Chapter 46: Rumours

Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Rumours

Chloe nudged him lightly, prompting Michael to lift his gaze and meet hers.

"What?" he asked softly.

Chloe simply shook her head, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Aren’t you curious? About the test, I mean. Don’t tell me you’re too shy to ask your Big Sis."

Michael shook his head, still looking slightly dazed. He spoke slowly and carefully, his brow creasing as though he were weighing his words. "Then, if I may trouble Big Sis... what’s the test?"

A few nearby shoppers had begun watching their exchange. A young spearman elbowed his friend and muttered, "Bro, look at that. Isn’t that the queen bee? Can’t believe that kid caught her attention and even got a free meal."

His companion snorted, narrowing his eyes. "Idiot, can’t you see? That kid’s clearly nothing but a damn gigolo, using his face and body to sleep his way to the top."

A girl standing beside them scoffed and folded her arms across her chest. "You shouldn’t belittle others, Junior Brother. If you really think it’s that easy, why don’t you try charming a few women yourself?"

The man clicked his tongue and stalked away.

Michael ignored the background noise, keeping his attention on the chestnut-haired beauty, whose wide smile made it clear she was more than happy to explain.

"As I said before, the main test is aptitude testing," she said, leaning her full weight against him. "Before anyone enters the tower, they measure your basic potential: physical abilities, skills, gene capabilities, that sort of thing. And you don’t need to worry about the test being faulty, since Her Highness herself brought it."

She suddenly chuckled. "Actually, I didn’t even have to take the test since Her Highness gave me a permit."

Michael’s eyes widened, and his mouth fell open. "No way~ You actually know Her Highness?"

Chloe raised her chin proudly. "Of course. This Big Sis would have you know that I’ve actually shared a meal with her."

"Wow! I didn’t know Big Sis was such a great figure. You even shared a meal with a Sovereign?" he mumbled, his eyes sparkling with admiration.

The reaction clearly pleased Chloe, and she couldn’t help but look a little more proud of her connection.

"Mm." She nodded. "It isn’t that big of a deal. Perhaps if you stick close to Big Sis, you might be able to see Her Highness one day too."

She suddenly shook her head and waved a hand. "But let’s forget about that for now. As I was saying, after everyone finishes testing, you can enter if you pass the mark. However, your score determines whether you can join a party, and if your score is high enough, you can even make one yourself. The higher your potential, the more members you can have."

Chloe smiled warmly as she breathed in his scent. "You really don’t know any of this, do you, little brother?"

Michael let a touch of genuine curiosity show on his face. "Well, I’ve been... sheltered my entire life, and my master kept me training in the mountains until recently. Everything out here is new to me."

The woman’s eyes sparkled, her gaze lingering on him with equal parts amusement and hunger. "A mountain-raised jade, then. No wonder you look so pure."

She tugged lightly on his arm and began guiding him through the crowd. "Come along. Big Sister will show you the testing line and explain a few things while we walk."

Michael let himself be pulled along by Chloe as she explained several things about the testing process and the current state of the rift.

From everything she told him, combined with the bits of information he picked up from nearby conversations, Michael was able to piece together almost everything that had happened so far.

It seemed the testing was less about determining what the tower would allow and more about Seraphine filtering out the chaff so the weaker ones wouldn’t suffer unnecessary deaths. It also seemed the tower began with a tutorial stage, which was the only stage where the people inside could still communicate with those outside.

And from everything that had come out over the past few days, there seemed to be no way back down once someone entered the tower.

Most people and experts speculated that there would be a path back down at a certain floor. That was the main reason people were still willing to attempt the tower despite the danger, though whether such a path actually existed was still uncertain.

Michael, on the other hand, knew the theory was most likely correct. After all, this tower was fairly similar to the ones he’d read about in novels back on Earth.

Chloe’s voice pulled Michael back to the present as she pointed toward the line of various Awakened waiting to be tested.

At the end of the line stood a jagged crystal used for the aptitude testing. Beside it was a large, military-grade white building, which was most likely the military’s main camp.

’I wonder if Sera’s there.’

"Hey, little brother." Chloe waved a hand in front of his face. "What? Did you get cold feet?"

Michael gave a short nod. "A little."

Chloe nodded several times in understanding. "Well, you’re a newbie, so it’s only natural. And judging from your aura, you’re still a Rank 9."

She reached out and patted his head. "But don’t worry. Big Sis would take you in even if you fail. As long as I give you my porter role, you can enter and get stronger."

She suddenly paused, her expression turning serious. "One more important thing before you go up there."

Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "Make sure not to offend anyone there." She glanced left and right before lowering her voice. "From what I heard, Her Highness’s boy toy lover is coming over. If anyone dares offend him, that’s basically slapping Her Highness in the face."

Michael’s brows twitched slightly. ’Is this what they’re calling me now?’

He swallowed the urge to yell that he wasn’t a damned boy toy and simply nodded. "I’ll be sure to do as Big Sis has said."

Chloe reluctantly let go of his hand as he stepped forward. "Little brother, come to think of it, you never told me your name..."

Michael stopped.

For a moment, he said nothing.

His eyes drifted toward the massive rift ahead.

If people already knew about his existence despite him spending the past month hidden away in Seraphine’s mansion, then giving out his real name would surely draw unnecessary attention. After all, if they could learn of his existence, what was stopping them from finding out his name as well?

His gaze returned to Chloe.

He could simply whisper his real name to her.

Or...

"I’m..." he began, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Loki."