Akira stared at the cocoon surrounding Yukihime for a moment to ensure there were no mistakes, then shifted his gaze to the cage where the fight between Asuna and the White Steel Eel had begun.
"Sorry, but you're going to be a test subject for my new sword," Asuna smiled softly as she took her battle stance. She would be lying if she said she wasn't excited to test the sword she received from Akira, as holding it made her feel invincible.
Roooar
The White Steel Eel let out a roar, seemingly sensing the threat from Asuna and her sword. It felt as though it had met its mortal enemy at that moment, and rightly so, because after slaying Yamata-no-Orochi with this sword, it had become a dragon-slaying sword, destined to subdue all dragons and serpents, including the White Steel Eel, which was a lower form of serpent.
"Quicksilver..." Asuna muttered. This was the skill she had gained from a previous quest, increasing her speed by 30% at the cost of a small amount of her magic power.
In an instant, Asuna vanished from her spot and rushed toward the White Steel Eel at a speed it couldn't comprehend. She lightly swung the Kusanagi sword. Given the natural sharpness of the blade, she didn't need much force, and the White Steel Eel was sliced through like tofu before the sword's edge.
Boom
With a crashing sound, the White Steel Eel shattered into thousands of pieces, falling to the floor of the cage. It was no match for Asuna's power as an S-Rank Hunter, while the White Steel Eel was merely equivalent to a C-Rank monster.
"I'll go first then," Asuna waved at Akira and Yukihime, and with a light touch of the Kusanagi sword, the sphere crumbled into fragments. A golden light surrounded Asuna as she was transported to the next floor.
"Who will be next?" Headon asked, twirling his cane as the dead White Steel Eel disappeared and a new White Steel Eel appeared, along with an intact new sphere.
Ting
At that moment, the cocoon surrounding Yukihime cracked open, revealing her with a joyful smile. Although her appearance hadn't changed much, it was clear this was her true form without using magic to alter it.
"I'm next," Yukihime said excitedly as she quickly walked toward the cage. "That's alright, right, Akira?"
"Of course, I'm waiting for someone here," Akira said indifferently, as the person he was waiting for was very close, and he wanted to speak with them before starting his trial.
"Then I won't hold back," Yukihime said as she stepped into the cage without any hesitation.
Roooar
The moment Yukihime appeared, the White Steel Eel let out a battle cry and charged at her with full force, ready to devour her, as it sensed a delicious scent emanating from her.
"Nivis Casus..." Yukihime whispered, pointing her finger at the White Steel Eel. Several magic circles appeared in front of her, launching a barrage of ice needles at the White Steel Eel.
Boom
With another explosion, the White Steel Eel collapsed to the ground, its body riddled with holes and ice. Yukihime's power was nothing to be taken lightly.
"Don't be late, Akira. I'll be waiting for you with Asuna," Yukihime said as she lightly tapped the black sphere, causing it to explode into millions of shards.
"Of course," Akira nodded, then turned his gaze to Headon. "I don't mind if you go to greet the new arrival. I need to speak with Yuri Zahard before I take the trial."
"Ho~h, it's interesting to see an Irregular who knows the situation of the Tower," Headon smiled slyly, like a fox, before bowing slightly to Akira. "I'll take your suggestion and go meet the newcomer."
After speaking, Headon disappeared to meet Twenty-Fifth Baam, who had just entered the Tower by opening the door with his own strength.
"..." Akira stared ahead where there was a door, and out came a beautiful girl with long black hair and red eyes. She was incredibly attractive, especially with the long black stockings she wore.
"Hmm, who are you, and where is Headon?" the girl asked, surveying the surroundings as she noticed Headon was nowhere to be seen, despite being the Administrator of the First Floor.
"If you're referring to that metal rabbit, he's gone to greet the Irregular who just entered the Tower," Akira shrugged, not caring whether Headon overheard how he referred to him. To Akira, Headon was nothing more than a sly metal rabbit.
"Metal rabbit? Well, that suits him," Yuri agreed upon hearing Akira's description of Headon. "So, are you saying he left a Regular to go meet an Irregular?"
"No, I wasn't chosen by that metal rabbit. I opened the Tower's door myself as well," Akira said nonchalantly, then looked directly at Yuri. "And I'm the one who told that rabbit to meet the other person because I want to talk to you, Yuri Zahard."
"Interesting. Has my fame spread outside the Tower to the point that an Irregular who just entered knows me?" Yuri smiled happily, flicking her hair as she was pleased with the idea of being so well-known outside the Tower.
"I don't really know," Akira shrugged as he walked calmly toward Yuri, ignoring the short man standing near her. "But I want to make a deal with you."
"A deal? Let's hear what you have," Yuri said, not even needing to think about it, as she crossed her arms and stared at Akira.
...
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