Some time later, in the evening.
Elder Thornton reaches West Word City in time. His journey was smooth; he didn't meet with any mishaps on the way. But deep down he knew it was just calm before the storm. It's not even a day over since the beginning of the event. There is still a month left.
He expected forces to gather around one by one as the event went on. After reaching out the cab, He made his way towards Zack's inn. He plans to stay with him and gather intel. Looking at the few people around the city, He wondered, " The City is under emergency law. No one can cause any disturbance here"
Then he suddenly thought of something. I don't know what is he (Mr. Jonathan) doing right now? After finding Zack, I'll try to contact him once again.
After a few minutes, the cab lands in front of the inn. Elder Thornton stepped out of the cab after paying the money. He made his way towards Zack's room. The receptionist already received a hint from Zack. There will be a guest visiting him personally. After knowing that she didn't stop Elder Thornton.
(From Mc Perspective)
"Ding!"
I received notification from the door system. After confirming it's Elder Thornton. I stood up from my couch and went to open the door.
"Creak"
The door slid open. "Zack, You have created a storm on the alliance network." Elder Thornton patted his shoulder in congratulations.
Hearing that I smiled. He still has time to joke around. I wonder whether he has any plans to return safely. Then both of us sat on the couch to chat.
Looking at Zack's tensed face. Elder Thornton asked, "Are you worried about those organisations?"
After hearing his words, I sighed. " Yes, When I came to know about this I wasn't able to calm my mind. I try to cultivate a little longer to stay away from those messy thoughts. But I wasn't able to do it." I said with a worried tone.
Then I looked straight into his eyes and said, " Elder, Do you have any plans for this deadly situation." I really want to hear some good answers from him. At this moment, I forgot about the Star Tower Ranking. For me the event has ended. Now, I have to focus on getting back home in one piece.
If not for this emergency lockdown. I would have gotten home sooner. I don't know what those officials were thinking. They are actually giving time to opposing forces to gather around the border. Now, I understand the plight of ordinary people. If you are ordinary without background, you have to worry about everything and be careful making decisions. So, many constraints for common people.
On the other hand, Elder Thornton gets surprised hearing his words. He never expected Zack to be worried about this. "Don't worry, I have some plans. Nothing bad will happen to you" He assures him with a gentle smile.
Then he added, "I'm not the only one who came here to protect you. Beside me, your teacher's subordinate will also coordinate with me to protect you."
When he said actually he had some plans in his mind. My mind calms down a little. Then my heart finally eased when he mentioned Mr. Jonathan.
"Where is he?" I asked.
He won't enter the city. He will be looking after you from the shadows.
I nodded hearing that. It's good that they had prepared some plans. Then I can cultivate without any worry.
At this time, Elder Thornton asked, "What is your reward? By the way, I didn't expect you to reach the 19th Floor. You kid hides too deeply"
I knew it's impossible to cover up my Special Trainee Power any longer. People can easily analyse after seeing the leaderboard ranking. Then I placed the rewards on my palm.
Elder Thornton was deeply amazed to see those pills. "Medium Grade Pills were rare in our region. Don't expose it to others. Instead say, ``You have received some Martial Skill." He said with a serious tone.
Then Elder Thornton thought about something. He embarrassingly asked, "Do you regret coming here?"
I'm stunned hearing his words. Does he feel any guilt about my situation? My lips curved a little. "No, Elder Thornton. I didn't regret it. The rewards were good. On top of it, I can easily stand amongst those strong warriors from Big Forces. When the time comes I can easily join the Academy without facing any large schemes." I said with a slight sigh.
Then again I added, "Elder, I hope this will be the last one before the Crimson Hall event. I don't want to get involved in another whirlpool." After saying that, I placed those rewards back in my storage ring.
On the other hand, Elder Thornton commented, "Zack, Can you let go of your worry? There won't be any event before the Crimson Hall Exhibition event. After going back you can cultivate with peace. No one will bother you." Elder Thornton assured him again. He was also glad that Zack didn't blame him for the current turbulent situation.
Then he looked at Zack and said, "Your effort deserves some rewards from Hansen Campus also. One we go back, I'll discuss with Arthur to reward you for your number one ranking in the leaderboard."
When he said those words, the solemn atmosphere between the two of them withers away.
Then both of them talked a few other things before Elder Thornton left his room to gather Intel around the city. No one will ask him anything. Since he is guardian of the Star Tower Contestant. The Patrol Team won't make any trouble after confirming his identity.
...
At the Star Tower,
Darius Case excited from the Star Tower after failing to clear 15th Floor. His ranking in the leaderboard stayed at 14th floor.
[Name, Place – Clearance Time – Floor – Rank]
[Darius Case – 1.42 Min – 14th – 3rd ]
His mouth twitched when he compares his own ranking with Zack Lockwood. "Monster, He is a completely perverted one." He spoke to himself.
Those warriors standing in queue begin to murmur, while pointing his finger at him. He didn't mind and went straight to the meeting hall. His companions were still fighting in the Star Tower. All of them had a Special Trainee Cultivation base. But he believes that warriors with bloodline power will have a slight edge compared to others.
When fighting against Elemental Monsters, if one had good physical strength. It will be advantageous to them. He also lost because of this, he couldn't fend off against Crimson Bull when they tore through him. Thinking about it he gritted his teeth. Now, his chance is over. Next he is worried about facing his teacher and headmaster of the Crimson Hall.
Previously, All of them had promised to reach at least the 25th floor. He smiled wryly thinking about their overconfidence. It is hard to even clear the 15th floor, I don't know what exists on the 25th floor. Which is exactly ten floors ahead of his current experience. His spine went chill thinking about it. "Even Special Trainee Power is not enough." He clenched his fists in frustration.
LEADERBOARD RANKING
[ Name, Place – Floor – Clearance Time – Rank ]
[ Zack Lockwood, Hansen – 18 - 1 Hour 10 Min – 1st ]
[ Martin Dyers, Wiscount – 16 – 2 Hour 2 Min– 2nd ]
[ Darius Case, Crimson – 14- 1.42 Min – 3rd ]
[ Maria Robert, Azure City – 13- 48 Min – 4th ]
[ Ella Downs, Crimson – 11 - 35 Min – 5th ]
[ Sallie Mills, Crimson – 10- 14 Min – 6th ]
[ Bradley Reese, Crimson – 8 – 10 Min – 8th ]
[ Austin Boyer, Crimson – 7 – 6 Min – 9th ]
[ Robb Williamson, Crimson – 6 – 2 Min– 10th ]
Then he thought about his viewing of his companion 's performance. He comforted himself by saying, "Aleast, He won't be the worst among them." His expression condensed after seeing Ella's standing. She is closing in towards his record.
"No, My rank is at risk. Ella is a bloodline warrior. On top of it, She must have some kind of artefact with her." He whispered to himself.
He too had an Artefact with him. But he wasn't able to use it on the battlefield. Because it needed a huge essence to run it. He really didn't have that luxury when facing those Crimson Bulls.
He plans to find the same kind of Monsters once he gets back to Crimson Hall. Then he will use their monster core for his cultivation. Only in this way he can soothe his anger.
He also sensed some threat from Robb Williamson. He predicted his family must have given him something of a trump card to use in an emergency situation. I doubt whether he will use it in this challenge. After all no matter how wealthy you are, the trump cards are not easy to come by. His mind racing with different calculations.
Other than these two people, He didn't feel any kind of threat from others. Robb is also a powerful bloodline warrior. His physical strength will be useful to him. When it comes to Austin and Bradley their blood line power doesn't give them a physical boost.. Lastly, Sallie is like him, an Elemental Warrior. It's hard to predict what she can do?