The first round ended, but the tower didn't allow peace. As Hajun was dragged back to the prison cells below the coliseum, the chains on his wrists hummed—less aggressively now, as if recognizing his strength.
Inside the cell, he sat with his back to the wall, eyes closed.
[Status Access: Unlocked (Limited)]
Name: Hajun Ardyn
Level: 9
Class: —
Title: None
System Sync: 12%
Copied Skill: Berserker Flesh (Lv.1) – 23h Cooldown
Active Effects: Suppression Shackles (Level 4) – 62% active
"Tch… Still not enough."
He needed more. More skills. More strength. More time.
And time was the one thing this tower refused to give.
---
Elsewhere in the tower, deep within a golden citadel hidden in the 48th floor, a young woman clad in divine robes watched the scrying mirror.
Her once-kind eyes were now glacial.
Justine, the god disciple, watched Hajun's performance with interest… and subtle disdain.
"Still crawling back like a rabid dog."
A divine beast lay by her side, sensing her rising tension.
"Master," it rumbled, "Shall we erase him now?"
"No," she whispered. "Let him climb. Let him suffer. He'll come to me, just like before—on his knees."
Her fingers clenched the edge of her throne.
"He was always meant to kneel."
---
Back in the lower tower, Winter paced her quarters.
Despite her S-rank status, she couldn't interfere yet. Not until Hajun survived the third round. That was when sponsorships were allowed.
"Come on, Hajun… Survive three more. I'll get you out."
She hadn't told anyone yet, but she recognized him the moment she saw his eyes.
The same eyes from ten years ago—the boy who once saved her during the chaos of the academy collapse.
And she wasn't going to lose him again.
---
The next morning – Round Two
Hajun stood in the arena again. This time, four figures entered.
All prisoners.
All armed.
All eager for freedom.
They weren't monsters. They were people just like him—except they had no intention of losing.
"Kill him," a warden growled. "Winner gets a floor pass."
The gate locked behind Hajun.
He rolled his shoulders.
"Fine. Let's dance."
---