The old man scanned the Invited standing before him, his gray eyes betraying excitement despite his weathered and rugged face resembling tree bark not reflecting the same expression.
"Today, all of you will enter the Black Tower for the first time. I don't need to explain too much to you because you must have heard it from the rumors. What I want to convey is just a little motivation."
Suddenly, the man floated in the air, extending his hands. Ethan frowned, unlike most of the Invited who seemed impressed.
"He seems to really enjoy this kind of attention. I didn't know there was someone like him among the Agents," Ethan thought to himself.
Ethan gazed at the man like everyone else. He heard some expressions of admiration for his floating figure. It was indeed an incredible superpower. But Ethan just waited for what he would say next. Maybe he could use it as useful information in the Tower.
"Look at me! What you see here is something you can attain inside the Tower!" the man shouted so they could hear him. "There are still many other things you can get. If you reach the highest floor of the Tower!"
After that, a bluish light emanated from his body, adding to the grandeur of the performance he was putting on.
"So, don't be afraid, my friend! This journey will be an amazing one for you. Create your own story just like me who made my own story for glory!"
Ethan rolled his eyes. 'Doesn't he have anything important to convey? Why is that old man just showing off?' Ethan was lost for words.
But strangely, when he glanced around, he saw the other Invited still looking at the old man with the same admiration. But there seemed to be something else they felt—hope.
When Ethan looked at the black-haired girl, she was yawning, covering her mouth. Once again, their eyes suddenly met, and Ethan regretted it. If this continued, it would be very obvious that he seemed to be looking at her because he was interested in her. Which is true, but not in some romantic way.
'Shit, why does she have to be that perceptive? Wait, is that her Talent ability?'
If her Talent ability indeed gave her sharp senses—just like him—then her Talent was clearly high-grade. Which made more sense for him to approach her.
The old man—who claimed to be named Don—finally finished his speech and show. Then, with a wave of his hand, the Agents behind him opened the black door engraved with runes.
"Enter the Tower! And reach the glory you wanted!" the old man gave his last sentence.
A moment later, the Invited streamed through the door. Because the door was quite wide, they didn't need to jostle each other.
Ethan felt a strange energy entering his body as he passed through the door. All he and the other Invited could see was dazzling white light; they couldn't see anything for several seconds.
Then the light dimmed, restoring their sight, and they could finally behold the scenery of lush, green grass stretching across a vast expanse.
Once again, Ethan witnessed the mighty magic of the Tower. There was no way this place existed inside the Tower. He had seen the diameter of the Tower, and it was clearly not this vast.
While the others admired the scenery, Ethan knew he had to act fast. This scenery might look beautiful, but behind it, there must be dangers lurking from unseen places. He grabbed his bow and walked behind them, avoiding their gaze. At least if there were any dangers, he had to find it fast.
The Invited began to walk with their eyes scanning around and bright smiles on their faces. It was as if they were enjoying some sort of picnic.
Ethan was puzzled. He thought they were supposed to be cautious and ready to fight. Why were there still people who seemed clueless?
'Unless, this place is doing something to them.'
Feeling suspicious, Ethan concentrated on his surroundings. His Soul Sense was always active, but only when he focused on it would he capture the real sense of what was happening around him.
When he finally focused on it, Ethan stopped in his tracks. He felt that now all the Souls of those Invited were so calm, even happy. They didn't feel any fear or anxiety.
'A drastic change from their state before. Something that couldn't happen so easily without a clear reason.This place is affecting their minds. I don't think we will face this kind of trouble on the First floor.'
He had underestimated the scale of danger on this floor. But no more. Maybe it was because of his Talent that he wasn't affected by whatever going on in this place.
After a few minutes of searching for the source of the problem, Ethan spotted the figure of the girl. But she wore the same expression as the others, as if enthralled by this place's beauty.
Ethan walked toward her. Turns out he did it just in time because something was moving behind her. It looked like a man, but clad in black, ragged robes, obscuring his or her face. Ethan wasn't sure if it was human.
The girl was completely unaware of her stalker, still busy looking around.
Ethan summoned his Aetherbow and drew the string. He aimed right at the creature's head, then shot.
*SWISSH!*
The Aether arrow whistled through the air and struck the creature in its chest.
"AAARRGHH!!!"
It let out a pained roar that sounded inhumane then dropped to the ground.
The girl looked shocked, she jumped back and looked at the dark figure lying on the ground, unmoving. Then she looked up at Ethan.
"Have you come to your senses?" Ethan asked.
Before the girl could answer him, they heard another scream. Ethan turned, he saw one of the Invited lying dead on the ground, her throat slashed.
The other Invited were oblivious to what was happening and continued to look around with their happy faces.
At that moment, Ethan knew that the threat of this place was real.
---