Naeva's body felt so light, so carefree. It felt like she was flying in the sky among the clouds. And just like flying in the sky, her eyes were dazzled by the light that came from nowhere.
Once the light faded, Naeva slowly opened her eyes. The girl was frozen in place, stunned. Stunned by the sight she was seeing through the windowpane.
2nd Floor Tower (Sahara)
Buildings made of solid sand, the hustle and bustle of the crowd that could be heard from afar [https://img.wattpad.com/baf7d7db9354e99e7ccb1a1b12df013fb832c17a/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f457a4b65576f52387272493230413d3d2d313333313439333235392e313735333431323635653039316532373438333338323738323438352e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Buildings made of solid sand, the hustle and bustle of the crowd that could be heard from afar. Building designs that she had never seen in person. Typical clothing that was quite revealing. And a completely different temperature from where she came from welcomed Naeva and her companions.
And a completely different temperature from where she came from welcomed Naeva and her companions [https://img.wattpad.com/05528ace4e2eecae4acc20479203e1ace67ba6c6/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f76556171464e39495a78636a50773d3d2d313333313439333235392e313735333431326135666465383865323730353735353237333635342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Currently, Naeva and the others were in the Tower elevator building. A building specialized for teleportation between towers. They had just arrived at the elevator entrance. In order not to obstruct others who were going to the 2nd floor, Naeva and all the Conquerors who escaped immediately got out of there and scattered everywhere.
Party Bere Ophelia herself chose to go to the balcony for a private talk and to see the view first. The similitude of the hot wind and the scorching sun made people who were not from the 2nd Floor unaccustomed. Bere intended to help them get used to it.
"Kukukuku, how are they!? Cool, right! Welcome to my home, Ptolemaios Sultanate!" Bere cheered as she showed them the view of the capital.
Ophelia and Naeva looked at each other. Then Ophelia chuckled.
"Yes, it's a beautiful view. I've never seen anything like it before."
"Grosfier was right. This place looks like it has a long history," Naeva said.
Hamer turned his head around and made his hands as if they were binoculars.
"Cool... No, it's hot. Hahahaha! No wonder you're so black.."
"Damn, don't be racist, bastard!" Hit Bere.
Hamer tried to protect himself.
"I don't mean that."
"You're not white either, look at yourself!" Bere was annoyed.
"Ma, ma... Don't fight, you two," Ophelia interrupted.
Ruka yawned while rubbing his eyes.
"Warm... Makes me sleepy."
Ignoring all the commotion behind her, Naeva's gaze focused on the Pyramid visible in the distance. Not far from it, stood a magnificent palace that looked very different from the other buildings. At first glance, it looked like an ordinary, luxurious solid sand building. But Naeva's eyes could not be deceived.
"The entire building is made of gold and has many magic runes embedded in it as well," Naeva thought.
"No wonder the Ptolemaios Sultanate is so famous for its wealth. Even the Grand Families can't just touch them. One of the oldest and most historic kingdoms in the Tower and one of the richest as well. I wonder what kind of person the Grand Sultan Ptolemaios was."
"From then until now, the Sultan's successors will not climb the Tower and settle down to take care of the Ptolemaios Sultanate. So not many of their achievements are heard of. Unlike the descendants of the Grand Families who really focused themselves on conquering the Tower."
"So what do you think, Naeva?" asked Ophelia, snapping Naeva out of her reverie.
"Hmm?"
Despite wearing a hood, Naeva could still see Ophelia frown slightly.
"You're not listening, are you?"
"Sorry," Naeva replied without guilt.
Ophelia gave a small sigh. It seemed like she had to explain it to Naeva.
"Bere invited us all to be a party in the truest sense of the word. I won't force you if you don't want to. I'll turn it down later, too."
Naeva glanced at Bere who seemed to be still trying to convince Hamer, Dom and Ruka.
"What do you think?"
"Well, I asked first. So answer my question first," Ophelia replied.
Naeva fell silent. She tore her eyes away from Bere and looked back at the streets and the market.
"Not bad. This party is balanced."
"But maybe you should carry them for a while," Naeva replied.
Ophelia nodded, "Yeah. Right now that's the case. But I don't mind. They have potential."
"What about their loyalty?" Naeva asked.
"I don't think there's a problem. I'm pretty good at judging people. You can trust me," Ophelia replied without hesitation.
"Then I won't mind."
Naeva ended her answer. She didn't mind either way. Either continue as a duo and find other party members or continue as this party.
Ophelia smiled. She was of the same opinion as Naeva.
"Okay, it's decided!"
"Hmm."
She approached Bere who had finished discussing.
"Bere, we agree."
"Really!?" asked Bere happily.
"Yes. We will join one party. But, I have a condition."
"?"
"What condition?"
Ophelia pointed at herself.
"I will be the leader. Sorry Bere, but you don't have the strategy and leadership skills. You're strong and agile, I admit that. But your strategizing sucks. I don't want to have a leader who can lead his comrades to the brink."
The onslaught of facts pierced Bere's heart. Meanwhile, Hamer who heard it tried his best to hold back his laughter.
"Kuh, yes, yes I understand."
"After all, you are also the strongest here. No one will complain," Bere mumbled. To be honest, she was a little unhappy, but she resigned herself to it.
Hamer patted Bere's head lightly.
"Good, you've grown up."
Bere, "💢"
"What's that supposed to mean!!?" Bere snapped.
"Never mind, it's not the time to be angry."
Bere walked over to Dom. Hammer also stopped teasing her. Seeing that caught Naeva and Ophelia's attention.
Bere patted Dom's arm lightly with a somewhat sad expression.
"Lia, Naeva, listen to me. Everyone other than Uncle Dom will become a party and stay on the 2nd floor to prepare for the 3rd floor ascension exam."
"!"
"What? Why?" asked Ophelia while looking at Dom Min who was smiling at them.
Dom took a few steps forward. Still with a warm smile, she stroked Bere's hair gently.
Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.
"I have to go back to First Floor."
"H-He... Talks!?"
Well, it seemed like Dom had never opened her mouth all this time, at least as far as Ophelia could remember.
"Why uncle?" asked Bere. She had heard Dom wanted to split up on Second Floor, but not the reason.
Dom continued his explanation.
"I have decided to stay on the first floor with my wife and daughter."
"!"
"Wait, you have a wife and daughter!!?" they were shocked, especially Hamer. Naeva only slightly rounded her eyes.
Dom nodded, he took out a pendant with a photo inside. There, it showed a happy family. Dom as a father, a beautiful blonde elven wife and a half-elf daughter who looks like her mother."
"Damn, how come!? Why!??" Bere exclaimed.
Hamer poked her cheek.
"Woi! How rude!"
Although yeah, he actually thought so himself.
"Bwut uwncwle, elvwes lwive onw thwe upwpwer floowrs," Bere said incoherently.
Hamer took off his jewelry.
"Oh, you mean that one."
"It hurts... Which one is it again!? I'm just asking, how come there are elves who want to stay on the first floor!" Bere said unhappily.
"Yeah, sorry, I thought you were racist again."
"I'm not!!!"
"I see. If I had such a beautiful wife and child, I wouldn't want to leave them either," Ophelia said just as warmly.
Dom smiled, he put the pendant back in.
"My daughter is sick, so I took the floor advancement exam to get the Set Potion that can treat her. Now that I've gotten it, I have to go back soon."
Bere and Hamer stopped arguing, they were moved by Dom's story. Ophelia held Dom's hand gently.
"It's okay. Go back home. Your daughter needs you."
"We'll definitely meet again. Take good care of yourself, Dom-san."
"Yes, thank you Lia-san," Dom smiled.
Hamer almost shed tears.
"Take care, bro! I'll drop by when I become a Ranker."
"Yes, thank you Hamer-san."
Bere herself was already in tears.
"Sorry Uncle Dom, I didn't know that but intended to keep you. I wish your daughter a speedy recovery."
"Yes, thank you for your prayers, Bere-san."
Ruka was still yawning, he almost fell asleep at an important moment.
"Thank you for protecting me in the exam, Dom jii-san."
"Yes, you're welcome, Ruka-kun."
It was Naeva's turn. Everyone was staring at Naeva, waiting for her parting words to Dom. Somehow Naeva didn't like it. These kinds of drama-filled things.
The girl let out a small sigh.
".... Take care yourself."
Dom smiled. He knew Naeva didn't talk much. But he also knew that Naeva had been watching them all this time. Dom knew Naeva was the real reason they all escaped. Some time ago, he had peeked at the contents of the aromatherapy that Naeva gave him because he liked the scent and wanted to make the same for his daughter. That's how Dom found out Naeva's real reason for leaving after the Hidden Examination was over.
"Naeva-san... Thank you for your kindness so far," Dom said sincerely from the heart.
Naeva scratched her cheek lightly, she really wasn't used to this kind of thing.
".... Hmm."
"?"
Well, of course the others didn't understand Dom's reason for thanking Naeva.
After packing up all his things. Dom waved his hand before entering the elevator down. The others waved back at Dom. They parted on good terms. Hopefully, someday, there will be a time when they can meet again.
"See you soon, Dom (Dom, Uncle Dom, Dom jii-san, Dom-san)!!!"
"See you again, everyone."
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
****OOO****
Characters Information
Name: Naeva WinterNova: X PlatinumRace: Ice PrincessAge: 30 [https://img.wattpad.com/8290fdd9afbf0c56d27bf50b34ad65bcd6af938c/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f506562464c545f36762d553632673d3d2d313333313439333235392e3137393036613635326639333365643834373636323936353234302e6a7067?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/90a4113ec8eb71044af4e13d719119e2409219a2/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f55326c7730614374336d335077773d3d2d313333313439333235392e313739303661363265646565623664303632383334363838353234372e6a7067?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/676c874162c927cebe359d3fd6561f857faa1553/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f45582d42746167464949774664673d3d2d313333313439333235392e313739303661363034373938386335383534353737363334303137302e6a7067?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/9fd311d09530f56456681ad6aa2e7537f9a2c23c/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f38742d6e516f644a4a38477973773d3d2d313333313439333235392e313739303661356562346339616138613738393330373736393335312e6a7067?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/2f3c1c4fd7e29fce129489e82ef2da6f2d2e750e/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4d664b6e7a4c51786b45577378773d3d2d313333313439333235392e313739303661356433363562316431343431303634383936303038332e6a7067?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/5d4a49fc1d2beb7c51935abc5ddddca5aa8d2847/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f46454d41334b393961386c3948413d3d2d313333313439333235392e313739303661353966646331663366393235333137323638393238342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Name: Ruka
Nova: II Red
Race: Rokka
Age: Unknown
Status: Unknown
Affiliation: Unknown
****OOO****
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
".... Now, what should we do?" asked Hamer once Dom's shadow was no longer visible.
"Kukukuku... As a native of Second Floor, I will first take you on a Ptolemaios Sultanate Tour! I'll take you to the best places in this capital city! Then we'll stay at a nice inn too! Afterward, we'll discuss it there!"
Bere was very excited.
Ophelia was intrigued, "Hahaha... That's really Bere. Okay, we just finished the exam. There's no harm in taking a short break."
Naeva nodded in agreement, she also wanted to see the Ptolemaios Sultanate first. Hamer himself actually wanted to directly discuss, but how could he ask for that when all his colleagues chose to rest.
"Okay bye. After all, there are still 4 months left until the 3rd floor exam starts. Let's enjoy this place first! I'm tired of coming here, if you don't play it's not good, right!"
"Yoi, uncle! You got it!" Bere cheered.
"Ruka, it's okay, right?" Bere asked.
"I'm just going to sleep. I've arranged the pillow to follow you. So I won't be left behind," replied Ruka, getting ready for bed.
"Ah... Um... Okay."
Since it had gotten everyone's approval. With this, the new Ophelia party was officially formed. Together they would climb the Tower and possibly increase their numbers as time went on. But that would only happen later.
"Okay, off we go!"
"Yes!"
Right now all they were going to do was have fun, enjoying everything on Floor 2 to their heart's content.
.
.
.
.
TAP TAP TAP TAP
.
.
.
.
"Nguuuuuunggggg!!!!!"
The sound of an elephant.
"Print print print!!!"
The sound of a trumpet.
DRAP DRAP DRAP
Or that's what they wanted.
"......."
Before they suddenly saw the grand welcoming ceremony by the Ptolemaios Sultanate troops right in front of the elevator building.
Elephants adorned with various expensive jewelry. Large empty palanquins carried by many people. The war horsemen escorting the palanquins. The sound of trumpets that attracted all the attention of Conquerors and Passengers. The beautiful dancers who graced the welcome with their beautiful dances. And the Anubis man who looked like their commander.
"Oi, oi! What the hell is this?" Hamer whispered rather frantically.
Ophelia watched the troops from afar with her party.
"Is someone important coming?"
Naeva and Ruka looked at each other. As if thinking the same thing. Bere herself was frozen with a wry expression.
"......"
Bere had a bad feeling from before the teleportation. It turned out that this was the reason.
The troop commander dismounted from his horse. Sheathed the sword at his waist and walked slowly towards them.
"!"
"J-Just my feelings or did he walk here!?" Hamer whispered in panic.
Ophelia panicked, "Ma-Maybe he'll walk right past us."
Unfortunately that wasn't going to happen. The commander stopped right in front of Naeva and the others. He knelt down, showing his respect. Instantly, the troops, dancers, elephants, and horses all knelt in respect. Of course, this caused quite a stir. Not a single person there turned a blind eye to the unusual event. Before the whispers became louder, the commander spoke up.
"I have come to fetch you by order of the Grand Sultan, Princess Berenice."
"Ha-ha-ha... Ha~ahh..."
Bere laughed awkwardly.
"Ah... Yabai..."