Prologue

Evolet winced as she heard a loud crash, stepping out of the kitchen just to see Khun sprawled on the floor as Rak ran away with Quaetro hot on his trails. Rak was shouting how the red turtle was waiting for all of them in the conference room as Quaetro kept chasing him with the intention to roast the poor leader. Khun sighed, clearly exasperated by their antics. Shaking her head softly, she offered a hand to Khun who cracked a small smile at her kind gesture. He didn't hesitate to grasp her hand and she pulled him up. Maybe he should really be satisfied with the four of them like what Shibisu said, for now.

They walked together to the conference room in silence, comfortable enough with one another that they didn't need words. The others also started piling into the conference room soon enough, readying themselves for what the Guide was about to say. Bam's expression brightened up like the sun when he saw Evolet, practically jumping on her smaller figure to hug her from behind. Evolet only smiled, patting the brunette's head as he nuzzled to her shoulder. The team rolled their eyes at the usual show of affection, having run out of ideas to get the two officially become a couple. Not to mention...

The team has labeled Khun as Bam's love rival. And said love rival simply huffed with fondness as he watched it unfold nonchalantly. He didn't seem bothered at all, rather supportive even. Let's just say the team is confused by his behavior that certainly did not suit one of a love rival. But then again Khun could care less about trivial matters like that, he was unbounded with the mindset of a ruler that he had.

Soon enough Hwaryun began their briefing, giving a detailed explanation about the Hell Train that they were going to board later on. At first, the team was quite surprised when they heard about how they'll have to steal the Express Ticket that they needed to board the train. On top of that, they need to defend their own ticket since they'll be targeted by others the moment they get a hold of a ticket. It certainly lived up to the title "the ticket to hell".

Though a few of them were even more taken aback when Hwaryun said they're pretty much as good as dead if they get on the train with their current abilities. And as harsh as it was, Evolet couldn't help but agree even if they say the Guide was underestimating their abilities.

Originally the Hell Train was created to help the Great Warriors with their training. In other words, the Hell Train's standard was based on the Irregulars and aimed to further improve the potential that they have. So without a doubt, the danger level was much higher for the Regulars. Regardless of the fact that they have two Irregulars on the team, the duo couldn't possibly protect all of them at the same time. They needed to get stronger, enough to hold on their own against the threat of Hell Train.

Arkraptor swiftly held back Prince from lashing out as Hwaryun told him that he'd die for sure the way he was right now. The redhead scoffed almost mockingly at the annoyed Lightbearer but continued to speak regardless. "That's why I'm suggesting you to separate from Viole until you reach the 35th Floor."

Said Wave Controller immediately perked up, lifting his head from Evolet's shoulder with an alarmed gaze. He clearly noticed how the Red Witch didn't mention Evolet's name with his. Evolet could already tell this wasn't going to bode well. Yihwa frowned, unsatisfied with the turn of events. "What do you mean separate from Viole?!"

Not that Hwaryun was fazed by it. "It's just as I said. I'm saying, take the tests without Viole. You won't get any stronger by relying on Viole like this. I will take Viole and that crocodile up the Tower. So you guys team up and go up together."

She paused momentarily, crimson eyes glinting almost mischievously yet with a hint of seriousness. "I'd send the Svalinn up too but it'd be more beneficial if she stayed and helped Khun to manage the team since she knows them best to train them. And Khun, it would be best for you to be the leader. It will also be a good chance to test out your ability as a commander."

Bam's eyebrows furrowed, golden orbs narrowing into a glare directed at the redhead as his hold on Evolet tightened almost possessively. Which obviously Evolet was clueless about his thoughts while Hwaryun knew about it all too well. Nevertheless, Evolet attempted to soothe him, drawing circles on his hand that had Bam melting in a matter of seconds. He was still powerless as always against Evolet's affection, which very nearly got Hwaryun scoffing at his lovestruck attitude as she resumed her little speech.

"Of course, I'm sure neither of you want to part ways with your friends, but we have about a year until we get to the 35th Floor. During that one year, you have to become strong enough to get the tickets. If you're qualified, you will be able to board the train."

That hit the nail for Prince. "Hey! You keep talking as if we're a burden...!! We're plenty strong enough as we are!!"

"Okay." Wangnan's answer came instantly, with a sense of finality and determination. He was well aware of what he lacked, what the team lacked from how they've been climbing the Tower so far. They were unbalanced, the stability of strength wasn't split evenly.

"I don't know about the others, but I'll do that." He continued with resolve.

"What?! You're really going to do as she says?"

"I don't want to be a burden to anyone anymore. I want to at least be strong enough to get my own ticket. I'm even willing to go up the Tower by myself. I'm no longer that failure from the 20th Floor. I'm going to get stronger. Strong enough for others to look to me for direction."

Evolet smiled proudly at him as Hwaryun grinned at the reply. "Good. You'll be fine since you're determined. We'll meet a year from now at the platform of the first train station, Train City. And by that time, I hope you will all be strong enough to obtain your own tickets without any help."

With the decision of splitting the team set in stone, they exited the conference room to enjoy what was left of their time. Or rather they rushed to the kitchen once Evolet told them she had made some snacks beforehand. Then again Rak didn't bother to resist the temptation once she said banana pudding and banana bread. Let's just say the kitchen is in chaos right now. Evolet could only shake her head fondly at the loud crashing noises, finding solace in their wholesome chaos that could be heard from the hallway she and Bam were standing in.

Bam was strikingly silent at the fact that they have to be separated for about a year. He's only reunited with her for about a month now after the Workshop Battle, and now he had to climb without her. That lone one month during the Workshop Battle was excruciating enough for him. He found himself missing her far too much, incomplete without her by his side.

It was beside her that he could truly be free as himself. She was who he could trust himself with wholly. He could charge on fearlessly so long as she was with him. Because he knew that she would always have his back covered and he was always safest by her side. She was the best partner he could ever ask for. She was the anchor that grounded him, keeping his sanity even in the midst of the Tower's whirlwind of madness.

Evolet's smaller figure was completely engulfed in Bam's embrace, the brunette unwilling to let go of her. He was aware that this was for the sake of the team, but that didn't mean he was keen on climbing the Tower without her. He wanted to say that he would miss her, that he didn't want the team to split in the least. He had so many things to tell her, yet he couldn't find the words to convey it.

And just as it's always been, Evolet understood him without a single word. Smiling ever so gently, she hugged him back with a soft chuckle and rubbed circles on his back. "Don't worry, Bam. You... we'll be fine."

It'll only be for a year. She couldn't possibly say such a thing, knowing well how painfully long one year can be. They both were aware of it, having experienced it not long after Bam joined FUG and she left him a letter saying she'll be gone for a whole year. His lips were quivering, hands clutching the back of her shirt with a vice grip as he spoke out with a trembling voice. "One year is long..."

Evolet responded without a moment's delay, her tone mellow and understanding. "...I know"

"...I'll miss you"

"Me too, Bam. I'll call you every day, m'kay?"

"Promise?"

"Of course, Bam. Anything for you." He doesn't let her go for a long time after that, savoring their last moments together as if the end of the world was coming even though they were only going to be separated for a year. If only he knew what would happen later on in the future, he wouldn't have let her go at all. It would later on become his biggest regret to not cherish the relationship that they had now and how he didn't tell her how much he loves her.

Khun finally strode out of the conference room after a small talk with Hwaryun, greeted by the sight of the FUG Slayer pair hugging like there's no tomorrow. Well to be exact the Lightbearer thought that Evolet looked like she was hugging a giant teddy bear since only her head could be seen. He had to admit it was somewhat hilarious since she looked so small.

They do separate the hug eventually when Evolet tells them to head over and grab the snacks she set aside purposefully for the two, knowing the others would've long finished the ones she put on the table. Bam began to pout almost childishly as she said that the two males could go ahead since she needed to grab something from their room first. Bam was about to offer to accompany her when Khun grabbed his shoulders playfully and ushered him away with a mischievous knowing smile. Evolet inwardly thanked Khun for being observant as usual as she watched Bam stammer up with a few excuses to go along with her to no avail.

Once they were out of view, a lone blue Shinsu string made itself apparent in front of her and swayed gently around her as if trying to impress the purplette. That got her smiling as she softly caressed the string, treating it like a living being. She, who was favored by Shinsu and also a part of Shinsu, was aware of it. The Shinsu was alive, they were alive, she was alive. She was constantly in tune with the Shinsu, almost as if she was one with the Shinsu and not only favored by them. They were an extension of herself, whether it's her sense of sight, smell, hearing, taste, or touch.

It was only a given that she could hear Khun's conversation with Hwaryun. She could only hope that they wouldn't cross paths with Rachel soon, conflicted by Bam's feeling for Rachel and Khun's right for revenge after what Rachel's done to his team. She wasn't fond of the blonde at the least, but if she was someone who Bam cherished then who was Evolet to say anything about it. Evolet sighed as she gazed up towards the sky and the feeling of foreboding bloomed in her chest. "It's gonna be a long year, isn't it..."

She had no idea the real trouble was happening after that one year.

A/N:

To start things off~ I have both good news and bad news. The good news is the I'm going to be publishing the promised jjk book next week :D aka on the May 30th. To which you can see a small sneak peek of the prologue on my previous book.

And the bad news is... Well the updates will be published biweekly instead of weekly since I'll be managing two books at once. Well, that's about it :D I'd appreciate it if you do check on my jjk book next week too~