Naeva returned with 6 Rubies in her Inventory. She hadn't left the hidden exam area for very long. In less than 10 minutes, the others could already see Naeva again.
"Did you find your items?" asked Bere.
Naeva nodded.
"Yes."
No one asked any more questions. Everyone was still too tired to do anything. Even Ruka and Hamer had fallen asleep. Bere was just leaning against a rock. Dom was still on guard and watching outside the cave. Meanwhile, Ophelia was nowhere to be seen.
Without needing to ask, Naeva tried to detect Ophelia. It turned out that she was in the interior of the cave. Naeva also felt the water source from there. Maybe the girl was taking a bath, considering Naeva only showered her.
"We still have a day, just rest. You must be tired too," Bere said, closing her eyes.
"Hmm."
After making sure her comrades were completely off guard, Naeva quietly gave them the Ruby she had gotten. To be considered the owner of a Ruby, the Conqueror must hold it or be within a 1 meter radius of it. Naeva placed the Ruby next to Ruka's pillow and hid it between his folds. Putting the Ruby on Hamer's forelock (because she's ticklish with his hair). Gave it to Dom in a bag under the pretext of aromatherapy (she added lavender scent). Tucked Ruby into the ribbon of Bere's dagger. And also put it in Ophelia's pocket of Ophelia's clothes (removed because she was in the shower).
"Done," Naeva thought with satisfaction.
"Now we just have to wait."
Naeva leaned down next to Bere.
Just in case, Naeva had installed many obstacles and barriers around the cave. It was possible that people sensitive to Nova could notice the Barrier, so Naeva chose another way. Well, although installing them was quite troublesome. Now, just leave the rest to Dom. She had already provided enough help for those kids.
"......"
"......"
"......"
"......"
The morning passed, the day changed, the sun set, the night came again. The effects of the fatigue felt by Naeva's party allowed them to sleep for a long time without relaxing their vigilance. In order to rest more peacefully, they took turns keeping watch. While one was on guard, the others would take advantage of the time to sleep or something else.
Just like that, a short and long night had passed.
TIING
| Exam Time Has Expired |
| Congratulations to the Fourteen Conquerors Who Have Survived |
"!"
All the Conquerors in the exam area were transfixed by the message that appeared in front of them.
"Only 14 people!?"
That's right. Of the 390 Conquerors who took the floor advancement exam, only 14 passed. Although there could have been 30 Conquerors who passed if each Conqueror only took one Ruby. But don't get me wrong. That doesn't mean that only 14 Conquerors are still alive. It has been confirmed, there are still 56 Conquerors who managed to survive this exam. Although 42 of them had to return to the 1st floor and wait another half a year for the next exam.
Eastern Area - Tropical River Forest
"Why...? You could have passed... Why did you give your Ruby to me, especially without my knowledge?"
"It's fine, if it's you... I'm fine. Please don't make that face. This isn't our last meeting."
"But--"
Western Area - Desert
"Yess!!! Good thing I found two in the desert!"
"Damn! I didn't find any!"
Northern Area - Cliffs
"Bastard!! How dare you snatch my Ruby at the last second!!! Traitor!!!"
"Your own fault. In this Tower, trust is a delicate thing."
Southern Area - Tropical Rainforest
"Damn bitch!!! If it wasn't for you, I would've passed the exam!!!"
"Bleeehh...".
"You already enjoyed my body last night, didn't you? It's a cheap fee, you know."
"What!!?"
Various responses were given by the Conquerors regarding the message that came. Their reactions varied. Some were happy because they had escaped, some were sad because they had failed. Whatever it was, it was all the results they reaped. And Tower only gave results and rewards as they were.
| The Exam Results will be announced when the Conquerors return to the starting location |
| There are 5 minutes left before the teleportation. Please get ready |
The Ophelia-Bere team couldn't help but smile. Finally the 7 long days were over. Now they could go to the 2nd floor!
"Everyone! We did it!" exulted Bere.
Ophelia smiled softly, "Yes. Good job everyone. Thank you for your hard work."
"Oi, oi, it's not over yet is it?" grinned Hamer.
"We still have to go back to the Overseer's place first and calculate the achievement, only then can we get our prize and proceed to the second floor."
"Uncle, I'm pretty sure you didn't fail," mocked Bere.
"Woi, girl!!! If I fail, we all fail!"
"No, you're the one who failed, I and the others don't have to. Kikiki," Bere chuckled.
"Bere!!!"
"What, huh?"
Ruka covered both ears.
"Noisy..."
Dom broke up with Bere and Hamer and calmed them down. Ophelia herself chose to ignore them, she had gotten used to the argument after a few days together. She approached Naeva who was just sitting quietly watching the sunrise.
"Naeva, we did it," Ophelia smiled.
"Remember, we're still a party even though we've finished our exams."
Naeva smiled slightly. If it wasn't for her, they would be crying over their carelessness in not checking Ruby.
"Yeah, take it easy."
"I still need your promise," Naeva replied casually.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
"Promise, huh. Yes, yes. I'll take care of all those troublesome matters. So Naeva-sama, just leave it to me," Ophelia replied half-jokingly.
"Good. I'll give you your salary in the form of protection," Naeva said.
"Pfftt..."
Ophelia giggled. Little did she know that Naeva would return her joke.
The girl also looked up at the same sky.
"What do you think Floor 2 is like? I only know it's a desert area. But I've never seen it. You can't take pictures on the second floor. So I don't know what the scenery is like."
"We'll be there soon," said Naeva.
"Right."
"Oi! No one's missing out, right?" Bere shouted so everyone could hear.
"I didn't."
"It's complete."
"Complete."
"It's all there."
"Okay, let's go!"
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****OOO****
Characters Information
Name: Naeva WinterNova: X PlatinumRace: Ice PrincessAge: 30 [https://img.wattpad.com/b6476dedb8ceb4cd3f08518528f68b9791d1fb24/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f50694b5476354f7a5230345957413d3d2d313333313433393636342e313739303661343635613364646464343934323035303930383330302e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Naeva Winter
Nova: X Platinum
Race: Ice Princess
Age: 30.000+
Status: Irregular
Affiliation: None
-------------------------------------------------
Name: Ophelia CalliopeNova: II OrangeRace: UnknownAge: 17Status: Lady of Calliope FamilyAffiliation: Calliope Familiy [https://img.wattpad.com/33efa723da49bccc75d7a9bedb2d341acc849498/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f79346b6e576677695a654d6c74413d3d2d313333313433393636342e313739303661333764343731396365343432393039313334343733352e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Ophelia Calliope
Nova: II Orange
Race: Unknown
Age: 17
Status: Lady of Calliope Family
Affiliation: Calliope Familiy
-------------------------------------------------
Name: BereNova: VII RedRace: UnknownAge: UnknownStatus: UnknownAffiliation: Unknown [https://img.wattpad.com/a98cebc9d0924465e7292637ce1fc543c3373b6d/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6a41794944447577717a465450673d3d2d313333313433393636342e3137393036613335383665643837333334303933333733303031352e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Bere
Nova: VII Red
Race: Unknown
Age: Unknown
Status: Unknown
Affiliation: Unknown
-------------------------------------------------
Name: HamerNova: V RedRace: UnknownAge: 20Status: UnknownAffiliation: Unknown [https://img.wattpad.com/30872e86c286733af0ae0596c3d57c25c2bf103c/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f56616c74704b3374316a526666773d3d2d313333313433393636342e313739303661333139333732663932343334313237353533343932392e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Hamer
Nova: V Red
Race: Unknown
Age: 20
Status: Unknown
Affiliation: Unknown
-------------------------------------------------
Name: Dom MinNova: IV RedRace: UnknownAge: 24Status: UnknownAffiliation: Unknown [https://img.wattpad.com/141bd8d775114afe5bcaafcbb686ad84c71a0034/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f343058443868334d3530796864673d3d2d313333313433393636342e313739303661326664623666343639663739323133393039303535372e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Dom Min
Nova: IV Red
Race: Unknown
Age: 24
Status: Unknown
Affiliation: Unknown
-------------------------------------------------
Name: RukaNova: II RedRace: RokkaAge: UnknownStatus: UnknownAffiliation: Unknown [https://img.wattpad.com/077b987b45dc2f3471cfaa72c5a566f5399160a3/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4a325936733373663462444747413d3d2d313333313433393636342e313739303661326537383933366536353236383738323536373635352e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Ruka
Nova: II Red
Race: Rokka
Age: Unknown
Status: Unknown
Affiliation: Unknown
****OOO****
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There is a short time lag before they get to the previous location. The private pause would be used for achievement and reward notifications. Naeva was currently in what looked like a hallway of light. She hovered in the center of the empty hallway. As she expected, Tower's message screen appeared in front of her.
| Conqueror Naeva Winter. Congratulations! You have passed the Ascension Exam to the 2nd Floor of the Tower |
| Achievements you've earned - the Main Exam Pass Achievement and the Hidden Exam Pass Achievement. Ruby total of 1 Ruby. All Points Accumulated |
| The rewards you get include: 10,000 Carmela + 20,000 Carmela, Consumption Item - Heat Resistance, Weapon Choice Basic Grade, Bracelet Rare Grade, Set Support Potion Rare Grade and Red Level Attack Skill Scroll |
| You can raise questions and complaints regarding the Exam. Do you have anything to say? |
Naeva did not move. She just silently read the message. She wasn't happy about her prize in the least. Except Carmela, of course. Money was important after all. It didn't matter how much she already had.
"Well, what did I expect from a first floor prize," she thought to herself.
Although all the prizes Naeva got in this exam were diamonds in the eyes of the other Conquerors. To be honest, in Naeva's opinion, except for Carmela, the others were just trash. Naeva had absolutely no interest and need for those things. Consumption items that make her desert heat resistant? No need, she was already cold from the beginning. Any weapon choice at Basic level? Her 12 God-level Constellation Frozen Weapons were barely used. Rare level bracelets with support skills? What for? She's been holding back all this time. Rare level Support Potion set? This again. Naeva is immortal, she doesn't need Potions. All her wounds heal automatically. Naeva would actually be happier if the reward was just deadly poison. Finally Scroll Attack Skill? Especially the red level? No need to ask again, right?
She dismissed the message softly.
"Forget the prize. I was never aiming for that from the beginning."
"Just return me to the original location of the exam."
| Understood. Teleportation to the original test location will be performed|
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SWEEEEEEENGGGGGG
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The same sensation as when Naeva first entered the Tower happened again. Naeva could not get used to teleportation. Although she was very strong, teleportation was beyond her abilities. If it was just freezing space or time, Naeva could still do it. But it's a different story to control that space and time.
"......."
Naeva had returned. There were already many Conquerors gathered there.
"Naeva! Come here! Here!" exclaimed Bere who was standing not far from her.
Naeva walked over to Bere. Besides Bere, there were also Hamer and Dom. It seemed that Ophelia and Ruka hadn't arrived yet.
"How's it going? Do you like the present?" Bere asked cheerfully. Bere herself quite liked her present. Although it wasn't very good because it was a 1st floor gift, but it was still useful for her.
"No," Naeva answered honestly.
"Geh, very honest girl," said Bere.
"Naeva already has a nice arrow. How could she be interested in a basic weapon," said Hamer.
Bere snorted, "Who knows! Besides, if this is sold to beginners, it's not bad."
"...?"
"For sale?" asked Naeva.
Bere nodded, "Yes. There's a trading center on Floor 2. There you can trade items and potions for a decent price. If you don't like the rewards, just sell them. It can become Carmela."
"Hoo, that's okay too."
"Yes, it is!"
"Everyone! Have you been waiting long?" asked Ophelia when she arrived. Ruka walked beside her.
"Oh, Lia! Come here! It hasn't been long, just now! How's your present? Like it?" Bere asked.
"Ah, that's--"
PLOK PLOK PLOK
A middle-aged man with bluish-brown skin and long ears appeared while clapping his hands. The man wore beach sunglasses while grinning slyly. He was wearing a long-sleeved striped shirt complete with a belt. All the examinees immediately recognized the figure, Grosfier, the exam proctor.
"Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations to the 14 participants who made it through!" His smile was full of cunning.
Everyone was silent for an instant. As if to give him a chance to speak.
"There were quite a few participants who passed this time. And there are quite a few dead ones too," he grinned.
"My nails, I knew it. They must have qualified. So their confidence is hubris," Grosfier thought after seeing Ophelia and Naeva.
"......"
"Come on, don't be so uptight. I sincerely congratulate you guys."
Grosfier walked up to the Conquerors who looked wary of him.
"Before sending those of you who passed to Floor 2, an overseer is obliged to give some small advice. My own advice to those of you who passed is--"
"The 2nd Floor natives' belief in Mythology is still strong and the 2nd Floor itself supports that belief. Do not mock, do not belittle and do not oppose. The place you are going to, the Ptolemaios Sultanate is a place that has a deeper history than any other Floor. Don't be arrogant if you don't have the ability."
"The difficulty of each floor is not only determined by how high and low it is. But also by how deep its history is. Understand?" Grosfier's smile gave people goosebumps.
As there was no reply, Grosfier turned around. He prepared to stomp his staff on the ground to send the escaped Conquerors to the next floor.
"Well then, I hope you managed to survive. Adios~!"