Gok stood at the base of the looming black tower, its surface reflecting the chaotic storm clouds swirling above. As he stared upward, contemplating his next move, the world around him seemed to hold its breath. Crowds of players, reporters, and onlookers gathered cautiously at the periphery, waiting for the "Unchained Monster" to act.
But Gok hesitated. Something about the tower felt... different.
His instincts screamed of danger, but before he could take his first step toward the entrance, the air around him shimmered. A sudden flash of golden light erupted, forcing everyone to shield their eyes.
When the light faded, a familiar figure emerged from a portal—a figure Gok never expected to see again.
The Return of Wu-Ji
Wu-Ji stepped forward, his long, flowing coat rippling in an unseen wind. His presence exuded authority and power, and his golden eyes gleamed with determination.
"Did you miss me, Gok?" Wu-Ji's voice was calm but carried an edge of sarcasm.
Gok's eyes narrowed. "You're supposed to be dead. I saw Monkey tear you apart."
Wu-Ji smirked, raising his hand to reveal a fragment of the Infinite Blade, its energy pulsating faintly. "Death is a funny thing in Ranker. Especially when you're one of the Zodiacs—or were."
Gok's fists clenched. "So, you're here to stop me, too? You zodiacs just don't know when to quit."
Wu-Ji shook his head. "I'm no longer one of them. I abandoned that madness when I realized the truth. The towers... the Zodiacs... even the Infinite Blade... it's all a setup, Gok."
"What setup?"
"Ranker isn't just a game, or even a war between species. The towers are something more sinister—tests from something ancient. And if we fail, it's not just Earth that's doomed; it's the entire multiverse."
Allies Reunited
Gok's skepticism was evident, but before he could retort, Wu-Ji tossed him the blade fragment. Gok caught it instinctively, feeling its energy resonate with the Infinite Blade still tied to his soul.
"Consider it a gesture of good faith," Wu-Ji said. "You'll need all the help you can get if we're going to take on these towers."
"'We?'" Gok raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, we. You're strong, Gok, stronger than anyone in Ranker. But strength alone won't win this. The towers are designed to break more than just your body—they'll break your mind, your spirit. Together, we stand a chance. Alone, even you will fall."
After a tense moment, Gok nodded. "Fine. But if you betray me again, I'll make sure Monkey's fate looks like a mercy."
Wu-Ji chuckled. "Fair enough."
The Forgotten Key
As the two prepared to enter the tower, Wu-Ji pulled out a strange object—a crystalline key etched with incomprehensible runes.
"What's that?" Gok asked.
"A key I stole from Rat's archives before I left. This should help us bypass some of the tower's more... lethal traps. But it's not foolproof."
"Nothing ever is," Gok muttered, gripping the Infinite Blade tightly.
The two exchanged a look of mutual understanding before stepping into the tower.
The Tower's First Challenge
The moment they entered, the atmosphere shifted. The interior of the tower was nothing like they expected. The walls seemed alive, pulsating with dark energy, and the floor glowed faintly beneath their feet.
A voice echoed through the chamber:
"Welcome to the Tower of Despair, challengers. Your first trial awaits."
Before them, a massive shadowed figure emerged—a grotesque amalgamation of beast and machine, its eyes glowing crimson.
Wu-Ji smirked. "Looks like we've got our work cut out for us."
Gok readied the Infinite Blade, the golden energy swirling around him. "Let's see what this thing's got."
The chapter ends with the two charging at the monstrous foe, their combined powers lighting up the dark chamber as the tower trembles with the force of their battle.
Teaser for Chapter 26: The Hidden Keeper
"As Gok and Wu-Ji ascend the tower, they uncover secrets about the tower's true purpose—and the entity that controls it all."