"what about races? Do only elves live here?"
"There are only three races, elves, humans and dwarves. When the Towers were cleared, the remaining three survivors created their own kingdom. King Thorin founded the dwarf kingdom, King Oliver, the human empire and King Alder founded the elve kingdom."
By now they had reached the city. The busy roads, the vehicles, the skyscrapers everything resembled his world. The only difference is that they used magic as fuel instead of electricity.
"By the way Laura," he began. Upon seeing Laura, he had been itching to ask the whereabouts of his doppelganger family.
"Are mother and Telvin okay?"
Laura faced the window before answering.
"Mother died a year ago. As for brother..."
Those words hit like a physical blow. He didn't even listen the rest. When he saw Laura alive, he thought that he would finally reunite with his 'family' after a century. The smile on their faces, the warmth of his mother's hugs, her delicious food. He had hoped to experience it again. But reality is cruel. All his hopes shattered like glass. His only regret is leaving without saying goodbye.
He stared outside the window watching cars pass like phantoms.
After a silent ten minutes drive, the car arrived in front of a mansion. A magnificent mansion capable of housing almost a hundred people. The driver opened the backseat doors.
They both stepped out. Reagan had to admire first. The fountain near the house, the short grass that covered the ground, the well trimmed hedges, everything was screaming wealthiness.
"You are rich. No wonder you could refuse my treat offer." he said as continued admiring
"When you are done admiring you can come in." she said.
The interior design was perfect. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, light mana balls used for lighting, wooden stairs that led to the upper floors, family pictures hung on the wall. Even in this world, it seems the father abandoned them.
A butler approached them to welcome them.
"Welcome your highness."
Reagan immediately faced Laura.
"You are a noble?" he asked surprised
"A royal to be precise. I thought you were the same."
"There were no kings in our world. Is that why I am getting all the looks from every corner?" he asked when he noticed the servants staring at him.
"No wonder you are rich to own this mansion."
"I got this mansion by defeating monsters."
"This must have cost you a lot. What rank are you?"
"S rank."
"Hm?"
"S rank," she repeated again.
"S rank, huh? Guess I shouldn't be surprised anymore."
"Anna!" Laura called. A blonde haired maid rushed over from the kitchen.
"Prepare him a meal and tell Sofia to prepare a room for him."
"Yes your highness." she bowed and went back to kitchen.
"Where are you going?"
"I've got work to do."
"I thought princesses don't work."
"Even though I am a royalty, I am still a hunter. Besides, our deal still stands. I need to prepare the contract forms. I'll see you in the evening." she said as she headed out.
"First, I need to take a shower. I don't even remember when last I bathed."
...
10: 00 pm
Reagan was lying on the oversized king bed as he checked his system.
[Quest: Grudge of the Betrayed]
[Find out the secret behind the Towers appearance and defeat the outer gods]
[Progress: 0%]
[Time Limit: None]
[Failure Penalty: - - - ]
[Reward: Anything]
"The reward is tempting but I would rather not believe it. If I believe it like the Tower it will only end with my hopes shattered.
I don't even know who revived me but all I know is that they consider the Outer Gods their enemy. I don't care who they are, but as long as they help me defeat the Outer Gods, I would do anything in return.
The progress is labeled 0% meaning what I know about the Tower being used as an arena to please the Outer Gods is not the whole truth.
If I want to know the truth I need to know everything in this world. But before that, I need to be strong enough to fight the Outer Gods.
Laura said she will find a dungeon for me to hunt tomorrow. I look forward to it."
With that, he dozed off.
...
Midnight
Reagan was rolling on the bed and mumbling.
He was dreaming about the memories he made in the Tower.
He sat down on the beach staring at the starry sky. The calm ocean water mirroring the stars. Beside him sat Valeria and Liam roasting fish.
"Why I fight you ask? To begin with, I never chose to enter the Tower so the only reason I'm fighting is because I want to see my family again." Valeria said.
"As for me, I want to clear the Tower and use my wish to heal my sister's disease." Liam stated
"What about you Reagan?" he asked.
"I miss my family."
"Then let's clear this Tower and accomplish our goals." Liam cheerfully said. "Here's to our promise." he said as he raised his energy drink.
"Cheers," they all chorused together as they clinked their drinks.
The memories then shifted to floor 52. The floor which he labeled the graveyard of his friends.
He was staring at the warm blood on his hand that Laura left after dying.
He immediately sprung up from his nightmare.
"That dream again." he said with ragged breaths and sweat trickling down his face. He have been having those dreams since they died and no matter what he tried, they always appeared.
It was already six in the morning. He decided to take a quick jog to clear his mind.
.....
10: 00 am
Soldiers with guns hung on their shoulders stood near the gate. Although normal guns have no effect to high rank monsters the guns they are using are mana enchanted weapons. People filled the park where the gate was located. Reagan was among one of them. He looked confused.
'What's going on. I was supposed to come hunt monster, but why? Why am I stuck as a porter. How am I supposed to level up if I can't even kill a monster. She could've told me before that I needed to register as a hunter if I wanted to clear the gates.'
"We got a newbie." a man said as he sipped his coffee.
"And a strong on at that. Today you won't have to complain about your back aching." another one added. Clearly, they were referring to Reagan.
"Don't raise your hopes. We have seen a couple of non awakeners who have a good physique but end up running when they see the monsters inside a dungeon." another one added.
"What about that one who joined us lately, what was he called again?"
"You mean that guy who joined us a week ago?"
"Yes, yes. Ah there he is." he said pointing at the young man approaching them.
He wore a hoodie and a black mask that covered half his face. On his back hung a big bag that shadowed his slim body.
Reagan stared at him. He looked somewhat familiar, but the entrance of the hunters interrupted his thoughts.
A knight clad in silver-red armor, two tankers, a mage and two support (healers).
When the porters saw them, they immediately took their belongings. They all entered the gate.