Chapter 207 – Floor 32: Part 2

Mathew set his empty beer bottle on the side of the pool and pushed off with his legs. Floating on the pool lounger, he let the momentum carry him across the water. The sun was directly overhead, bright and hot.

He closed his eyes in relaxation and let the warmth of the sun seep deep into his skin. The gentle lapping of the water against the sides of the pool was soothing, only broken by the rustling of the leaves as the slight breeze brushed up against them.

There were no sounds of traffic, sirens or anything to disturb his peace. The backyard and its pool was like a separate universe, cut off from anything that would distract him or dampen the mood. Mathew drifted for a few moments, letting his thoughts wander.

He tried to count the number of days he had been here, but he honestly couldn’t keep track of them. With all of his needs catered to and the days a never-ending, blissful and beautiful summer, he lost count.

More than a few months, for sure, but less than a year. Perhaps. He was having a similar problem he had on the Punishment Floor, settling into a routine and forgetting the time. Idly, but with no real purpose, he began to estimate if he had been here for more than a year when a noise interrupted him.

The backyard’s tranquility was interrupted by the sound of laughter. Mathew opened his eyes to see Mia, his neighbour and friend, approaching the pool with a smile. She was carrying a tray of colourful drinks, each garnished with a tiny umbrella.

Mia had a striking and vibrant appearance that would make her stand out in any crowd. She was of average height, with a graceful and athletic build that she had gained from her time in the Tower. Her skin was a warm, golden brown that complimented her lively personality and added to her radiant presence.

With thick, dark, wavy curls that framed her face, she had matched it with a sun dress. She leaned down and set the drinks by the edge of the pool.

Mathew had met her just after he had ‘moved’ into the neighbourhood. As someone who was also here only temporarily, Mia had introduced herself and they had instantly ‘clicked.’ Not in a romantic way, at least not on Mathew’s part, but they had become close friends

It was strange; it was almost like everything on this Floor was designed to get him to want to stay.

“I thought you might need a refill.” Mia called out to him, her voice cheerful as she took off her shoes and put her feet in the water. Taking a glass, she took a sip and set it on the pool edge while Mathew paddled his way slowly over.

He gave her a lazy wave as he did so. “You’re a lifesaver. I was just about to start debating with myself on whether or not to get up.”

Mia rolled her eyes, but the smile never left her face. “Well, don’t sing my praises too early. Susan and Arnold came to visit me, and they have some news.”

“So you thought to soften the blow with drinks? Very keen! What do they have planned now? Singles mixer? Sock hop? Movie night?” Mathew teased.

He reached the edge of the pool and picked up the glass with one hand while the other took the small umbrella peeking out of the top and flicked it over the side. Mia frowned at the trash, picking it up and placing it on the tray.

“No, apparently, we’re having a very special visitor tonight.” Mia explained, her face forming a frown. Mathew paused in his action of pushing himself back into the center of the pool when he saw it. He had known Mia for a while now, although he wasn’t exactly sure how long, and he rarely saw her frown.

“Who is it?” Mathew asked, feeling ice form in the pit of his stomach. Strange, he hadn’t experienced panic or dread since he had arrived here. They were so foreign to the paradise of Asylum.

“They didn’t give a name, but they’re from the Tower.” Mia replied softly, her delicate hand gripped the little umbrella in her drink and twirled it, causing the ice inside to clink against the sides of the glass.

“It’s time?” Mathew asked, half a question and half a statement. Their time freeloading on Floor 32 was coming to an end. He had been told shortly after he arrived that he would need to make a decision eventually, whether to continue through the Tower or give up and stay.

He just thought he would have more time.

“What are you going to do?” Mia inquired, and Mathew shook his head.

“Keep going. I have someone to find.”

Mia was quiet for a moment; the only sound was the wind coming through the leaves and the ice clinking in her glass. He saw her expression harden for a moment as she set the glass down with purpose. Taking a deep breath, she turned toward him.

She had an intensity about her that he had never seen before.

“You’re happy here, right?” Mia demanded.

Mathew immediately nodded. It was the happiest and most content he had felt since he had entered the Tower. No one was trying to kill him; no one was dying around him. He could sleep in a bed, eat whatever he wanted and not have to worry about anything.

It was paradise.

“Then stay!” Mia pleaded, and Mathew was stunned. There were tears in her eyes, something as foreign to him now as rain, clouds or snow.

“Think about it, there’s nothing out there that’s going to be better than what we have here! I know you have someone you’re looking for, but who’s to say that you’re ever going to find her?! She could be dead and no amount of wishing and hoping is going to bring her back. You’re just going to get yourself killed if you try to reach the top of the Tower.”

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Mia, I..” Mathew stammered, struggling to respond. This was too sudden, her words too truthful and filled with hurt to process at the moment.

Wiping her eyes, she stood up from the side of the pool.

“Just…think about it, Ok? You’re happy here…we’re happy here.” Mia finished and walked away before he could react. Trying to digest everything that was just said, he floated silently in the pool.

Page Break

The meeting was being held in one of the small parks just a few miles from Mathew’s house. All the new arrivals to Asylum would be in attendance, along with many of the town’s current inhabitants. Those who had been here for a while had witnessed many of their ceremonies but still attended as it broke up the monotony of paradise.

The park had been decorated with lights, banners and streamers. Twinkling fairy lights draped from the trees, casting a warm, inviting glow over the gathering. Colourful banners fluttered gently in the breeze and vibrant streamers crisscrossed overhead like a patchwork quilt of colour.

The pathways through the park were lined with lanterns, their soft, flickering light guiding visitors through the trees and benches. Laughter and music filled the air as people gathered together and chatted.

Mathew arrived just after the sunset, as close to the appointed time as possible. Any later, he would have missed the visitor, although he had no idea what the consequences would be.

He was wearing his magical jacket, shirt and jeans. It was the first time since he had arrived that he wore it; he usually preferred to grab something from the closet in his house. But, if this was going to be his last night here, he wanted to have everything ready.

Mathew was divided on whether to stay or leave. On the one hand, he needed to find Emily and help her achieve her wish and get them both out of the Tower alive. On the other hand, Mia could be right. It was likely that Emily was dead or didn’t need his help at all.

He wasn’t some hero or gallant knight riding in on a white steed to save the day. Mathew knew he was too flawed and selfish for that.

Heros died early in the Tower.

Tugging his jacket straight, Mathew walked down the lit path of the park to join the others in waiting for the guest to arrive. Nodding his greeting to those he passed, he was soon face to face with Mia, who turned her head away and ignored him.

He understood the emotions involved in a decision like they would be making tonight, and it was clear from how she dressed that Mia intended to stay. She fit in perfectly, while Mathew stuck out like a sore thumb.

“Everyone, if you would please gather.” Arnold said from where he stood on a small, raised area of the park. The music and noise ceased, and soon, hundreds were assembled. Clearing his throat, Arnold spoke again.

“In a moment, our guest from the Tower will arrive. We ask that everyone respect the decisions made here tonight. There will be no time for goodbyes for those who choose to leave us. Know that we understand that this is a private matter, and it is not for us to judge you.” Arnold said, his eyes slowly scanning the dozen or so people who would be asked if they wished to stay or leave.

Having said his part, Arnold descended and joined Susan with some of the other older citizens. They were all respectfully silent while they waited a moment for the guest to arrive. In less than a minute, Mathew heard the sounds of heels clicking on the pavement.

His eyes opened in astonishment as he saw who the ‘guest’ was. It was the woman in the grey suit who he had seen in the Lobby of the Tower on his very first day. His memory was terrible; half of it was a blurry mess since Unyielding Declaration had taken his levels.

But he could recall her with perfect clarity.

She was a striking figure, her youthful face framed by a sleek cascade of dark hair that fell just past her shoulders. Her skin was pale, and her large, brown eyes looked prominent beneath her well-defined brows.

Her features were sharp and graceful, with a straight nose and high cheekbones. Her lips were full, and she held a hint of a knowing smile as her eyes locked onto Mathew’s. She stood tall and poised, her slim frame accentuated by a meticulously tailored grey business suit.

“You?” Mathew blurted out, unable to help himself from gasping. He hadn’t expected to see her again.

“Me, Mr. Larson. You look well rested.” The young woman responded.

“You know each other?” Mia asked, and Mathew thought he saw a tinge of jealousy on her face. He shook his head.

“Not really. She inducted me into the Tower on my first day and gave me some help along the way.” Mathew replied, but Mia was suspicious. Her eyes went from Mathew to the grey-suited woman and back again.

“And now I am here to bring you to the next Floor, if you wish.” The grey-suited woman said, her eyes leaving Mathew’s and moving on to the others. Starting from the right, she walked to the first in line and asked.

“So, do you wish to carry on to the next Floor, or stay here?” She asked. The young man she spoke to waited momentarily before shaking his head.

“I want to stay.” He said, and the grey-suited woman nodded.

“As you wish.” There was a faint haze of Aether around the young man that rose from his body and dissipated. He stumbled forward half a step before recovering. His Blessings, Disciplines, levels and inventory had been taken and returned to the Tower.

One after another, the people gathered all chose to stay. Even Susan and Arnold were surprised by the amount that refused to carry on.

Finally, it was Mia’s turn to answer. When she confirmed that she was staying and the Aether left her body, she turned to look at Mathew. He could see that she was silently pleading for him to stay in Asylum, to spend his life in peace and safety with her.

And, truth be told, a large part of him did want to stay. He didn’t want to fight anymore, to kill or be killed. He didn’t want to hurt, suffer, or see those around him suffer. He didn’t want to work for gods who didn’t care if he lived or died, to do their bidding without understanding why.

Stay. Stay. Stay. Stay. Stay. Stay. Stay. Stay

A voice whispered in his ear for him to stay. His heart urged him to stop and rest. His body subconsciously wanted to return to the home he had here. He remembered the food, the relaxing atmosphere, his large bed and comfortable sofa.

Mathew’s leg ached, and he wanted nothing more than to sit in his living room with an ice pack.

“I want to…” Mathew’s lips parted, and he nearly blurted out that he wanted to stay. That he desired nothing more than to never leave this Floor.

But he didn’t. Some part of him, some tiny, insignificant part that he had shoved aside during his time here, remembered why he was here. He was here for Emily and her mother. He was here for Greg and all the other people he had met along the way. He was here for his parents and the hope that he would return to them someday.

He was here for Unyielding Declaration and the debt he owed the deity for saving him. He was here the make the gods suffer for what they had done to him and all of humanity who entered this damn Tower. He was here to reach the top and make his dream come true.

Mathew wanted to be happy, and he wanted that same happiness for the others as well.

“I want to leave.” Mathew whispered, the word practically a hiss as his body tried to stop him from speaking. But the word left his mouth, and he found that he meant it. The grey-suited woman smiled and nodded.

“I knew you would.” She said, raising her hand and snapping her fingers.

Asylum disappeared into darkness, Mia and all the others melted away from sight as if they were an illusion.

Which they had been. He realized that now, with his progression to the next Floor, came understanding. Everything he had experienced hadn’t been real, at least not permanent.

“What…what would have happened if I had chosen to stay?” Mathew asked and the grey-suited woman shrugged.

“The illusion would have been maintained, and you would have lived your life. Eventually, it would all have faded away with you when you died.” She admitted.

‘Ding!’