The Breaking Point
The group leaves the cathedral and make their way through the city. They come to a stone staircase that is mossy and seems very old. They venture down to find a possible hiding place.The air felt thicker: heavier, as if (Tower itself was alive) and watching their every move. The tension among them had reached a boiling point; however, no one spoke of it directly. They didn't need to, because unspoken understanding crackled between them like a live wire. Minho walked at back of the group, his dagger hidden but always within reach. His eyes flitted from one teammate to next, reading their body language. Jaehyun's shoulders were unusually stiff and his hand never strayed far from sword. Yuri's fingers fidgeted against her crossbow, her expression one of steely determination. Jiwoo kept her distance, her movements precise, because she was anticipating a fight at any moment. Seungho was perhaps least subtle; his warhammer slung over shoulder, but his gaze flickered toward Minho more often than not.
They had made their decision.
Minho had been waiting for this (for long time) ever since the fight in the cathedral. Yuri's accusation about the boy he'd killed had been a turning point. It wasn't the first time one of them had questioned him, however, this time felt different. The way they'd looked at him afterward (as if he were already an enemy) told him everything he needed to know: he was alone. Although he wanted to deny it, deep down, he felt it—the weight of their stares, heavy with doubt, pressing down on him. Because of this, he could no longer pretend.
It was only a matter of time.
---
The group finally reached a large (and kind of round) chamber, its high ceiling cloaked in darkness. The floor was bumpy, scattered with debris from battles that happened long ago. Faint, bluish light came from glowing crystals stuck in the walls, making creepy shadows dance around the room. It was the perfect place for an ambush. Jaehyun stopped in the middle of the chamber, turning (slowly) to face the group. His sword shined softly in the dim light as he rested its tip on the ground. "We'll set up camp here for the night," he said, his tone calm, but commanding. Yuri quickly moved to one side of the chamber, pretending to check (her) crossbow. Jiwoo and Seungho exchanged a look before nodding, each going to opposite corners of the room. Minho stayed near the entrance, his back against the wall. "Rest if you can," Jaehyun went on, although his eyes stayed on Minho. "We'll need our strength for tomorrow." This place feels strange, yet familiar, because it seems like a trap just waiting to snap shut.
Minho gave a slight nod but said nothing.
---
The hours passed in silence (the group settling into a tense, uneasy stillness). Minho pretended to doze; his body slouched against wall. His breathing was steady, his eyes half-closed (but watchful). He saw how Yuri's hands twitched against her crossbow: how Jiwoo's fingers never strayed far from hilt of her katana, how Seungho's warhammer rested too conveniently within reach. However, a feeling lingered in the air, heavy and thick, because they all knew danger was close. Although they tried to stay calm, the tension was palpable. This was not just another waiting game; it was a countdown to something unknown.
They were waiting for the right moment.
And so was he.
---
When it happened (the attack) it was quick (but expected). Yuri acted first her crossbow already loaded and aimed at Minho's chest. The twang of the string echoed through the room; however, Minho was quicker. He rolled to the side the bolt hitting the wall behind him. In the same smooth move he threw a knife in Yuri's way. It sliced her shoulder causing her to yelp in pain (and drop her weapon). Jiwoo charged next her katana shining as she aimed for his neck. Minho blocked with his dagger the sound of metal ringing in his ears. He twisted using her speed against her and sent her crashing to the ground. "Stop messing around Minho!" Jaehyun yelled his sword already swinging at him. Minho ducked (the blade just missing him). He responded with a quick cut forcing Jaehyun to back up. "You've been planning this all along haven't you?" Minho asked his voice cold and firm. "You left us no choice" Jaehyun answered his face stern. "You've become a liability." "Funny" Minho replied a bitter grin forming on his lips. "I thought the same about you."
Seungho roared (like a lion), charging at Minho with his warhammer. The sheer force of his swing sent a shockwave through the room; however, Minho sidestepped it. The weapon crashed into the floor, sending up a spray of debris. Before Seungho could recover, Minho drove his dagger into his side, twisting it to ensure the wound was fatal. Seungho gasped (in pain), his knees buckling as he crumpled to the ground. "No!" Jiwoo screamed, scrambling to her feet (1) and lunging at Minho. Her strikes were precise and desperate, but Minho's movements were too calculated and deliberate. He dodged her blade and struck her in the temple with the hilt of his dagger. She collapsed, unconscious (and silent).
---
Yuri (still holding her hurt shoulder) had gotten her crossbow back and aimed once more. However, Minho was already right there with her. He kicked the weapon out of her hands and pushed her against the wall (his dagger pressing against her throat). "Do it," she spat, her eyes blazing with defiance. "You've already shown you're a monster." Minho paused for a split second (his grip tightening). "If that's what you want," he replied, his voice quiet. With a quick movement, he cut her throat.
---
That left Jaehyun.
The leader of their group stood alone in the center of the chamber (his sword shaking in his hands). The weight of what had just happened crushed down on him; his resolve weakening. "You didn't have to do this, Minho," Jaehyun said (his voice cracking). "I didn't start this," Minho replied, moving closer. Blood dripped from his dagger, staining the ground below him. "However, I'm going to finish it." Jaehyun raised his sword, but it was no use. Minho moved with deadly precision, disarming him with one swift strike. The sword clattered to the ground (and before Jaehyun could react), Minho plunged his dagger into his chest. Jaehyun's eyes widened, his breath catching as he fell to his knees. "You... were supposed to be... one of us..." Minho pulled the dagger out, letting Jaehyun's body drop to the ground. "I never was," he said softly (because this was truth).
---
The chamber was quiet now (except for Minho's steady breathing). He stood in the middle of the destruction; his teammates' bodies were scattered around him. The bluish light from the crystals flickered (as if it recognized the bloodshed). He didn't feel triumphant; however, he didn't feel any remorse. He felt... nothing. Minho cleaned his dagger and took the group's point tracker from Jaehyun's body. The device glowed faintly, showing number *1,000*. "Floor six," he muttered, putting the tracker into his pocket. As he turned to leave the chamber, faint sound of whispers reached his ears. He paused (his gaze moving around the room). The shadows seemed to shift and wriggle because they were alive; although, it was just his imagination. This moment felt heavy, but he had to keep going.
The Tower was watching.