The Sky Tower is made up of 100 floors, with the highest floor belonging to the number one fighter in the Tower. Wait, let me rephrase that.
The highest floor belongs to the number one fighter or guild. That's right. Teaming up and creating a guild is usually one of the best ways to raise ranks here in the Tower. The ranking system here relies on the total profits an individual or a guild gathers throughout the season. Each season lasts for 6 months and the rankings are renewed every season.
That's why people bundle together to get cumulative points and raise their ranks. Veterans would usually recruit newcomers to their guilds and make them their disciples to create a bond between them. But, that wasn't the case for me.
Although it isn't complete nonsense for me to take on disciples, I don't have a need to. See, I rose to my rank on my own power. That's also one of the reasons why I have a whole floor to myself, since usually a single floor is shared between guild members.
There's a reason why Adelredus gave me special treatment—that's because I'm strong and charismatic enough to manage on my own. That's why I still don't understand why he specifically sent me these two... kids to become my disciples. Even though he was right about me being the best around here.
What's more, he's even offering to take me off the individual matches bracket for a month! Just so I could teach these newbies. And he even said that it won't affect my ranking. Plus, the vacation outside the Arena... Something's fishy.
For as long as I know, Adelredus is a hedonistic man who puts his interest first. He's always been predictable because of that. But, suddenly he's willing to lose a month's profit? What's more, he's going outside of the Tower? There's definitely something going on.
Whatever deal he made with Alva and Dustan's noble family, it must've been a pretty good one.
But, there is a certainty in this messed up situation. If Adelredus let me handle them, surely they must have the skills to back it up, right? Then, they can't complain if I go a little harsh on them.
Heh. Tonight is going to be fun.
"Sir Kari." Dustan greeted with a smile. The other boy simply nodded, giving me this cold look.
"Before we start, let's have a quick introduction. State your name, where you're from, and why you're here."
Dustan was quick to respond. "Oh! My name is Dustan Reinhard, a noble from the capital and I'm here due to my interest in improving my close combat skills. I heard you're the best there is in the empire when it comes to close combat so I—"
"That's enough." I cut him off. "What about you?"
I pointed to Alva.
He looked annoyed. "Just call me Alva. I'd rather not say where I'm from. And, I don't have a reason to be here."
Well, wasn't that informative. I rolled my eyes at his stuck up attitude.
"Alright. The name's Kari Faust and from now on, you listen to what I say. Call me, Master." I established my authority.
"Tonight, we're going to be having a quick test of your abilities. Regardless of how you got here, I'm ready to send you to the lower level guilds if you don't live up to my expectations. So better give it all you've got. Understand?"
Dustan nodded, managing to look excited whilst maintaining his innate grace. The other kid, Alva, wasn't that pumped. In fact, he looked annoyed. With his chin high, it almost seemed like he's looking down on me.
I smirked.
"Why don't we start with you, blondie? Step up." I crossed my arms in front of me.
Alva stepped up obediently. Without a moment's notice, he attacked. He used his fists to attack, swinging his arms with accuracy and strength. Of course, it was easy for me to dodge his punches.
He frowned, realizing that I wouldn't budge with mere punches like that.
So, he switched his approach and swung his leg underneath me. I pretended to fall for it. As soon as my center of gravity was displaced, Alva closed in and used my shirt to pull me down faster, using gravity to aid his attack.
I smirked.
He's good. But, not good enough.
Before my back hit the ground, I easily used the momentum to switch our places. His eyes widened in surprise and he was a moment too late in reacting. I pinned the guy underneath me, my elbow pressing down on his windpipe.
Dustan started to clap, like well-educated audience should.
I quickly got up and dusted myself off.
"You're good kid." I acknowledged him.
"Kid?!"
I ignored Alva's indignant cry. "You're next, Dustan."
"Yes, Master." Dustan went towards us, helping Alva up from the ground. As soon as Alva was settled on the sidelines, Dustan prepared himself.
"Here I go!" He announced. How cute. I haven't met anyone as innocent as him. To have announced that he was going to attack could only mean two things: one, he's either really arrogant or two, he's just a simpleton.
I'm guessing he's the latter.
My speculation was spot on because as soon as Dustan threw his first punch, I knew he was a couple of levels below Alva. In fact, I don't even know how he would've managed to get in the Tower without his connections. I guess that's the noble's influence for you.
Dustan threw another punch. This time, I didn't bother dodging and straight up whooped him in one go. Dustan fell head first to the ground after I used his punch as momentum to spun him around.
"Dustan!!" Alva immediately ran to Dustan and helped him up. The blonde kid had the balls to glare at me.
"I'm fine." Dustan chuckled, reassuring Alva. The dark haired boy stood up from the ground with the help of Alva. As soon as he was, the blonde kid turned to me. Fury was clear in his eyes.
"You... how dare you do that to His hi—!!" Dustan covered Alva's mouth with his hand, clamping it shut.
"I'm sorry, he can be a bit overprotective." Dustan sheepishly covered for the other kid. I would've felt sympathetic if it weren't for the change in Dustan's aura. He whispered something in Alva's ear, and the boy calmed down.
"Forgive my insolence... master." Alva bowed his head a little in apology, but I could almost hear his teeth grinding.
I sighed. "Never mind that."
I wanted to ask how Dustan managed to enter the tower and what kind of deal did he have with Adelredus. But, I decided not to—for now.
"That's all for tonight. Tomorrow, we'll be working on your basics. Wake up time is 4 AM. Same grounds. Don't be late."
I dismissed them with these words. As soon as they were out from my sight, I couldn't help but cry out in frustration.
"Adelredus, that bastard... I'll make sure those two boys are whipped to shape, so much so, that you won't have anything to say if I want to take a season off." I grumbled to myself, all the while hoping that nightmares wouldn't find their way back in my dreams tonight.