He finally comes into view—casual expression, carefree smile, and a massive backpack slung over his shoulders. Not exactly what I expected from a climber standing in front of me.

Then Ayu steps forward, smiling, and they… they just start talking.

Mandarin, I suppose? It's refreshing to hear Ayu's voice, but the situation baffles me. Am I seriously being ignored here?

I can't deny it—a not so small jab of jealousy hits me. Whether I like it or not, it's there. And the fact that Lukas is, well… annoyingly handsome doesn't help.

They glance at me briefly, then go right back to murmuring like I'm not even here.

What the heck is this?

Alright. I cough to get their attention and lock eyes with this Lukas.

"Do you speak English by any chance?"

He smiles, nods, and responds in perfect English, "Yes. Apologies for that. Ayu was concerned about your condition."

Huh? My condition? And she was discussing it with you? What are you, a doctor? Unless… I glance down at the plant fiber bands wrapped around my body. Now that I think about it…

"Pardon, but did you treat me by any chance?"

"Well, 'treat' is a big word for what I did. I just bandaged the wounds to stop the bleeding after your body entered suspension and cleaned them to prevent contamination. It helps speed up healing. Nothing much," he says, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish smile.

Nothing much my ass!

"Oh. Well… thanks, I guess. Did you also help Ayu?"

"Yes," Ayu answers this time.

Wait… wait a second. How did she understand that? I thought the only words she knew was 'idiot'… or was it 'stupid'?

And why does it feel like they're on very friendly terms?

I was about to ask Ayu if she spoke English, but now wasn't the time. That could wait until we were alone. Right now, we have a guest.

"So, Lukas, right?" I step forward and extend my hand. "A pleasure to meet you, and thanks for taking care of us."

He responds quickly, gripping my hand firmly. "The pleasure is mine, Alonso. I've been looking forward to meeting you."

Looking forward, huh?

"I see. I assume there's something you'd like to discuss with me?"

"Indeed." He swings the massive backpack off his shoulders, letting it drop to the ground with a heavy thud. "Shall we sit first?"

I glance at the backpack, scanning it with my waves—javelins, slings, ammunition.

"Sure," I reply, though I'm left awkwardly pointing at the ground. No chairs here, but Lukas and Ayu sit comfortably, so I follow suit.

"So, where to start?" he begins. "How do you feel?"

"I'm okay, I guess. A couple more hours, and I should be in perfect shape."

"That's great to hear," he says with a smile. "Now, on to business. I assume your next course of action, once you recover, is the boss battle?"

Hmmm. I think I see where this is heading.

I pause, staring at him for a moment, debating how to steer the conversation. Before I can speak, Ayu elbows me in the shoulder—not discreet at all.

Hey, whose side are you on?!

"Yes, that's my intention," I say, sending Ayu a pointed angry-face emoji.

"Well, apologies if I'm intruding, but the stakes are high, as you can imagine," Lukas says, his tone measured. "We—meaning Chiara and the rest—would like to collaborate with you for the boss fight. What are your thoughts?"

I frown, opening my mouth to respond, but before I can even get a word out, Ayu cuts in.

"We don't need Chiara's help."

Huh?

What the…

Okay, clearly I missed a couple of episodes while I was out. Why was Ayu so angry at the mention of Chiara? Why would she answer before me, and so curtly?

But Lukas doesn't seem surprised. He sighs, leaning back slightly as he stares at the blue sky.

"There was a speech at the camp today," he begins. "Chiara addressed everyone and laid out the new rules—or lack thereof. Strength is all that matters now. The strong rule, the weak obey. Nature at its finest. She made it clear: anyone who opposes you, refuses to collaborate, or, dare I say, serve you, will have to leave."

Chiara… Chiara said that? It's hard to believe. How did she go from being the bitch too weak to control them to the tyrant bitch spitting in their faces, telling them to obey or fuck off?

Now this is new… though honestly, I don't feel much about it. The truth is, I stopped caring about them long ago. Whatever they do matters less to me than what I'm having for breakfast tomorrow.

The only good takeaway is that I don't have to bother talking with them anymore—or putting pressure on them for Ayu's sake.

"So?" I ask, shrugging. "How should I feel about this?"

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Lukas lowers his gaze, meeting mine. "In the backpack, there are javelins and slings with plenty of ammunition. The new boss is basically a giant jellyfish—thirteen 30-meter tentacles and seven cores. If you can get close and use the javelins or slings, you should have a good shot at it. As for the rest of us, we won't meddle in your fight. We'll focus on engaging the waves of jellyfish around it."

The arrangement looked good on paper, but… did I really need them? Sure, without Houston my waves would be a bit weaker, but even then. The waves of jellyfish? Slow as hell. I could outmaneuver them mid-fight. Worst case, I'd disengage and re-engage. And I had Ayu—with her near-precognition, she could easily take care of them.

Then there was the trust issue. Did I trust them enough to cover my back? No. And finally, if the boss, by any chance, dropped only one red orb, there would be no negotiations. I would be taking it. No debate.

"Thanks, Lukas," I say. "I'll take the ranged weapons. I appreciate them. As for the fight, Ayu and I will handle it. No need to help. If the boss drops seven orbs like the last one, no worries—I'll leave five for you guys. That should settle the bill."

Lukas remains quiet, his eyes fixed on me. After a moment, he speaks, his tone calm.

"Could you treat it as a favor then? We'll maintain our distance and let you fight to your heart's content."

I frown. Should I just accept? I know this will be important for Chiara to set the tone and could lessen the enmity from the others, which isn't a bad thing…

I discreetly glance at Ayu from the corner of my eye. After what she said earlier, she's been silent, leaving the decision to me. But the emotion is still there, clear on her face— resentment.

For some reason, she's clearly at odds with Chiara. What could've happened? I can't imagine Chiara doing something to hurt Ayu—it wouldn't make sense. Unless… did she tell Ayu the truth?

That seems likely. It would align with her new speech and behaviour.

I refocus on Lukas. Well… I guess this arrangement won't hurt. "Six hours. In six hours, I'll head for the boss fight. I don't care if you guys are ready or not. And anyone who gets within 200 meters of me or Ayu… I'll consider them an enemy."

Lukas nods after a brief moment. "Alright."

He stands up. "Thank you."

I give him a nod in return. He says something in Mandarin to Ayu, but she stays silent.

"Well, that's it. Wish you a speedy recovery," he says, turning and heading back the way he came.

I stay silent, watching Lukas until he disappears from sight. Then I turn my attention to Ayu. She's quiet, but the subtle furrow of her brows and the way her gaze is lost make it clear—there's more going on in her head.

I push myself up, still stiff but managing, and move to sit behind her. Gently, I wrap my arms around her. She stiffens slightly at first, her cheeks flushing pink, but then she relaxes, leaning back against my chest.

I don't say anything. I just let the moment breathe. The soft breeze brushes against us, rustling the leaves above. There's a faint, salty tang in the air, drifting from the distant sea. Her warmth seeps into me, grounding me. Her hand hesitates for a moment before shyly resting over my arm.

Her hair shifts slightly in the wind, brushing against my face. I lean my chin gently on her shoulder, closing my eyes for a moment to savor it all—the warmth of her, the peace in this fleeting moment.

"I didn't know you spoke English?" I murmur, my voice low.

She tenses slightly, just for a moment, then shakes her head. "My English… is bad. Still learning. And… and I like…"

Her voice trails off, but then I feel it—a string of images flooding my mind. Us, standing in front of each other, bubbles surrounding us, each holding the images we've sent to one another. Then, above it all, she places a heart.

I freeze, caught off guard. But then it clicks. She… she likes the way we communicate.

A smile spreads across my face as I hug her tighter. Of course. I like it too, Ayu. Our own unique way of understanding each other.

And learning? Is it… for me?

The thought makes my chest ache, a warm, overwhelming sensation spreading through me. It's different—so different from anything I've felt before. Just a few interactions, and I know I love Ayu. Deeply. To the point where I'd give my life for her without a second thought.

And here she is, in this hellish Tower, where death is always lurking, where survival means bloodshed and constant struggle. Yet here, of all places, I found her.

What a twist of fate.

I send her an image in return.

The same one she sent me, but now with a second heart next to hers.

Her smile softens, and I feel her small hand tighten slightly on my arm.

That smile. It's another reason to keep going. Another reason to grow stronger, no matter what it takes.

For my mom, for my friends… for Ayu.

Minutes pass as I savor the moment. My body feels drowsy again, the earlier food and comfort pulling me toward sleep. But now seems like a good time to talk.

I send her another image. This one shows Chiara, an angry face, and a question mark.

Ayu jolts, visibly tense. The frown returns to her face, and I wonder if maybe it wasn't the best time to bring this up. Seconds tick by, and I consider letting it slide.

Then, a string of images comes back. Chiara talking with me, surrounded by dark, ominous bubbles. My face looking heavy, shadowed. Then me talking with Ayu before heading into the tunnels alone.

Finally, it shows Ayu and Chiara speaking while I was still unconscious.

So… it was that.

"You… suffered," she murmurs, her voice trembling. "I… don't want you… to suffer more."

Her words hit me like a hammer to the chest.

"Be… selfish."

Selfish?

Me?

I stay still, her warmth pressing into me, my mind blank, my gaze lost. The idea feels foreign—distant. Me, selfish? The things I want?

I stare at Ayu as she hugs me tightly.

The things I want…

I smile faintly, my chest aching in a way that feels strangely good.

Slowly, I raise my arms, wrapping them around her. One hand cradles the back of her head, gently pulling her closer, pressing her against me.

I want you, Ayu.

My fingers slide through her hair, soft and silken, flowing like a stream between them. My other hand rests on her back, holding her securely, as if she might disappear.

Then I'll be selfish.

My hand moves slowly to her ears, brushing the soft skin there, then to her cheeks. Her warmth spreads through my fingers. Her skin feels so soft against the roughness of my hands.

I cup her face, gently lifting it from my chest.

She doesn't resist.

Her eyes meet mine, and I'm drawn in. So close.

At this moment, nothing else exists—not the Tower, not the dangers, not the past. Just her.

My heart pounds, almost painfully. I catch the faint blush on her cheeks, mirroring the heat I feel rising in my own.

My fingers glide along her face, brushing strands of hair back, tucking them behind her ear. She's breathtaking—too beautiful, too real. My thumb lingers on her cheek, feeling its softness.

I lean forward.

I kiss her.

Our lips meet, hesitant at first, but the sensation overwhelms me. Her lips are soft, impossibly soft, and warm. The taste of her lingers, sweet and intoxicating. My breath hitches, and the kiss deepens.

She kisses me back.

I feel her hands gripping my shoulders, pulling me closer. I match her passion, tilting my head slightly to press deeper into her. The warmth of her breath mixes with mine, and I can't hold back anymore. My tongue brushes against her lips, hesitant, testing.

She parts them, inviting me in.

Our tongues meet, tentative at first, then bolder.

I feel her trembling slightly.

I'm lost in her—her scent, her touch, the way her body presses into mine as the kiss becomes more fervent. I cradle the back of her head, my other hand sliding to her waist, pulling her against me. I feel the soft curve of her body, every movement igniting something deep inside me.

Her hands grip my back, her nails digging slightly into my skin. It sends a jolt through me. I lean forward, guiding her gently down as we fall onto the grass, my body hovering over hers.

The kiss grows hungrier, more desperate. Her fingers tangle in my hair, pulling me closer, as if even this isn't enough. My lips trail along hers, and I hear her breath hitch, the faintest sound of a sigh escaping her.

My hand caresses her waist, feeling the rise and fall of her breathing, the heat of her skin through the fabric.

I pause, just for a moment, breaking the kiss to look at her. Her face is flushed, her lips slightly wet, her eyes half-lidded and staring back at me with the same desire I feel burning in my chest.

"Ayu," I murmur, my voice low, rough with emotion.

She pulls me back down, her lips capturing mine again, her actions answering everything I needed to know.

And in this moment, nothing else matters. Only her.

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