Chapter 11: A Huge Decision
His tears eventually ceased, leaving behind a lingering sadness. Although his anger still smoldered within, he couldn't find an outlet for it amidst his overwhelming sorrow.
As the fog of confusion enveloped his mind, one thing remained clear to him: the individuals he had encountered before seeking revenge on Schein had also met a tragic fate.
Unaware of the unfolding events, one truth remained stark in his mind: those he had crossed paths with prior to seeking retribution against Schein had met a grim demise.
Meanwhile, the doctor had briefly stepped out to attend to an important visitor before swiftly returning to his side.
"Boy... A group of people came claiming to be your family, seeking confirmation of your demise. I found it hard to believe," she whispered with a mix of concern and suspicion in her voice.
Zain abruptly rose to his feet and uttered, "Family? I don't believe I have any family left..."
She nodded solemnly and confessed, "I had my doubts, so I lied to them, telling them that you were dead. Strangely, they didn't shed a
tear or show any signs of grief. They simply walked away."
Zain's expression changed to that of being confused.
"Well, I have a feeling that they might have been the ones responsible for starting the fire," she expressed cautiously, her intuition suggesting a connection.
"Is that so...? Can you tell me who they were?" Zain asked, his voice filled with a mixture of curiosity and a desire for answers.
"Suzo... it was the members of the Suzo family who had come here," she said, pausing for a moment as she noticed the sudden change in Zain's expressions. His eyes ignited with a fierce flame of revenge, and his demeanor turned fierce.
Silently, the doctor watched as Zain's expression changed into one of intense anger at the mention of the Suzo family.
Zain's teeth clenched, his fists tightened, and his face contorted with anger. There was no doubt in his mind anymore - it was the Suzo family who had orchestrated this tragedy.
"I will kill all of them!" Zain declared with a resolute tone, determined to seek vengeance.
As he prepared to leave, he felt a gentle touch on his hand. It was the doctor, looking at him with compassion.
"Zain, I understand your anger and pain, but revenge is not the answer. It will only lead to more violence and loss of life," the doctor said, her voice firm yet compassionate.
"Let go of me... I'll kill them!" His voice resonated with determination and a hint of menace, yet the doctor refused to back down.
"L-listen... d-don't go.", she pleaded, concerned for his safety, knowing the power and influence of the Suzo family.
Zain felt as though she was trying to prevent him from seeking revenge, so he directed his anger towards her and warned, "If you don't want to die, let me go this very instant!"
She refused to let him go and pleaded, "I'm not saying that you cannot take revenge.. Just hear me out."
Zain was consumed by a desire for revenge and a longing to leave, but he was halted by a sudden flashback of his mother's teachings.
Gradually, a sense of calm washed over Zain as the weight of his sorrow overwhelmed his anger, causing it to dissipate completely.
"Come... sit here," the doctor urged, her voice filled with empathy and understanding. She wanted to console him and provide the support she knew he needed, as she saw her own reflection in his pain.
"Zain, please listen to me. You can't afford to make any rash decisions right now. The Suzo family is a powerful force, and they have many 3-star angels at their disposal. If you go after them without a plan, you'll be killed in no time," she advised him with empathy in her tone.
During these turbulent times, with the emergence of numerous angels, humans found it increasingly challenging to differentiate among them.
Humans, in their attempt to organize and understand the power levels of angels, created a classification system that ranks angels in increasing order of strength, starting with 1 star, then 2 star, 3 star, 4 star, and continuing all the way up to 10 star angels.
The rank attained during angel awakening was determined by an innate talent. However, no Earth Angel, formed from humans, had ever surpassed the 5-star rank.
Due to the absence of cultivation methods or other means to enhance their powers, Earth Angels were unable to increase their strength beyond their innate capabilities.
However, later, extraordinary artifacts were discovered that granted incredible powers to Earth Angels, allowing a 1-star angel to defeat even a 2-star angel and beyond.
In addition to the rare top-graded artifacts, there were many others that provided lesser but still significant boosts in power. These artifacts were also classified based on their effectiveness, with grades such as S, A, B, C, D, E, and F.
However, even with the aid of artifacts, surpassing 5-star rank was still a rare achievement for Earth Angels. It was believed that only those with exceptional innate talent and potential could reach such heights.
Many had lost hope and interest in surpassing the 5-star rank, resigning themselves to their limitations.
However, their perception shifted when an event occurred that rekindled their motivation: God granted them the Tower of Angels.
This mystical tower offered the possibility of ascending in power for any angel willing to undertake its trials and challenges.
Intrigued by the concept of growth and progression, angels eagerly embraced the opportunity presented by the Tower. Its ascent became a symbol of their unwavering commitment and thirst for power, as they sought to cultivate their abilities and rise to new heights.
"3 star...?" Zain's memories of this world had given him some understanding, but he had yet to grasp the true power and might of a 3 star angel.
"Yes... and their leader is currently ascending the Tower of Angels, on the verge of reaching the 4-star level..."
It appeared that those who met certain conditions could exit the Tower of Angels, or perhaps there was a way to return. However, in reality, the tower displayed the increased stats and abilities of all the people who climbed it to everyone!
"Hmm..." Zain remained silent, realizing he lacked knowledge about the Tower of Angels and its workings.
"Zain, I understand that you're grieving and angry, but seeking revenge won't bring back your loved ones," she said with a sigh.
She didn't want to dampen his spirits, but she felt compelled to share the truth with him.
"Your mother and sister wouldn't want you to risk your life and seek vengeance. It won't bring them back, and it could lead to even more loss."
"You need to find happiness in your life now and let go of the past," she gently advised.
"Unless a miraculous event, like reaching the top of the 100-floor tower, occurs, they will remain gone. It's important to cherish their memory but also focus on building a new future for yourself."
"Huh?" Zain's gaze suddenly turned towards her, his curiosity piqued.
"W-what did you say?" Zain's voice quivered as he sought clarification.
"..."
She couldn't decipher the exact meaning behind his question, but a glint of hope flickered in his eyes, revealing a fire burning within him.
"D-don't tell me you want to... CLIMB THE TOWER?!" she exclaimed, surprised by his sudden change in attitude. She hadn't expected him to take her words so seriously and aim for such a lofty goal.
"Yes..." Zain replied, his voice tinged with sadness and resoluteness. It was evident that he was fully committed to embarking on the challenging journey of climbing the tower.
"Are you out of your mind? You want to climb that tower, from where no one has ever returned?!" Her eyes widened in disbelief as she uttered these words, unable to comprehend his audacity.
"Yes, I want to bring them back," he declared resolutely, rising to his feet with determination in his eyes.
"T-this kid..."
Deep down, she regretted revealing the possibility of reviving the dead, yet a part of her believed that he might just find the right path.
"Very well, it's your wish after all...I shall respect your decision." she replied, her voice filled with acceptance. With a soft spoken tone, she rose from her seat and made her way back to the table.
She turned back to face Zain and asked him, "When do you plan to set off for the tower?"
Zain responded, "I will depart as soon as possible. Maybe tomorrow…"
She let out a sigh and added, "Before you leave, make sure to come and see me."
With those words, she promptly exited the room, leaving Zain to contemplate his decision in solitude.
Zain stood at the crossroads of his emotions, torn between his initial reluctance and the mysterious pull in his heart.
In that fleeting moment, Zain realized that this encounter was more than just a casual meeting. Fate had orchestrated their paths to intertwine, offering him a chance.
There was something genuine about her, reminiscent of the kind-hearted teacher in his school's infirmary. Her eyes were filled with kindness and her words had a way of calming him down. He felt drawn to her sincerity and honesty, as if she was someone he could trust completely.
Zain quietly made his way to the window through which he had entered the room earlier. As he prepared to leave, he whispered to himself, "We will meet tomorrow then."
With those words, he jumped out of the window, disappearing into the night, his determination driving him forward towards the daunting challenge that awaited him.