Chapter 606 - 551: Red Sand Ogre (1/2)
Arthur and Lucy were peacefully conversing only to be interrupted by an unwelcome individual with an unseen face. He put his cane on the side and sat opposite of the parasite while saying:
”Since there is still time till the next event, I don't see why we don't solve our feud, if you want to call it that.”
'X' didn't speak with any hostility, in fact, he sounded calm as he faced the frowning Arthur, who was particularly fond of him. Though he heard no response from both of them, 'X' continued talking:
”I can understand why you dislike me but, considering all the evil in the world, my deed can't be considered as bad, don't you think?”
He put his hand under his blurry chin, sighed then added: ”Yes, I did sort of trick you but I never intended to kill you. Actually, I didn't even force you to reincarnate, you willingly accepted my offer. I granted you a second chance and, in return, you fed the Orb for a period of time.”
”So you think I can forget about the fact that you played me?”
”Played? Hmm, I wouldn't call that. I lied to you and that's it. Furthermore, the trouble you gave me by disappearing is a good payback.” He pointed at the quiet Lucy and stated: ”Look, thanks to me, you married this beautiful white specter and are living happily ever after.”
”…”-Arthur
The parasite glared at the mysterious man without uttering a word, though the blue light emanating from his pupils were not a good sign for 'X'.
”What do you want?”
”I want a reconciliation.”
”Not gonna happen.”
”Then a truce. We're not mortal enemies and even if the tower pits us against each other, there's no need to kill. Considering our personal goals, I'm sure we'll fight, however, I don't plan to die for my cause.”
”As long as you don't get in my way, I, too, don't want to kill.”
Arthur clarified himself while withdrawing his cold glare, finding it pointless to behave angrily in here. What 'X' said is true, kind of… and Arthur wants to protect his brother, moreover, knowing the former's attitude, he's likely saying the truth. He only cares about his benefits and, from the looks of it, Leiu was never his goal.
Nevertheless, he won't let his guard down and if an opportunity arises, he'll definitely kick 'X' and his group out of the tower. They want to get rid of the evil inside his brother but, if necessary, they'll kill his family and that's not something Arthur can tolerate.
'X' happily clapped his hand then swiftly left, not adding a single word. He seemed a bit relieved as he started humming while playing with his odd cane.
*To all contestants, the next event will begin in 1 minutes, please ready yourselves.*
*Each ten floors, there will be a short elimination round to reduce the number of contestants.*
*For the next floor, contestants can form a party and cooperate to complete the task. Fighting is not prohibited and if you kick out a contestant, you will lose a third of your points and if you kill, you'll lose half.*
As usual, Arthur partied with Lucy while Forne invited his companions. Excluding those two groups, there were a few others who formed an alliance and there were some who preferred venturing alone, such as Zodiak and Xyktia, for example.
One minute quickly passed and all fifty-one contestants were teleported to the 9th floor, which looked like a large circular arena. There were no spectators as the place was half-destroyed and very ancient, the earth had dark red sand and the walls were made from orange cubic stones that were engraved with small defensive formations.
*Welcome to the 9th floor; King's Fury. You will be given 15 minutes to defeat the Ogre, 30 minutes to defeat the gladiator, and one hour to kill Zurak, the incompetent King. The contestants who deal the most damage will be rewarded more points. The three lowest damage dealers will be disqualified.*
*The Ogre will be released in 15 seconds.*
Right after the Red Tower finished speaking, the ground started shaking then a large hole appeared. Loud mechanical noises echoed across the arena followed by a big metal cage being lifted to the surface. Imprisoned inside was a monster over 10 meters in height, he had a skin similar to the sand and six eyes. He wasn't holding any weapon but the pressure he was emanating was truly frightening.
'Appraisal.'