Chapter 18: The Tower of the Infamous [4]
The silence returned to the clearing, disturbed only by the crackling of the charred grass and the dull sound of blood drops falling from Gerhman’s hands onto the ground. The metallic and fetid odor of death saturated the humid air, invading the nostrils of the survivors. Gerhman remained standing in the middle of the carnage, his eyes sweeping over the mutilated remains of the Void Cult members with total detachment.
Hojin took a few hesitant steps toward the center of the combat zone, his boots sliding on a large pool of blood spreading across the ground. He looked at Gerhman, then at the dismembered bodies of the cult members, and swallowed with difficulty. His hands, which still firmly gripped the hilt of his sword, were trembling uncontrollably.
"I-I think... we must leave here immediately," declared Hojin in a voice that was singularly lacking in confidence. "The Void Cult never moves without reason... If the cult is present on the lower floor, that means something much more serious is brewing."
Nayun approached in turn, clutching her bow against her chest as if the weapon could protect her from the horror she had just witnessed. She stared at Gerhman, whose black vest was now stained with dark and shiny patches.
"H-he is right," added Nayun, lowering her eyes to avoid meeting Gerhman’s gaze. "We must report the cult’s presence in the tower."
Gerhman slowly turned his head toward them, his expression remaining a perfectly impassive marble mask.
"Do what you want," Gerhman finally replied in a monotone voice that seemed to freeze the surrounding air. "I have no intention of returning outside, not for now... However, my hunt on this floor is over."
Hojin seemed relieved by this response. He signaled to Jinsoo and Baek Jeong to regroup. The two men complied in silence, avoiding looking at the faces twisted in agony of the cultists that Gerhman had massacred with a savagery beyond comprehension.
"We will take a break before returning outside," suggested Hojin while wiping the cold sweat beading on his forehead.
The group began to settle under the immense trees of the dense forest. The setup was done in a heavy silence, interrupted only by the rustling of leaves under their steps and the distant cry of a few monsters that did not dare approach.
After about thirty minutes, as the pale light pierced the canopy, Nayun finally broke the silence.
"I thank you for saving our lives today, otherwise at this hour we would surely be dead..."
Gerhman gave a simple nod. In truth, these guys from the Void Cult, as they were called, had become his enemies; it had nothing to do with helping.
Meanwhile, the installation was completed with a few artifacts capable of purifying, which made the mana pressure surrounding them more stable, offering a welcome respite to the tired lungs of the group members. Hojin leaned against a rock, letting out a long sigh of relief.
"The break will only last ten minutes," announced Hojin. "Jinsoo, check our equipment... Nayun, prepare the reports. We must be precise when we cross this portal."
Gerhman, for his part, stayed apart. He had no need for physical rest, the accumulated fatigue had disappeared after absorbing the mana of the cultists. Then he opened his status, observing his level up.
[Statistics]
Level: 6
Strength: 10
Vitality: 11
Agility: 12
Intelligence: 100
Senses: 50
[You have 27 characteristic points to distribute]
"Not bad for a start...", Gerhman thought to himself while consulting his blue interface. Seeing the 27 characteristic points, he had the idea to distribute them now, but he gave up. "I don’t know what awaits me on the upper floors, so I will wait," he murmured.
"Would you like some?" Nayun asked awkwardly, pulling him from his thoughts. "I saw you were talking to yourself. Is something bothering you?" she asked.
Gerhman looked at her for a moment. Then he finally took the canteen, drinking a few sips before handing it back to her without a word of thanks.
"Why do you stay with us?" Nayun suddenly asked, driven by a curiosity she could no longer contain. "You could climb the floors alone."
"I just wanted to take a break, just like you, nothing more," he replied simply.
"I... I see," she stammered.
Hojin straightened up, adjusting his cape and tightening the straps of his armor. His face had regained a serious expression.
"It’s time," he announced, cutting their conversation. "We are returning to the guild to make our report..." he said as he turned toward Gerhman. "I thank you once again. So we will part ways."
Gerhman gave him a simple nod, not really caring about his departure.
"Goodbye," said Nayun as she stood up to leave. "I hope we meet again."
After packing everything, the group left, leaving Gerhman alone. Calm settled once again. Taking a deep breath, he stood up and then headed in the opposite direction.
