Evankhell's Carrier
The No. 2 Regular Facility
Everyone had gathered. While they were technically on neutral terms, tension still lingered—some Regulars openly radiated hostility toward others.
Shinso looked around and recognized several familiar faces. *Khun, Rak, and Baam... also known as V,* he muttered.
*There's also Hatz, Shibisu, Leeso... and Anaak Zahard.*
Aside from Yihwa's appearance, it seemed nothing much had changed in the main storyline. As for Ryun, she had probably approached Baam for alliance purposes. The connection she forged was likely meant for future use—a long-term investment.
Shinso wasn't stupid. He knew Ryun had her reasons for spending 12 billion points. She likely knew something about him.
Still, Shinso had no intention of killing Zahard or staying in this tower forever. That's probably why Ryun didn't force the connection and instead chose to back Baam.
He glanced subconsciously at the boy. *He's not the son of Arlene and V. That baby died long ago. This... This thing is no son. He's a monster made for revenge. A weapon. A tool.*
His fate is kind of cruel? Yes. But Shinso didn't care.
Once he reached the top, he'd leave this place behind. F.U.G., Zahard, the tower itself—they could all rot. If they fought amongst themselves, he might throw a few punches and kicks for fun, but that would be it.
*In the coming war... I'll kill two of Zahard's princesses and blame it on the Po Bidau family.* Shinso sighed and buried the intrusive thoughts. *Still, this floor felt a little too peaceful. Maybe it's time to give them a headache. This is an F.U.G.-controlled floor, after all.*
"Hey, where are you going?" Yihwa, who had been silently watching him, raised a brow as Shinso began walking forward.
"Oh? Miss Yihwa," Shinso smiled politely. "Since so many teams passed... I'm planning to reduce the number." A sharp gleam flashed in his crimson eyes.
"???"
Yihwa's mind was a mess of question marks.
"Reduce the number of teams? What are you talking about?"
On the other hand, Ryun simply remained silent. She kept her eyes on him with curiosity.
In an instant, Shinso flash-stepped to the center of the stadium. His speed was staggering. There were still about 10 minutes before the next test was scheduled to begin, but Shinso had different plans.
CLAP!
He slapped his palms together, creating a loud echo that wasn't enough to burst eardrums—but enough to draw everyone's attention.
All eyes turned to him.
Satisfied, Shinso nodded a few times in approval. "All right, Regulars," he began, his voice serious and commanding. "You probably thought you had time to rest. My name is Fischer. I am your administrator overseeing this exam."
His tone was so firm and convincing that no one dared question him. They listened in silence.
Yihwa, meanwhile, was floored.
"T-this guy..." Her scalp tingled. She was about to charge forward and drag him offstage—but Ryun grabbed her wrist and shook her head.
"Don't miss Yeon... What he's doing... benefits us too..."
Hearing this, Yihwa hesitated; still, she pulled back and decided to observe instead. "If it benefits us, I guess it's fine..." she mumbled, observing Shinso.
"Today's exam will be divided into two parts," Shinso announced. "Both will be team-based battles. However, for the first part, I'll be asking for only one representative from each group."
"Representative...?"
"What's he talking about?"
A murmur spread.
"One person will carry your team as a representative in the exam. If that person fails, your entire team fails," Shinso said.
"Administrator!"
A voice called out. One of the regulars raised a hand.
"What is it?" Shinso gave him a cold glare, causing the man to step back in fear.
The frightened regular swallowed dry saliva and tried his best to speak. "Isn't that... unfair? I mean, having the whole team fail because of one person—"
Despite his courage, he faltered under the pressure.
"Unfair, you say?"
Although he is the only one who voices it out. And only some people disagreed with him, but the silent majority agreed. Using a single person to represent the team is unfair.
He understands their thoughts; that's why Shinso smirked inwardly. "Let me ask you all something—what's the most important thing when climbing the Tower?"
"Uh... Power?" someone answered, which made Shinso chuckle.
"Hah! Wrong. The most important thing is luck," he said.
"...Luck?" The crowd was stunned.
"That's right. Luck." He began pacing slowly, reciting Lero Ro's speech as his crimson eyes swept over the crowd. "The luck to be born strong. The luck to have brains, wealth, or talent. The luck to survive."
"There are plenty of powerful people who never became Rankers—because they were unlucky. What I'm doing... is simply testing your luck. And you called that unfair."
No one said a word.
"But don't worry," he added with a smirk. "The Tower itself accepted this test as fair." Raising one finger, he continued, "To keep things balanced between Regulars and Rankers, I'll use only this finger to attack your chosen representatives—all at once."
"The condition is simple. If they endure the shockwave, you pass. If not, you fail. You have three minutes to choose. Teams who don't choose will fail; time won't wait for anyone."
This time, there were no complaints. Everyone scrambled to choose their representative.
Khun. Anak. Laure. Dozens of recognizable faces stepped forward—except for Shinso's team. Yihwa and Ryun stayed back, watching.
After three minutes, the crowd was ready. Seeing this, Shinso stepped forward. "Since everyone's prepared, let the test begin."
He raised his index finger and began gathering Shinsu. The air shifted; pressure descended like a wave.
Astonishment, admiration, fear—the Regulars felt it all.
"I—is this the power of Ranker!?" someone asked, but no one answered him; instead, they were focused on what was about to come.
"Shinsu Finger Gun!"
It was a simple technique—just compressed Shinsu and a focused poke—but the shockwave it created was massive.
"URGH!!!"
Some representatives gritted their teeth and endured. Others barely held on. But not all were so lucky. Several were knocked off balance, dropped to one knee, or collapsed entirely. From 64 teams, only 52 remained.
The impact caused a commotion. The real administrator rushed over—only to see Shinso already finishing the test.
"Sixty-four teams... Fifty-two passed," Shinso said, clapping slowly. "Congratulations."
Relieved sighs filled the air from those who passed. Those who failed stared at the ground, silent.
"Those who passed, proceed to the next exam. Those who failed... return to the first floor."
Some looked like they wanted to protest—but fear of Shinso's power kept them quiet. Seeing their reluctant faces, Shinso decided to throw them a bone.
"Those of you who failed—" he called. They paused, glancing back. "Luck may be the most important thing... but it's only a factor."
He pauses, eyes locked with them. "Climbing the Tower requires will. Even if you fail here, it's not the end. Remember—Headon chose you. This floor isn't your final destination. Keep on trying and climbing."
For a moment, something stirred in them. A spark. Even if they couldn't reach the top... They could keep going.
And then—
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! Someone suddenly began clapping.