We sat there, exhausted, waiting for our health cooldown to finish so we could apply a patch before moving on.

"I think I may have an idea why Chaos is triggering," I said, trying to catch my breath.

"Oh?" Carol inquired, curiosity in her voice.

"It seems to be connected to my actions, although it's still unclear which ones exactly. It appears to happen more frequently when I do something that goes against my original instincts or deviates from my initial plans."

"Can you give me an example?" she asked, intrigued.

"Sure. Like switching my class at the last minute, even though I had initially chosen a different one. Or deciding to surrender instead of fighting."

Carol pondered my words for a moment. "What about just now? What did you do that could have triggered it?"

"I'm not entirely certain at the moment, but perhaps it was jumping to another walkway while I was suspended, despite my fear of heights."

"That seems rather random," Carol commented, sounding skeptical.

"Hmmm maybe not so random, but I need to conduct more tests to be sure."

"Not now!" she exclaimed with a hint of concern in her voice.

"Of course," I replied, offering a reassuring smile.

As we continued to wait, we took the opportunity to search the corpses scattered around us. We found only gold, a few pistols that we could sell, and some extra ammunition for Carol. Both of us had gained two levels, and I was on the brink of reaching the next one. Adjusting my stats, I decided to focus heavily on Dexterity and allocate some points to strength as well.

Here are my new stats:

Level 6 Rider BASE Iron Ring of Strength Chrome Survivor

Suit Ring of Blood Wall Sword Of Tamius Cat II TOTAL Strength 20 2 10 8 40 Vitality 145 55 5 205 Intelligence 20 20 Engineering 30 5 35 Dexterity 50 8 58 Charisma 5 5 Luck 5 5 Chaos 5 5 Mana 20 20

The next few levels, I should prioritize raising my Strength, but Dexterity has proven to be my savior on multiple occasions. Without high stats in Dexterity, I would likely be dead by now.

Once the cooldown finished, we both applied a patch and continued towards the Fishermen's village. We continued walking on the skywalks without encountering any threats for another hour or so. Movement was slow due to the numerous paths that were difficult to navigate.

In the distance, we could see floating boats equipped with balloons or rotor blades. Other than that, they appeared similar to regular sailing boats but like made of multiple different part - a makeshift boat of sort. We decided to take a moment to rest and observe as a boat deployed nets to catch flying fishes. It was a good opportunity to let the cooldown finish and use another patch, as both Carol and I were still quite low on health.

The Watoos on the fishermen's boat were throwing what appeared to be small drones, shaped like cylinders with rotors on top. They were about the size of a small plate but thicker. Once airborne, these machines flew in a grid formation, each deploying a wire net that connected to the others, creating a catching wall in the sky. The flying fishes resembled large light blue and green koi with translucent wings. Once caught in the net, the flying drones closed it back up and brought it back to the boat.

"I'm hungry," Carol said.

I chuckled.

She looked at me and smiled.

"What?" she asked. "Aren't you?"

"I could eat," I replied. "Let's move and go grab some fish burgers!"

She nodded, and we both stood up, resuming our journey to the village.

As we continued, more and more boats came into view, creating a beautiful scene that made me stop and admire the scenery more than once.

"There!" shouted Carol, pointing in the distance.

The village became visible through the fog as we gradually left the skywalks. It was a small village with stacked metal houses on a floating platform, connected to the main path by a floating bridge with balloons. Windmills were slowly rotating, and the village was encased in a protective wall made of metallic and wooden materials.

As we approached, something in the sky caught fire.

"Look," I pointed.

"It appears to be two flying boats fighting another one," Carol observed.

"They aren't normal flying boats" I mentioned. "They move too fast."

The three flying vehicles drew closer, heading towards the village. With each passing moment, we could discern more details of the unfolding event. The two pursuing vessels were heavily armored and lacked rotors or balloons, suggesting they operated on some kind of advanced energy reactor system or something similar. The one being chased resembled the other fisherman boats as we saw before and was engulfed in flames.

The two pursuers fired upon the fisherman boat once again, causing an explosion inside. While not significant, it was enough to bring the boat down, plummeting rapidly and disappearing into the clouds below, leaving behind a thick trail of smoke.

Stolen story; please report.

The two pursuers swiftly turned and ascended back into the sky.

"What was that?" Carol asked.

"Not entirely sure, but those two ships were far more advanced," I replied.

If my theory that technology gradually improves as we climb floors held true, then the Emerrits would be superior to the Watoo. I wondered how much more advanced they could have been.

"Do you think they were attempting to reach a higher floor?" Carol inquired, her thoughts aligning with mine.

"That's exactly what I was thinking, and those ships could belong to the Emerrits," I replied.

We remained silent for a moment, contemplating the situation.

"We should ask the villagers about it," Carol suggested.

"I agree."

We continued our journey, picking up the pace to reach the village. Surprisingly, there were no guards at the entrance, suggesting the presence of an alternative form of protection or that the bandits were reluctant to attack for some reason.

As we crossed the floating bridge and entered the village, I finally got a glimpse of the interior. The houses were densely stacked in a circular formation around a central port. All the flying boats were anchored, pointing toward the empty center. Boats arrived from the top and bottom of the circular opening, anchoring there before utilizing multiple skywalks to reach the main streets and housing section. Warehouses were also situated near the port.

The sight of flying boats and bustling Watoos going about their lives was refreshing. Unlike Sky Landing, this area was uncovered as it was more on the side from the Tower base, exposing us to the open sky.

We strolled around the port, which felt somewhat unstable. Watoos were scurrying around, causing the walkway to shake.

"Let's move quickly," I said to Carol.

"Why?" she replied, smiling mischievously, as she began to jump up and down, deliberately shaking the floating metal path.

I swiftly grabbed onto a rail and shouted, "Stop that!"

She burst into laughter but finally ceased her playful antics.

"It is stable, don't worry," a voice behind us reassured.

I turned around and saw an older Watoo with a warm smile. He wore a pair of thick glasses and had multiple scars on his face. Leaning on a wooden cane, he placed his other arm on his back.

"Thanks, I'm still getting used to it," I explained.

"Ahhh, you'll get there," he said reassuringly. "My name is Tabi, by the way."

"Simon," I replied.

"Carol," added the Frenchie.

"Simon and Carol," he said with a smile. "I own a motel a bit further up, you should come visit. It's called the Revivals Haven."

"You know about Revivals?" I asked curiously.

"Of course, I've seen many of you. We all have some knowledge about you, not in detail, but we see some of you passing through every year. It's good for business," he chuckled.

His words reminded me of Malii, and a pang of sadness struck my heart. I quickly shook off the feeling as best I could.

"Do you know what happened with the boats fighting?" Carol inquired.

"Oh, that," Tabi sighed softly. "I hope you aren't considering doing the same."

"They were trying to reach a higher level?" I questioned.

"Yes, three Revivals, young like you. It's so sad. We warned them not to do it, but they didn't listen," Tabi explained.

He looked up at the sky and continued ;

"They thought they could hide from the Emerrits, but you just can't. When they were discovered, they probably tried to descend, but it was too late."

"Has anyone ever made it?" I asked with curiosity.

"In my 218 years of life, I've never heard of anyone making it," Tabi replied solemnly.

I pondered his response. Just because he hadn't heard of it didn't mean it hadn't happened. If someone did make it, chances were he wouldn't have known.

"How far did they go from the Tower before ascending?" I inquired further.

"Not too far, I believe. But I understand what you're thinking. If you go far enough and then ascend with the boat, only returning after passing the Emerrits' floors, you might have a chance," Tabi answered.

His words caught me by surprise, as that was precisely what I had been contemplating.

"Judging by your expression, I'd say I guessed correctly," he said, smiling. "But I must warn you, that plan won't work."

"Why not?" I asked, eager to understand.

"The Emerrits have a radar system deployed all around, reaching far and wide. To be far enough, you'd need to fly in a straight line for days. It would require a long and energy-consuming journey, and there's no guarantee you could avoid their patrols. They cover every inch of the sky," Tabi explained.

Of course it couldn't be that simple, I thought.

Tabi took a deep breath before continuing, "Listen, young man, many, MANY Revivals and even Watoos have tried. It's dangerous and not really worth it. Once you reach Sky City, you can ascend regardless. The ticket is affordable, and as long as you don't cause trouble, they will allow you to pass."

"Thank you," Carol expressed her gratitude.

Tabi nodded.

Yet, my mind raced with ideas. What if we aimed even higher? Reaching the top, was it possible? I needed more time to think it through. In games, such scenarios were common, and the rewards often justified the challenges. On the other hand, we would still be low-level in higher floors, and we were already facing difficulties here. I needed to take time to think about it.

Lost in my thoughts, I heard Tabi say :

"Come on, join me. Lunch is on me."

Carol and I exchanged glances.

"I could eat," Carol declared, her appetite ever-present.

"While a generous offer, we don't want to bother you," I said..

"Yes, I have a good feeling about you two," he replied smiling kindly.

Could this be a trap? I wondered. But before I could reply Carol shouted ;

"Thank you!"

Tabi smiled, and the three of us walked together toward the housing district. I took the opportunity to engage in more conversation.

"Have you seen any other Revivals recently?" I inquired.

"Oh yes, quite a few. I thought the three who went with the boat were the last ones. You guys are quite late," Tabi responded.

"Have you come across a young man with short black hair named 'Sam' or 'Samuel'?" Carol asked, bringing up a name I hadn't heard before.

I looked at her, realizing she hadn't shared much of the details of her journey with me yet.

Tabi paused, pondering for a moment, then replied :

"Hmm, I don't believe so, but many have passed by whom I haven't spoken to. Also, not all Revivals are friendly. Some come in, weapons ready, and simply take what they want."

"Revivals attack your village?" I asked, surprised by the revelation.

"Oh yes, many times."

"I didn't see any guards or defenses," I commented.

"We don't need guards," the old man said, lifting his shirt to reveal a makeshift pistol, similar to the ones the bandits carried.

"Is everyone armed?" Carol inquired.

"Most of us, yes," Tabi confirmed.

"Have you ever killed a Revival?" I asked, curious about the village's history.

Tabi stopped and turned toward us.

"It has happened," he began. "You'll come to realize that Revivals aren't always well-received in these parts. Your kind is difficult to understand. Some of you are bandits, some are friendly. Most people will ignore you unless you cause trouble."

"Watoos are similar," Carol remarked.

Tabi looked at her, a bit puzzled. "In what way?" he asked.

"Well, we were attacked by Watoo bandits on our way here, yet people in the cities and villages have been friendly," Carol explained.

Tabi contemplated her words for a moment before replying :

"Ah, I understand what you mean. I suppose there are similarities in some ways."

Upon reaching his motel, Tabi proudly exclaimed, "Here it is! Welcome to the Revivals Haven!"

The motel was a medium-sized building with metal balconies on the second floor and a grand entrance door. It stood out with its bright yellow exterior walls and flower pots adorning each window.

Tabi opened the door, and we entered a spacious hall. Workers waved at him, and he reciprocated with a smile.

"Give me a minute to arrange for our lunch," he said. "Please, have a seat at any table you like."

He gestured toward an area with several tables, some already occupied by people enjoying their meals. At the back, an open kitchen was bustling with activity.

"Thank you," I replied.

Carol and I settled at a table near the front windows.

"Do you trust this man?" I asked Carol.

"He seems genuine. Why?" she replied.

"I don't know. Something feels too easy about this. Why would he invite Revivals for a free lunch?"

"Maybe it's a way to attract guests to stay at his motel and book rooms," Carol suggested, finding the answer obvious.

"I don't know," I said hesitantly. "It seems too convenient."

"You think too much," Carol added, smiling at me.

Before I could continue, Tabi joined us at our table and took a seat.

"Alright, I ordered for you, trust me on the food; you'll love it," he assured us.

"I'm hungry!" Carol exclaimed, always ready to eat.

Tabi smiled.

"Now, I have a small question, if you don't mind," he said, looking at us with a smile.

After a brief pause, his smile faded, and his expression turned grave as he asked us :

"Do you know Malii?"