In this tower, there existed groups besides the seven families. But, since the seven families' power and influence were way above them, the smaller groups were overshadowed. On top of that, the Seven were of equal standing to each other. They shared the authority within the tower to avoid conflict and maintain the power balance.
Initially, the concept of the group was something like a guild in a game. Before the term "House" existed, "Guild" was what people called the seven families. While the other group stayed with the Guild term, the Seven changed to Family after the leader of each group married and had children.
Anyhow, besides Shedever, the other six were Vincent, Aquila, Pandora, Ragnar, Lawrence, and Olpidrim.
Talking about the Aquila family. They were known as the beauty makers. Why? Because every child born in the family was female. Four of them.
And Sorath was a lucky bastard who was engaged to the oldest child, the heir of the Aquila family.
On the last day of the year, Sorath and the other would-be Awakened gathered in a facility belonging to the Aquila. From the outside, the building appeared similar to a dome stadium. Meanwhile, the interior was more like a training facility.
Doors led to the smaller private training space spanned across the facility. In the center, a core of glimmering sky-blue light surrounded by rings operated like an engine, providing energy as electricity replacement.
'This looks like the twin of our family Awakened Training Center,' Sorath thought as he looked around. 'Well, considering that the two families have always helped each other since the beginning of the Tower Age 20 years ago…'
Shaking his head in disbelief, he continued.
'The community in this tower is the weakest. If we are not prepared for the 50th floor, we will become prey to the other tower communities just like in the novel, both the old and the remake, and the Author's life.'
He kept walking forward, completely ignoring the gazes directed at him as he walked alone. Those who stood in his track moved away, presenting him the way he needed.
'Fortunately, I have prepared something for the Patriarch if he ever felt like hitting the wall upon arriving on floor 50.'
However, not everyone was doing so, moving away from his path, that was. No matter in which world you were living, there must be someone or a group among the crowd who always looking to make a fuss.
Sorath stopped as he realized someone, a big and tall guy, blocking him. He couldn't see their face since they were facing the other way. The hoodie they wore also covered their sides, making it impossible for Sorath to figure out their identity.
With a sigh, he called out the person.
"Hey, big boy."
They turned around. Even so, Sorath still couldn't see their face.
"What?" they answered. Their voice sounded as though they were growling.
At the same time, they pulled out their hoodie, revealing their face.
One word came out to Sorath's mind as he saw their face. Ugly.
'He doesn't fit any of the character descriptions in the novel nor I have seen him. So, he's only an extra,' Sorath sighed. 'I shouldn't waste my time and energy on him.'
Sorath stared at the tall guy and said.
"Can you move away?"
The tall guy grinned and slightly bent down, leaning forward.
"What will happen if I—"
Bang!
The sound of a gunshot rang loudly, alerting everyone in the vicinity. More people added to the crowd surrounding Sorath and the tall guy, whispering among themselves.
A handgun wrapped tightly in Sorath's hand. Smoke escaped from the gun barrel hazily, telling everyone that it was the cause of the tall guy screaming agonizingly as he rolled on the floor, holding his bleeding knee.
Looking down at him with a cold gaze, Sorath declared. "This is what happens if you stand in my way."
The crowd who heard that felt a sudden chill blew their neck. They quickly forgot the previous image of Sorath as a coward and weakling who could only hide behind his family name and his sister, replacing it with a fresh one firmly etched in their minds.
The doubter wondered.
"Is he really Sorath?!"
The majority declared.
"He's crazy!"
The pragmatist assumed.
"Do you think he sold his soul to the demon for him to change this much in a month?"
The observant glimpsed.
"I mean, look at his eyes. He's a coward no more…"
The ladies… they were enchanted.
"He's becoming more attractive!"
As the commotion and noises grew bigger, it drew the attention of the big fish. For example, yes, the heir of the Aquila family, Sorath's fiancee.
Atri stood before the tumultuous scene, her presence drawing attention. Her white-milk skin was flawless, a canvas for the delicate flush that adorned her cheeks. Her eyes were pools of deep sapphire, sharp and perceptive, framed by long, silver lashes that fluttered with a subtle air of aristocratic indifference.
Her snow hair fell in cascades reaching her back. She donned a crisp white shirt, the fabric falling just right, and paired it with an off-shoulder blue jacket and black trousers that added a modern twist.
As she approached, the crowd instinctively parted, giving way to the prominent lady. She took in the scene before her with a frown on her face. Her gaze first fell upon the injured boy, his knee stained with blood, and then to the pistol clutched in Sorath's hand.
She turned her attention to Sorath, her fiance, her expression a mixture of exasperation and curiosity.
"Do you mind telling me what's happening, Sorath?" Her voice held a refined hilt.
Sorath met her gaze, a glimmer of something unreadable in his eyes.
'Atri Aquila,' he murmured internally.
He took in the details of her attire, the way she carried herself with a certain poise that reminded him of a certain memory.
Atri's gaze remained fixed on him, awaiting an explanation. The weight of her scrutiny was palpable, and for a moment, Sorath felt a flicker of recognition.
With a dramatic motion, Sorath stored the pistol back into the thin bracelet made of material imbued with magic, allowing it to function as a spatial storage. Looking at Atri, he smiled as if nothing had happened and said.
"Sure. I would gladly answer all the questions from my fiancee."
===
There's a change in term used in this novel.
The term "Family" to refer the "Seven Families" is changed to "House" and the "Seven Houses".
I'll edit the previous chapters later.