Shortage

Chapter 22

Charlotte and her unit were already bound toward the gathering point; it was such an annoyance for them as they still used caravans to transport supplies. The lack of modern transportation made their journey slow and cumbersome, causing frustration among the team members. All technological advancements were utterly useless inside the tower; the engine, a diesel engine, would run, and most players were all inclined toward being a hunter, warrior,

And the very few forgers never delve into creating advanced equipment inside the tower because of the equivalent raw materials needed to make this equipment; the gatekeepers never allow products that were now needed inside the tower; they allow only upon the scenario to which the tower residents request, but because these beings are bound to the rules to whom it was copied,

In essence, a lengthy list of goods and materials is prohibited from entering the skyscraper. The scenario law is followed by these materials. Since King Deryth Cererindur requested a useful weapon that could be acquired, the High Strategy guild was successful in obtaining the titanium projectile. And Mithril, a pricey and valuable metal, is one of the few metals in the tower that can be used to cut a dragon's scales. Titan ore is the name of the second and useful metal.

which, incidentally, is the same as the earth metal titanium. The king of the land of Solnara Cererindur asked the gatekeepers to grant the request, and they agreed because forged titan metal weapons are uncommon inside the tower and are primarily used by mages as catalysts for the creation of chemical compounds and spells, particularly in potion making.

The gatekeepers imposed stringent requirements for the titanium to be made outside the tower. Charlotte's backup ammunition for the Drake quest consisted of these two dozen large, human-sized projectiles. The East Lazarus guild was approaching the Solnara Cererindur Empire, as they intended to travel through the vast city to reduce the travel time; if they took a straight path, the trip would only take two days.

Charlotte was leading her team riding in front when a messenger sprite approached her and handed her a letter. It was about the attack on the High Strategy guild. Charlotte's eyes widened as Bonnie and Cody Lazarus were hurt; luckily, a mysterious being helped them, and based on the details, the report assumed it was associated with their clan. The being looked humanoid, but the swirling dark smoke-like mana was covering its entire body, and it was very difficult to distinguish.

Because a few high-rank gatekeepers were also seen with the same appearance, but instead of the combined smoke, fire, and electricity, the element covering these gatekeepers physical bodies was just one particular element, either fire, water, etc. The similarities in appearance between the mysterious being and the high-rank gatekeepers led investigators to believe that they were all connected in some way. The use of elemental powers by both entities suggested a common source or purpose behind their actions.

But Charlotte was more concerned about Bonnie and Cody's condition; communication inside the tower was slow, and she feared for their safety. As she anxiously asked the messenger sprite for more details and added if the same message was sent to her other cousin, who was Mary Kay Lazarus, the messenger sprite nodded and pointed at the bottom part of the letter; it was signed by Mary Kay. She asked Jacob Lazarus, her second in command, to lead the unit, as she needs to go back and inquire about the condition of those who were involved. The messenger sprite understood that the message in the letter had been read, and its job was done, so it flew away back to where it came.

Even though Charlotte was unhappy, she was still conscious of what she was doing; she is going crazy in situations like these. The towers do have communication artifacts, but only level 50 players are able to purchase and use them. These items are only made and sold at the Mage Citadels, which are located on the first floor of the tower at the Four Largest Empires. The quantity of each item varies based on the distance it can be used. It was ridiculous to send 100,000 gold coins a mile away.

Only level 50 players are allowed to purchase and use communication artifacts in the mage citadels, which are notorious for their stringent rules. Furthermore, the outrageous price of a hundred thousand gold coins for only a mile in distance; the farther, the more expensive it gets.

Charlotte has no choice but to secure the condition on her cousin and the Titanium project's current whereabouts. The evolved Drake status can change, and the lack of visual confirmation is making their mission more unpredictable. The warhorse she was riding could reach the tower gate before the sun sets inside, so as the captain, she orders Jacob to continue the task ahead, and she will meet him at the location. Hoping that this won't ruin their initial plan,

Meanwhile, Bonnie and Cody were still at the association clinic while the rest of their team guarded the cargo and equipment. They wanted to continue their task but were considering what just happened. Their remaining guild members were scared that those same attackers would come back. The association members at the small clinic were not enough to maintain proper protection, as many players were already targeting their supplies, especially the titanium projectiles.

Bonnie was awake but was too weak to move; Cody suffered a broken rib and injured his right arm in the attack. He was beside Bonnie, who was still lying on the clinic bed. The wound on her body was healing well with the help of the clinic healers, but it wasn't fast enough. Bonnie was concerned about the schedule they needed to follow for the upcoming Drake hunt, knowing that her recovery needed to progress quickly in order for them to compete. And she hoped that Cody's injuries would not hinder their chances of success. The clinic door burst open, and the two saw Mary Kay.

She looked distressed and out of breath. She dashed toward her two siblings and gave them a warm hug. Mary Kay suddenly cried and lost composure knowing that she could have lost them. MK cried and expressed her relief that they were safe and sound. She explained that she had received a distressing message about an accident involving Cody and Bonnie during their task toward the main gate. She saw the video as soon as she inquired about the delay. Seeing the video broke and shattered her heart; seeing Bonnie get stabbed and bleed out was too much for her to see. The being that saved the two was also seen; she was thankful and at the same time curious about who or what that thing was. It looked human-like, but it looked too vaguely similar to a high-rank gatekeeper.

In fact, the reporters were now more focused on saving the two members of the High Strategy guild. Because they have been given the authority by the gods, only gatekeepers are allowed to walk and interact outside the tower. However, they are still constrained by their purpose, and because Khamael was invisible to the human eye, it was able to attack the other entity with incredible speed. This attack was made possible by the fact that they were similar on a certain level but had different origins. The being that everyone saw resembled the guardians in the Arcane Crusade virtual game, which has the chaos bringer as the major adversary.

There are still a lot of reporters waiting outside the clinic, but after the incident, they were more sympathetic to the situation that led to the two players' hospitalization. These reporters were regular people who were a little afraid of what their guild captain would do to them if she discovered that they were the cause of MK's sibling's injuries in the first place. When they noticed that Mary Kay Lazarus had entered the clinic, they all carefully waited for any changes.

"Bonnie, do you know who that person who assisted you was?"

"I was too weak and lost a lot of blood; the only thing I could recall was the feeling that it was somewhat truly wanted to protect."

"It was like when we were being pampered by the elders; the comfort and security were there."

"Mary Kay, do you think that person is a human player?"

"I doubt it, Cody; it's too strong for players standards. High-rank monsters can emit that kind of mana; it was visible and raw. No low-level monster can do that."

"Only a sentient being can control that much mana."

"Remember, it was able to turn its mana energy into an extension of its own body; no motor can do that."

"Let alone use mana in that manner, most high-level monsters just used mana to enhance their attack and defense, but that person used mana as a weapon and effectively used it to kill the enemy with such precise movements."

"The level of control and precision displayed was truly remarkable, showcasing a deep understanding of mana manipulation. It's clear that this individual possesses a unique and advanced skill set that sets them apart from others in the tower."

"Yeah, I notice that too; even a dragon can't use their massive mana like that; they just focus on wide-scale chaos."

"The one that saved both of you could even speak human; the crackling and vibration of the mana frequency was strong and noisy, but the video still managed to record what it said."

"What I heard was. they are kin."

"That part I am confused with; what does that mean?"

Mary Kay Lazarus has been studying the lore of the Arcane Crusade. And one of the scenarios that is related to the main story is about the Chaos Bringer, who is not a creature of malice, nor is he driven by some twisted desire for power. It is, instead, the personification of entropy, a force as fundamental and uncaring as gravity itself. His existence is a paradox, a yearning for peace that can only be achieved through complete annihilation.

He sees existence, with all its light and order, as a flawed and temporary state, a precarious flicker destined to be extinguished. His goal isn't to conquer or to rule, but to dismantle and unravel, to reduce everything to an infinite, homogenous void.

it believes that only within this nothingness, in the ceaseless churn of endless potential, can true tranquility be found, making him not a villain but a tragic figure driven by an unyielding cosmic imperative. His methods are terrifying and destructive, yet his motivation is strangely serene—a desperate search for an end so profound that it becomes, paradoxically, a new beginning, a still point in the heart of the storm. He desires not to be a king on a throne but the center of a swirling vortex, the nexus point where all things cease to be.

This being is fundamentally part of the main story. Arcane Crusade was created to gain absolute freedom inside a world where anything was possible. That was the idea, but when Damon LaZarus and his outsource team created the mother code, the Nexus admin changed some details of their code command for their own benefit. It was enough to change the dynamics of the game but was not enough to be noticed.

She worries that something in the tower was inadvertently opened after seeing a minor detail about the Chaos Bringer.

"The Chaos Bringer is not a creature of malice, nor is he driven by some twisted desire for power. He is, instead, the personification of entropy, a force as fundamental and uncaring as gravity itself. His existence is a paradox, a yearning for peace that can only be achieved through complete annihilation."

"its existence, with all its light and order, as a flawed and temporary state, a precarious flicker destined to be extinguished. His goal isn't to conquer or to rule, but to dismantle and unravel, to reduce everything to an infinite, homogenous void."

"it believes that only within this nothingness, in the ceaseless churn of endless potential, can true tranquility be found, making him not a villain, but a tragic figure driven by an unyielding cosmic imperative."

"Its methods are terrifying and destructive, yet his motivation is strangely serene—a desperate search for an end so profound that it becomes, paradoxically, a new beginning, a still point in the heart of the storm. He desires not to be a king on a throne but the center of a swirling vortex, the nexus point where all things cease to be."

"If that thing came from the branch scenario and is related to the one thousand story line, we are in for some mind-bending revelations about the interconnectedness of all existence. The implications of its existence could shake the very foundation of the current situation as we know it."

"Players just started hunting inside the tower; nobody cared about the main scenario,"

"even with the increasing number of monster breaks, the majority of playe are just doing what they like to do."

"they see this situation not as a punishment but rather a blessing."

"These players are the ones that never passed the first floor. Unlike us, the entire Lazarus clan reached the seventh floor while this was still a game."

"the upper floors were relatively easier to defeat, that the reason we are building and making our force stronger is because Uncle Emmit and Aunt Addison want to clear the tower."

"Supposedly, the Chaos Bringer story is discovered on the eighth floor; we haven't even cleared the Empire of Graves yet."

"Wait, remember that in the game, many players reached the tenth floor already. Why is that so hard to do now?"

"Inside the game, you can always come back even after you died, Cody. This is reality; you die here, meaning you are gone, no second round."

"The Empire of Graves was easy when it was still a game. How many players died in the game in the first raid?"

"as I recall, nearly 200 high-rank players around level 50, but they still failed until the seventh attempt, a war campaign that lasted a month of nonstop gaming with teams fighting in the morning and at night."

" Cody, think carefully: what's the difference now?"

"This is no longer a game. Dying is permanent here in reality; there are no respawns or second chances." "The stakes are much higher now, with real consequences for failure." "

"Correct, that's the reason, Cody."

"The Empire of Graves is not as simple as game grinding. The enemy is an entire country."

"The mission to eliminate the Drake is part of the sub-scenario; clearing it will gain us a huge opportunity to enter the Empire of Graves with the help of King Deryth Cererindur."

"Many guilds will eventually latch on to us as soon as we accomplish this mission."

"Uncle Emmit assured us that the entire clan will be there to lend a hand; Charlotte can pass this opportunity.,"

Suddenly the messenger pixie came and delivered the letter to Mary Kay. She accepted the message and found it to be confusing, considering Charlotte will never leave her post to check on the current status of Bonnie and Cody. She was the last person to act this way; among the four Lazarus guild leaders, she was not the type to use her emotion. Traveling to investigate the attack was a fool's errand. Maty Kay crumpled the message and paid the messenger pixie as she went out to find Charlotte herself..

Mary Kay was sure something was not right. And she was right something is indeed wrong, among the personnel working for the High Strategy guild was a spy, this person was with Mary Kay when they were at the east Lazarus guild base loading the first batch for the Drake mission, this spy used a parasitic worm to blur her decision making and manipulate her actions.

The entire caravan was traveling toward the open area at the center of the enormous empire's commercial open market district when the east Lazarus caravan already entered the Solnara Cererindu empire. This huge space was designed to handle the large volume of freight that many merchants brought into and took out of the enormous city.

The property was situated in the center of the empire, with a ground area of about 30 acres that could hold 200 caravans. The main road out was also located there, and it was built so that the main royal castle in the northeast could watch over those who passed by. The king wanted to show that he is always watching over his people, but in fact, its just another way for him to assert his dominance and control over the merchants and travelers in his empire. The strategic location of the property allowed the king to keep a close eye on all incoming and outgoing goods, ensuring that nothing slipped through without his knowledge.

The royal castle stands above a small plateau that is made of solid bedrock. The walls surrounding his empire are directly connected to this 50-foot flat terrain highland. This location houses the empire's nobility and military power, as it was huge enough to accommodate three castles and their respective armies. The high vantage point also provided a clear view of any potential threats approaching from a distance, allowing the king to act swiftly in defense of his empire.

Jacob Lazarus was leading the caravan while Charllote left to check on the status of Bonie and Cody. The person that implanted the parasite in Charlotte's body was still with them as this person was riding alongside a few High Strategy guild personnel, assuring that the supplies wouldn't get stolen or contaminated. The journey to the far end of the Solnara Cererindur will be long and treacherous, but with their heightened awareness and strategic precautions, they were determined to reach their destination safely. As they continued on their journey, the group remained vigilant, not knowing that the threat of the parasite within Charlotte's mind was leading her astray as she was seen riding her war horse in a trance-like state, her eyes glazed over with a distant look. As many civilian saw her near the main tower gate exit, they whispered rumors of a curse that had befallen her. Little did they know the true danger that lurked within her mind, threatening not only herself but the entire group's mission.

The tower gate inside is surrounded with many structures, mostly merchant warehouses and small temporary residential homes similar to what was outside the tower. The rules of this small, monarch-free town are set by the gatekeepers. While it was not illegal to stay close to the gate, it is strictly forbidden to enter or leave without proper documentation. The gatekeepers were known to be ruthless in enforcing their rules, making it clear that anyone who dared to defy them would face severe consequences.

Each infrastructure that stood near the tower gate was paid in mana stones, and business dealings are not allowed; the gatekeepers designated that the empire of Solnara Cererindur will be the place to conduct any official business transactions. The gatekeepers were vigilant in ensuring that all who passed through the gate complied with these regulations, maintaining order and security within the first floor.

Players who had already set foot on the first floor saw Charlotte Lazarus roaming the place; many ignored her as they continued with their own tasks. She was looking for someone in particular, her eyes scanning the crowd intently. Despite the bustling activity around her, she remained focused on her mission, determined to find the person she sought. But she was acting weirdly, knowing she should be leading her guild. Many just ignored her and went on their own way.

Mary Kay Lazarus came out of the clinic. And saw Charlotte casually come out of the tower because she wasn't carrying any illegal undocumented items, she was allowed to freely go in and out of the tower, like all players that preceded her. Mary Kay saw her as she just stood in front of the most busy part of the gate entrance, looking lost and confused. Mary Kay immediately approached her. As soon as Mary Kay touched Charlotte's arm, she instantly fell unconscious, and she began to convulse. Mary Kay quickly called for medical assistance and tried to keep Charlotte stable until help arrived. The other players nearby were shocked and began to gather around, unsure of what to do.

Meanwhile, Dane was securing his bounty payment by bank transfer; Miko made sure that the money was clean and nobody from the association would notice the transfer. The bank he was in was very accommodating as they were affiliated with the association and made sure to respect the players personal privacy. While this was happening, Miko subsequently acquired a live video feed from an independent news reporter concerning another player who had collapsed on the field outside the tower.

The news reporter was reporting live on the player's condition and the emergency response team rushing to the scene. Miko quickly shared the information with Dane; he could not believe it was Charlotte this time. Somebody or some group is targeting his relatives, and Dane knew the reason might be related toward the sub-scenario connecting with the quest of the Empire of Graves.

"This is getting out of hand. Miko, get me all available information on those who tried to clear the Empire of graves when the tower became real."

"SINCE THE TOWER OF CHAOS APPEARANCE, THOSE WHO ALREADY GAIN EXPERIENCE IN THE VIRTUAL GAME STARTED THE CAMPAIGN TO CLEAR THE EMPIRE OF GRAVES TO QUICKLY ASSERT DOMINANCE ON THE SECOND FLOOR. SADLY, AMONG THE NINE ATTEMPTS AND NEARLY 215 PLAYERS DEAD, NOBODY HAS EVER CLEARED THE QUEST."

" There is a huge difference in the virtual game and in the real tower. These players should clearly understand this; the only way to clear the Empire of Graves is to gain King Deryth Cererindur's support after eliminating the Evolve Drake."

"The options I gave them were created for those who are determined and skilled enough to succeed in this challenging quest. Only the most dedicated players will have a chance at victory in the Empire of Graves."

"Entering the Empire of Grave isn't illegal, but it will cost alot of player lives and resources. In the virtual game, many were able to achieve this goal; entering the second floor was the hardest part; after that, everything was straightforward."

"I guess many players assumed it was easy to conquer, especially since it became real; they forgot that there is no do-over if you die inside the tower now."

"It's crucial to strategize and plan carefully before venturing into the Empire of Graves to increase your chances of survival. Once inside, every decision you make could mean the difference between success and failure in this perilous virtual world. "

"it's really a pain, considering I was the one who created that particular scenario."

"One complication after another," he muttered under his breath, feeling the weight of responsibility for the challenges he had unleashed. "

"This is more of a hassle on my part," he thought, realizing the consequences of his own creation. "But I suppose that's the price to pay for being the mastermind behind it all."

"I need to clear this problem first; I really don't mind these other players. Do you want to go inside the tower, but his blood relatives are getting hurt; he needs to do something about it?"

"Miko Charlotte was seen outside the tower. ?

"CORRECT, MASTER, I CAN ACCESS THE DATA AT THE LOCATION AND EVEN SECURE MEDICAL RECORDS OF THE CLINIC SHE WAS ADMITTED IN."

"Please proceed."

"YOUR RELATIVE IS INFECTED BY A PARASITE. BUT IT'S NONFATAL; IT WILL EVENTUALLY DIE WITHIN A FEW DAYS, MASTER."

"NOTHING WILL HAPPEN TO HER; SHE WILL BE FINE."

"I WILL MAKE SURE SHE MONITORS HER CONDITION CLOSELY."

Dane wanted to act against what he assumed to be the sub-scenario toward clearing a first floor. but at the same time should open a path were is clan remains on top, he took a deep heavy breath and decided to do what was risky and extremely out of his comfort zone. He is more of an orderly type of person; doing the opposite is absolutely new for him.

"The fact he has the formless armor means he has already chosen the route to chaos rather than order. The skill I created is already related to the Chaos Bringer."

"I really wanted to have a peaceful, meaningful time inside the tower; that was the main reason I wanted to enter the tower alone, so I wouldn't get pulled into these types of scenarios. that I sadly co-created."

"This sucks! I wish I had known this would happen before entering the tower. It's frustrating to be pulled into situations I didn't anticipate or want to be a part of."

"Oh well, let's just do this, and hopefully my obsessive–compulsive disorder coding in the past was really that effective." "Maybe I can find a way to navigate through this chaos and still maintain some sense of control."

"Miko, can I manipulate the formless armor to absolutely hide my appearance?"

"I need to figure out a way to protect myself and stay hidden while I navigate through this tower. Maybe Miko can help me come up with a plan to avoid getting pulled into any more unwanted scenarios."

"CURRENT MANA IS 2000; COULD NOT ADD THE SIX ELIMINATED CRIMALS TO INCREASE YOUR MANA. I SUGGEST ELIMINATING A FEW MONSTERS INSIDE THE TOWER FIRST FOR OPTIMAL USE OF THE FORMLES ARMOR."

"I know the perfect place; the 2000 consumable mana can only last for 15 minutes. That kind of mana is equivalent to a rank C mage with about two years worth of experience."

"Let's go to the same location where Bonnie and Cody were attacked and enter the tower normally. The only way to help the others is to increase my mana and gain high-level magic scrolls."

"UNDERSTOOD. SHOULD I ALLOCATE A TIME FRAME FOR THIS MASTER?"

"Yes, always Miko, allocation should be one week starting upon entry from the tower; please prepare false documentation so the Gatekeepers will have no records that I, Dane Lazarus, entered."

"NOTED. I SHALL PROCEED, SCANNING AREA, BLOCKING CCTV CAMERA AS SOON AS TELEPORTATION GATE OPENS?"

" COUNTING, THREE TWO ONE… ACTIVATED!"

Dane could see the opposite side as a semi-transparent smoke appeared. It resembled a one-way mirror; Dane entered and immediately passed through the teleportation gate once everything was clear. He lost around 500 mana as he emerged on the opposite side. Additionally, no one observed him because the transfer went quickly and smoothly; the outside tower city was unpredictable, so the half-second glitch from all the nearby CCTV cameras never became a problem. Dane stood a few meters away from the gate he assisted in designing, his face hidden under a facemask.

A wave of melancholy washed over Dane, a familiar ache in his chest at the thought of Mathew. He could picture his friend so vividly, but he pushed the sorrow away, forcing his focus back to the intricate machinery before him. He had a job to do, a promise to keep. "If Jiehon had been alive to witness this," he murmured, his voice tinged with a bittersweet longing, "he would have jumped for joy. Seeing his 3D design come to life would make him cry, knowing that his vision had become a reality. All those late nights, all those revisions… it finally paid off." Dane ran a hand over the smooth, cool surface of the newly materialized object, a tangible testament to his friend's brilliance and his own dedication to see it through. It was a triumph, yes, but one that felt incomplete without Jiehon by his side to share in the elation.

Many players were laughing at him as they reacted to Dane's emotional response to the tower's huge, thick outer wall, standing in front of a gate that was so heavy no human machine could fully open it, as it still remains slightly open with a gap opening of just fifteen feet.

"Hey, look at that guy; he's getting too emotional seeing the tower."

Dane's eyes welled up with tears as he gazed at the towering structure, a symbol of their shared dreams and hard work. Despite the teasing from other players, Dane couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness that Jiehon wasn't there to witness this moment with him.

"Looks like a new player, he, like the rest, who recently just awakened and finally get to see the tower up close." Dane wiped away his tears, trying to compose himself as he took in the awe-inspiring sight of the tower. The realization that Jiehon would never experience this moment hit him hard, making him appreciate the significance of their journey even more.

"a bunch of losers." The experienced players continued to mock Dane, pointing out his newbie status and lack of composure. Some even started placing bets on how long it would take for him to give up and leave the tower.

Despite the taunts and doubts from the experienced players, Dane remained determined to prove them wrong and show that he belonged in the tower. With a newfound sense of determination, he took a deep breath and stepped forward, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

"Don't mind them!" called out a voice suddenly amidst the jeers, a woman stepping forward from behind one of her companions. She wore an intricate mage cloak woven with threads that shimmered like stars caught in twilight.

Her name was Lirael Schafer from Germany, 26 years old, standing approximately five foot eleven inches tall, with long silver hair cascading down her back. Despite her youthful appearance, there was a wisdom in her eyes that demanded respect from even the most seasoned players in the tower. As she approached Dane, she offered him a kind smile and a reassuring pat on the shoulder before turning to face his tormentors. and like many players, she had traveled far across the new continent with her seven-member team in search of fame and glory.

"The taunt thrown toward new players here is a common practice; just ignore them. If they understood the tower playing field, they wouldn't be wasting their time with such petty behavior," she said, her voice calm but firm. Dane felt a surge of gratitude towards the mysterious woman, grateful for her support in the face of the relentless teasing.

"I am Lirael Schafer from Germany. I hope we see each other again; sadly, we have to go now; we are late for our guild meeting."

"Feel free to reach out if you ever need help navigating the tower. Good luck on your journey," Lirael added with a smile before turning to leave with her group, leaving Dane as he recall the things he and his out source team made.

"Captain, why did you help that player? He looks poor and low rank."

"regardless of their rank or appearance. We still need to look the part."

"We are the Brilliance Guild. We have a reputation to uphold as a helpful and inclusive community. Even if that person is low class and a nobody, there are a lot of reporters outside the tower gate."

"If they were not there to begin with, you wouldn't catch me talking to a person like him."

"so you are just acting nice to him,"

"Silly girl, I am Lirael Schafer, sub captain of the Brilliance Guild. I would never risk tarnishing my reputation by associating with someone of such low standing. It's all about appearances in this world, after all."