Tower of Babel, 14th Floor
Kojo struggled to get out of Saleem's chokehold while she tried to whip him as punishment. From the corner of their eyes, they noticed movement and paused to see Eiden getting to his feet. The wounds he suffered due to their fight disappeared, causing Kojo to get alarmed.
"Calm down, it's over," Saleem said, releasing him.
The broken pieces of rock that broke off the tower due to Kojo's attack rose off the ground and returned to their original places.
"Don't be alarmed, it's the tower's self-mechanism that has been activated," Eiden said. Kojo looked at him.
"I must say that was quite the ability you used. I never thought I'd meet someone who was similar yet so different from Lady Estelle," he said as sand began to swirl around them. Another whirlwind surrounded Eiden, but instead of armor, it was a grey robe. The winds stopped, and they found themselves in the most magnificent castle, more splendid than the one in the Capitol.
"Follow me," Eiden said, walking inside with his arms behind him.
"Huh," Kojo said with a bewildered expression. Saleem just followed without hesitation.
Kojo looked at her before deciding to follow after Eiden.
"So what's this all about?" Kojo asked.
"The reward for your completion of the tower with my defeat."
"Ooh, so what is it?" Kojo asked nonchalantly.
"First of all, you might have some questions. This tower was constructed by Lady Estelle during the era known to humans as the Dark Ages. During that time, there was a conflict between gods, the demon Minatori, and Demon Lord Dona Crymson battled throughout the cosmos and beyond, with many higher powers and principalities taking advantage of this."
"Why were they fighting? I mean, they both attained godhood, which means they had everything they want. Even if not that, they don't die, and 'battle through the cosmos' means they're so OP, power is just a meaningless word lower life forms use in an attempt to make sense of it all?"
Saleem glanced at him.
"What, am I lying?"
"They were fighting because Minatori was of the view that all lower life forms should be managed by the gods," Eiden said.
"Okay, first of all, you're using too many general words here, and secondly, I think it's too soon in the story for any universal-level bastard to just spawn."
(Kojo, take this seriously.)
"I'm being serious."
"I understand if you don't understand any of this," Saleem began.
"Oh, I know what's going on. Wait, let me give a prediction: the gods who have this council or whatever are opposed to his idea, and the reason why he's after this crimson lady is because she's directly involved in this plan of his."
"You're right. I would expect nothing less from the Hero's successor," Eiden said, turning to Kojo and smiling. Kojo was stunned. Just moments ago, they were fighting to the death, and now Eiden was acting so... friendly.
"Wait, what do you mean successor? I'm not the hero in this world. That's Yuki's job, not mine. All I wanted to do was live here as long as I could, then die like every normal person. You know, I'm starting to think the writer hates me, pushing the heavy burden of 'responsibility' on my shoulders."
"I think I strangled you too hard; it's affecting your head," Saleem said.
"It is not," Kojo said. They walked into a large room with an endless expanse of treasure that stretched as far as the eye could see.
"How's all this in this tiny room?"
(Spatial manipulation, dumbass.)
"Oh."
"As you've probably surmised, the Hero Estelle Leicester was chosen to keep this world from falling like others by defeating the Maajin army that would plunder for resources or defeat nations that would try to tip the scales of power in their favor. This tower is a treasury that houses all the treasures that Estelle acquired throughout. It also includes war trophies, gifts, as well as the various species who were nearly driven to extinction by the various wars that took place," Eiden said, taking Caliburn off a pedestal and presenting it to him. Kojo hesitated, then took it, the sword instantly going to his dimensional storage.
"Ownership of the Tower of Babel, its contents, and the inheritance of Hero Sage Estelle Leicester have now been transferred to Kojo Atari."
Kojo stared at him, wide-eyed as he processed his words, while Saleem ignored what was going on as if she knew it would happen, rather turning her attention to a glass case with a golden compass displayed inside.
(Hello? Earth to Kojo?)
"Huh?"
A magic circle materialized on the ground under them, runes flickering within it. Kojo stared at it with curiosity as he couldn't recognize the markings.
(They're runic texts from the Age of Prosperity, before the Demon vs. God war.)
"What?" Kojo yelled.
(The war that started the Dark Ages.)
"This stigma will grant you access to all of the tower's facilities," Eiden said.
(Notice:
Ownership of the Tower of Babel as well as its contents have been transferred to Kojo Atari.)
"I don't want ownership rights; I only came for... Well, now that I think about it, why did I come here anyway?" Kojo asked, rubbing his chin.
"Hey, Saleem," Kojo turned, but the case she was looking at was broken, and the compass was gone.
"That sly lizard," Kojo said with annoyance.
(Do you assent to the ownership transfer?)
"No."
(Ownership has been transferred.)
"Why did you ask if you were going to do it anyway?" Kojo frowned.
(You have been endorsed by Estelle Leicester.
Transfer complete.
Ownership of the tower has been transferred to you.
You have been granted the status 'Administrator.'
All the denizens of the tower now see you as their guardian.)
"Yeah, I love more responsibility being put on my shoulders," Kojo said sarcastically, folding his arms. He noticed runes appearing on his left wrist.
(Eiden has sworn his allegiance to you.
Eiden has gained moderator status.
Transfer Complete.)
"It is done," Eiden said as the Magic circle disappeared.
Kojo on the side looked at his wrist and just shrugged.
(Aren't you gonna say anything?)
"F it."
(Seriously? You've gotten access to the greatest treasures the world has to offer, and all you have to say is 'F' it?)
Eiden bowed, startling Kojo.
"I look forward to serving you, Master."
Kojo sighed.
"Get up, man," Kojo said, stretching his hand toward him.
"Let's both do our best," he said with a smirk. Eiden was surprised but smiled back and took his hand.
Kojo flew onto the balcony and walked into the room.
"Hey guys, I'm back," Adriana rushed and hugged him.
"You sure took your time," Koniko said.
"Darling," Sasha said, wrapping her arms around him. Kojo smiled but noticed that Adriana was still sad about something.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Kojo asked.
She looked at him tearfully.
"Oh, so you must be Kojo's harem. It's a pleasure to meet you," Eiden said. Everyone turned to look at him.
"Was I interrupting anything?" he asked.
"Who are you?" Lin asked.
"Eiden, Lord of Salt," Sasha said.
"Sasha, the carnage queen, it's been a while," Eiden replied.
"You know that women value modesty more than anything, so please don't call me that," Sasha said. Kojo looked at her and wondered if that was the same person or if it was a doppelganger.
"Maybe I'm just tired," he concluded, running his hand through his hair.
"I'm sorry."
"Well, in any case, if you're here, it means Kojo beat you."
"If that's the case, then what are you doing outside the tower?" Sharone asked.
"I am now Sir Kojo's personal assistant," he replied.
"But we already have a butler," Lin pointed out.
"Hey, where's Rey?" Kojo asked. The room fell silent.
"Oh crap," Kojo said.