Chapter 20: A Flame in the Shadows – Elira's Warning
After conquering the 8th floor's colosseum and defeating the monstrous Giant Orc, Lee Hwan ascended back to the Ranker Council Hall. The grand chamber shimmered with energy, filled with the presence of elite players and overseers of the tower's balance.
As Lee stepped in, Elira—the 5th strongest player in the world—was already waiting for him, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
"You cleared the 8th floor in one go… Impressive, as expected from the Dragon Monarch's vessel," she said, her voice calm but edged with urgency.
Lee raised an eyebrow. "Thanks. I was planning to check the 9th floor now."
The moment he said it, Elira's expression turned cold.
"You shouldn't."
Lee blinked. "Why?"
She stepped closer, lowering her voice.
"Because the 9th floor isn't like the others. Right now, the one occupying it is the Vessel of the Flame Monarch. And…" She hesitated.
"He's the one who put a bounty on your head."
Lee's eyes narrowed. "What?"
Elira nodded slowly. "His name is Kael Drakar. Level 194. A brutal monster of a man—someone even high-rankers avoid. He's been watching you, Lee Hwan. Ever since the 6th floor when you awakened that dragon aura… he's seen you as a threat."
"If you go now, without at least reaching level 180, you'll die."
Lee clenched his fists.
"So he fears me?"
"No," Elira replied, her voice deadly serious.
"He enjoys hunting threats. He's not afraid—he's waiting for you."
There was a tense silence.
Then Elira tossed Lee a dark-purple token. "Use this to access the Trial of Flame Memory—a training realm designed to simulate Kael's attacks. You'll need it. Stay in the 8th floor's deeper layers and grow stronger… fast."
Lee stared at the token, a smirk growing on his lips. "So the Flame Monarch's vessel wants me dead… he'll have to do better."