" I feel like I'm on drugs, '' Rocky said, as he got back up on his feet and finally managed to take a look around the zeroth floor of the tower of ascension.
Just like him, he could see many new climbers falling on their knees and struggling with the sudden change in mana concentration as he could see all sorts of non-humans in his vicinity.
A giant 9 feet tall minotaur, A cold and elegant vampire with pale skin and red eyes, A group of elves with pointy ears and sharp facial features, Hobgoblins with their green skins and Orcs with their iconic teeth that reached beyond their noses.
Just one look around his surroundings and Rocky could already observe a myriad of non-human species, giving him the realization that he was no longer on Earth.
" Welcome, Climber, I sense that you have arrived here for the first time ever-" A spirit soon approached Rocky, as before he could say anything, Pope Cole responded for him as he said "Go away, leecher, this child is under my protection".
"So rudeeee…." The ghost said, as it drifted away, looking for another clueless climber to offer its services to.
Rocky had heard about leechers, the infamous spirits that guided the first time entrants of the tower to their destination on floor zero, however, they charged half an ounce of blood for the guidance.
For new climbers who had no-one else to rely on, trusting leechers was a good idea as although they sucked on one's blood, they never broke their word and never misguided a climber, proving to be a better alternative to trusting other climbers that might scam one for more than their blood.
Thankfully Rocky already had Pope Cole and his security team to drop him off at the university for nourishment of young talents, which was why he did not need to rely on leechers.
' Thankyou Pope cole-' Rocky almost blurted, however, estimating his exaggerated reaction, he swallowed the words, as he did not wish to create another scene inside the tower entrance.
" Are you okay? Ch-" Pope Cole was about to say, however, Rocky cut him off as he said
" Chimpanzee? It's rude for you to call a modern human and ape. But yes, I'm okay, I'm ready to move" Rocky said, as he glared straight into Pope Cole's eyes, warning him against calling him 'Champion' in public.
" Yes, yes, my bad- I should not display such racist behavior.
Forgive me Lord Gemini, but I must praise you as well, this child is such a smart cha-"
" Brrrblerrrr grrrr" Rocky scrambled, as Pope Cole bit his tongue.
It was almost like he had no control over himself, as even in this situation he was going to end his sentence by praising Gemini for choosing such a smart champion.
" Let's go-" Rocky said, shaking his head in dismay as Pope Cole led him to the nearest transportation gate.
Floor Zero of the tower of ascension was argued by climbers to be the largest floor to exist in terms of land-size.
Spanning an area that was 10,000,000 times larger than the total land area on Earth, Floor Zero of the tower was a safe haven where entire climber cities flourished and trade and commerce between all species of climbers took place.
It was the most happening place in the entire tower as every climber regardless of their talent and their accomplishments could access this floor, which was unlike the higher floors where only the worthy could reach.
By law, killing was prohibited on floor zero with anyone breaking the law being hunted by all the righteous forces that controlled the floor, however, murders still happened inside, just like they would in any lawfully governed city on Earth.
Floor Zero was also the home to some of the most important climber universities, the schools which prepared new climbers for the dangers of the tower and prepared them mentally that climbing the tower was a game of life and death and not something to be taken casually.
The university for nourishment of young talents was also located on Floor Zero, however, it was located quite deep into floor Zero and reaching it from Milky Way universe's spawn point by foot would easily take over five decades, which was why teleportation was the only proper way to reach the desired location.
For first time climbers, reaching the nearest teleportation gate could prove to be a challenge, however, under the guidance of Pope Cole, Rocky was able to reach the nearest teleportation gate without a hitch, as his identity within the tower seemed to be much more subtle when compared to his insane popularity on Earth.
" Goodluck, my chimpanzee, may Gemini watch over you.
I'm afraid our paths must diverge here as after paying the authorities inside with one silver TG, you will be teleported to your destination.
Please stay safe, and if you ever feel like your life is in danger break the charm I have given you-" Pope Cole said as Rocky nodded his head and extended his palm for Pope Cole to shake.
" Thankyou for all your help, Pope Cole, I hope that the next time we meet, I can perhaps become a sliver of the man you hope I can be" Rocky said honestly as Pope Cole instantly burst into tears.
Ignoring his outburst, Rocky rushed into the teleportation center, as he paid the teleportation fees from the spare money that the pope had given him and headed straight for the academy.
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/// A/N - Chapter ⅔ for the day. This bonus chapter is sponsored by patron Cervantez91, please thank him in the comments for the same ///