Within a few strikes, the buffalo monster died, and its carcass vaporized into small particles. Some materials fell, and Aaron captured them while reaching out.
[EXP +17852]
[TP +8926]
[DING! Congratulations on leveling up]
[Level 28]
[Item Acquired:]
[3 EXP Crystals Lv. 4]
[1 MP Crystal Lv. 2]
[3 HP Potion]
[2 Amethyst Gem]
[780 RL]
"I've gotten a lot of Amethyst Gem since I was here. But, can I find a blacksmith in the Dark Pillar Tower?" Aaron asked, saving the items he had obtained.
"There are five major cities throughout the Dark Pillar Tower. The nearest city is on the 10th floor."
'Isn't that the city that sent food supplies to the Night Liberation Group on the first floor?'
'Maybe I can find something there. Having the blacksmith set up gear for me with the Amethyst Gem will increase my CP,' Aaron said.
Servant Jack The Ripper stepped forward, standing tall with his head bowed. The behavior that the man showed was completely different from what Aaron had imagined before, the image of a cold-blooded vicious killer.
"Well done, Jack."
Jack The Ripper nodded. His body disappeared into a white light that flowed through Aaron's forehead. Aaron's eyes closed as it happened, then reopened once it was over.
Aaron's head snapped up, witnessing the red net that bound many red cages filled with evil souls waiting to be purified as servants. Aaron realized that this place was similar to a cemetery.
Aerith noticed when Aaron was looking at the red cages as if his ambition was to obtain all the soul power. The woman smiled whenever she saw Aaron's expression.
"Are you thinking of purifying another evil soul?" asked Aerith.
"Eh? Can I do it again?" asked Aaron, both surprised and excited.
"You can. But I predict you'll die."
Aerith grabbed Aaron's hand and took the young man flying, approaching one of the red cages with an evil soul inside. There was a specific reason why Aerith took the young man to the front of the cage.
[Soul Identity:]
[Name: Gregory Rasputin]
[Form: Soul]
[Soul Level: 25]
[Talent: Reality Persona]
[Rank: S-R]
"Reality Persona?" Aaron asked.
"It's the ability to create high charisma in one's persona, capable of deceiving many people at a single glance."
"If you get trapped in his reality, then a single word from Rasputin can kill you."
"That's why he's quite dangerous even though his rank talent is only S-R."
Aerith glanced to the side as her hand lightly patted Aaron's shoulder. The woman knew Aaron needed great strength to leave the Dark Pillar Tower. Still, challenging Rasputin with Aaron's current abilities would only bring death to him.
"Don't be in such a hurry. You can enjoy your life in the Dark Pillar Tower for a while while increasing your level."
"It seems so. I don't want to end up being killed just because of my greed," Aaron explained.
Aerith smiled. She raised her palm and brought out the purple orb that had accumulated on it. The woman directed the energy to Aaron to compensate for the Additional MP as per Aerith's agreement.
[Additional MP +200,000]
A pop up notification appeared before Aaron, startling the young man as the amount was too much while his MP usage was less than 100,000. Aerith said it was a bonus for Aaron to successfully establish a servant contract.
"You're very kind, Aerith. I don't know how to repay you for all your kindness."
"Be strong and take the Dark Ruler title. That's enough for me," Aerith said, smiling sweetly in a face full of evil.
"I'll do the best I can."
Aerith gave a nod. Since Aaron's matter was done, the woman swung her hand sideways to open a dimensional rift aimed at the Dark Pillar Tower.
Aaron turned his head, seeing the crowd in the main yard of the Night Liberator's base, where people were still partying. Aerith explained that Aaron spent three hours in the Dark Dimension, which equaled half an hour in the Dark Pillar Tower.
The two stepped into the dimensional rift and arrived at Aaron's room. Luckily, no one was in the room then, so nobody would find out about Aerith and the Dark Dimension.
"You're planning to do a Monster Raid on the Dark Pillar, right?" asked Aerith, surprising Aaron.
"How did you know?" asked Aaron.
"I'm always keeping an eye on you, Aaron. You're my only hope, and I won't let them kill you."
Unexpected by Aaron, Aerith stepped closer and pecked Aaron lightly on the cheek, making the young man reddened from blushing. Aerith giggled at Aaron's response; truly a unique young man in her eyes.
"Take care of yourself, Aaron."
Aerith left with a wave, stepping back into the Dark Dimension. Aaron was still dead silent, trying to understand what had just happened to him.
'That woman. I really don't understand her,' Aaron complained.
The door to the room opened, Elijah came alone with his hand seemingly holding a bottle of cheap wine.
"What are you doing? Come with me. They're waiting for you in the main yard."
"Waiting for me for what?"
"You're a new member; you should come with me. Everyone wants to see who will go Raid Monster tomorrow morning after all," Elijah replied, stepping closer to Aaron while putting his arm around Aaron's shoulders.
In the end, Aaron couldn't refuse Elijah's invitation. The two walked out of the members' dormitory and watched as more and more people gathered around. Aaron saw Hilda in the crowd, sitting by the campfire while holding a glass of wine.
The people began to welcome Aaron's arrival with great excitement. They raised their glasses and toasted to welcome their new member, even though this afternoon, they all wanted to kill Aaron.
A significant difference in attitude happened, which certainly confused Aaron.
"I really misjudged you. You do deserve to join the Night Liberators."
"Welcome. I'm sure you can wipe out the entire Dark Pillar maze."
"We're depending on you, Aaron. Make us all proud."
Aaron waved and smiled, greeting them all, although he didn't know a single one of them. Elijah poured the wine into an empty glass for Aaron, then asked everyone to make a toast.
Their friendliness made Aaron feel relieved. At first, he thought that these people would kill him. Yet, in the end, they began to accept him because they realized Aaron's abilities were higher than theirs.
Challenging Aaron was the same as inviting death to them. It was not a wise action.
Aaron thanked them and said he would do his best during the Monster Raid tomorrow. Everyone cheered, believing that Aaron would be one of the members who managed to rise to the second floor of the Dark Pillar this year.
Elijah and the others began to heat up the coals, planning to roast some meat to eat with those attending in the main yard. Aaron turned to the side, spotting Hilda sitting listlessly with her eyes fixed on the wine in her glass.
"Is there something on your mind?"
Hilda broke her reverie and turned sideways. Aaron was next to her, holding his wine glass.
"It's none of your business," Hilda complained irritably.
"By the way, congratulations on your selection to the Raid Monster team. I knew David would choose you over the other members," Hilda replied.
"I heard the Raid Monster team is in the recovery process. The decision had to be made."
"I'm the leader of the Monster Raid Team," Hilda revealed, surprising Aaron.
"Maybe it's because of yesterday's disastrous results that David no longer trusts my team."
'Is there something I don't know about the Raid Monster team?
"Can you tell me what happened? That's if you don't mind."
Hilda glanced to the side, looking closely at Aaron's face. In Hilda's view, Aaron was handsome, young, and strong. Telling the truth about the Raid Monster in the Dark Pillar wouldn't easily discourage Aaron's nerves.
"Alright. Listen well because I won't repeat."