Chapter 15: Where Are You Going?

A room of only white enters her sights in this possibly unending expanse of space.

"... …" 

Xin Yue stood without moving at the same spot while trying to make sense of the current situation.

The dirty cloak she had on before jumping in the void had disappeared. But fortunately, the pouch with the silver egg is still safely tucked inside. The beginner's outfit that was in ruins is now whole again without dirt or tears.

Silence covers the area in absence of roaring shouts and thundering explosions. But for some reason, the ear splitting yells of animalistic pain still resounds in her ear.

[Go!] That trusting voice repeated within her head over and over again like a broken recorder replaying the pain of her powerless state.

"... …"

Biting onto the bottom layer of her pale lips, Xin Yue squeezed her eyes shut to control the rolling surge of indescribable emotions. Performing a steady intake of breath followed by a gradual release of air, helped to sooth the jumble of complicated thoughts altogether.

"Huff.." Reopening her sights again, the young lady observed the scene of emptiness with renewed patience. 

This room and blankness of space actually reminds the young lady of the split moment in time when she was pushed into the ER. Those blinding white lights seeping into the blurriness of clouded vision along the chattering of frenzied people. That vague sensation of wanting to find clarity about the situation but is too fatigued to follow…

It was very loathsome.

Soon, a transparent screen appeared with the words [Congratulations player Xin Yue for completing your very first level!!] 

Words that contrast to this peculiar atmosphere appeared.

[You will now receive the rewards for completing the level as well as a special beginners prize of an awakening skill!]

[Please prepare to receive your rewards!]

A blinding ray of red light instantly flew from the screen and rushed towards the young lady without a moment for rejection.

Like a missile firing to its intended target, an unexplainable aura of maliciousness seems to envelop the seemingly innocent beam of light. Heading swift and full of purpose towards the young woman who unconsciously wanted to dodge.

In this fraction of a minute, Xin Yue's intuition blared with a foreboding sense of dread in regards to this so-called "reward." Her sixth sense is warning the young lady to avoid that oncoming beam of light!

Bam!

Just as that flare of dark light was about to make contact, another flash of brightness even more dazzling than the one from the screen appeared.

Covering her eyes instantly to block a part of that overwhelming burst away. Black spots within hazy vision gradually dispersed to reveal a plum blossom colored barrier surrounding the young woman's figure.

Unlike the crimson light filled with a vicious touch of ill intent, this barrier of a similar color presents a touch of warmth. Akin to the embrace of a mother's love it stopped the other beam from approaching and instead, bounded it away.

[Bzzt…]

The white atmosphere undulated with unrest as the transparent screen reappeared with confusing words.

[Error detected bzzt…]

[Error. Attempting to fix. Error. Error.]

It then burst into smaller orbs of light before disappearing completely.

With the disappearance of this mysterious light, the space around the young lady began to collapse at a noticeable speed. It crumbled and cracked like the delicate shell of a boiled egg, revealing the dark underneath of extended space.

Contrary to the somberness of this situation, Xin Yue appeared calm. It could be a delay in realization of reality or the muddled confusion of each sudden turn of events.

But not a single ripple stirred in her heart; rather, almond eyes slowly closed in preparation to welcome the sensation of descendence anew.

At the same moment her figure began to fall under the breaking of this mysterious space. The plum blossom barrier shattered into fragments of glittering particles to collect themselves into the scarlet jade bangle around her wrist.

Expression tranquil akin to a person that had fallen asleep, that figure in white fell into boundless darkness. Under the silent supervision of a vague silhouette surrounded by a faint aura of mysticism. It made no noise nor actions, only wordless watchfulness at the empty area where the young lady was standing seconds ago. 

[... …]

_____

When bright irises uncover once again, the view of a lively town entered the young woman's sights. As though she has been transported back in time to arrive at a certain dynasty mixed with a touch of modern devices.

Xin Yue widened her eyes in awe at the unusual view of running buses upon the stone roads of this ancient city. Intricate red lanterns hung overhead on strings connecting to each separate building made of beautiful redwood and green ceramic tiles.

One by one they silently lit up as the glow of the shining sun began to set. The bustling of people and merchants chattering flow into her ears along the strum of string instruments.

Gentle fragrances of blooming flowers mix in with the tantalizing scent of food.

It is really hard to believe that this place is the same dangerous tower said to have taken the lives of many.

Multiple stalls and shops selling different merchandise from food to clothing all the way to weaponry line the streets for passersby wearing a blend of armor and modern clothes to see. 

This is a special area between each level where players can rest after surviving each arduous climb. Curiously, each time players exit from a certain level, the first destination they always return to is this town.

Due to the nature of this tower, a level that has been cleared can never be reassessed again. There are times when the tower will throw new players into levels that have not been entered before.

But never in a floor that was already cleared, therefore, players always wonder why this town is the only place that remains accessible.

Anyone with the means can purchase items that can possibly aid the climbing to the next floor. Or they can spend their remaining time rotting in this Hell fabricated by a thin boundary between life and death.

After all, not everyone can withstand the constant transition between fear and relief. Especially when for some reason, the tower does not seem to urge the people of this town to participate in those trials. 

However, no one knows how this town came to be and whether or not it will one day disappear as abruptly as it appeared.

"Wow!" Staring wide-eyed at the array of stalls lining the streets of this clamorous road, Xin Yue ran up to a stand selling savory steaming meat buns. Placing a hand over her growling stomach, a thread of saliva threatens to spill from the corner of those cherry lips as glowing pupils beam unblinking at the bamboo steamer. 

Stare colliding in an instant with the inquiring gaze of the stall owner, the young woman expressed fervent desire to purchase only to find that she is penniless. 

The system interface that had opened up once or twice before had now completely become unresponsive. 

"Five points for six buns, no more, no less." The stall owner said with a raise of his thick brow, "if you don't have any then get lost."

"... …"

The Xin Yue right now is even more impoverished than the shirtless man standing on the other side of the street. Although his clothes are akin to a beggar's attire, at least he has a shiny gold necklace around his neck.

Unlike her wearing only a simple dress plus a small dirty pouch stolen from a corpse.

The so-called "points," used for purchasing could only be used by opening the system interface. However, it is unknown why, other than the first few seconds at the start of the fifth level that it revealed itself. Now, the interface is like the black screen of the phone she dropped in the bathtub before, useless! 

Shimmering pupils stare with blazing devotion as the young lady ponders over the next set of actions with crossed arms.

Just as she decided to give up on the food, a heavy arm hung itself around her shoulders without warning. Even before the young lady could see or hear the person, an overwhelming stench of decay and musk pushed through her nose. 

"Yo, little beauty. Do you want me to buy them for you?" The shirtless man who stood on the other side of the road had approached the young woman at an unknown interval.

Flashing her a wide smile with those yellow teeth of his, the man leaned closer to Xin Yue while adding more strength to the hand resting on her delicate shoulders. 

The strong breath of rotting spewed onto the skin of her cheeks and caused Xin Yue to furrow her willow brows. "No thank you." Trying to inch away while feeling the clench of that stranger's grip, cherry lips pursed into a thin line before curving into an awkward smile, "please let go."

Sensing his unkind gaze roaming the surface of her skin, a shiver ran down the young woman's tense back as trembling legs took a step away.

"What are you acting innocent for?" Licking his chapped lips while scrutinizing the soft skin of the beauty in front of him. The man chuckled with a nauseating pull of his lips.

Scrutinizing the flawlessness of white along a row of ambiguous markings planted along the nape of this woman's neck. These small signs gave the man an even greater assurance towards his speculations.

'This woman is not a real player.'

A young woman decked in a set of beginner's outfits by herself appearing so naive at the stall without a cent to buy a single bun. That itself is already eye-catching enough, not to mention how those strawberry markings on her milky skin stirs the imagination of people passing by. 

In this tower, there mainly live three types of people; one that fights their way to the top with blood and sweat. Those that decided to live out the rest of their miserable lives by staying in this twilight town. And lastly, those that climb the tower using any other means available to them.

These are usually charming men and women who refuse to fight like true players with skills and wit. Using their bodies as bargaining chips they give themselves up in exchange for protection and position to follow those in power instead. Because they are not considered anything but a toy to bring around, these people are commonly seen wearing the simplest white clothes of a beginner's outfit.

That is why the moment he saw the white figure standing absent minded in front of the stand, the man figured he could get some benefits.

The last woman his boss had brought along died when he pushed her out to shield him from an oncoming attack. It has been a while since they have had an opportunity to release their pent up frustrations. 

What was the saying again? A pillow is delivered right when you need to sleep? Just as he was making his way to the red light district with a few of his mates, an innocent rabbit just caught their eyes.

Since both of them sell their bodies for resources, compared to the pricing of those working in the district. This woman should be much easier to please.

That is what led to the situation right now.

"Beauty, follow us and we'll show you a good time. We'll even treat you to two steamers of meat buns, how about it?" The four men laughed boisterously while tightly surrounding the young woman to prevent her escape.

People around the area only took quick glances before leisurely walking away.

This is how the citizens of the tower live.

Wherever there is fire, as long as the flames do not burn them, everything can be overlooked. 

Seeing the current situation becoming more dangerous by the second, Xin Yue pursed her lips in deep thought. Four against one weak woman, this situation does not bode well. The young lady pondered for a few seconds before flashing them an embarrassed smile, "four big brothers, I think you are mistaken about something. I'm actually waiting for someone so I can't go with you guys."

The young woman moves to take a step to the right, merely to find one of the men blocking her path.

Determined for the path towards the left her lithe figure shifted a step before another person out of the four intercepted. 

 "Where are you going?" The men asked as they each took a stride forward. An astringe stench of unwashed bodies and breath clenches at her throat and threatens to make the young lady hurl.

Pulling the girl roughly by the arm, they ignored the cries of protests coming from the young woman as they dragged her into an empty alley.

Throwing their prize violently onto the ground, these four men formed a tight circle as they discussed amongst themselves.

"Who will go first?" One man said with a dirty smirk, his hands already unconsciously treading down the area between his legs.

"You previously went first the last time we shared a woman. This time it should be me first."

"She looks so chaste, you think this is an act or….?" The ruffian's lewd gaze scanned her body from head to toes until it locked onto the patch of creamy skin around her shoulder. The thin strap of her dress has slipped downwards from the rough treatment and now looks more like an invitation to taste. Those teary black pupils glaring back at them with unwillingness and anger ignites the embers of their bodies more than anything. 

"I found her first so of course I get the first sample. You guys watch from the back first." Saying so, the man lowered his body to Xin Yue's eye level. Grasping both of her dainty hands in one abrupt motion he lifted her arms up to slam the young woman against the cold ground. Following this backwards motion, the ruffian slipped his thighs between her legs to spread them apart on both sides by force.

Body leaning in succession to this motion, the hooligan's chapped lips split wide with a curved grin. A type of alluring fragrance that can only belong to a person of the opposite sex enters the senses as he takes a deep breath. 

"You smell nice." Paying no mind to the powerless struggle of the prey under him the grizzly man gave out a joyful laugh while sniffing at the sweet scent. His free hand slithered into the opening of the dress from between her legs and traveled up from her stomach to the small bud of her chest. 

Murderous rage welled up Xin Yue's chest at the disgusting feel of coarse skin roaming around her figure. "Let go!" She wriggled in an attempt to free herself only to receive a slap on her face.

"Shut up!"

The loud ringing of his palm against her cheek bounced around the emptiness of the silent alleyway. 

Shocked by the sudden blow on her face, almond eyes widened in bewilderment as movements came to an abrupt halt. 

"Hmph!"

Thinking that the girl had finally accepted her fate, the man lowered his mouth and started nibbling on the nape of her neck. Heavy breathing caresses the side of her ears as disgusting grunting noises voice out from the man's throat. Dirty hands explored the surface of her body from legs up to chest then back down again.

Pinned with both her arms above her head, Xin Yue's expression is covered by the darkness of the alley. Only a slight glint of light could be seen simmering in wordless obscurity as the young woman locked sights with all four of the men on the scene.

The man on the right whose hand is rubbing at his uncovered tool while leering in her direction. 

That person leaning against the wall as lookout along his friend that is accompanying him.

And…

Dark irises finally locked onto the panting man hovering inches away from her face. This man whose grimy appearance cannot cover the look of vulgarity shining in his eyes.

She will remember all of them. 

"Heh, are you ready for the main course?" The vulgar man asks while reaching for the belt around his waist. "Shit, why is it so hard to take off with one hand?"

"... …"

As if finished with trying to embed each of their features into the depths of the mind, the young lady gradually closes her eyes while taking a slow but deep quivering breath.

The second almond eyes opened again, beady irises constricted with a frigid tone void of light as her slick tongue slid between the rows of her teeth.

Inhaling another deep breath she opened her mouth wide with an intention of biting down when an instantaneous flash of white light captured her attention. 

"..?!" The minute the man on top of Xin Yue felt the changes in the atmosphere his body attempted to move away. Coupled with the intuition developed from hard escapes between life and death, his guts had warned him that something dangerous is heading his way.

But just as his figure tried to pull away, a pair of slender white legs wrapped itself tightly around his waist. Looking down in alarm, bewildered eyes collided with the gentle smile of the woman wearing all white.

Lustrous thighs grip around the man as a seductive voice seemingly dripping with the most tantalizing of honey questioned the ruffian. Akin to the smoothest of silks yet as soft as the light tap of a dragonfly, the young woman inquired in a curious voice, "where are you going?" 

Obsidian irises glint with the beauty of twinkling stars as pale lips painted with the scarlet of blood. Liquid still dripping from the corner of the mouth, the young woman curved her tender lips into a flourishing smile. Akin to the meeting between lovers that were about to part.

The next second, an icicle the length and thickness of a man's arm pierced through the hooligan's chest. Without penetrating further, it stopped a few inches from the curve of those crimson lips.

The young lady's plain dress and pale skin immediately colored in a passionate hue of deep red. 

"Hehe…"