Chapter 185: Three Months


    When Gi-Gyu finally regained sight, he found himself a little distance away from a Towerndmark. Looking around, he discovered he wasnt in the pure-white space or the candle-lit hallway. He was actually in a familiar ce.


    He was in the Tower.


    I guess this is the 51st-floorndmark? Gi-Gyu looked around to see other yers. They were real people as opposed to data-constructs the Tower had shown him. Because this was the 51st floor, there werent many yers around him, but there were a fair number of them. Gi-Gyu watched them with interest.


    I guess not much has changed. Contrary to his expectations, it appeared not a lot of time had passed. This was a huge relief. He was secretly worried that the difference in the axis of time would result in a few decades passing by the time he returned.


    Haa Gi-Gyu sighed in relief. However, that didnt mean that the time axis was no longer askew. But, what made it askew? He opened Brunhearts gate, asked Old Man Hwang to check on his family, and then began walking. With the mercenary ring resting snugly on his finger, he looked for the association office inside thendmark, sure they would take care of everything for him.


    Just then, someone called out his name, Ranker Kim Gi-Gyu.


    ***


    Gi-Gyu had hoped it was Sung-Hoon, but it was someone unfamiliar.


    Who are you? Gi-Gyu asked.


    The man raised a photo of Gi-Gyu and asked, Im from the association. Youre Ranker Kim Gi-Gyu, right?


    Gi-Gyu looked at the man with suspicion. If this were indeed an association agent, he would have to be a powerful yer, at least a ranker, since he was dispatched to the 51st floor.


    Gi-Gyu nodded and replied, Yes, thats correct.


    The agent turned serious. He looked around as he asked, Could you follow me?


    I dont know who you are, so why would I follow you? Gi-Gyu asked in turn.


    The man slowly walked toward Gi-Gyu while looking around. Gi-Gyu felt no hostility from the agent, so he didnt react. When he was close enough, the man whispered, General Manager Oh Tae-Shik asked me to bring you to him if I find you, Ranker Kim Gi-Gyu.


    Gi-Gyu became confused. Why did this man sound so cautious and nervous about Oh Tae-Shik looking for him?


    Gi-Gyu asked, Did something happen?


    When the man nodded slowly, Gi-Gyu became even more anxious. He yelled, What happened?! Is my family okay? Is everyone okay?


    Before Gi-Gyu asked his question, he surrounded the two of them with his magic like a barrier so no one could hear them. Sensing the foreign energy around them, the agents eyes widened in surprise.


    Everyones safe. The agent seemed to be in a hurry as he ushered Gi-Gyu.


    Then why Gi-Gyu was about to ask a question when he heard Old Man Hwangs voice.


    -We have a problem! I heard that the KPA has copsed!


    The agent simultaneously exined, The Korean yers Association has copsed.


    It was shocking news.


    ***


    What do you mean the KPA copsed? Gi-Gyu hot-footed it out of the Tower. He didnt really care where the agent was taking him. The news was so shocking that he still hadnte to terms with it.


    Can you tell me how much time has passed? Gi-Gyu asked in rm. Could it be that he had spent several decades taking the 50th-floor test? Did Andras seed in destroying the KPA in the meanwhile?


    Gi-Gyu couldnt hide his panic. Suddenly, the agent stopped and stared at him. He asked, Do you really not know?


    The man seemed shocked as he continued, Everyone thought you were dead, Ranker Kim Gi-Gyu.


    Gi-Gyu gasped in shock, and his heart fell in terror.


    <em>No, please </em>He begged silently, praying that his suspicion wasnt true. Did he really spend years in the Tower taking the test? Gi-Gyu felt furious at Gaia and Kronos.


    The agent replied, Three months.


    Pardon?


    It has been three months since you went inside to take the test, Ranker Kim Gi-Gyu, the agent exined dryly.


    Three months? Was he supposed to feel relieved? Thankfully, it wasnt as bad as he had thought. Years havent passed, but three months was still a very long time.


    Yes, three months have passed, the agent confirmed.


    Gi-Gyu gulped and said, Then He quickly controlled his panic. Perhaps his stabilized shell was why he found calming down his emotions easier.


    Gi-Gyu asked, Are you saying the KPA copsed in three months? Is that even possible?


    The Korean yers Association was a powerful organization. It was an integral part of the Global yers Association. As one of the first high rankers and the president of KPA, Oh Tae-Gu, aka Asura, wasnt someone to be underestimated. KPA was an influential and capable group, so it was hard to believe such a ce would copse in only three months.


    Everyone found it difficult to believe it, but its all true. The Korean yers Association copsed, and The association president, Asura, is now The agent sounded distressed as he continued, Hes imprisoned in Gehenna.


    Oh my god! Gi-Gyu eximed in shock. This made zero sense. This had to be a dream.


    Gi-Gyu asked, Where are we going now?


    Were leaving the Tower. Since we are wanted, we will have to escape through a secret pathway we have created. The agent put his hand on Gi-Gyus shoulder and added, Youre the most wanted of them all, Ranker Kim Gi-Gyu.


    Pardon?


    Youll find out what happened when you meet General Manager Oh Tae-Shik, so please follow me this way.


    The agent walked between the building in thendmark, and Gi-Gyu followed quietly.


    Lou said encouragingly,


    -Three months Try to be positive here. Old Man Hwang is gathering as much information as he can, so dont worry too much.


    El consoled Gi-Gyu,


    -He said your family is safe, didnt he? So please control your emotions, Master.


    Even Brunheart murmured,


    -Master Are you okay?


    Could his Egos also feel his emotions now?


    Suddenly, the agent stopped and whispered, Could you wait for me here for a moment? I need to meet the broker.


    Gi-Gyu understood what was happening. Only one portal was located in thendmark, so they could only escape through it.


    All right, Gi-Gyu replied.


    The agent tapped Gi-Gyus shoulder twice as if to reassure him. Finally, Gi-Gyu thought aloud, Just what could make the KPA copse?


    It was an impossible question to answer; thankfully, Old Man Hwang spoke up.


    -Im looking into it. I, or any of us here in the gate, cant show ourselves to the outside world easily right now. But I think your home looks intact, and I dont sense any intruders.


    Unfortunately, Old Man Hwangs voice trembled as he continued,


    -But I cant find your family And I cant find Min-Su either.


    Pardon?


    -But. Since that agent just now said your family is safe Lets be patient. All I can tell you is that I cant feel any presence in your home or mine. I also think no one has been there in a long time, given the dust build-up.


    Gi-Gyu clenched his fists, unable to control his panic. He felt like something horrible was about to happen.


    -Hey!


    -Master!


    Lou and El abruptly called out to him.


    I know, Gi-Gyu replied, his fists still clenched tightly. The veins in his hands twitched visibly.


    Lou announced,


    -I sense enemies nearby.


    As Gi-Gyu sensed the numerous tense and hostile presences outside the building, eerie calmness filled Gi-Gyus eyes. He could tell they were here for him.


    Gi-Gyu remained quiet and didnt make the first move. He calmly prepared himself for the uing battle.


    -I can see youve gotten more confident. This is good.


    Loumented.


    Just as El had said, Gi-Gyu wasnt worried about the uing fight. No matter who his enemy was, he felt certain he could handle himself.


    <em>Kaboom!</em>


    Suddenly, the building door exploded, filling the space with something that blurred Gi-Gyus vision. It wasnt simple dust; it was some skill being used to block his sight.


    Kim Gi-Gyu is here! a familiar voice yelled.


    Gi-Gyu immediately realized that it was the voice of the man who had brought him here.


    The man ordered, Kim Gi-Gyu is estimated to be a high ranker! Proceed as nned!


    Even before the man could finish his order, countless skills had attacked Gi-Gyu.


    ***


    Hahaha! If we can capture Kim Gi-Gyu, our lives will change forever! We wont have to risk our lives to work as yers anymore! Well have all the riches in the world! one of the attackers smirked in excitement. Gi-Gyus enemies chatted as if they had already captured Gi-Gyu. Their arrogance was understandable since they had been preparing for this for a long time. In fact, they had prepared themselves so well that they could easily kill a guardian or two right now. They were ready to show every one of their skills to their fullest potential.


    <em>Kaboom!</em>


    The ground shook and cracked as bombs exploded. Gi-Gyu could tell they were no ordinary bombs, as they were crafted using materials from the higher floors. These were normally used to raid a powerful guardian. It appeared that Gi-Gyus enemies had nted these bombs beforehand because they had exploded when he stepped on the ground.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    There was no way to escape. The explosions were immediately followed by the signature moves of the magic category yers. Since they were all on the 51st floor, they had to be at least at rankers or higher. Moreover, since they had deemed Gi-Gyu a high ranker, they had prepared for this difficult battle ordingly. The enemy yers didnt give him any breathing room.


    Remember, we cantpletely pulverize him! a yer, who looked like the group leader, ordered.


    Do not let your guard down! Kim Gi-Gyu is a high ranker! Dont let him make a single move! another yer shouted.


    The enemy yers moved quickly and efficiently. The way they fought as a unit told Gi-Gyu that these were professionals.


    The group leader yelled, The others will be here soon! Whoever heard these explosions would being here as we speak! We need to finish it before then! We cant lose him when were so close!


    It seemed that the leader thought he was close to defeating Gi-Gyu.


    -Pervert.


    Through the loud noises, Gi-Gyu heard Lou smirk.


    Lou muttered,


    -Did you let them capture you on purpose? To get information quickly? I think its official that your brain is working well now. I guess I dont have to worry anymore.


    Instead of sounding worried, Lou seemed to be enjoying himself.


    -So you knew that man wasnt an association agent? You even acted suspiciously to make him believe you have fallen for his trick? Im impressed. If I had hands, I would be apuding you right now. This way, you dont have to try to find your enemies. They will find you and give you all the information, right? Excellent n.


    One of the enemy yers asked, Is it finally over? Did we get him?


    By now, the attackers had topped out. Their n was well thought out and efficient. If they were after a guardian, it would have by now. All of them believed they had seeded. They thought Gi-Gyu was either dead or fatally wounded.


    But


    <em>Whack.</em>


    Someones scream followed the blunt noise.


    Ackkkk!


    The ck and white smoke began to settle down. Before the enemy yers could even say anything, Gi-Gyu asked, Is that all you got?