Chapter 73: Partial Things 🤨
At the unknown vastland of a war-torn battlefield, the air was thick frozen mist mixed with the scent of blood and dust.
A lone figure stood in the middle of the shattered plains.
His Silvanus-white hair fluttered like falling snow, his ruby eyes dulled yet faintly glowing through the frost that had formed across his face.
One of his hands, nearly engulfed in ice ashes, still clutched an icicle orb cracked but radiating the aftermath of destruction.
His body trembled; his clothes were torn and soaked in fresh blood, dripping rhythmically onto the icy ground.
The drops echoed across the silence like clock ticks marking the end of war.
Flux exhaled sharply, his voice trembling.
Flux: "Fina...lly… I compl...eted it..."
A deep, ethereal voice resonated from above.
??? (Guardian): "Congratulations... you have completed the 50th Floor Test."
A faint smile crossed Flux's tired face before his knees buckled slightly. The light around him dimmed, signifying the end of another battle that defied human limits.
---
At the First Floor Observation Hall
Kimsi: "Hmm... Lord, what's his death count now?"
Azuka: "Wait, let me check..." [She scrolls through a floating data screen.]
A few moments later_
Azuka: "Oh, wow... that's surprisingly low."
Kimsi: "How low?"
Azuka: "Only five deaths so far."
Kimsi: "Only five?!"
Azuka: "Yeah, I know! For an ordinary climber, that's a miracle. But for someone like him... it's still kind of unbelievable."
Kimsi: "Still, compared to legends like Hidori or Fruxiya, who died nearly two thousand times just reaching the 50th floor..."
Azuka: "Exactly! And they took years. Flux? Barely a year."
Kimsi: "That's... beyond comprehension."
Azuka: "He's basically speedrunning the Tower like it's some kind of game."
Kimsi: "Yeah, it's like he's not even human at this point. By the way... his friend? The blue-haired one?"
Azuka: "You mean Mike?"
Kimsi: "Yup."
Azuka: "He's on the 20th floor now 54 deaths. Honestly impressive for him too."
Kimsi: "Heh, not bad for the blue kid."
---
Meanwhile... in the Observation Room of the Legends
Zygord slammed the table, annoyed.
Zygord: "Oii, what are you confusing them for? Obviously time's different in each realm Azura Realm, Darkening Realm, Creptle Tower time doesn't flow the same there!"
He turned toward the screen, arms crossed.
Zygord: "So what are you expecting, huh?"
The Author voice fades in dramatically.
Author: "Zygord... can you not interrupt my narration?"
Zygord: "Yeah, yeah, whatever. But at least add some action. You haven't even introduced a new villain yet!"
Author: "Oh really? You want a new villain?"
A giant hand suddenly appears from the void, trapping Zygord.
Zygord: "O-oii! What are you wait, another hottie?? Yippee!! 😋"
Author: "Get. Out."
---
Back to Flux
The Guardian placed his hand on Flux's chest, releasing a soft white glow. His wounds vanished as if time itself reversed.
Guardian: "Your body will recover soon. You are ready for the next ascent."
Flux slowly stood, the faint smile never leaving his lips.
Flux: "Thanks. Before I go..." he glanced at his frozen arm.
He raised his hand and with a small smirk shattered the frost encasing it into glowing dust.
Flux: "Can't let that follow me forever."
Guardian: "Wise choice, Child. Go, and remember—one day, you may become what your past once whispered."
Flux: "Another historical thing, huh?"
Guardian: "Perhaps. Now, take care."
Flux: "Same to you... goodbye for now."
A bright flash enveloped him. The Guardian watched in silence as Flux vanished into light.
---
The Gapper Floor
Flux appeared back where he'd started before the world felt... drained.
The colors around him were fading, as if life itself was leaking out of the dimension.
Flux: "Huu... finally this place again."
He looked around, raising his voice.
Flux: "Oii, Orbii! Where are you?"
A familiar ruby glow appeared beside him.
Ruby Orb: "I'm here, stop shouting!"
Flux (grinning): "Hehe~ now tell me, what's the reward this time?"
Ruby Orb: "This one's special. You'll experience every single memory of your best friend Mike's floor journey... and he'll experience yours."
Flux: "Oh? Interesting... let's see what he's got then."
Flux closed his eyes as a strange dual-color light engulfed both him and the orb. The connection began two journeys intertwining through time and space.
---
Chapter End
Author's Note:
Sorry, readers! My body's a bit exhausted right now, so this one's shorter 😩
But don't worry next chapter will be long, emotional, and absolutely worth the wait!
Till then, rest well and let me cook again... 👨🍳🔥