Chapter16-Conviction

On the second floor of the Tower, the most precious treasure is probably the arm guard in Owen's hand, the Terradrake's Aegis.

As for the mana cores obtained from hunting spellbeasts, they're nothing more than trifles to Owen.

He doesn't even consider wasting his energy on hunting such creatures.

According to the original setting, each floor of the Tower allows for an hour of exploration.

After that, the path to the next level automatically opens.

Of course, those who enter the Tower can choose to stay on the current floor or leave entirely. There's no strict requirement, which is rather considerate.

If there is a flaw, it's that the Tower only allows upward progression.

There's no way to go back to a previous floor; the only option is to leave. However, for Owen, this is of no consequence.

After all, he knows exactly where the hidden treasures are on each floor. Once he acquires them, there's no reason to linger.

"Hmm... Is that Elaine's aura? Why is she with Emily and the others?"

Storing away the arm guard, Owen uses a directional Teleport Mark to reverse-locate Andrew and his team. They aren't too far away, but somehow, they've encountered Elaine's Fox Academy.

"Just to be safe, I'd better go check."

Although Owen knows Andrew wouldn't harm Fox Academy, John's unpredictable nature could stir trouble.

Owen speeds toward the mark, quickly finding Emily and the others. However, instead of revealing himself immediately, he hides his presence and observes from a distance.

"So, you don't know where Owen is either?"

"The chief has been gone for a while. We honestly have no idea."

Andrew's impression of Elaine isn't bad. To him, she has a normal sense of aesthetics. How many people in this world could be as unusual as Emily, completely blind to their own chief's charm?

"Hmm... I was hoping to team up with him, but it's fine. Running into you all works too. Owen will have to regroup with you at some point, right? I've decided—I'll join your group!"

"Hey, hey, hey, stop making decisions on your own! We haven't agreed yet!"

Seeing Farms' expression, Owen can't help but chuckle. According to the setting, Farms has severe mood swings.

He only controls his temper around Owen. With others, he makes no effort to hide his emotions. Because the student council members are used to him, they don't bother arguing with him.

Despite his temper, Farms is one of the most reliable companions. If you earn his trust, you can entrust your back to him without worry.

Farms is the type who will mock you for being weak but then fight tooth and nail to get revenge on your behalf. Owen appreciates this about him.

"Farms, Elaine is important to the chief. Watch your mouth."

"Tch, fine, I'll shut up."

At the mention of the chief, Farms immediately quiets down. But just like Farms, Emily isn't happy either. Important to Owen? What about her? Is she not important to him too?

Not happy!

This silver-haired woman is obviously up to no good!

"Elaine, right? What's your relationship with the chief?"

Elaine looks at Emily and, with a sly smile, says, "Hmm... What's our relationship? Heh, you guess."

"Guess?"

Emily feels helpless. She's not good at dealing with people like Elaine—cunning and insincere.

"Well, whatever our relationship is, it's definitely closer than yours~"

"Impossible!"

"Why not? It's just the truth."

Seeing Elaine's smug expression, Emily stomps her foot in frustration, repeating, "It's just not possible!"

"Yes, it is!"

"No, it isn't!"

"Yes, it is... Never mind, why am I arguing with you?"

"You! You!"

Emily's face turns red with anger, but she can't form a coherent sentence. Seeing this, Owen feels exasperated. If he doesn't step in soon, these two will end up in a full-blown argument.

"What's all this noise about?"

Owen materializes from the void, stepping into the center of the group.

Casually, he tosses the Terradrake's Aegis to Andrew. Startled, Andrew catches it and asks in confusion, "Chief, what's this?"

"I stumbled upon it earlier. It's a soil-element arm guard. I tested it, and it boosts strength by about 40%. It's yours. It's a master-tier item, so don't lose it."

The moment Owen mentioned "master-tier," everyone gasped in shock.

"Ma…master-tier?"

Andrew gulped, his hands trembling uncontrollably.

"Owen, Chief, this is… too valuable!"

Everyone knows that a master-tier piece of equipment, especially one compatible with a mana core, can fetch over a billion mana stones! And the chief just... handed it to him?

"Quality equipment still depends on the user. Is there anyone among us more suitable than you? Besides, you're my second-in-command. You need to increase your strength quickly. Take it and don't worry. Everyone will get their share."

"Chief! I swear on the Raen family name! I will follow you for life! I will be your vanguard, your blade!"

"No need for such grand words. Just be my brother for life."

Owen smiled and patted Andrew's shoulder, feeling the big man's body trembling with emotion. Andrew, not known for his words, was thoroughly convinced by Owen's charisma.

"Elaine, what's this about?"

"I came to find you! Can we team up, Owen? You know we're short on firepower, and two of our members are injured. If someone targets us, it could be dangerous…"

Elaine pouted, her starry eyes misting over as she pleaded, "Please take us in…"

"No problem. As for the treasures on the next floors, we'll distribute them based on need. We can't have you join us and leave empty-handed, can we?"

"Yay! Owen, you're the best!"

"Thank you, Chief Owen!"

The girls from Fox Academy expressed their gratitude repeatedly. Elaine beamed with joy, bouncing into Owen's arms. Seeing this, Emily clenched her teeth so hard they ground together. That's a hug!

She and Owen...

They haven't even held hands yet!

Though it wasn't really anyone's fault.

But still, not happy!

Owen, you're so inconsiderate of my feelings!

"Judging by the time, the passage to the third floor should be opening soon. Let's adjust ourselves and prepare to move on. Andrew, listen up—if you keep fiddling with that arm guard while I'm talking, I'll take it back. Understand?"

Owen shot Andrew a glare. The big man blushed and obediently stored the arm guard in his storage ring.

He couldn't help it. He just liked it too much!

The arm guard, carved from dragon scales, fit his arm perfectly. Though it looked thin, it had a weighty feel when worn.

Every punch felt empowered.

The Dragon's Blessing inscribed within greatly increased the wearer's defense, making it a powerful offensive and defensive weapon!

"Elaine, keep this mark. When we enter the third floor, we'll likely be teleported to different locations. I'll find you through this mark."

"Got it!"

"And one more thing. We didn't encounter anyone from Fenrir Academy or Frostbane Academy on this floor, which is lucky for you. If you run into them on the third floor and I'm not nearby, avoid conflict at all costs. Got it?"

"It's not that serious, is it? They don't seem that strong. I think we can take them. No need to be so pessimistic, really!"

John blurted out, only to feel the stares of everyone around him fixate on him in unison.

Every pair of eyes, though different in color, conveyed the same message:

Where did this idiot come from?