A Surprise

'So the First Floor consists of this forest and plain?'

Ethan and Irene are still in the forest. They haven't encountered anything else for a few minutes. The Meadow Specters haven't approached them again, perhaps because they are afraid since both of them have killed a lot of their kind.

That's what Ethan feels. He looks at his companion. Irene initially seemed like an amateur who would struggle to survive in this Tower. But it turns out she has received enough training so that her skills are actually amazing.

It's just that Irene still feels too shocked because she almost died earlier when she couldn't see the threat coming towards her.

There is some information Ethan has obtained from her. She seems to be opening more to him and answering some less classified things.

The House Evernight is indeed the strongest house in this country. But Irene said she is not the favored child in that family.

Michael Evernight, the head of the House, has five wives, and Irene's mother is the youngest of them. It makes the other wives hate her, which means they also hate Irene.

Upon hearing this story for the first time, Ethan feels a little pity for her. But then he remembered that she is rich and has never lacked anything since childhood. It makes him think that he pity himself than the daughter of this wealthy family.

Nevertheless, Ethan still puts on a sad face as if understanding her feelings.

She has also received good training from mentors her father has prepared for her. Making her definitely have more chances to survive in this Tower than the others. And more than him if he didn't get that Soulweaver Talent.

They have been searching for hours but haven't found anything other than trees and bushes. There are animals in this forest that Ethan has already killed, so they won't have trouble with food later. The only important thing is to find the Floor Guardian.

Although Jane said they couldn't possibly complete a Floor in a day after arriving, Ethan still wants to try it. The faster he climbs, the faster his father will receive his cure.

"Lets rest for now."

Suddenly, Ethan hears Irene's tired voice from behind her.

"Okay."

So they agree to rest for a while. They sit on the grass, mostly under the giant trees. Ethan's Soul Sense doesn't give him any signs of danger nearby. There are Meadow Specters around, but they seem afraid and choose to stay away from them.

Irene takes a glass bottle from her small bag. She drinks the water from there.

Ethan sees a symbol he doesn't recognize next to the bottle. It makes him think it might not be an ordinary bottle.

"Do you want to drink?" Irene offers the bottle when she sees him looking at it.

Ethan smiled. "Don't worry. I got my own water."

Ethan immediately takes a mineral water from his backpack and drinks it.

"What's that symbol?" Ethan asks.

"This bottle is actually a Gear. Someone gave this to me before I entered here." A wistful smile appears when she says that. "This bottle can be refilled with water after I drink it."

"That's an amazing Gear," Ethan said, genuinely impressed.

Suddenly, he senses the presence of something that alarms his Soul Sense. Ethan jumps to his feet, aiming his Aether arrow at the target behind him.

A mysterious woman clad in sleek black attire is standing there. Her silhouette exudes an aura of allure and mystery. She looks surprised.

Ethan eyes the woman warily, his instincts tingling with a mixture of suspicion and fascination. "Who are you?" he asks.

The woman flashed a tantalizing smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm actually impressed that you could detect my presence. Just as I thought, your Talent is of high grade."

Irene glanced at Ethan, her curiosity piqued by the woman's flirtatious demeanor, but she knew whatever this woman was, she might not be an Invited.

"You didn't answer my question," Ethan repeated firmly.

"Well, I am this Floor's Guardian."

That answer surprised both Ethan and Irene. They had been busy looking for it, but suddenly the Floor Guardian herself appeared before them.

They both knew that the Floor Guardian was a terrifying existence. So, no matter how beautiful and tempting this woman was, they couldn't help but feel alarmed.

"What do you want?" Ethan asked.

"I will let you pass if you agree to do as I say."

Irene approached Ethan. She didn't miss the fact that the woman was only looking at Ethan and ignoring her.

Ethan also noticed it. "What do you want?"

"Become my partner. Then we can ascend to the higher Floors together." The woman extended her hand to Ethan, completely ignoring Irene's presence.

Ethan approached her. Slowly. Irene watched him with wide eyes. Was he going to leave her here?!

"Good," said the Floor Guardian. "Now, kiss my hand."

Ethan looked at the woman and then extended his hand. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Ethan couldn't help his curiosity. He touched the woman's hand.

Then, using his Soul Manipulation ability.

"Arghhh!"

The woman screamed. She grimaced in pain.

Meanwhile, Ethan was delighted. For he saw a line of Runes in his vision.

[ "What do you intend to do with her Soul?" ]

His Soulweaver Talent was working on a Floor Guardian!

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