Tower Faith (2)
Tower Faith (2)
What I glimpsed through Observation was serious. Lee Ha-sol's face stiffened at the unexpectedly grim news.
“Ha-sol? What’s going on?”
At the agitation she hadn’t quite hidden, Liana and Ellia’s expressions sank too. Swallowing heavily, Lee Ha-sol glanced down at her chest.
Lee Ha-yul, who at some point had lifted his face from where he’d buried it, was blinking his eyes.
The endlessly cute face had turned solemn. That probably meant he’d already seen the message.
“…Well…”
Suppressing a sigh, Lee Ha-sol explained the grave news she’d received. Listening intently, Liana’s eyebrows twitched.
“A 2nd Rank monster…”
“The Observatory hasn’t made a final determination yet. But it seems they’re certain it’s at least above 3rd Rank.”
At the small mutter, Lee Ha-sol added an explanation, but Liana’s expression didn’t improve much.
Even if it was 3rd Rank, it was an entity the Observatory had assessed as being on par with 2nd Rank.
Even if its actual rank was lower, the danger it posed was highly likely to approach 2nd Rank.
The prime example was the Twin-headed Poison Dragon. Its actual rank was a 3rd-Rank Alpha, but in terms of danger alone, it was a monster that handily qualified for 2nd Rank.
‘If it really is 2nd Rank, that’s an even bigger problem.’
Monster rank classifications were measured from 8th Rank up to 1st Rank.
Considering 1st Rank was a nominal rank, the de facto highest-threat entities were 2nd Rank.
‘No, these days they might just classify 1st Rank as those Outer World bastards, but…’
Anyway, whether it was 2nd Rank or 3rd Rank, the fact that it was a major crisis didn’t change. This emergency summons hadn’t been issued for nothing.
“Yes, so I also need to answer the summons…”
[Then let’s get ready and go. Kariade, please wait here at the Fairy Tree for the spirit children.]
“Yes, I shall heed Your Majesty’s command.”
Before she could even finish speaking, Lee Ha-yul nodded his head. As Kariade bowed deeply, Lee Ha-sol looked down at Lee Ha-yul with a troubled expression.
“…Ha-yul.”
[Since it’s the Tower Faith, they should have a direct gate, so we can go outside and head straight to the Gate Terminal.]
Slipping out of her arms, Lee Ha-yul formed hand seals. Immediately, mana swirled in front of them and connected to the entrance of the Reverse Side.
Lee Ha-sol’s complexion clouded.
“I don’t want to be a burden to you, Ha-yul. It wasn’t long ago that you accomplished something huge, and now this again…”
[But back then, you came to help me, didn’t you, Lee Ha-sol?]
It was when I’d been locked in a soul-wrestling match with the Tower Master of the Dead.
[No matter how dangerous a 2nd Rank monster is, would it be as bad as a Tower Master? That bastard had a 2nd Rank under him as a Legion Commander.]
Though, at the point when we clashed, that 2nd-Rank Legion Commander wasn’t there anymore.
[You helped me when I was fighting something like that. Honestly, that was more dangerous than now, and it was a huge help. So I’ll help you too.]
“Even so…”
Lee Ha-sol trailed off.
She knew better than anyone just how strong Lee Ha-yul was.
The Tower Master of the Dead, so vast he seemed to coil around the world. The Tower Master of Bitter Cold, whose power could influence the climate.
Both had been subjugated and driven out by Lee Ha-yul.
It was laughable for someone like her to worry about Lee Ha-yul, who possessed that much power, and if he offered his help, the proper response would be to prostrate herself and give thanks….
But her heart was uneasy.
Before even mentioning compensation, she was worried that Lee Ha-yul might come to harm in the process.
[And the debt I owe you, Lee Ha-sol, isn’t just from helping me that one time.]
“Huh?”
Looking up, Lee Ha-sol blinked. Having finished observing the state of the Reverse Side, Lee Ha-yul smiled brightly.
[You’ve been looking after me continuously since I was little. To repay that entire debt, no matter how many times I help you, it won’t be enough.]
“Ah…”
As if hearing unexpected words, a small sigh of wonder escaped Lee Ha-sol.
When he was little.
The memories Lee Ha-sol had kept, but Lee Ha-yul had lost.
Not anymore. Now Lee Ha-yul remembered his childhood. He had his old memories back.
Ever since that day, how moved had she been, how much had her eyes brimmed with tears, at the change in Lee Ha-yul, who had begun to nestle into her arms without any awkwardness?
“…I’m sorry.”
Biting her lip, an overwhelmed Lee Ha-sol pulled Lee Ha-yul into a tight embrace. Smiling gently, Lee Ha-yul wrapped his arms around Lee Ha-sol’s waist.
[Instead of an apology, I’d like to hear you say thank you once this is all over.]
“Okay… thank you…”
[Heehee.]
Just the answer I wanted to hear.
After soaking up the comfort to the fullest, I swallowed my reluctance and slipped out of her arms. Since it was an emergency summons, we ought to get moving soon.
Turning around, Lee Ha-yul saw Liana and Ellia waiting by the Reverse Side entrance and gave a small flinch.
Checking the supplies inside her Subspace Pocket, Liana smiled.
“Then let’s get ready and go.”
“……”
I had nothing to say. If I did, it felt like she’d just pinch my cheek again and ask if I was planning to go bury my head alone.
Resigned, I opened the entrance wider.
- …Whooosh…
[Ah.]
The moment I was about to pass through the entrance first.
Something shot in from afar like a bolt of light.
Recognizing the identity, Lee Ha-yul hunched his shoulders, while the other three, who had been about to react instantly, caught a glimpse of five-colored wings, lowered their hands, and let out awkward smiles.
The flash that had streaked in at a tremendous speed came to a halt right beside us.
The flash’s identity was a knight clad in armor. Her five-colored wings, which had beat at super-high speed, gave one last flutter before folding, and Lee Seo-yul smiled brightly.
Her face was hidden by her helmet, but to Lee Ha-yul, that lovely and terrifying smile was observed with perfect clarity.
“…Daddy, you were going to leave me behind again, weren’t you?”
[Gyaahk…]
.
.
.
The place we emerged into through the entrance was a wide, open wasteland. It was where the Reverse Side entrance had first been, and where the outbreak had occurred.
We could change the entrance location now, but there was no real need, so we were maintaining it.
“Association President’s Proxy.”
As if they’d been waiting, Association personnel approached from the facilities set up to enclose the Reverse Side entrance.
After gulping under the gaze of Lee Seo-yul standing beside me, he spoke up while bringing up a hologram.
“Just moments ago, the Observatory relayed an important piece of news.”
[It’s about the 2nd Rank monster at the Tower Faith, right? We’ll depart immediately, so please have the gate standing by.]
“…Yes, I’ll carry out your orders!”
When Lee Ha-yul took the initiative, the man’s eyes went wide. Then, with his gaze brightening as if thinking ‘as expected of the Association President’s Proxy,’ he turned around.
After the Reverse Side rampage had passed.
Large Association facilities had been built in this vicinity, and a gate had been installed here too.
It wasn’t on the scale of a Gate Terminal, but it was a gate set up to allow the smooth transport of support personnel and supplies.
For reference, Lee Ha-yul had been the one to install it.
Since the installer in question—the Association President’s Proxy—was giving the order, there was no waiting time whatsoever.
Lee Ha-yul immediately pushed himself into the connected gate.
A brief sensation of floating passed.
The observed information of the surroundings scattered as if turning inside out, then was measured anew.
Outside the Gate Terminal, a city lined with exotic architecture came into observation. Further off, a seashore where deep blue waves were crashing also came into range.
‘The main headquarters of the Tower Faith is on the Australian mainland.’
To be precise, on the southeastern part of the mainland. Just as in the previous world, people on this continent still clustered to live along the coastline.
“It is a pleasure to meet you for the first time, Proxy of the Association President. I am Caleb Nox, of the Australia branch of the Association.”
As we strode out, several Association staff members flocked to us, politely volunteering their guidance. Lee Ha-yul, who had been organizing the observed information, gave a small nod.
[Please guide us.]
“Yes!”
Though his attitude seemed somewhat indifferent, the staff inwardly swallowed their tension and carried out their task.
Lee Ha-yul followed with an expressionless face.
His lack of visible emotion was simply due to the concentration required to sort through the information, but the branch staff here held their breath, careful not to upset him.
Watching this, Ellia’s eyes sparkled with admiration.
“Seeing Ha-yul acting like this feels so unfamiliar and strange.”
“Yes, yes, our boy is just this cool and reliable on the outside.”
[…….]
At the inescapable remark, Lee Ha-yul’s cheeks flushed slightly.
He used the Azure Sea to cool the rising heat, and the soundproofing magic he’d casually deployed ensured that no embarrassing noises leaked out.
“Heh heh… Cute.”
Sensing the magic, Liana covered her mouth with her hand and smiled.
His mouth pressed firmly shut, Lee Ha-yul finished sorting the information.
Regardless of its influence, the religion known as the Tower Faith has a short history.
Stretching it to the absolute limit, about 200 years, back to the Great Cataclysm.
Its official establishment as a force dates to about 140 years ago, when the Tower of Growth was first conquered.
A century is no short span, but compared to the major religions before the Great Cataclysm, which measure their histories in millennia, it is relatively brief.
Yet, in the modern era, the most powerful religion is the Tower Faith.
The reasons are complex.
In a world where entire nations can be wiped out, religion offers no guaranteed refuge from catastrophe. As the common sense of the old world was shattered, the influence of religion also waned.
It’s difficult to pinpoint a single cause to sum it all up, but the most commonly cited reason is that they are ‘real, existing beings.’
The Towers exist.
The Tower Masters who rule them also exist.
The blessings they bestow… the Gates, the unification of language and script, Siyoram which nurtures superhumans with the Blessing of Growth, and the Observation Division that foresees disasters—all of it exists.
The object of faith is tangible, and the people are those who survived the Chaos Period thanks to that aid.
Since the Tower Faith itself has maintained a clean, uncorrupted path since its founding, it had more than enough capacity to surge ahead while other religions were languishing.
‘Its main headquarters is further north.’
And so, the Tower Faith is today the most prestigious religion.
The city situated near the main headquarters of the Tower Faith naturally grew into a major metropolis.
“…It’s bustling.”
That was Ellia’s comment as she stepped outside the Association building. Lee Ha-sol, who had been laughing lightly at the earlier joke, also nodded, her expression stiffening.
The city center that greeted us the moment we exited the branch was chaotic.
Unease and anxiety rippled across people’s faces.
The roads were crammed with vehicles heading somewhere, and on the controlled lanes, cargo trucks loaded with supplies raced along in an endless line.
In truth, it wasn't just the city center. The majority of staff inside the Association branch had been running around with desperate urgency.
[Has the alert already been issued?]
“An official announcement hasn’t been made yet, but the fact that nearby dungeons have caused outbreaks in quick succession has already spread…”
[A Chain Rampage has occurred.]
Lee Ha-yul gave a slight nod. A Chain Rampage of dungeons. With the memories of Sipnaha, it was not a pleasant phrase.
“Yes, a Chain Rampage occurred, centered on Grade 4 Dungeons, but it’s currently being suppressed.”
[That’s a relief, but… was it perhaps an Unprecedented Rampage?]
“No, it wasn’t. The Observation Division provided a forecast. However…”
[However?]
When Lee Ha-yul asked again, the staff member hesitated before continuing.
"The forecast was extremely close. It was only observed just before the outbreak, so our response was inadequate."
[Hmm…]
A delayed forecast from the Observation Division was a plausible event.
It might not have been Unprecedented, but the signs could have been so faint that they were only caught at the last moment.
Given the trend of Unprecedented dungeon outbreaks rapidly increasing, it wasn't a strange occurrence.
But the Observation Division was likely in a precarious state.
‘Since the Tower Master of Observation is still under such strong restrictions…’
For decades now, he had been maintaining the Observation Division, and currently, he was even lending me his Authority. Along with the Tower Master of Space, the Tower Master of Observation is the one most incapable of external activity.
In the original story, the Observation Division ceases to function within five years.
In the simulation, the intervention of the Tower Masters on our side was completely blocked, but even now, the situation is likely far from comfortable.
‘I should visit the Observation Division soon.’
The list of things to do grew longer. Lee Ha-yul let out a deep sigh and slowly raised his hand.
“Ha-yul?”
“Proxy of the Association President?”
Puzzled glances flew from those around him. Even in the midst of the urgency, citizens who had been blankly drawn to Lee Ha-yul’s striking appearance blinked in surprise.
- Crackle…!
As lightning energy flickered along his raised arm, their eyes widened.
‘Homogenization, Heavenly Thunder.’
In an instant, the Heavenly Thunder, having swelled in size, let out a deafening roar. Rumble! Soon, thick bolts of Heavenly Thunder shot high into the sky in the blink of an eye.
The Heavenly Thunder, having pierced through the city’s defensive barrier, was driven directly into the heavens.
- Crackle, crackle-crackle!
In the dry sky, electric currents blazed, spreading in all directions like a spider's web.
Outside the city.
Beyond the zones of human habitation. To the places where monsters were trying to sneak toward the city, and where a dungeon had just erupted, spilling monsters in a tsunami.
The Heavenly Thunder spread thickly across those skies, too.
Accidental misfire? With the Observation Authority, every single target could be precisely identified.
He had ample skill to strike all specified enemies without affecting a single ally, and to control the discharge perfectly. He also had more than enough mana to execute it.
‘Heavenly Thunder Pseudo Expansion Ability.’
He clenched his fist tightly, charged with Heavenly Thunder. Boom! The lightning that left his hand crashed into the sky once more and was triggered.
Unique Ability: Heavenly Thunder
Pseudo Expansion Ability
‘Blue Sky Thunderbolt.’
The Heavenly Thunder spread across the sky poured down in unison.
Neither the monsters on the scene nor the superhumans could perceive it.
From the sky, hundreds and thousands of lightning bolts rained down. Each strand of falling Heavenly Thunder split into dozens more branches, as if a beast were opening its maw, and connected with the earth.
For a single moment, the world went dark.
That was all those in the city center, distant from the battlefield, could perceive. Conversely, beyond the horizon, over the mountain ridges, light flared intensely.
- Rumble, rumble rumble…!
After the light subsided,
it was only after some time had passed that the distant thunderclap finally reached them.
A vibration that numbed the knees traveled from the ground up through their legs.
"Huhk…"
A tingling sensation shot up their spines.
A normal person might not understand, but being superhumans themselves, they could guess what had just happened.
As if to confirm their guess, unbelievable reports flooded in through their smartwatches.
The staff member guiding Lee Ha-yul staggered, his face pale.
Just as the strength left his legs and he was about to collapse, an invisible force supported his back.
[What’s the matter?]
"N-no, nothing!"
He didn't know the precise method, but it was Lee Ha-yul's help.
When Lee Ha-yul tilted his head and asked, the terrified staffer summoned every last ounce of his strength to stand upright on his own.