Even though he could vaguely guess this cruel outcome, Valen’s grim face twisted in denial as he shouted,

“What exactly… are you trying to say?”

“Stop deluding yourself! Slaughter—you understand slaughter, right?!”

Enn’s expression grew increasingly ferocious. Seeing far more clearly than this naive young master, he roared,

“No matter if this tower’s creator is a god or demon, the undeniable truth is—we’re just ants. Only through brutal battles to please them do we earn so-called rewards.”

A trace of self-mockery flickered in his world-weary eyes. Gazing at the magnificent gate, Enn leveled his sword at Valen again.

“Selecting the strongest ants for rewards… that’s the essence here!”

Blood gushed from his wounds. Valen, caught off guard from the start, stammered in disbelief, “Even if it’s true… I still can’t believe you’d betray me.”

“Naive, young master! Laughably naive! This world isn’t as kind as you think… do you get it?” Enn bellowed, swinging his greatsword fiercely.

Lily rushed toward the commotion, stunned by the fierce clash before her. The knight she’d seen as justice incarnate now swung his blade to kill his master, face contorted with fury.

Drawing her Wooden Sword, Lily made up her mind instantly—she couldn’t stand by. “What’s happening… no, I must stop them!”

“Such a fine show—how dare you ruin it, little girl?” A mocking laugh echoed eerily behind her just as she moved.

Icy killing intent washed over Lily. Chilled to the bone, she knew any sudden move meant death.

Her pupils snapped tight. She didn’t dare turn. “Who’s there?!”

“A spectator… passerby, I suppose?”

Valen blocked with his arm, stance sinking low as he hefted his longsword. Flames of anger burned in his eyes.

“I don’t understand! When you were destitute, I helped you. When you had nowhere to go, I took you in. I never doubted you.”

“Enn, have you forgotten your knight’s oath?” His quiet voice cut like thunder.

“That’s why you’re naive. Words bind weakly; hearts are fickle. This world is crueler than you see…”

Surprised Valen still fought back, Enn pressed on to conserve strength,

“Ten years ago—the Overlord of the Seven Seas: a thousand entered the tower, one survived. Six years ago—the Golden King: tens of thousands challenged, one lived.”

“Every era of this tower means bloodshed. To be king, young master—have you steeled yourself to climb the throne on mountains of corpses?!”

The knight who’d crawled from death’s pile pointed at the city lord’s son, who’d boasted moments before. His roar surged stronger.

Valen staggered back, hesitation on his face, sword hand trembling. “I…”

“Foolish young master—wake up!” Enn raised his greatsword slowly, pity in his gaze for the ever-kind boy. His voice turned glacial. “Fight or die. No other path exists.”