The Ascension : A New Beginning (Solo Leveling x Tower of God) [ON A HIATUS]

Chapter 15 : The Prelude To Disaster

"I always thought there was something odd about him. But I didn't expect him to be an irregular." Khun voiced his thoughts.

The rest of the regulars, minus Bam, were seated around him. The impact of the news was still fresh on everyone's mind. And right now, they were presented with an ultimatum.

Earlier once Bam publicly announced that he was an irregular, the test director asked him to have a talk with the floor administrator in order to make the necessary arrangements for the revised test. Once Bam left, he gave a clear message to the remaining regulars:

They could either take the administrator's test with Bam, or forget him and continue with the usual tests arranged by the director.

If they were to help Bam, they'd have to take the dangerously difficult test laid by the administrator and risk their own lives in the process. Even if they were to pass the test, they will forever be known as the ones who helped an irregular climb the tower.

Choosing to leave him, and continuing with the normal tests seemed to be the obvious choice. There was pretty much no risk with this option and the only downside seemed to be the guilt of leaving a comrade behind to fend for himself.

That is, if they had any in the first place.

"Of course we won't help him! Why should we risk our lives just to bring that girl with us? Besides, what did he ever do for us anyway?" Paracule made his stance clear.

"Need I remind you it was only because of him that you passed the test?" Hatz reminded him sternly.

"Well... But still, you'd have to be insane to help an irregular climb the tower. Don't you agree?" He was still unconvinced.

"Yeah. I agree."

Surprising everyone, it was Khun who said it.

"I feel sorry for Bam. I really do. But helping him is an entirely different matter."

For a few seconds, there was silence. Everyone was trying to process what they just heard.

"You... Piece of trash..." Hatz couldn't hold it in. "Was that all he was to you?"

"I can't help it, alright?!" Khun shouted. "If it ever becomes known that I helped an irregular climb the tower, it will be the end of me! I could even get kicked out of my family!"

"That's it!!" Hatz took a few steps towards him.
But then...

*SMACK*

Rak beat him to it and punched him square in the face.

"You... Crocodile..." Khun spat out some blood.

"You stupid turtles. All of you are too scared, cowering in fear inside your shells." His message was intended for everyone out there. "You are all too scared to lift your head up."

"I'm following him." He started walking away. "I'm not afraid of the consequences. I don't care what he is, but he is my prey."

Silence filled the room once again as each of the regulars contemplated what Rak just said. And soon enough, they made their decision.

"I'm going too." Surprisingly enough, it was Anak who came forward next. "I don't really care about helping him, but I think its better than staying with a coward who'll betray his friend to keep his family name."

"I never thought the day would come when I will agree with you on something." Hatz followed suit, and without waiting for a reply they dragged Shibisu along with them.

This started a domino effect, as soon enough every regular in the room decided to help Bam- If not for helping a friend, then at least to avoid getting ostracised by the others.