Chapter 43: The Top Floor

"All classes?" Leon repeated with a pale expression. "Are you sure we are charging straight in? I know you are hailed as a prodigy and all, and I really have no doubts about your skills. But this? This isn’t any rescue mission. It’s a suicide mission. We are all going to die there."

Noah didn’t say anything, but his face was grim, too.

Emily looked at Leon. "We are going to barge in. But we are not going to start with the lowest floor. We are going directly to the top floor. We are going to defeat the low-class monsters there. But we have to make it fast so that the monsters in the lower floors aren’t alerted. And then we are going to rescue everyone we know about. Next, we leave the floor altogether." She explained the plan in detail.

Leon listened to each of her words carefully. "But how are we going to reach the top floor without passing through the lower ones?"

"Just follow my lead, and you will see it." Emily said Coolly.

"Just follow your lead? What if it’s a trap you are trying to lure us in?" Leon said seriously. ’This is a plan? This is just insane.’ Before Leon could think more, Emily’s hand moved like lightning. Leon couldn’t even clearly see what just happened, but the next moment, Emily’s sword was pressed against his neck.

"Do you really think I will need a trap to lure you in?" She asked the question expressionlessly. There was no killing Intent in her eyes. But there was a warning in them. A warning saying, "don’t mess with me."

’Damn, she is dangerous. She is never going to find a boyfriend with that attitude.’ Leon cursed inwardly. He raised his hand in surrender. "I didn’t want to be rude. I just think this plan has too many loopholes."

"I am listening." Emily said.

"What if the moment we land on the top floor, we are surrounded? What if they are just waiting for us? Suppose they aren’t waiting, but how are we going to rescue everyone without making much noise? And didn’t you just say they have primals among them, hiding? What if the moment we rescue one, they ambush us?" Leon asked multiple questions at once.

Emily waited for a moment before speaking.

"Do you have a plan to get out of this hidden realm?"

"No." Leon replied helplessly.

"How long do you think we can survive like this?"

"Two to three weeks."

"After two to three weeks, will we suddenly have a brilliant plan?"

"I don’t think so."

"How is my plan?"

"It’s a great plan." Leon raised his thumb. ’In two weeks, I don’t think I can become an S-Class knight. But there is a huge possibility I might end up dead.’

Emily looked forward again... "We are going to the back of the tower." Nobody disobeyed.

She moved forward, lowering her body. Everyone did the same. They took a circuit and reached behind the tower. Then, Emily lay on her chest and started crawling forward. Behind her, Sol... Then Noah and Leon at the last. Soon, they reached the tower without being noticed. Or at least, that’s what they believed.

Then, Emily stood up carefully. She touched the wall of the tower. White mist condensed into brick-like steps that extended all the way to the top.

He looked back and whispered. "Once we enter the top floor... Remember... Don’t hold back, but keep it silent. And you..." She looked at Leon. "Use that sword of yours."

Leon didn’t nod. He didn’t deny either.

Emily started climbing the steps. Sol and Noah followed after her. Leon didn’t start immediately. "System."

[Yes, host.]

"Do you have anything I can hide my face with? Something that won’t fall even if I am fighting like a wild beast."

[Affirmative, host.]

"Then, add another loan in my name. I want that something."

[Loan confirmed.]

[Purchase Confirmed.]

A black mask appeared before him. Its surface was smooth and matte, almost swallowing the surrounding light. Thin silver lines ran along the edges like veins, giving it a sleek and graceful appearance. The mask seemed like it would cover the lower half of the face and part of the cheeks. The sharp design around the eyes gave off a cold, hidden-aura vibe. Tiny vents were embedded near the sides, making it look both mysterious and deadly.

Leon grabbed the mask. The material felt strangely light yet incredibly sturdy in his hand. At that moment, a notification popped up before him.

[Artifact: Scarface

Type: Protective Armor

Grade: Epic

Effect: HP +5] 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"Oh?" A smile spread across Leon’s face. "I just wanted something to hide my face with. But it gives a bonus boost, too."

Leon bent his wrist slightly, the mask facing his face. He then slowly put it on. The moment it touched his skin, it glued to his skin like an extra layer. No discomfort, no difficulties in vision. He tilted his head up. "Let’s see. What’s waiting for me up there."

Finally, Leon also started climbing the steps.

Emily, Sol and Noah had already reached the top floor. They quickly got inside and lunged forward.

The inside of the tower was spacious. The floor covered an area of at least 50 square meters.

More than fifty metal doors covered the whole floor. And standing before every door...

"Graaahhhhhh!"

Was a monster. The weakest one was a D-Class. A red orc. Others. Either equivalent in strength or even stronger.

The moment they moved, the monsters reacted instantly.

Emily was at the front. One giant ape lunged at her from the right, and a red orc from the left. She didn’t even bat an eye at them. The moment they got close, zagged ice spikes erupted from the ground, piercing them mercilessly.

A colossal minotaur was standing at the front.

It swung its battle axe at Emily. Emily stopped it with her left hand while her right one slashed the sword.

A thin, red horizontal line appeared before the monster’s upper body toppled down.

Sol had also taken down two red orcs with ease.

Noah was preparing to throw a spell. But unnoticed by him, a massive hammer was closing in, aimed at his head.

Sol noticed it. "Watch out."

Noah panicked and tried to dodge, but it was too late. The hammer’s surface loomed over him, ready to squash him into meat paste.

Right at that moment, just before the hammer could land...

A white flash.

"First form." A hushed voice echoed. "Sword dance."