Ch. 23 Test Results

( Khun's Pov )

I was surprised to see Bam inviting Zero into our team. I didn't know if I should be thankful or worried.

On one hand, this guy is strong and talented for someone who isn't in the ten great families.

And on the other is he's dangerous. He doesn't flinch at the action of murder and death.

It seems I have to gamble on this guy's being on our team and hope he won't betray us or, worse, kill.

( Zero Pov )

I sat across the room as Bam tried to talk to others in joining our team only to fail. A second later, Princess Androssi walked towards Bam as they started conversing.

( Bam Pov )

" And Zero? You said that the two of you met on the first floor. Do you know how or where he came from?" Androssi asked as I remembered Zero's and I first meeting.

" Uhm... I only remember that he walked from somewhere, but I can't remember. He also wasn't afraid to face a large eel. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have a plan." I replied as I glanced at Zero's direction.

" He's strong, brave, and talented. But he always has this sad face when he's lost in thought. I wish I could get to know him more."

" Hmm, so you don't know either..." Androssi looked at Zero.

" If anything, he feels like he from another world. A lot more genuine feeling than Rachel does. He's a mystery and feels important."

" So, he's like a lost puppy. " Androssi spoke as I turned towards her.

" Huh? Uhm, does Androssi perhaps like Zero?" I asked, causing Androssi to freeze.

" Huh!? What makes you think that?!" She started pulling my cheek.

" uwaaa!!"

( Zero Pov )

" The hell are they doing?" I muttered as I looked at Androssi pulling Bam's cheek.

( Khun Pov )

So... I looked for someone who could help me since I wasn't on Bam's team. On the day of the test aster, the teams were announced.

I had to convince Androssi to help Bam and Rachel on her team.

And as a way to convince her to help. I had to find a journal or diary from Zero's jacket.

It was a book she once saw when Zero was training. I had promised to help her take care of her business as well.

This meeting confirmed my thoughts on Androssi taking a liking to Zero, which I'll use to my advantage in the future.

Then I had to convince Laure, who had enough points to pass the test to help, and since he couldn't sleep with someone next to him, he agreed since he was invested with Bams talent.

He also wants me to find out that Unknown Energy Zero uses, which I agreed, and we both made a deal with the ranker of the test, Quant, to help protect Rachel.

" My plan was perfect." I spoke.

' And I'm sure Zero didn't manage to see through that plan as well.' I smiled.

It always seemed that Zero was able to predict many things, and I always had a feeling he saw through some of it but not the entire plan.

" Actually, it was a relief that Hoh got the message. If Hoh failed, Bam had a higher possibility of passing the test. So if my plan succeeded and Hoh failed the test, the memo eventually would've helped Bam go up the tower, right? "

" So I was waiting for Hoh to make her appearance in the trap that I prepared...I just didn't know. That I... Haven't changed at all."

" So... why do you think this came from a ranker?" Lero Ro asked.

I lifted my head and started explaining.

" First, the only regulars who knew Bam and Michelle were Endorsi and I. But neither of us did this. You know we're trying to help them. The memo was sent before the test parameters were made known."

It's as if the writer had known who would be on each team. Whoever sent this pretty much had to know about the test. And that person... is trying to keep Bam from climbing the Tower. "

A few seconds passed before Lero Ro spoke.

" Maybe... there's a way... to allow Michelle to participate in the next round."

" Really?!" I exclaimed, surprised he agreed.

" Yes. I need a little more time to figure it out..." he replied.

( Zero Pov )

It was time for the announcement as I sat next to Rak and Bam folding my arms as I waited.

Khun arrived as he sat next to Rak, who started shouting at him.

" Turtle! What took you so long?! Hurry up!!" He shouted.

" I told you. I went to find a way to get Rachel in tonthe next round." He replied.

Rak started accusing Khun of taking a poo.

" You wanna die? Crocodile." Khun replied.

" So... did you find a way?" Bam asked.

" Yes, I did." He replied.

" But I'm still uncertain. First, let's see how this goes."

Lero Ro arrived as he stood on stage.

" Stsrting now... I will announce the regulars who passed the final position test." He announced as he showed a screen.

I look we at the fisherman to see that I passed, and I looked down the list to see Rachel who didn't pass.

A few seconds later, a man below a couple of seats started complaining, which Director Yu retaliated by walking up as the regular walked down.

Director Yu offered a test about not going crazy. And the next second, I heard the man's bones starting to break, and it continued as he fell to the floor screaming for his partner, who ignored him.

But before he could continue, Khun raised his hand.

" Wait! I also disagree with the results."

" Alright, come up here."

A few seconds later, he pointed at me as he spoke with Director Yu.

" I will take the test from the administrator." Khun spoke, gaining the surprise from the rankers except Lero Ro.

' Did he that info from him? ' I height as I wondered what he would do now.

" Sorry to say... but there is another reason why people don't take that test. There is a requirement to take the test."

" What?" Khun exclaimed.

" You must be an irregular... like Jahad or like Mazino. Only an irregular can take that test."

' An irregular...' I looked at Bam.

" That..." Before Khun could speak, Yu continued.

" You must've not know about thay rule, I know. This is ancient Lore, so only a few of us know the species about that test. I'm sorry to inform you that your plan won't work."

[ Ding! Pass the administrator's test! ]

I stared at the panel before looking at Bam who is about to jump out of his seat.

" Now, please go back to your seat, Mr. Khun."

" Wait!" Bam spoke, and before he could stand up, I pulled him down and stood in his place.

" Let me know if you fail. This could be the end for us. And I promised you that I'll take you to the top. " I whispered as I looked back at Director Yu.

Bam nodded as felt him staring at my back.

I know Bam and I would be considered outsiders or Irregulars in this tower, and I was sure the people in the tower wouldn't take them kindly.

So I to do this mission for the rewards and to buy Bam some time before they know he's an Irregular. And as stupid of an idea, it is will be putting a target on my back.

But the rewards and xp from the mission is enough for me to level up.

" I'll take the test, Director Yu."

" Mr. Zero, didn't I just tell you? To take the test, you must be an Irregular."

" I know, which is why I'm confident I'll be able to take it. I am an Irregular." I announced to the whole room that I was an outsider.

I didn't care for the stares as I stared into Yu's eyes as he looked at me with a serious face, but I could find a small smirk on his face.

' He must've predicted this...' I thought as I jumped over the tables and went down to the podium.