I Became The Tower Master-Chapter 8 - : The Struggles

The trio stood at the entrance to the fourth floor, their bodies humming with newfound power. Alden glanced at Hiroshi and Eva, who were busy discussing their "strategy" for the upcoming trial. He sighed inwardly, already bracing himself for another round of their cringe-worthy heroics.

If I have to endure one more speech about "justice" or "protecting the innocent," I might just use Rebound on my own head and call it a day, Alden thought, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.

Recap:

Floor 2 Trial: A labyrinth filled with traps and shadow creatures. Hiroshi had insisted on leading the way, his feathers fluttering dramatically as he declared, "We'll get through this together!" Meanwhile, Eva clung to his arm like a lost puppy, her wide eyes brimming with admiration. It was like watching a bad rom-com, except with more shadow monsters trying to kill us. Alden had to step in multiple times to keep them from walking into traps, all while Hiroshi spouted nonsense about "the power of teamwork." By the end, Alden was convinced he'd aged at least five years from sheer secondhand embarrassment.

Floor 3 Trial: A volcanic wasteland with fire elementals and rivers of lava. Hiroshi had decided this was the perfect time to show off his "heroic side," using his feathers to create bridges and barriers while shouting things like, "I'll protect you, Eva!" Cue the dramatic music and slow-motion running. Alden had to bite his tongue to keep from pointing out that Hiroshi's "heroic" stunts almost got them roasted alive more than once. Eva, of course, was swooning the entire time. If I had a nickel for every time she said, "Hiroshi, you're amazing!" I'd be rich enough to buy my way out of this tower.

Now, on their fourth day, they stood on the fourth floor, stronger but no less insufferable. Alden had reached Level 8, Hiroshi Level 9, and Eva Level 7. Their skills had evolved, but unfortunately, so had their ability to make Alden question his life choices.

The fourth floor was a sprawling jungle teeming with mutated beasts and poisonous flora. The air was thick with humidity, and the distant roars of predators echoed through the trees. The trio moved cautiously, their senses heightened by the dangers they had faced in previous trials.

As they ventured deeper, they encountered the floor's boss: a massive, serpent-like creature with scales as hard as steel and venomous fangs that dripped with acid. Above its head floated a glowing label:

[Lvl 15 Jungle Serpent – Floor Boss]

"This thing looks like it swallowed a tank," Hiroshi muttered, his feathers already hovering in the air, ready to strike.

"Stay focused," Alden said, his voice calm but commanding. "Eva, stay back and support us. Hiroshi, aim for its eyes. I'll handle the rest."

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The battle was intense. The serpent moved with terrifying speed, its tail whipping through the air and smashing trees like twigs. Hiroshi's feathers darted in and out, striking at the creature's eyes and distracting it. Eva used her growing mana to create barriers, shielding the group from the serpent's venomous sprays.

Alden, meanwhile, was a blur of motion. He absorbed the serpent's powerful strikes with Impact Vault, storing the energy until the perfect moment. When the serpent lunged at him, jaws wide open, Alden unleashed the stored energy in a devastating Rebound, blasting the creature's head and sending it reeling.

"Now!" Alden shouted.

Hiroshi's feathers shot forward, piercing the serpent's weakened scales and striking its heart. The creature let out a final, ear-splitting roar before collapsing, its body disintegrating into motes of light.

[Congratulations! You have defeated the Jungle Serpent. Experience gained.]

As the jungle faded, the trio found themselves back in the safe zone. The panda admin appeared, his usual grin plastered across his face.

"Well done, climbers!" he said, clapping his hands. "You've completed the fourth floor trial. As the first group from your world to clear this floor once again, you'll receive a special bonus reward."

A surge of energy enveloped them, and their status windows updated:

Alden:

Level: 10 (↑2)

Mana: 200/200 (↑40)

Skills: Impact Vault (A) → Impact Vault (S)

Hiroshi:

Level: 10 (↑1)

Mana: 220/220 (↑30)

Skills: Seraph's Wings (S) → Seraph's Wings (S+). Can now control up to 6 feathers.

Eva:

Level: 9 (↑2)

Mana: 180/180 (↑30)

Skills: Barrier Creation (B) → Barrier Creation (A)

Alden raised an eyebrow. "Wait, you're the same admin who gave us the rewards for the second and third floors. Are you the only one managing this tower?"

The panda's grin faltered for a moment, and he clutched his chest dramatically. "Oh, you noticed? I've been working overtime, you know! Do you have any idea how exhausting it is to manage multiple floors? The paperwork, the trials, the climbers who keep asking dumb questions—" He paused, wiping away an imaginary tear. "But no, I'm just kidding. There are actually ten admins in the tower, each managing ten floors. I'm just the lucky one who gets to deal with you lot."

Alden stared at him, unimpressed. "So you're not overworked. Got it."

The panda chuckled, his grin returning. "Anyway, now that you've reached Level 10, you've unlocked the minimum requirement for sponsorship by a god. The fifth floor awaits, and with it, the chance to gain a divine sponsor. But be warned the trials will only get harder from here."

As the panda vanished, Alden's mind raced. Finally, sponsorship. This is where the real game begins, I can sponsor myself and get the hell away from these morons. I mean, I am confident in my poker face, but I'm losing brain cells by the second. I need a break preferably a permanent one from these two.

He glanced at Hiroshi, who was excitedly testing his new feathers, and Eva, who was quietly marveling at her enhanced barriers. They're useful pawns, sure, but I'm sacrificing more brain cells than they're worth. At this rate, I'll need a vacation just to recover from their sheer idiocy.

Alden's lips curled into a faint smirk. Maybe I should spice things up. Sacrifice the princess and turn the hero into a dark hero. Now that's an idea. Hiroshi's already halfway there with his cringe-worthy hero complex. All he needs is a little push... and I'm just the guy to give it to him.

As the thought took root, Alden's smirk widened into something darker, more sinister. This is going to be fun.

The safe zone was quiet, the soft hum of energy filling the air. Hiroshi and Eva were too engrossed in their newfound power to notice the change in Alden's expression.