Floor 3: Bad Taste

Ren, the smug ass. Shares the most smug ass grin I've ever seen.

"So…?" He rests his hand to his chin, elbow rested on the couch. "Now what, Fern."

My eyebrow twitches.

"I have a name now. Use it." My eyes narrow dangerously at my… 'Partner.' His grin ownly widens.

"Yep. You like it? I thought it fit you perfectly."

A groan expresses my lack of interest in stroking his ego. I lead him astray with another topic. My hand rubs at the mark on my neck. I point at it, trying to maintain calmer emotions.

"Explain this and why you don't consider consent a thing."

Ren's eyes trail the claws tattooed on my once smooth skin. I feel the heat rising once more from the less than innocent gaze. One full of pride and desire. He gulps away his returning need, and focuses on my question.

"It wasn't planned. The bite is meant for… married couples. My beast acted on its own. It felt my feelings for you and knew the danger the tower represents. So it wanted to claim you, to keep you…" He hesitates, trying to pick his last word, confliction shown. "Safe."

'Deceitful Intent Detected.'

He remained silent hoping for my acceptance of his answer. I weighed the pros and cons of being with this lying shit. When only minutes ago I told him not to lie to me. The silence stretched for some time, before the system intervened. A window popped up anouncing the next floor.

'Intermission zone time remaining 8 hrs!'

'WARNING: Floor 3 is a solo floor! This floor is a unique tutorial floor! It will differ for each sinner!'

'Floor 3 information will be given out ahead of time to compensate for this!'

I quick looked over to Ren. His expression had turned agitated. He was likely looking at similar windows. I faced forward for the rest of the messages.

'This floor will not have a defined quest. It will not be possible to die on floor 3.'

'Success is not guaranteed and failure will lead to a permanent penalty.

The final message was not from the system.

'Good luck.'

I assumed it the was god of death's message, but something was off about it. A sense of something gentle.

"That fucking…!" Ren let out a growling mumble. He didn't finish his sentence.

Clearing my throat, I gave him a questioning look. At this point I was putting together the clues. I don't know how but this guy definitely knew more than the other sinners.

"I don't like the fact that we are getting separated." His eyes lit up and switched gears faster than I could respond. "We have eight hours, Fern." His lips curled back up into a grin and his whole demeanor turned daring. "We could…"

"No." I lift myself towards the bathroom. "We have a floor in eight hours. I'm going to shower, and sleep. I suggest you do the same." Feeling the deflating brat in the background, I offer a treat. "We can test things out my way later."

"Wooo!"

I close the door behind me only to notice the slight differences from my bathroom…

I forgot this wasn't my intermission zone.

"Tsk."

After the embarrassing walk back to my own room. I slept away the eight hours. Woken up by the familiar system messages.

'Floor 3 will begin in ten minutes!'

…

This time the floor was disturbingly nostalgic.

The clanking of wine glasses, smell of cigars, and the fake laughter of the overdressed nobles. Around me were the said nobles' children, around ten years old. The dome of the ball room along with the absurdly shiny decor caused a feeling of suffocation. Out in the open, vulnerable.

"Are you deaf?"

The nasty little ringleader and my future tormentor stared me down like looking at a nasty bug. Well who would converse with a bug? His red eyes and long golden hair along with countless lion imprints on his royal adornments made it clear. The first in line for the empire, future emperor Nix.

The whole thing left a nasty taste in my mouth. If the tower wants me to relive this bullshit then I'll respond in kind. I am not and will never bow my head to anyone ever again.

"I can hear just fine." My snarky tone has the minions flinch in shock while the prince blinks at me. They quickly regain their decorum.

"How dare you speak so arrogantly to his highness!" Minion one squeals out.

"Saint or no you have no right to speak above the crown!" Minion two spats.

Saint my ass. My family sold me off as a virgin sacrifice.

Taking a chance I try using the Engrave skill. A smirk spreads as I spread fear into the prince's heart.

"Try it. You can't touch me without pissing off the church." I empathize my next words directly at the Prince, a cruel open smile as I do. "What can you do little Red? Everyone still sees you as a bastard from a slave."

Beyond stunned, open mouths and gasps are heard not just from the children but the adults walking past.

The world spins for a moment as a tightened grip pulls me back. My father yanks me down beside him to bow on his knees.

"I have no words your highness Red!" Beads of nervous sweat exists from his pores. "I shall have him punished myself!" He tugs at my already sore arm. Furious whispers in my ear. "Apologize! How dare you act out like this?!" His grip tightens further the pain is nothing compared to the satisfaction I plan on receiving.

"But father! I mearly told the truth! You said it yourself the Prince is a bastard!" I screech at the top of my lungs. Forced out tears added for the wronged expression.

The old man pales. Sweat sending its own tear down his face.

"Lord Arnold. What is the meaning of this?"

I barely hold back my smile. The sun of the empire. The emperor himself. Stands proud and ready to slaughter for his offspring.