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Wangnan always had a bad feeling about associating with FUG.
Not that Viole wasn’t a FUG Slayer Nominee… No, he became independent after the Workshop Battle.
Hell- FUG was a terrorist organization..! But the feeling worsened as Team Sweet and Sour continued to climb the Tower.
“Did you really think we were nice people..?” Hwaryun’s words rang again in Wangnan’s head. To which he fisted his hand, painfully tight.
It was just before the 21st floor test, but through a short conversation with the guide, he learned that Viole was an Irregular; he was even being threatened to stay in the organization. Despite all the fear and nervousness Wangnan may have felt towards Viole, it didn’t take away from the sympathy he felt for the slayer at that moment.
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“Show me the way to get to Viole’s friends.”
Little had he known how much pain would come after that path.
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The first sign of tragedy came after the events of the Workshop Battle. A key part of Team Sweet and Sour became.. lost.. No- please, not again-
“..The devil’s power within Ilmar is gone.. That’s why he cannot wake up. ...Cassano’s doing...”
With Goseng, Wangnan stared absentmindedly off at Horyang’s comatose figure. On the other hand, Goseng was leaning over the bed. Everyone has been celebrating and resting from the events of the Workshop Battle. It wasn’t time to inform them yet..
‘This is my fault... If only I didn’t insist on going to the Workshop Battle from the start... All I did was put my team in danger...’
Memories of past bodies and betrayals flashed in his mind.
‘Why am I so weak..? I want to be stronger.. strong enough to lead..’
He almost didn’t register the conversations of the others.
“..Prince..- Do the others know about this?”
Wangnan perked up, exiting the realm of his self-deprecative mind, before replying to Viole.
“No, we’re the only ones that know. For now, we told them that Horyang needed rest, so he’s staying on this floor.”
He fisted his hand.
“But Cassano is the bigger problem. We have to go find Cassano in order to save Horyang.”
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Viole, Khun, Rak, and Wangnan went to visit Hwaryun inside the White Heavenly Mirror.
“The path that leads to Cassano Beniamino... There is a special test for the D-rank Regulars on the 35th floor... The Hell Train .”
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Wangnan huddled in the corner, avoiding looking at Miseng’s unconscious body.
Even more of Team Sweet and Sour was gone. He had sent away Yihwa to continue climbing with Viole. And…
Tears slowly fell down as he gripped his hair once more.
It was his fault Arkraptor and Prince were gone as well.
Hwaryun’s words rang again, “As long as you’re on this train, one of your teammates is guaranteed to die.”
Even if they had successfully captured Cassano..
Rachel, Yura, and Hoaqin.. They-
“Damnit.. damnit..”
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“You always draw people near you, before leading them to their death.”
“Don’t you remember? All the countless companions you’ve met on your way up the tower?”
“Even with your aspirations…”
It’s only ever ‘you’ that survives.