Floor 29 Cough! Its the 29th floor! Im telling you, its the 29th floor! Just stop and pull me out, please. I feel like Im going to sink!

Ophelia screamed with the most desperate voice in the world.

If its the 29th floor

There was a tremor in Jinhyuks eyes.

The 29th floor of the Tower of Trials.

How could one possibly be unaware of it?

The place aimed for by Decasus and the other five families was one of the floors ruled by the Empire.

This is getting interesting.

He knew they were up to no good, but to think that they were targeting the Empire of all things.

If what this woman said was true, then preparing such a powerful army started to make sense.

Its interesting enough that they aim for the floors below their own, but Im even more curious as to why they would target the Empire, of all things.

A big fight was surely waiting ahead.

Besides the demon-eating fish that Ellis had just dealt with, spirits and even more formidable beings were trying to cross over from beyond the gate.

Jinhyuk opened his mouth again.

What is the purpose of attacking the Empire?

Cu Cough! Pu Purpose?

Yeah, the purpose. There must be a reason to target specifically the 29th floor. For example wanting to weaken the power of the gods on the 48th floor and the single lizard they control, so as to reach the top of the tower something like that.

Upon the seemingly insignificant words Jinhyuk uttered,

How how do you know that!?

Ophelias complexion turned completely pale.

She swallowed mouthfuls of seawater, but there was no time to mind that.

After all, the words that just came from Jinhyuks mouth should never have been said.

It was obvious.

Even she, a member of the Decasus family by blood, didnt have perfect knowledge about the upper floors of the tower.

A lively reaction is good, but answering my question a second earlier might be crucial for extending your life, dont you think?

I I dont know I really dont!

Really? Really? Hmm. I wonder if this might jog your memory?

Thunk! Thunk!

Jinhyuk pressed Ophelias head with a branch, repeatedly dunking her head into the water.

Gurgle! Gurgle!

Her lips fluttered resiliently, showing an astounding attachment to life even amidst this situation.

Indeed, this is why vampires have a reputation for being tenacious.

Save me fuck

Did you say bitch?

It seemed like she had swallowed so much water that her mind was starting to slip.

Just as Jinhyuk was about to infuse magic into the branch fervently,

Fuck Cough! Bundle

The interrupted syllable from Ophelias mouth finally connected.

Hmph.

He thought it was a curse, but it wasnt.

Another unexpected word was mentioned.

Jinhyuk eased the pressure from the branch.

A bundle of rage.

An entity whose location was untraceable; could it have been in the Empire all this time?

If it refers to the Dragon Slaying Sword (), a supreme class holy relic, it could indeed harm gods and ancient dragons at the top of the tower.

It wasnt for no reason that it received the cobalt grade classification.

Little by little, the pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place.

Good. That was some useful information.

He couldve ended Ophelias life here and level up, but he had a principle to keep promises.

Furthermore, Ophelia might be a valuable card to play not only with the six families, but also during encounters with the Empire.

With that in mind, a rough plan started to take shape in Jinhyuks head.

He pulled back the branch.

As long as he didnt interfere, she could save herself.

Ill contact you later. Ah! And its better not to run off to the masters and spill your thoughts.

He hadnt marked her with the Brand of Soul Consumption since there could be masters among them capable of identifying it, but lets see if they figure out the pieces.

Those magnificent six families masters and me.

Of the two, who is closer to a devil, and who should they fear more?

Eep!

Reading his intent, Ophelia shivered all over.

Ill trust youve understood everything from our conversation here.

Jinhyuk smiled brightly and gripped his swords once again.

Now, it was time to put an end to this fight.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The massive clash of magical powers and the brief silence that ensued.

Gah!

A pained expression crossed Elliss face.

As her magical power drained instantly with each moment, the battle increasingly turned in her disfavor.

On the other hand,

Phew. Its quite annoying being restrained like this, but this much is manageable.

Unlike at the start, Mihail seemed to have regained some composure.

Thanks to avoiding head-on confrontations whenever possible, the tide of battle had slowly turned in his favor, and at last, the balance had tipped significantly.

You cowardice has not changed. Just like when you imprisoned me in the corridor I would love to chop off your head right now, but its just that I regret this restraint binding my body.

Ellis forcibly swallowed her anger.

Her once pure white hair was now stained with dust, and blood streamed down her cheeks, making a stark contrast.

Haha. Well, even in your prime, I might not have lasted a minute against you before turning into dust.

Mihail spoke, to which the name of the legendary Ellis fon Ataraxia once evaluated as the strongest ever meant something every vampire knew all too well.

Even the noble gods and ancient beings had avoided direct confrontation with Ellis.

However,

Its the present that matters, isnt it, exiled head of Ataraxia. You should not have left that place.

Are you saying I should have stayed forever, shrouded in darkness, just for trying to protect our kind, no, the balance of the tower?

Thats the issue. We have the power and capability to ascend higher, so why should we let our potential rot for that stupid peace and balance?

The 50th floor No one should reach it. Wanna start a war just to die together? You know this as well, dont you?

No, I dont see it that way. And the great heads of the families agree with me.

Mihail drew a line.

Everything was already planned.

To those relegated to the sidelines of history, theres no right to discuss the future.

Therefore,

Its about time you die and I call the rest of the soldiers. Please, dont thrash about in an ugly manner. Youre still a former head, and Id like to preserve whats left of your honor.

Whoosh!

A heavy aura enveloped the entire rapier Mihail held.

In terms of both quality and quantity of magical power, he completely overwhelmed Ellis.

This would be the end.

Piercing the heart of the last obstacle meant that all the purposes of coming to the 7th floor would be achieved.

Certainly

That was supposed to happen.

But then,

Wow, look at this mess. Werent you boasting about being one of the strongest beings in the world like 24/7? To think you cant beat that guy, I guess you meant youre one of the ultimate strongest in your own house?

A new voice interjected.

It was Jinhyuk.

You!

Elliss eyes widened like a startled rabbit.

She had expected him to come to help since he promised, but she hadnt anticipated his arrival this quickly.

This was too fast, wasnt it?

Even against the vampires selected and brought over by the Decasus family.

Jinhyuks greatness was something she had already experienced several times, but this was yet another situation shattering common sense.

The situation was just as baffling for Mihail.

Couldnt keep him distracted for five minutes?

He thought Ophelia and Bertillon could fend him off easily.

Well, he had considered the possibility of failure, but he never imagined being broken through in such a short amount of time.

Ultimately,

This situation totally caught Mihail off guard.

Being a perfectionist who liked to have everything under control,

Mihail had no choice but to watch as Jinhyuk approached Ellis.

You, bedroom strongest! I would have managed if not for these restrictions. If I were at my best

I know. Youve done well.

Mihail must have taken some damage too, so this was sufficient.

Youre not thinking of fighting alone, right? Even you cant handle this by yourself.

Does it look that way?

Obviously!

Indeed, until just moments ago, he couldnt guarantee victory in a one-on-one fight.

No matter how much the opponent had been weakened in terms of stamina and magical power.

But now,

Its different.

He had acquired Soul Vampirism to gain a favorable position in the fight.

Alright, leave the rest to me.

Jinhyuk gave a faint smile.

Simultaneously,

[Memories of the World is being summoned.]

A golden parchment unfolded behind Jinhyuk.

The Great Library containing the truth of the world.

A repository of unique abilities and skills collected while climbing the tower.

Zzt-zzt-zzt!

Bright sparks scattered in all directions.

This is

Mihails gaze narrowed.

Although he didnt know exactly what Jinhyuk was planning to do, he sensed that something was amiss.

Boom!

Immediately, Mihail stomped his foot onto the ground.

Energy, heightened to its limits, burst out like lightning.

However, Jinhyuk was even quicker.

I will fuse Soul Vampirism and Phantom Sword.

As the words ended,

[You have successfully fused the skills!]

[You have acquired the skill Demon Soul Sword (SSS)!]

[Demon Soul Sword

Difficulty of Acquisition: SSS

Details: On the 21st floor of the Tower of Trials, this skill is exclusively transmitted among the leaders of the Demon Sect associated with the martial world. It consists of a total of nine forms, and the ninth form has never been mastered by anyone except the founder. Although the Demon Soul Sword is recognized as one of the ultimate techniques, its a double-edged sword due to its complete disregard for defense.]

This was the reason he had spent time with vampires.

To preemptively gain access to skills that would normally take much longer to acquire.

And to overcome an opponent that would normally be unbeatable by regular means.

The price for hurting our Queen Mosquitos feelings will be returned a hundredfold.

[Unique Ability Graveyard of Swords is active!]

Talent of the Sword Demon.

[Lv1 Demon Soul Sword is activated!]

A sword technique revered even by the masters of the Demon Sect is replicated.

Swoooosh

The atmosphere around changed drastically.

Jinhyuks foot took a step forward.

That was the signal.

Boom!

Aggh!

The impact felt like Mount Tai crashing down, transmitted through Mihails fingertips.

A staggering stance.

Even Mihails signature fencing, which could deftly deflect an opponents attacks like flowing water, was ineffective against such brute force.

Before he could regain his composure, Jinhyuk aimed his fangs at Mihails thigh.

After concentrating his opponents attention on the Twin Dragon Sword, he delivered a sudden stealthy strike.

Clang!

Yet Mihail managed to react to the sneak attack by a hairs breadth.

Hmm

Surprisingly cool-headed.

It didnt seem like there would be any opportunity to find an opening with this guy.

Not if he was going by the book, at least.

Then how about saying this?

Jinhyuk slowly uttered,

And at that,

Mihail, who had maintained his composure until then,

You you damned wretched human! How did you come to know of that!

Finally showed signs of cracking.