have anyone in mind?”
“…There aren’t any.”
To be honest, there was one person: Elizabeth Lorwen. Yoon-seok didn’t have any feelings for her, but he couldn’t deny that she was one of those closest to him as of now.
“Too bad there’s no way to know even if you do. Since you’ve already become the eye of a typhoon from the moment you got that skill. Even I don’t know where you will end up when the wind stops. Will it be a tragedy or extreme happiness? I’ll look forward to it.”
“…”
The man looked so happy. On the other hand, Yoon-seok couldn’t hide his dejection. The answer he heard was less than what he’d expected after thinking hard about what to ask.
“Seems like there are many slow-witted people. You probably asked that question because you thought there was a great conspiracy, right?”
“…”
Yoon-seok didn’t offer an answer as what the man said was true. However, perhaps because it wasn’t fun to tease him when he received no response, the man went back to the main topic.
“Shall we start now?”
Yoon-seok also hurriedly collected his confused feelings. The answer to the question in the first place was only a bonus. The main purpose of being summoned here was different.
“The Unique Power is determined by the Tower through considering everything, including the challenger’s life, specialty, inclination, talent, and ideals pursued.”
When the man flicked his finger, geometric patterns were drawn between the four stone statues on the floor.
“There’s only one thing a challenger can choose: what power?”
Grumbleeeeeee.
The ground trembled slightly as if the Tower’s heart was beating fast.
“I’ll be looking forward to the choice you’ll make.”
Several phrases appeared in front of Yoon-seok’s eyes.
「The Tower blesses your journey and wants to give you a new power.」
「Examine the list of powers to choose from.」
-Transcendence – Through effort and talent, the rank of stats and skills can be raised. Rank restrictions on stats and skills will disappear.
-Retrogression – Time is rewound to the moment of choosing this power. Power is permanently lost when used.
-Salvation – Revives a creature dead for less than 30 days. Wait 90 days to reuse.
He wondered what kind of powers would appear, but it was more shocking than he could imagine. His jaw dropped.
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