You have reached the first checkpoint!

Scott’s eyes flicked to the notification, but his attention quickly shifted to the vaguely familiar surroundings. He was back in a room with a dome-shaped ceiling, though this time, the entrance he had just used was now sealed by ice, merging seamlessly with the wall. Two other exits loomed ahead: one encased in thick ice, the other obstructed by a swirling barrier of runes.

“What now, System?” Scott asked, his thoughts steady as he crossed his arms over his chest.

You wait!

Scott's brows creased slightly as he stared at the notification. “In the hypothetical situation where one of my companions falls, what happens to the others?” he asked, probing for more information.

In instances where members of a group meet their demise, the remaining members of said group will continue to embark on the trial, irrespective of their numbers, until they either succeed or are annihilated!

Scott read through the system's message, then raised his head toward the path blocked by the swirling runes. “There’s no way they’d die in this place,” he muttered with quiet confidence. “I wonder who’s going to join me,” he added.

He left his position, pacing slowly around the empty room. A stray thought gripped his mind, refusing to let go. His frown deepened. “System, there are only five of us. One of us will definitely not meet anyone at a checkpoint, right?”

That is correct!

Scott stared at the message, his hand absently caressing his chin. That means one of us will have to keep going until the end alone. His frown deepened further. Aside from the samurais, the invader he had encountered earlier wasn’t particularly formidable. However, he couldn’t be certain that would hold true in the other pathways. There was a strong possibility one of his companions might face an opponent beyond their abilities. Worse yet, a named calamity could present itself at any moment.

“There’s just too much to worry about,” Scott sighed, the weight of his thoughts evident in his voice. He continued his monotonous circling around the room, his boots pressing rhythmically against the icy floor. Time slipped away unnoticed, and before Scott realized it, over six hours had passed.

Suddenly, a distinct clink echoed through the room, halting his steps. He looked up, his gaze locking onto the spinning runes, which now clashed violently as if determined to destroy each other. The number of runes rapidly dwindled with each collision, but the clinking sound grew louder, more akin to grenade explosions.

For five minutes, the explosions continued, until only two runes remained. Their brief neutrality shattered as they collided in a final, ear-piercing explosion that shook the room. The pathway sealed by ice cracked ominously, teetering on the verge of collapse.

What now? Scott wondered. As if in response to his thoughts, the icy barrier shattered, unable to sustain itself any longer.

Scott’s gaze flicked between the two pathways. He didn’t know why—nor did he particularly care—but both paths were now clear, devoid of any barriers. He turned toward the path that had been blocked by ice. “I have a feeling this is the right way to go,” he muttered to himself.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed through the space, drawing Scott's attention. He instinctively turned toward the other pathway, his gaze narrowing as he peered into the darkness that shrouded it. An ominous aura seeped from the shadowed path, tainting the air with a bloodthirsty presence. Yet, despite the foreboding atmosphere, Scott felt his caution wane as the footsteps quickened, transforming into a rapid sprint. Within moments, a blur shot out of the darkness, heading straight for the motionless voidweaver.

Scott stood still, watching as warm arms encircled him, drawing him into a tender embrace. A slight smile played at his lips. “This isn’t like you, but I’m glad to see you too,” he murmured softly.

“I’m only doing this because you looked lonely, okay?” Zara murmured, her voice a mix of embarrassment and relief as she tightened her embrace. She buried her face in Scott’s chest, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. “I wasn’t sure if I’d see any of you again,” she admitted quietly.

Before Scott could respond, a fresh set of spinning runes materialized, barring the path ahead, while the other remained open.

You have rejoined your companion! The invader is arriving! Defend your path!

The system’s notifications appeared before them, but neither paid them any mind.

“How strong were the invaders in your path?” Scott asked suddenly, his curiosity piqued.

Zara released her grip, though her cheeks still held a hint of color. She smoothed her hair and replied, “They weren’t all that powerful,” she admitted with a touch of annoyance, “but they were relentless. I guess that’s to be expected from those insects.”

“Insects?” Scott echoed, tilting his head in curiosity.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Zara nodded, her expression a blend of disgust and frustration. “They were so annoying to kill. They just kept reproducing, over and over. I thought I was going to lose my mind,” she sighed, massaging her temples in exasperation.

Scott stifled a laugh, imagining how Slim would have reacted in his place. “So, how did you get rid of them?” he asked.

“I got lucky,” Zara shrugged. “They froze over before I could finish them off. Seems like they don’t do well in cold weather.” She glanced toward the open path ahead. “Should we get going?” she suggested.

“Yeah,” Scott agreed with a nod. “There’s nothing left for us here.” Together, they moved toward the open pathway, their steps light as they quickly left the room behind.

“So, what about you?” Zara asked suddenly, tilting her head to look at the voidweaver. “How were your invaders?”

“Weak,” Scott replied bluntly, his gaze fixed ahead.

Zara let out a chuckle, shaking her head softly. “Sometimes, I forget it’s you we’re talking about,” she muttered.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Scott asked, his curiosity piqued. But Zara responded with a sly wink, giggling as she turned away. Scott was about to press further when the feline spoke again. “You couldn’t contact the others, right? Or was it just me?”

“Yeah, it was the same for me,” Scott replied.

“I thought as much,” Zara said, her tone thoughtful. “It seems the gods—or whoever’s running this place—don’t want certain information to get out.”

“Or maybe they’re just assholes who couldn’t care less about us,” Scott countered, recalling their earlier encounters with the lesser gods. “To them, this is all just a game, and they’ll do anything to make it more entertaining.”

Zara sighed, slinging her arms behind her neck. “This is not how I pictured my life turning out when I was a kid,” she muttered, sighing again. “Sometimes, I wish I’d just wake up in my old bed, with Grandma sleeping next to us, and all of this would be just a dream.”

“You and me both,” Scott said quietly.

Zara tilted her head toward the voidweaver, her cheeks flushing pink again. “I haven’t said this enough, or maybe not at all, but I’m really glad you guys teamed up with me back then. There’s no one else I’d rather climb this abominable tower with… thank you,” she added, quickly averting her gaze.

“I can’t wait to tell Slim everything you just said—and your reaction,” Scott grinned, watching the feline closely. Zara’s face turned an even deeper shade of pink, and she playfully punched Scott’s arm, furiously threatening to demote him if he revealed their conversation to Slim. Scott just chuckled softly. They continued walking, cautiously observing their surroundings.

“So, what’s your relationship with Ember?” Zara asked suddenly. “You guys seem very close.”

Scott’s right brow shot up. “Why do you ask? Do you like her?” he teased.

“I do,” Zara answered sincerely, turning to face him.

Scott paused, his mouth slightly agape. “You know what I meant, right?”

Zara nodded, staring at Scott with unwavering seriousness. Scott blinked several times, genuinely taken aback for the first time in what felt like eons. He opened his mouth to speak, but Zara suddenly burst into laughter, pointing at him as tears streamed down her cheeks.

“… I wish you could see the look on your face…” Zara managed to say between fits of laughter, wiping the tears away.

She really got me there, Scott thought, surprised at Zara’s unexpected prank. “I hope you had fun because I’m going to get you back,” Scott promised, his tone playful.

“I’ll be looking forward to it,” she grinned, giving him a gentle punch on the arm. “But seriously, are you guys in a relationship or something?” Zara probed.

Scott shook his head. “Not yet,” he replied.

“‘Yet’? So, there’s a possibility it could happen?” Zara asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“There are no impossibilities in this world,” Scott declared. “But honestly, I’m not sure I’m the kind of person anyone should get involved with. My enemies are vengeful and powerful. No one is safe around me, especially someone who cares about me.” He paused, locking eyes with Zara. “I don’t want anyone else… to die because of me.”

“You know there’s nothing you can do about that, right?” Zara countered.

Scott narrowed his gaze. “What do you mean?”

“I get it, Scott. You want to be strong enough to protect yourself and those you care about before you make any commitments. But life doesn’t wait for that, you know,” she began. “We could drop dead at any moment—me, you, Slim, Orion, Ember. Life is brutal and unfair, but that’s just how it is. We either keep going or we give up, and we’re way too stubborn to give up. So, live like every day is your last. If you find someone who genuinely cares about you, and you care about them, find happiness. If your enemies are that powerful, run like hell; hide where no one can find you. And if that doesn’t work out, then enjoy every moment you have together—and take as many of those bastards with you as you can.”

Scott stared at Zara, unsure how to respond. Zara, on the other hand, simply smiled, letting the silence hang between them. She knew neither of them was entirely right nor wrong; it all came down to personal choice. They continued their journey in quiet contemplation.

“Now that I think about it,” Zara muttered, breaking the silence, “this is probably the first time both of us have been together without the others, right?”

Scott’s brows furrowed as he tried to recall another time they had been alone, but nothing came to mind. “You’re right,” he said. “Strange, isn’t it?”

Zara grinned, nodding in agreement as she continued to walk with her arms slung behind her neck. Then Scott spoke again. “So, what about you?”

“What about me?” Zara asked lazily, glancing at the voidweaver.

Scott met her curious gaze. “Anyone special in your life, besides Slim of course?” he asked, a rare sly grin spreading across his face.

Zara threw a playful punch toward Scott’s arm, but he deftly dodged it. “There’s no way me and that bonehead are getting together. Do you even hear yourself?” she said, glaring at Scott, who chuckled.

“Why not?” Scott teased with a smile. “Slim’s great, and you’re pretty cute, so—"

“You think I’m cute?” Zara interrupted, her ghostly eyes locking onto Scott.

Scott opened his mouth to reply, but he suddenly frowned, stretching out his left hand. He caught three shuriken between his fingers.

Defend your path! You will be kicked out should an invader travel beyond the checkpoint!

Scott instinctively released the weapons, letting them clatter to the ground. At that moment, the smell of fresh blood filled his nostrils, and an eerie, mechanical laughter echoed through the air. He turned to Zara; his gaze fixed on the bloody apparition swirling around her form. Bloody tendrils connected the feline to the apparition, and her body slumped unnaturally—her arms bent at odd angles, her neck tilted to the side.

The apparition cackled once more before merging with Zara’s physical form. A moment later, she straightened up, her aura shifting dramatically. Hundreds, if not thousands, of illusionary strings swirled around her, and she turned to Scott, wearing a heart-warming smile. But to Scott, it felt more like a mechanical contraption was staring at him.

Footsteps echoed from ahead. Scott turned, his brows rising as he spotted over a dozen figures dressed in black, like ninjas, several meters away.

Before he could speak, a familiar yet sinister voice echoed from Zara’s mouth. “I’ll handle them. Watch me, okay?” she said, her glassy eyes meeting Scott’s with unsettling intensity.