The Obelisk: Return (9)

While they were strolling around, Aectaeon popped a couple of questions all of a sudden.

"Why are there so many people on the first floor? There are a lot of other floors to explore. Did they not listen to Luluwa?"

Like Aectaeon mentioned, three-quarters of the entire player population was still on the first floor. They were all around the floor, minding their own businesses. Still, there were a few who had the audacity to initiate a disturbance.

A player, whose ears were as long as half of the length of their arms, was hugging their knees as they laid on the ground.

"Is that what we call an elf?" Aectaeon queried as he gave Ralkias a look.

"Elf? Ah, the people of the long ear tribe?"

"Long ear tribe?"

"In my world, that's what their tribe is called. But their race is called Vienlika. That's harder to say, so let's call them elf from now on."

Aectaeon didn't reply to the man anymore. He fixated his gaze on the Elf that was being beaten by some lanky-looking players. Aectaeon couldn't figure out their race since their appearance was quite ambiguous. That being so, he didn't bother finding it out.

"What's with those ears of yours? You look like you can hear someone talking about you from a world away."

"Should we cut it? It does seem unnecessary to have ears that long. It's like a satellite!"

Rather than trying to stop the aggressors, Aectaeon and Ralkias just walked past the scene. As a matter of fact, there were several more of the same scene scattered all around the floor.

If the two decided to become heroes, it would take them a considerable amount of time to save every single victim.

If they cast the die, only to save one or few, the others would surely approach them to beg for help. Moreover, they would attract the attention of the aggressors and get in trouble themselves.

They had no business doing any of that, considering that they're about to transmigrate in an hour.

"There sure are many rotten individuals here. They should wait for their turn and suffer in one of the game worlds." Aecteaon muttered under his breath.

His remark earned a snort from Halkias. Unfortunately, it was heard by one of the players oppressing the elf.

Ralkias felt a grip on his shoulder that was tightening by the second, so he stopped walking. Truth be told, both Aectaeon and Ralkias were aware that someone was approaching them. They didn't make an issue out of it. The two just wanted a peaceful time as they wait for their next transmigration.

"Hey, you ruffian, look at me." The player growled while tugging at Ralkias' shoulder.

It goes without saying that Ralkias paid no heed to the player's words. He simply took off the grip that was on him and went back to his walk.

"Where do you think we should go next, Aectaeon? In all honesty, I'm getting tired of strolling around."

"We haven't been walking for five minutes and you're tired?" Aectaeon inquired as he gave the man a glance, "Why are you lying?"

"Well, it's boring. To be fair, I want some action."

"You didn't have to lie for that. I'm bored too. This floor is just white everywhere. I feel like I'm being taken to heaven."

Right then, The corners of Aectaeon's mouth went up a little as his gaze fell to his feet.

"The basement is quite the sight. What will you do if we have the option to visit that floor?"

Ralkias' eyes found their way to the basement. His eyes glistened with excitement. His fingers writhed with fervor.

"What else?" Ralkias answered, smiling coyly at Aectaeon, "I would drag you with me and wreak havoc! There's no other option."

"Seriously? Why are you taking me?"

Though he was uttering complaints, the grin on Aectaeon's face didn't fade. He soon went back to his aloof state, and swept the scenery in front of him with his gaze.

"I'll gladly join you, Ralkias. However, even if the opportunity arrives, we should know better than to become stronger. Don't you think so too?" Aectaeon said, decrying the demeanor of some of the players nearby.

In the meantime, the player who was left standing alone squeezed their hands into fists. All of his companions approached him, allowing the elf to take a breather.

"Just let it go. That person doesn't look like someone we can beat." One of them whispered directly into the player's furry ears.

"Yeah, let's not get involved. We can just target the weak-looking ones."

"Come on, just overlook it once. Remember, we can't fight when we're being transmigrated tomorrow."

The player, without giving a word of reply to his companions, began marching towards Ralkias. They didn't listen to the reasonable excuses of the others and just went head-on. In less than no time, he arrived in front of Ralkias and blocked his way.

"What do you punk?! You think you look brave by ignoring me, huh?" The player said in a snarling manner.

They put their clawed finger in the middle of Ralkias' chest and jabbed it several times.

"Are you a mute? Can't answer my question? Are you afraid now?! You shouldn't have toyed with me if yo--"

Ralkias grasped the top of the player's head with one hand, putting pressure on their skull as if wanting to crush it.

"Get out of my way before I do something to you. Do you understand?" Ralkias spoke brusquely.

He tightened his grip further, making the player scream in agony. Their companions saw their struggle, but they didn't have the courage to approach Ralkias. To them, the man simply looked intimidating.

The player mumbled something incoherently which compelled Ralkias to jam his nails on their scalp.

"I can't hear you. I'll ask again. Do you understand?"

"Y-yes, yes! Yes! Let go of me!"

Ralkias immediately heeded the player's plea. When he loosened his grip, the player stumbled on his feet. As they were about to take their leave, they felt someone grab their shoulder. The player cautiously looked behind him, meeting Aectaeon's gaze in the process.

"Wh-what do you w-"

Before the player could finish, the blade of a knife pierced through their thick hand.