Immersed once again in the infinite darkness, Indrah stood silently before the slumbering Administrator. After a few minutes, the Administrator stirred and stretched… like a dog. Yes, a dog.
"Apologies, kid, I was deep in a dream with a lady Eel."
Controlling the twitch in his mouth, Indrah replied,
"Understandable, have a great dream."
"BUHAHAHAHAHAHA!" The space shook with the Administrator's laughter. "I saw everything. You exceeded my expectations, kid! You might not know it yet, but some of the Fishes at the Top changed their positions because of what you created."
Indrah puffed his chest a bit—then deflated when the Administrator kept going.
"And because you stirred up a Tower that's been still for millennia, some of the Administrators won't make things hard for you during your climb."
"What do you mean?" Indrah asked, frowning. "Do I have to take all the Administrators' tests as I climb the Tower? And when did I piss one off?"
The Administrator shifted and answered, "We used to test everyone—especially Outsiders—before the Empire was formed. But now that the Tower's under a 'King,' most of us just observe."
"But you… you're different. From everyone. Insider or Outsider. Don't ask me how; not even I or the 'Caretaker' know. Same goes for the others upstairs."
Indrah looked confused but didn't interrupt.
"We Administrators are meant to protect the Tower from harm. You, being unknown, unpredictable… I gave you a test that helps the Tower. It might not earn you favor with all of us, but it'll give you some breathing room with a few."
Indrah's eyes widened, still trying to wrap his head around it. But something didn't sit right.
"Why would you help me?" he asked, serious now.
"Instinct," the Administrator smirked.
Indrah just stared at him. 'Bro, are you an animal or something? Wait… you are.'
The Administrator chuckled, reading his face. "The only reason you passed the first floor is because of that. Normally, our instincts kick in when something benefits the Tower. But with you… this instinct came from me. From my existence."
"Something that can trigger that, for the third time since I was created… that's not just a variable."
Although Indrah couldn't didn't get all of it, he still isn't a fool.
"Not everyone up there will trust their instincts, kid. What I've given you is a spark. It's on you to either light up… or vanish into nothing."
"So, choose your reward wisely."
Indrah took a moment to think. What he was facing now wouldn't break him. Not even close.
This was just a new stage, not the end of his will or soul.
He'd survive—even if it meant hunting down Administrators himself. And besides…
'I'm not at the bottom like last time. Just wait, my future summon… I'll prove how good your decision was.'
With a toothy smile and a rare hint of gratitude, he looked at the Administrator.
"So, what do you desire, boy?"
Indrah took a deep breath, raised his right hand, and pointed to his EMS.
"I want to awaken this eye of mine."
"Hmmm? Interesting… Don't you want a powerful weapon? Or maybe a unique contract?" The Administrator looked amused.
"No." Indrah shook his head. "Weapons are nice. But they're not my power. They're just tools I can rely on. Tools break. I don't."
"HAHAHAHA! You really are something, kid! But that's not enough for what you pulled off. Ask for one more reward."
Indrah thought for a second… then grinned wide.
"Then…"
…
In a dimly lit chamber, a red pillar of light shot up, the only source of light. On one side stood Khun, Anaak, Endorsi, Rak, Paracule, Alexay, Laure, Hatz, Shibisu, Rachel… and Indrah. All of them faced Hansung Yu on the other side.
One thing stood out: Indrah's appearance. Nothing major changed, but something about him felt less intense. More… approachable.
Wearing a black outfit, with his messy hair and abyss-deep eyes gave him a calm, cold charisma. He caught the occasional side-eye from some of his teammates. He wasn't offended.
"What the hell are you looking at, you creep?" he barked at Shibisu, giving him a light kick.
"Haha, don't worry, bro. You just look less intimidating without that weird eye of yours. Usually, it feels like I'm standing naked in front of it. So… ehehe…"
"Why are you 'geh'?"
"What is 'geh'?" Shibisu blinked, confused.
"You. Are. 'Geh'." Indrah replied, moving to stand near a sulking Endorsi.
"Enough, Regulars!" Hansung Yu interrupted, pulling eleven small boxes from his pocket and handing them out.
"It's to celebrate your graduation. Thought I'd mark the occasion."
"Is this a wedding or something?"
Hansung ignored Khun and kept going.
"These rings mark the end of your time on this floor. I hope your journey brings blessings. Bye-bye, Regulars."
One by one, they all vanished. Indrah was the last.
As he disappeared, Hansung gave a slight bow.
"Till we meet again… Lord Slayer."
"Tsk."
…
Somewhere beyond light and shadow, Aisand looked down into the abyss.
"You're going far for that kid, Eel. Then again, seeing something even I don't understand… it's normal to act."
He raised a hand, and a small dark spark floated from his palm into the darkness below.
"If you really exist beyond my or anyone's "X", I'll wait. Become one of 'us.' Then you'll understand. Maybe you'll even tell me."
After a few seconds watching the abyss, he returned to the 134th Floor.
Back in the main hall, he found Arankar still kneeling.
"Why are you still here?"
"S-Sir… about the Irregular. Should we assign someone to monitor him?"
"You think it's that easy to track an Irregular? Get out."
An invisible force blasted Arankar out of the room like a rocket. He slammed into a floating carrier.
"Bro, you okay?" A bald guy with sunglasses floated down beside him.
"Don't worry, Trankar. I'm fine," Arankar grumbled.
Trankar shook his head, leaned in, and whispered, just in case:
"One day, we Fatte brothers will take him down. We'll make him respect us."
"Yes, brother!" Arankar replied, dead serious.