Chapter 21, Whirlpool

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

 

After confirming Kouhi’s victory in the arena, Kousuke prepared to resume his assault on Gazenran Tower the following day. The current shortcut reached the 45th Floor, which would serve as their starting point.

 

However, this time they wouldn’t rush toward the 50th Floor. Instead, they would begin investigating each Floor thoroughly. In a few days, Peach would arrive with several succubi who could help them gather more accurate intelligence about Wolf Fang and assess the Guild’s true influence in Seichun.

 

Thanks to Kouhi’s recent victories, Wolf Fang had already gained considerable recognition throughout the city. But Kouhi’s efforts alone wouldn’t be sufficient for their long-term goals. While many Guilds had built their reputations around a single charismatic leader, Wolf Fang needed to establish itself as a legitimate branch of Crown. That was why Roman and the other Crown members were being called in.

 

With these plans in motion, Kousuke decided to thoroughly investigate the 46th Floor. Previously, he had rushed almost directly to each teleportation gate, but now he had time to notice something that had been nagging at him. He couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was, but given that Gazenran Tower had once been managed by some organization, traces of their presence should still remain somewhere. He was determined to find them.

 

“I had such grand plans…” Kousuke muttered, staring out from the carriage, “but this is incredibly boring.”

 

The monsters on the 46th Floor seemed more cautious than those on previous Floors, and few dared approach Nana’s carriage. While some still attacked, forcing them to remain alert, Nana handled most encounters effortlessly.

 

Lirica chuckled at Kousuke’s obvious restlessness. “You can’t normally afford to be this relaxed during a Tower conquest.”

 

“True enough,” Kousuke replied with a shrug. “I suppose I’ve just gotten used to it.”

 

He reached out to stroke Nana, who was lying beside him with apparent casualness. Despite appearing to sleep, she remained vigilant, and at his touch, her tail began wagging enthusiastically. She always enjoyed Kousuke’s attention.

 

“If you’re itching for a proper fight, I can find you something more challenging,” Mitsuki called from the driver’s seat, having overheard their conversation.

 

“That would create its own set of problems,” Kousuke laughed. “Though I wouldn’t mind acquiring some quality materials.”

 

“How selfish of you.”

 

“Well, guilty as charged.”

 

They were simply making conversation, not serious requests. Still, if Kousuke truly wanted a challenge, Mitsuki would undoubtedly find him a suitable opponent.

 

Eventually, their carriage reached what appeared to be the edge of the 46th Floor. Tower Floors had no clear boundaries—travelers would simply find themselves back at their starting point after going too far in any direction. Having placed markers at regular intervals during their journey, they could confirm they had indeed been transported back to their beginning point.

 

Understanding the Floor’s dimensions would help them navigate systematically. This method was based on Kousuke’s experience with towers on his home continent, though he acknowledged that towers on other continents might operate under entirely different rules. Since his approach had proven successful so far, he saw no reason to abandon it now.

 

His plan was straightforward: circle from the edge toward the center, searching for anything unusual. It was a mundane but thorough approach. Without knowing specifically what he sought, methodical investigation was their best option. Where the carriage couldn’t pass, they would continue on foot.

 

Even with Mitsuki’s exceptional abilities and Kousuke’s divine nature, this type of investigation required patience and steady effort.

 

—

 

Kousuke had expected the 46th Floor investigation to take over a week, but fortune smiled upon him. Before completing their survey, he received a telepathic message from Peach announcing that the succubus clan was ready to assist.

 

Abandoning their current investigation, he teleported his group back to the tower’s entrance. As they prepared to head to the Guild as usual, a familiar voice called out.

 

“Oh, Kou-sama! It’s been quite a while.”

 

The Tower Conquest Guild’s receptionist approached them with her characteristic smile. While her expression seemed genuine enough, the timing felt suspiciously convenient. After all, Kouhi from their Guild was currently dominating the arena scene, and it was natural for Guild administrators to wonder about the status of members they’d been monitoring.

 

Even if this particular receptionist harbored no ulterior motives, her superiors were likely very interested in Wolf Fang’s activities.

 

Kousuke responded carefully, “Indeed, it has been a while.”

 

“I haven’t seen you recently. Have you been conquering the Tower this whole time?”

 

“Not exactly.” Kousuke replied honestly. “We’ve returned several times, but I suppose our timing just hasn’t aligned.”

 

He saw no point in deception about something so easily verified.

 

“I see. How is your progress? Are you making any good headway?” The receptionist’s interest seemed genuine rather than calculated, matching Kousuke’s initial assessment. She appeared to be asking out of professional curiosity about their group’s advancement.

 

“Yes, we’re making steady progress without major obstacles.”

 

“If you don’t mind me asking, which Floor have you reached?” This time, her question carried a hint of hesitation. Most Guilds kept their Tower progress confidential, as it directly affected organizational income and standing.

 

Kousuke considered concealing their advancement for strategic reasons, but ultimately decided on honesty. Their progress would be revealed anyway when they renewed their conquest cards, and transparency now might prove beneficial later.

 

“We’ve reached the 46th Floor.”

 

The receptionist’s smile froze completely.

 

“Are you feeling alright?” Kousuke asked, noting her sudden pallor.

 

Her practiced professional demeanor cracked, replaced by barely concealed shock.

 

“Fo-forty-sixth?” she stammered. “That’s… that’s really fast.”

 

“We’ll likely be slowing our pace soon to focus on thorough exploration.” Kousuke replied casually.

 

“Ah, I see. Well then, best of luck with your continued efforts.”

 

Kousuke waved goodbye to the still-stunned receptionist as they departed, leaving her to process the implications of Wolf Fang’s rapid advancement through Gazenran Tower.