The Villain's Story

As Alan advanced to the thirty-first floor, which was unknown territory to humanity, the crowd watched him with rapt attention.

But Alan was not the only one who garnered attention here, even though he had done miraculous feats…some people also kept an eye on the second-rank climber.

Elijah Ardor.

Although Alan had shattered the expectations of the audience, Elijah had done the same.

He was going toe-to-toe with the Heavenly demon(copy) on the third first floor! That was already an amazing sight! He was even using the techniques of the sect masters and clan leaders!

Instead of dominating the floors and completely going all out like Alan Peccator, Elijah took a different approach to his trials.

Instead of fighting the Sect masters and clan leaders with no regard for anything…he sympathized with them.

Learned from them, and utilized their techniques to defeat them.

He never destroyed them, but rather gave them deaths worthy of their repute.

This was why a lot of people observed his trials with great interest, even though Alan was the number one challenger currently.

His trials were simply more interesting than fighting till you drop, of course, they would watch it. 

Elijah was slowly but surely gaining speed.

It had been four days since Alan had defeated the thirtieth floor, he was not heading fast towards the 36th floor.

The most shocking thing was that the audience had not gotten bored!

Even though the Tower of Trials event this time was taking much longer than all previous events combined…this was just shocking!

The audience, almost all had their attention fixed firmly on the broadcasts, even on the streams the numbers went through the roof! Each day a new record was set!

"This is troublesome."

Ragnar commented from the highest seat, gazing at the people with a stern expression.

"The convergence will last for longer than expected…"

He said, his eyes glowing a deep shade of red. 

[Well then, what do you suppose we do? The people haven't gotten bored.]

Harrison's voice echoed in his mind. The two of them were currently communicating through telepathy, it was not through the use of a skill but rather with the help of a rare item.

This was why there was a few seconds delay in their conversation.

"Hmmm…"

Ragnar gently stroked his beard and fell into deep thought.

'The other events can be discarded…but the battle fest cannot be, the investment for it is too large…and neither can the sponsorships be denied…Hmmm…'

'But these two are a problem.'

He thought, glancing at Elijah and Alan. Truly, although the young children were incredible.

They were annoying him now, he needed to prioritize his profits as well.

"Elijah Ardor will not get far…Alan Peccator on the other hand…"

[Huh? What are you talking about?]

Harrison asked, confused at Ragnar's words.

"Elijah Ardor will fall soon, he will not be able to keep up with Alan Peccator…I suspect he falls in a week or two…But I do not know about Alan Peccator."

Ragnar declared, this time in a louder voice so the others near him could also hear this. The elders and major leaders of the Capitol's faces remained calm, yet their eyes betrayed the expressions on their faces.

[Are you sure?]

Oblivious to their concerns, Harrison asked Ragnar for confirmation.

"Yes, Although Elijah has proven himself worthy…he cannot compete with Alan Peccator. That kid has not shown us all his tricks."

Harrison was left shocked.

[You mean the kid that was struggling just a few moments prior…You mean that kid?]

He asked, still dubious.

Alan had been struggling for quite a while, on the 30th floor, the 34th, 35th, and even on the current floor.

How could Ragnar say such…? How?

"He hasn't shown us everything."

[...]

Harrison let out a sigh. Ragnar was always like this, never truly revealing everything. This was an annoying aspect of him.

He couldn't even discern what the man was thinking at times.

He sighed once more and addressed the audience.

"Well, it's getting late now folks, and I would appreciate it if you all got some good rest, Do not worry, the broadcasts will be saved so you all can watch at a later date, I suggest you all get some rest."

His words, however, were not heard. Most of the audience remained in their seats, and only those with little children left.

The funny thing was, that the parents had to forcefully drag their children so they could leave. It seemed even the kids were so excited they had forgotten that they were usually asleep at this time.

'Things will be hectic.'

Harrison thought, even though he was getting tired. He had been continuously commentating since the event began, his throat was hurting now.

[Do we proceed with the battle fest?]

He asked Ragnar. 

[No…not yet.]

[The only ones in the tower are Alan and Elijah, and both of them have no interest in joining the battle fest and their Application proves it!]

Harrison argued.

Time was precious after all.

The battle fest was also an important event, many participants were itching to participate in it…But until Ragnar gave his decree.

They could not.

[Four more days, if those two are still inside the tower…start the battle fest alongside the Tower of Trials event.]

Thankfully, it seems even Ragnar realized the importance of the time they had.

Most of Humanities major cities were left unprotected, and only the bare minimum of personnel were left to guard them. Most of the talented prospects, along with the important officials of guilds were present in the Capitol for now.

Humanity's cities were basically left unguarded. This was something Harrison wanted to avoid but couldn't do so.

He knew what kind of woman the leader of the Obelisk, Morgana Cardeveres was… 

'That lunatic can declare a full-scale war whenever she wants…'

The mere thought of fleets of demons invading the human realm when it was at its weakest…sent shivers down his spine. It wasn't as if Humanity was left completely vulnerable, Harrison had invented machines that could form barriers around entire cities, and even entire cities were designed by him to become war machines if such a thing happened.

But nevertheless, the fear was still firm in his mind, no matter how strong or how numerous his machines were, all it would take would be an Arch-Duke to defeat them easily.

Even a duke would be hard to handle.

'Tsk…I guess I can only hope for the best.'

Who knows? The Obelisk had been staying quiet these days.

********

[Capitol, Entertainment District, Gambling Den.]

[Sabrina Wellington POV.]

I entered the gambling den through its huge golden doors.

'God I hate this place.'

I thought, even though I was wearing a mask and full body robe, the men here would go for anything that resembled a woman.

Their lecherous eyes gave me the creeps…I don't even need Alan to be here…if only I could fry their hideous figures without suffering repercussions.

'Tch…Sadly I am unable to.'

I sighed inwardly, heading forward after giving the receptionist my card.

On the way, I asked an employee.

"Where do we make bets on challengers climbing the tower of trials?"

Politely, with as much respect as he deserved.

He pointed towards a lavishly decorated counter in the far corner of the establishment, I thanked him and left.

It's been quite a while since I last visited this accursed place.

'Was the last time with father? When he had to do some business?'

I reminisced about the time when I was but a young child, who was being carried by my father when he was making a small trip here.

Now who would take a child to such a vile establishment? My father, the man I love most, would.

Well, I do not harbor any ill feelings towards him for this…rather I should thank him when he comes back from his trip.

I did pick up his gambling habit after all, it allowed me to earn a large amount of money…I would be an ungrateful child had I decided to spite him for it.

No? Anyways.

"Welcome, How may I assist you this time?"

I approached the counter, and the staff asked me politely.

This would have been much better if I had not been assaulted by vile looks from everywhere.

I ignored the scum surrounding me and said.

"I would like to make a bet on the Tower Of Trials events."

The staff's expression lit up and he asked.

"The only two contestants you can bet on are Alan Peccator and Elijah Ardor, the bet contents would be the floors you expect them to conquer."

As expected…Hehe.

I slid my card forward and confidently declared.

"I would like to bet one billion studs on Alan Peccator clearing the tower of trials."

Ah, the gazes have changed from lust to shock, and then envy.

I chuckled when I noticed this, and couldn't hold my laugh back when I saw the staff member frozen in place.

"...I'm sorry?"

He asked again, and I repeated.

"I would like to bet one billion studs on Alan Peccator successfully clearing the tower of trials."