I can't believe the author took 10 months to finally come back to this story(probably for one chapter only once again), who even is this guy.
I'm looking at the suspicious man wondering why would he call out to me of all people. Is he perhaps an omniscient reader with a viewerpoint above this world who can see my bright future of a warrior??
"Who are you?" I asked, hopefully he doesn't have a weird long name I would never remember but not dare to ask for again leading to me referring to him as "Hey you".
"My name is Apdez, a lost adventurer looking out for comrades to challenge that great tower the author forgot the name of! I've experienced my own joys of life already, now I'm feeling empty and nothing gets me pumped up, aside the thought about that tower that is."
He yaps a lot.
Looking for something to make him feel again huh..
"Looking for comrades? Is that why you talked to me? You're interested in making an alliance with me to challenge the great tower??" It seems I got a bit excited.
"That's right! It's true that you don't look anything like the type of companion I'm looking for outwardly..but there is something about you, some main character vibe you get me? I mean what ordinary person would wander around this place alone like that, we seem to think alike."
"I just came to enjoy the nature I guess, no noble reason."
"But that exactly is a noble reason! Seeing beauty in the overlooked places is a noble act of itself! I prefer having my nice afternoon naps in empty places like this, clears up my mind and all."
I'm the reverse, I tend to ponder over many thoughts when at places like this.
"Don't you think it's time you tell me your name too Mr. Wandered?" he asked
"I'm 4oiter. I just today arrived here in Ohio, and yes it's for the same reason as you. I am gonna challenge the damn tower. I believe I can find something there. Either that or I'll be offed on some random floor in pursuit of something I don't even know."
"Your name starts with a number? You're definitely extraordinary all right. Since you arrived today you haven't signed up neither for a group neither even the tutorial right?"
"That's right. I wanted to spend some time in this new town before I entered the tower, it's not like that's all there is to this place. Ohio is a great town, I love the ohian food, pork sandwiches..but I'm hungry for something different now."
"Okay then. Let me ask you while I still have a chance...Would you like to join me in the pursuit of the unknown hiding in that tower? Together we might as well change it's total course and learn all it's secrets. Or we might die. Nonetheless I personally believe it's worth it, it's been a while since I last risked my life for something I want. Take your time and think it through and tommorow give me your answer. I hope we will meet again, 4oiter!"
We exchanged our discords and went along our ways.
A comrade huh? It seems I forgot about that. I have no faith in my own abilities yet why did I think I can challenge the tower alone? Maybe I can learn a thing or two from that person, but he still seems suspicious. This choice will probably alter the whole direction of the story. Oh well, suspicious or not it's better to go with that guy than waste my life alone.
"Okay, I will go with you" I wrote in our DMs. A user with a profile picture of a young anime girl(yes that's our guy) answered "Good choice buddy! Let's meet up in front of that tower in 3 days at 9PM! Enjoy those 3 days cus after that we'll enter a brand new world!!"
Might as well do that.
Ohio is really a great town. I went to all kinds of great places(sadly alone) and also looked up for more info on the tower. These 3 days passed like nothing, and that nothing made me realise how unfit I am in this place. I've always felt that way. I really hope there's something in that tower, it's my last resort after all...
October 16th 8:58PM
I approach the tower. I've never seen it from this close before. It's truly amazing and to this day nobody knows why it is here and what purpose does it serve, or at least the people who've never entered it. Did I mention before that almost nobody who entered ever came out? The ones who did don't remember anything but it seems they were only on early levels considering how long their absence have been.
While having these usual monologues I reached the front of the tower. A gigantic opening through which nothing can be seen. I'm surprised such a place is allowed to the public, though it wasn't always like that, people just entered either way.
"Hey partner."
I was startled. When did this guy even get here. With this sneakiness I really hope he isn't what I thought he is at first.
"Hi. I'm glad you didn't enter without me."
"Don't be ridiculous, I can't enter alone. Although, this is your last chance to turn back and live an ordinary life, I'm ready to go alone if I have to."
"No way. I find no appeal in the ordinary lives these people lead. I'm going."
"Okay then, let's go!"
We walked towards the gate, leaving our mundanity behind. Maybe someone could say even a person's own humanity is extracted when they pass through this gate.
Illustration: https://imgur.com/SaziYW7