Chapter 10- Murderer

Reed and Zora stood in their room, taking in the simple but cozy surroundings. The room had dim lighting, with wooden walls and a small window that allowed a gentle breeze to filter in. The single bed in the corner looked comfortable, while the rest of the room was mostly empty.

Zora asked, "What do you think, Reed?"

Reed, his hand resting on his chin, furrowed his brow. "You know, something about this place seems off. Why would they offer so much hospitality when they're barely in business? It's just... strange."

Zora squinted her eyes at Reed and stared at him blankly. "I was asking about the room, not the inn."

Reed blushed slightly, realizing his mistake. "Oh, right, sorry. The room looks fine to me. I don't have any issues with it."

He noticed a small table with a couple of chairs, a modest wooden wardrobe, and a clean, but well-worn, rug on the wooden floor. It was a humble space, but it had a welcoming atmosphere.

Zora nodded and playfully teased, "Great, because if you had a problem, I'd sleep on the floor."

Reed smiled and said, "No problem at all. I can sleep on the floor. Thanks for everything, Zora."

Zora, her gaze softening, said, "You don't have to sleep on the floor. We can share the bed; it's big enough for both of us."

Reed glanced at the bed and then shook his head, saying, "I appreciate the offer, but I'll take the floor." 

Zora, finding an opportunity to tease Reed, raised an eyebrow. "Embarrassed to sleep in the same room with a girl, Reed?"

She expected Reed to blush or stammer, but he surprised her. Reed nonchalantly replied, "Nah, sharing a room with a girl is the least of my concerns. I live in a castle, surrounded by beautiful girls who work as maids and my bodyguards."

Zora's attempt to tease him fell flat, and she grinned, trying a different angle. "So, you're used to being around beautiful girls all the time?"

Reed chuckled, "Yeah, pretty much. The most beautiful women in the world for me are my mothers."

Zora, taken aback by Reed's response, didn't expect such a heartfelt sentiment. She realized that there was more to Reed than meets the eye, and his words hinted at a deeper, more complex person behind the confident exterior. 

Reed continued, inwardly acknowledging that his words were likely a form of self-punishment for going against his mothers' wishes and entering the tower without their knowledge.

Zora settled on the bed, offering the blanket and the only pillow to Reed. "You should use the blanket as a futon," she suggested.

Reed hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath. "It's pretty chilly outside. Are you sure you'll be okay without the blanket?"

Zora, with a reassuring smile, replied, "If it's chilly outside, I can't let you sleep on the cold floor."

Reed knew pushing further would be futile, so he accepted her offer. He laid down the blanket as a makeshift futon and settled in for the night.

After a few minutes, Reed suddenly opened his eyes, but he didn't move. He wanted to make sure Zora had fallen asleep. They were both tired from their encounter with the Golem on the trial floor, and he knew it wouldn't take long for her to drift into slumber.

Reed found himself lost in contemplation, his thoughts swirling in the silence of the room.

'There's no way I can sleep on the floor. I've never experienced such discomfort in my entire life. Back in my world, my bed boasted a mattress masterfully crafted in the vampire world. But, of course, I can't expect such luxury in the lower realms. I'm already living as a burden to Zora.

I detest being indebted to others, and Zora has done me multiple favors. Honestly, if I were in her position, I wouldn't go to such lengths for anyone. But it's clear she's not doing it out of pure altruism; she has her own motives.

We made a deal before entering the tower—I'd help her meet Erika sis in exchange for her assistance. Zora probably thinks that if she didn't aid me in my dire state, I'd renege on the deal. But I'm not that kind of person. I'd sooner meet my end than go back on my word. My pride is unshakable, even in the face of death.

Regardless, I should seize this moment to explore the surroundings. I need to earn some money and repay Zora for her kindness. Perhaps, in the process, I can level up and gain some strength.'

Reed rose silently from his makeshift futon and quietly approached the door. As he opened it, he stole a fleeting glance at the peacefully sleeping Zora before slipping out of the room.

'How can she sleep so soundly with a stranger in the room?' Reed mused, a hint of bewilderment crossing his features.

He contemplated whether Zora was either foolishly trusting or supremely confident in her ability to handle any situation.

'Well, her sword art is no joke. She dealt the most damage to the golem, and with that 'Tap Slash' skill of hers...' Reed pondered for a moment before entertaining the idea, 'Wouldn't it be better if we formed a team?'

Shaking off the notion, Reed exited the inn and made his way towards the forest, his thoughts continuing their internal discourse.

'Nah, who am I kidding? Teaming up is not my style. I prefer the solitude of going solo. Coordinating attacks with someone else is just a hassle.'

As he ventured deeper into the forest, Reed's expression shifted, a frown etching across his face. With a deliberate nonchalance, he slowly reached for his dagger, ready for any unforeseen circumstances that might arise.

Reed continued his stroll through the forest when he suddenly halted, swiftly throwing his dagger at a nearby tree. The blade embedded itself into something, and moments later, a man tumbled down, critically injured with the dagger piercing his chest.

Unfazed, Reed retrieved his sword and approached the wounded man.

"Wait..." the dying man pleaded, desperation in his eyes. "I mistook you for a monster. I didn't mean any harm. Please spare me."

Reed arched an eyebrow in amusement and smirked. "Oh? Then why do you have that red dot on your head?"

The ominous red dot symbolized individuals who had taken the life of a fellow hero or tower resident.

Without further hesitation, Reed raised his sword and delivered a fatal blow to the man's heart, ending his life. Afterward, he cleaned his sword and the dagger with the deceased man's clothes. Searching the body for any valuables, Reed discovered 20 coins and a common grade tier 5 weapon, which he added to his meager collection.

Reed continued his search on the dead man's body, his senses alert to any potential threats. Suddenly, his gaze shifted to a corner as he sternly declared, "You, on the left, eight trees away from me. Show yourself if you don't want to end up like this man. I won't hesitate to kill you."

Rising to his feet, Reed turned to face the designated tree, awaiting a response to his threat. Within moments, a small figure, no older than seven, cautiously climbed down the tree. The child clutched a broken and rusted sword in trembling hands. What caught Reed off guard wasn't the size of the child, but the ominous red dot hovering above him.

The innocent-looking kid was, in fact, a murderer.