Unbothered by Jahad's unveiled full presence countering that of his own, even as the shinsu felt so thick and dense that Bam trembled and shivered as he realized just how far he truly had left to go, Enryu held such a dazzling red spear looking as though it was made of the very same material and level of pure Suspendium as that of the Eyes of God, the spear decorated with various runic patterns. Jahad responded by calmly manifesting a magnificent golden needle, and of course, it was an equally well-crafted weapon, giving off the same unearthly feeling as that of Enryu's spear.

Bam wondered if those weapons came from materials of the Outside, as he had never seen their composition before. Tperie stated that "The Heavens gave me the Eyes of God", meaning he already had it back on the Outside, and if those weapons were really crafted from the Outside, then-

Without any further ado, they both moved so fast that Bam could just see them moving as blurs of gold and red and clashed, the sheer force of their weapons colliding causing shockwaves that Bam just managed to quell with his shinsu barriers, grateful that he had 30 minutes to regain much of his strength or else he would have most likely been unable to, preventing the forces of UFH from being harmed, as he shouted at everyone to begin preparing a warp, Baek Ryun hurrying to unveil an emergency Warp Device.

Enryu and Jahad exchanged close-ranged blows only for a minute, but it felt unreal to Bam, Enryu wielding his spear with such a finesse that Bam realized why Enryu had the nickname of "Spear-Red Reaper" amongst FUG, his spear work so confident, refined, and proficient that it looked as though every inch of the spear, from the spearhead to the staff part of it, was a formidable weapon of it's own, maneuvering his spear with numerous highly unorthodox techniques and effortlessly switching between spear forms and stances with great ambidexterity.

Jahad, likewise, fought with such mastery over the needle that Han looked like an amateur compared to the King, seamlessly shifting between offense and defense and demonstrating such fluent prowess over numerous forms of swordsmanship, with about thousands of schools Bam could just recognize from his own training with blades and similarities to the Ari and Arie styles, that he could switch between them on the fly.

If Enryu's fighting style was that of fearsome grace coupled with flexible discipline, Jahad's fighting style was that of a combination of brutal aggression and lethal precision, and they seemed fairly matched for the brief time they engaged, their weapons colliding with each other again and again and causing thousands of sparks with each clash, yet somehow controlled as though they focused all their strength against one another rather than letting it out like the way they did before.

As soon as they took some distance, dozens upon dozens of golden needles and red spears emerged from the back of Jahad and Enryu, so large, powerful, and well-made that they gave the impression of being made by gods, and they cancelled each other out in numerous explosions, the shockwaves of the collisions being such that Bam was pushed back a few feet harshly as he strained to completely block the shockwave. To make it worse, Baek Ryun shouted that the warp device would take 10 minutes to fully charge up, with how much shinsu they were using and how being in a spot where the Core of the Tower was harnessed was affecting the shinsu.

Uncaring for the struggles of those below them, the King of the Tower and the Red Tower made their next moves, Jahad unleashing a massive net of shinsu slashes that cut through space itself by just a swift wave of his hand, which Enryu countered by conjuring a massive red Wonsul sphere and throwing it at the net, causing the attacks to cancel each other. Those attacks were fortunately localized, so Bam was able to properly block the results of the attacks without feeling the impact, but the way with which they casually manipulated shinsu still struck deep in Bam's mind.

Jahad's next move was something Bam recognized from his duel with Jahad's data as the "Cosmos" skill. Jahad this time created about 100 suns, 75 stars, 50 meteors, and 20 planets, so many and so powerful that Bam almost wanted to cast a Transcendental Skill just to block the attack. However, Enryu remained calm as he used what Bam recognized as a variant of the Rainfall technique he often used to decimate entire armies, only at an entirely different level as Enryu instantly gathered so much shinsu it was compressed into a small bright red orb that quickly exploded, unleashing thousands of shinsu falls, destroying all of Jahad's Cosmos and saving Bam the need to guard as Enryu precisely controlled his shinsu so it would not affect Bam or the fleeing UFH.

Enryu took the initiative this time as he gathered intensive amounts of red shinsu and then unleashed about 50 bubbles of shinsu, each of them melting the very air and gathering more shinsu as they swarmed Jahad, a completely different level of shinsu bubbles than anything Bam had ever seen before, feeling like they could force him to use 5 Shinwonryu Orbs to completely dispel the attack. Of course, such an attack was nothing to Jahad as he simply summoned dozens of golden red crystals that seemed to draw in the shinsu bubbles before suddenly exploding, leaving Jahad unharmed as the crystals took the bubbles with them.

Enryu didn't waste any time, however, as he launched 3 spears that soon split each into 30 more smaller spears, which revealed itself to be incredibly explosive as just 6 stray spears could shake the ground and the explosion of those 6 spears combined into 2 groups reached the sky. Jahad actually focused this time as he amassed massive amounts of his shinsu along with also gathering some power from the external shinsu before blasting a wave of mist-like shinsu that seemed to turn those spears into dust.

Fire and wind coated Enryu's hands as he slammed both hands into a thin laser of fire that forced Jahad to dodge and tore through mountains like childplay before exploding into an inferno. Jahad retaliated by waving his hand downward, causing huge earth spikes to emerge from the ground. Of course, that meant the spikes were heading towards Bam, but Enryu had acted quickly, manifesting a huge whip of roots and shattering the spikes before they could even come close, causing Bam to breathe deeply.

Enryu really was there to protect him and the others... But without Enryu, would they have been doomed?

Jahad next cut his own hand, circulating the blood and seemingly multiplying it as he unleashed a massive golden fire at Enryu. Enryu blasted torrents of water to disperse it, but he actually took a step back this time. The drops of blood were swiftly turned into jeweled daggers that caused Enryu to manifest a huge shield around him as the daggers approached him, managing to block the attack, albeit causing a deep gong-like sound.

Jahad formed a few hand signs that Bam recognized as a means to enhance his shinsu. As soon as he had finished, the result was a massive golden orb that seemed to attract everything around it, crushing and pulling everything into the debris as the orb seemed to grow bigger. Enryu formed his own share of hand signs before he formed a thick bow made of his red shinsu and fired a singular huge arrow that struck the center of the orb, causing it to explode, Enryu swiping up all the debris the orb threw out and launching them as a storm of debris at Jahad, who casually slashed at the storm to disperse it.

Bam turned to Baek Ryun and found the machine was only halfway charged, that only 5 minutes had passed. Bam was so awe-stricken by the duel between the two strongest humans in the Tower his perception of time stilled, and he watched with dread as Jahad launched various projectiles of his golden Shinwonryu that Enryu effortlessly destroyed with a powerful wave of his own Shinwonryu.

As the wave proceeded closer to Jahad, Jahad used the same Internal Shinwonryu Bam had seen him use as a data and unleashed a much more massive explosion that matched Enryu's wave, creating a tornado-like burst of shinsu that actually brought Bam to his knees as he shielded his allies with all that he had. Enryu manifested a wall of blood-red shinsu crystals that easily passed through Jahad's bolt of lightning and walls of fire, but just as Bam thought this attack would finally connect with Jahad, Jahad infused intense amounts of shinsu into his needle and stabbed it at the wall, causing it to combust.

Jahad didn't waste any time as he used what Bam recognized as a powerful spell that his mother classified as being capable of wiping out entire armies, conjuring a black hole and throwing it at Enryu. Imagine Bam's stupefied expression as Enryu simply manifested sigils in thin air and blasted it at the black hole, seemingly causing it to vanish entirely.

Enryu then raised his hand, causing about ten dozens of the ruined weapons used by both the UFH and the Jahad Army during the previous battle to be thrown at Jahad, who simply made a swipe of his hands, causing all the weapons to be slashed with Enryu immediately clenching his hand, catching what seemed to be an invisible focused slash of shinsu before he manipulated space to throw back the slash at Jahad, forcing Jahad to dodge as the slash cleaved a good portion of the Floor around him.

For a moment, Bam believed that Jahad had fled, but then Enryu raised both arms and Bam was shocked as Jahad attempted to slash at Enryu with his Needle, only for his attack to be frozen in place as Enryu held him still with Fast Skip before gathering much more power and managing to push Jahad back with a violent thrust of his hand forward. He didn't even see Jahad move, and Enryu then unleashed some kind of blast aimed solely at Jahad's needle, causing it to be stuck on a wall. Of course, Jahad didn't hesitate as he landed a kick on Enryu's spear that disarmed Enryu of his weapon as well.

Jahad then launched dozens of punches and kicks that Enryu astonishingly managed to parry and return with his own, using a methodical fighting style that seemed to focus on grappling and gracefully precise attacks while paying a special focus on defense in comparison to Jahad's brutal fighting style that focused on deadly precision. They kept at it until Enryu fell back, seemingly pressured, but still having not taken any hit, as they both summoned their weapons again.

It was then that Enryu and Jahad shared a few words that had Bam shivering.

(

You do not seek to kill me, Enryu? We both know you are far from being above such brutality, as you slaughtered all those loyal to me on this Floor. We've been trading what might seem to be super moves, but are actually casual for those of our caliber.

There are other ways of destroying a man, Jahad, and someone like you cannot be defeated just through death. I know you've been planning things that even meant you would risk potential death at the hands of the Son of Arlene. Besides, I know you too are not fighting to kill.

Ha! I wonder what happened to Arlene, if you could act now so freely to aid her son. I can't imagine she would be happy with it-

I don't care about it, anymore. I can no longer stand by and watch. It is time for me to step in. I assume over the years, you've grown stronger?

Of course. You might have been able to kill a Floor Administrator, but over the years, I've reached my truest peak which grants me the power to do the same. Arlene must have spoken how much of a warrior I was, but now I am even greater. If it was the me back then, you would have killed me, but now, it seems we're quite matched.

Are we?

It seems neither of us can go all-out, so this might have been a good first fight in the field after so long, but I think I have had enough. You're not here to kill me, but to protect your nephew, so I suppose we can end this in a draw.

)

With that, Jahad levitated above the ground, but not before he gave Bam one last look.

I admit your desire to remain true to your ideals is commendable, but force yourself to adapt in the face of reality. You will not defeat me, otherwise.

And so Jahad simply vanished, leaving Bam to stare at the spot he used to be with clenched fists, until a hand placed itself on his shoulder. It was none other but Enryu.

You did well on your own, so do not be ashamed. Come now, we should leave this place. There is nothing left for us here.

With that, Enryu raised his hands into the sky and a flash of light surrounded Bam and all the UFH. They departed the 43rd Floor.

Most of the UFH were relieved that they survived after believing they were doomed when Jahad himself arrived into the field, while Baek Ryun wanted to study what they gathered of the Core to further Wolhaiksong's goals of going to the Outside of the Tower, but Bam could only think of how he did nothing as Enryu protected him, how he would have most likely been killed if it hadn't been for Enryu.

Just how much more did he need to grow before he could have a shot at Jahad?

On the 43rd Floor, Enryu approached what remained of the humble home of his sister and brother-in-law. He had protected it from his rampage, but years had left the once good-looking hut rusted, even though it did not collapse.

Enryu manifested the coffin that held his sister and laid it beside the grave Arlene had built for V. He had no choice but to kill her, as Arlene went mad when Enryu proclaimed his desire to help Bam find a better future for all. She stated she wanted the Tower to collapse for supporting Jahad and for only "the worthy" to be taken to the Outside, but Enryu had made up his mind. He had seen his nephew's strong ideals, and knew he was worthy of it. And so Enryu ended his sister's suffering.

He laid them both in the grave, and then left without any other word. There was nothing here left for him.


Bam's thoughts about Jahad soon became the least of his concerns, however, when he returned to the UFH's Main Headquarters and saw his friends, all of them injured from minor to moderate, but every single one of them looking despondent or even crying. When Bam asked Aguero about what happened, the outcome of this whole mission turned out to be that much more pyrrhic for him.

The Red Light District unit had been sent to the 52th Floor, but the odds there were on a whole other level compared to anything they experienced before. The Army had already constructed various weapons using the Core of the Tower, and they pushed back against the Red Light District as dozens of soldiers were killed. It was only Horyang, Cassano, and Beta sacrificing themselves to destroy the weapons AND the intersection center that allowed the harnessing of the Core's power that saved them, and they failed at their mission to obtain the sample of the Core they additionally were sent to.

Goseng, in particular, was hit hard by the death of Horyang, having developed romantic feelings for him and was even pregnant with his child, meaning the child would be left fatherless. Wangnan was blaming himself hard while Miseng sobbed at losing her older brother figure even as Endorsi soothingly comforted her.

Of course, even the Variable Protectors still had their losses. Vespa and Aleksai died just as Hatz was able to destroy the super cannons used that tore through shields that could hinder even High Rankers like paper. Those weapons were so strong that it was only Shibisu being fortunately knowledgeable enough in engineering after working with a few Poe Bidau and reading Gustang's books that he was able to find and coordinate attacks on it's weaknesses. They succeeded at winning the battle, but the loss of two teammates was still lamentable, to be honest.

Shibisu blamed himself for not figuring it out quickly, while Endorsi and Anaak, despite not being particularly close to those two, still felt guilty as they were close to them when the attack occured but had only been able to protect themselves as the attacks managed to pierce through their barrier and strike those two, killing them instantly.

And the Harbingers unit also succeeded at winning the fight, Aguero having already came prepared with various books of the Poe Bidau to deduce any potential weakness if he had to fight against super weapons. It was fortunate that Aguero figured out fairly quickly, and they got out of it mostly unscathed, only losing 35 in comparison to the Red Light District's 100 and the Variable Protectors 75, but the victory still cost them a life of a teammate, and one that Bam mourned most of all.

It was none other but Rak. Rak had acted as the main Defender, managing to protect Aguero and the Spear Bearers as they focused on taking down the weapons with all his might, keeping at bay the attacks of the weapons with all the applications of his rock shinsu, but the Army decided they needed to take him down, focusing all of the power of their weapons on Rak, finally overwhelming and mortally injuring him, but even in death, Rak contributed to the fight by throwing 5 spears to take out the weapons, single-handedly turning the tides of the battle at the cost of his own life.

Bam was numb as he left for his room, his friends giving him space, and it was only when Bam settled down on the floor that it started to overwhelm him. Memories of his time with Rak, how the Alligator would always proudly call himself "The Great Protector", how Bam would treat him to chocolate banana cakes, the cammaderie he had with Horyang, Cassano, and Beta even if they weren't the closest, how he got Vespa and Aleksai to warm up to him, caused him to shed tears for the first time in a long while.

The funeral was held 2 days later, with many of the UFH mourning the losses. They had lost quite a few men, of course, over the years, but this was the first time so many leading figures were taken out in one swoop. Bam attended the funeral silently as he thought about how his worst fears and what Jahad had said would happen had been realized. He eyed his surviving friends, feeling himself fear for their lives more. Was this the right choice? Should he really have involved them into the war?

Even being surrounded by all of his lovers didn't soothe Bam as well as they should, Bam realizing just how much he had grew to genuinely love them more than just a friend. He was worried about them most, even about Yuri and Garam. Enne and Hana might be able to take care of themselves, but how was the others, who may be powerful, but are still really not all that impressive in the larger spectrum, going to fare now that the war was undoubtedly going to become even more intense?

Still, Bam comforted Miseng, Endorsi, and Anaak, assuring them that they did their best and the fallen wouldn't fault them, but he almost found himself feeling like a hypocrite when he was feeling down and blaming himself too.

When the funeral was over, Bam opted to stay behind even as it rained, wondering if he should just-

You're lost, nephew, but I know how to get you back on track.

Bam turned his eyes and saw as Enryu appeared, wearing a surprisingly black-red mourning jacket and a scarf of gold blue. His expression was as calm as it had always been even in the face of fighting someone like Jahad, but he carried a few expensive flowers. Bam watched as he laid them on the graves before turning towards Mirchea's grave, especially honored and decorated due to all that Mirchea had did for the UFH in comparison to his friends. Bam didn't like the difference, but he still didn't fight for it.

Enryu laid a few star-shaped flowers that he said would bloom forever in honor of his adoption into the Grace Family, before he turned towards Bam, stating he had been wanting to meet him for 2 decades, but only managed to get the chance recently once he had "settled his business with Arlene", which had Bam narrowing his eyes.

Enryu then got straight to the point as he offered Bam to train under him, stating that Bam had fared well with all the teachers he had, but he needed someone who was truly familiar and aware of what he was capable of. It was the only way Bam would be able to defeat Jahad in the future, but he warned Bam his training would be more stricter, he would have Bam perfect his skills in all regards, and Bam would go through a lot of difficult training, but it would be worth it.

Bam was admittedly tempted, but asked Enryu how long it would take before the war would end, and Enryu honestly admitted it would take about 5 years at best and 7 years at worst. Bam was about halfway there, but the other half would take more time than the last. It was honestly demoralizing, to hear that it still needed that much time for Bam. but Enryu reminded Bam that he could not expect to hurry.

To compare, Enryu stated that Urek Mazino reached his peak at 50 years, needed 47 years before he could surpass Arie Hon, and 3 more years to be at the same level as his father, V. He encouraged Bam that he could make it, but he would have to be patient. Enryu would provide Bam with ways to experience all-out training and developments, so Bam should be able to grow fast.

Still, Bam was doubtful. He asked Enryu why he was doing this, why he never appeared before, and Enryu responded by warping them into a hut that he revealed to be the very same place where his parents once lived until Jahad killed him as a baby. He pointed Bam towards the graves of his parents, revealing that Arlene had died. This surprised Bam, to be honest.

He was solemn at looking upon his father's corpse, but he thought his mother was still alive, living a miserable existence of only waiting for the day he killed Jahad. He always thought he would be the one to send her to meet his father, but to see her laying like this, looking so harmless, felt unreal. Enryu then revealed that he was the one who killed Arlene, so he could finally step in, revealing he had swore to Arlene that as long as she lived, he would not step in. However, Enryu decided that could no longer do. He had to interfere, as he had grown to accept and respect Bam's dedication for a better future.

Arlene protested, refusing to retract the vow, so Enryu had killed her, choosing Bam over Arlene. He stated that while this might not be enough, he truly wanted to help Bam reach his full potential, fulfill his destiny, and reform the Tower. Enryu told Bam he would give him 3 months before they begin, and vanished, leaving Bam to his thoughts.

So Enryu truly wanted what was best for him, even if it took him so long to just end his mother's misery. Was this it, then? Was this what Bam needed? He could grow strong enough to beat Jahad, but would it be soon enough? What about his friends? Should they still be involved in this war? Or maybe he should just take all the burdens for himself and be away from them all until he could finally ensure their safety and happiness.

For a month, Bam isolated himself, thinking that he had no real choice but to accept Enryu's offer, but also wondering what would be for the best for the people he cared and loved. He meditated and trained by himself, shutting off the door to his room. Of course, there was one who could somehow enter the door, still, one who he happened to not particularly mind.

Jaina Repellista, the one who Tperie gave the Opera to. She had not really climbed the Tower, but she was 300 years older than Yuri and happened to be a prodigy of the Tu Perie Family. By the time Yuri started to climb the Tower, Repellista was already as strong as a High Ranker, and by the time Yuri became a Top 500 High Ranker, she had grown strong enough to be on the level of a Top 300 High Ranker, and had only grown even stronger since then. He still remembered how shocked Yuri was when Repellista overwhelmed her without taking a single scratch in order to show just how powerful she truly was.

Bam had interacted with her pretty regularly, and she was quite the flirt, even managing to make him blush long before he learned to actually be a romantic partner. She had him play video games with her if he could spare the time, and Bam found he enjoyed it, especially as she even made video games retelling his adventures. It was surprising how much of a game master she was, to be able to make such convincing games, even including ones that had him square off against Family Heads. The detail was astonishing, and Bam had to admit she could very well found the "game company" she had dreams of making once all this was over.

Anyway, Bam found it also enlightening, as he could realize more of his flaws from the "strategy guide" she gave him that showed how his skills evolved in time and where he was still weak at. He was thankful to her, and right now Repellista was allowed into his room because of that.

Bam focused on "replaying" his fights with the 10 Great Family Heads after he viewed his memories of the fight with a spell to ensure h could see where he made mistakes and pick up from there, measuring and coming up with ways to improve through fighting them all over again, all with the help of a machine Repellista called "Full Mirage", allowing him to experience a full-blown fight between him and the shadows of the Family Heads as Bam entered a virtual world of some sort from which he could fight to the finish with everyone.

He made some improvements from it, alright, as he became able to finish off Bloodmadder within 20 minutes by the end of the first week, and was able to win a match with Hana within 25 minutes after his previous record of their first fight ending in 40 minutes and then at first winning in 30. Repellista already had good models for Blossom and Gustang, too, allowing Bam to spar with those two shinsu specialists.

Apparently, Gustang was supportive of Repellista's approach, and he provided her with help so she could get it right within the virtual world. He was also responsible for this arrangement so Bam could have some time all to himself. Enne wasn't fond of it, apparently, but Gustang actually sided with him for once, even facing Hana's frustration, albeit with a few complaints. Gustang had sent a short letter wishing him quick emotional recovery, an awkward but fairly appreciated gesture, while Tiara sent Bam a few books of stories about tragedy and how to cope with it.

Of course, letters from others also came through Repellista. Aguero, Shibisu, and Wangnan decided to make just one letter, all three of them expressing their understanding in his desire for some solitude and hoping he would recover soon. They also show records of their training regime, assuring Bam they are doing well.

Miseng also asked Wangnan to tell Bam that she missed him, promising to grow stronger as soon as possible and avoid any more loss of friends, while Hwa Ryun noted through Aguero that she always knew his path would be filled with danger and loss, but she had faith in him, as he "wasn't just a god anymore, but a man with the power of a god and the biggest heart of all". Elaine affirmed she too thought the same as Hwa Ryun, and assured Bam he had saved many people, and what he did wasn't a waste, as he was a true savior.

Urek and Baek Ryun's letter expressed their condolences for his losses, with Baek Ryun assuring Bam he had done his best during the fight and was the MVP for the real fight, as he would have eventually died against Han if Bam hadn't showed up, while Urek comforted Bam, stating he knew Bam would surpass both him and Jahad in time, and even being confident Bam would be able to "hand Hon his ass" within the 43rd year of his climb, 3 years earlier than him.

Aria sent him a letter saying she wasn't exactly close to his friends, but it hurt her to see him like this. She empathized with the feeling of struggling to live, even thouhgh her experiences came from her own nature rather than losing loved ones.

Yurin also sent a letter, stating she understood what he was going through as she had seen V went through the same "depressive periods", and so she hoped he would recover and preserve, stating she had faith he would surpass them all, and Yuri also added her thoughts, admitting she thought of barging into his room until her grandmother explained the problem, so she only asked that Bam remembered he still had more than enough loved ones and they all care for him, which was also what Endorsi wanted to say. The rest, apparently, she would rather say to him herself.

Anaak, on the other hand, was surprisingly being the mature one as she spoke about how she had plenty of experience with having to live forward after losing dear ones, and told him her mother also struggled with the reality of it all sometimes, but she also remained strong because she loved her father and her. She told him through her letter that he should remember he had her and the others, and they would help him.

Blossom sent an enchanted, nice-looking pillow so he wouldn't have nightmares, along with a letter from Enne, expressing her concerns for him and asking him to communicate with her if he ever felt like his mind was about to snap. Bam had taken the liberty to send her a letter thanking her for being concerned, but assuring her he wouldn't snap. Irure gave him a few disks about therapists encouragement.

Hana's letter expressed her understanding of his situation, stating everyone would need some time alone, but also expressing her hope that he would recover soon, equating him to a moon, the one that shone light and brought out the best in everyone. Yihwa, on the other hand, acknowledged she understood the feeling of wanting to give up, but insisted he don't, her letter also including a package of her personally made BBQ.

Repellista still needed a bit more time to create a full-fledged replica of Tperie, though, as she needed some more time to replicate someone of his caliber, and she unfortunately didn't have too much information on the battle abilities of Edahn, Hon, or Jahad himself, meaning she couldn't help with that, but Bam was grateful for her efforts.

Repellista would bring him all the good food and share it with him, somehow moving in herself, stating she wanted to help him, really. Well, Bam didn't see any point in rejecting her, and she was also able to sympathize with the feeling of being locked inside a room for long, trying to do something meaningful.

At the end of the first month, though, that was when things changed between them. Repellista had, after finishing dinner and Bam having finished 3 rounds, finally confessed that she liked him and would like to be one of his lovers.

By this point, you would have thought that Bam had learned just how much of a charmer he truly is, that he could attract women anytime with both his looks and charismatic heart. Hell, even TWO FAMILY LEADERS teased him about it. Still, Bam was a bit shocked. He and Repellista might have gotten along so well, Repellista might have been such a flirt, but Bam always thought it was just her usual teasing way of hanging around with others.

Repellista then admitted she had always flirted with him more than any other man, as she was quite taken by his cute face, even revealing how she was the one who showed Yuri the virtual boy simulation game that reminded her so much of him. Repellista always "stalked" on him a bit more than she would with others, and the more she saw, the more she fell for him.

Bam felt like he owed her, and it wasn't like she wasn't attractive. They had been around each other long enough, so Bam agreed to make her one of his girls, but to his surprise, she jumped him as soon as he accepted her feelings and proceeded to undress. Hell, she was quite possibly the most eager, with even Yuri not quite there.

Bam was really awkward as she smirked at him, even revealing she had spied on him having sex with the other women, causing him to choke as she mock-threatened to expose it if he didn't go through with it after he agreed to make her one of his, especially as she wanted to "catch up" to the others and lose her virginity.

And Repellista was quite the eager spirit as she begged Bam to place his cock inside her immediately, and while she winced when he did so as her pussy bled, she didn't take long to giggle as she encouraged him to take her harder. She knew he was feeling a lot of frustration, and she wasn't asking him to vent on her, but instead just let it out normally and take in what the world still had to give him despite having lost a few of his friends. She proposed that he take her so she could show him how the world still had many things to give to him, to open up again.

That was quite philosophical of her, and Bam remembered how Hana got him to open up after he became a bit more obsessed with his training to defeat Jahad. Still, Bam didn't want to like using a woman, even if that woman romantically liked him, for satisfaction, so he asked her once again if she was really willing to do this and not just to help him regain back his focus. Repellista smacked him in the head as she commented he really was too sincere about things, and affirmed that she was doing this because she really had feelings for him.

Bam could sense she was being sincere, so he decided to keep going. He supposed it felt a bit nice, and she definitely wasn't complaining, even if he felt he might be a bit rougher with her than he usually would. She was quite brazen and sensual, as she spoke more praises than anyone, even Hwa Ryun, as his hands worked around her body, and moaned so loud she would have woken most people up if the walls weren't soundproof. She praised him for still having it even in such a state, and Bam responded, a bit sarcastically, that with the fact he had 13 lovers to please meant his experience wouldn't rust even in this state.

This caused her to laugh even as she continued to orgasm 6 times, shocking Bam with just how sensitive she was, but then again, most of his lovers always seemed so quick compared to him as Bam pushed them to the brink of pleasure with how he was thorough and diligent in making sure they were content, hands caressing, dick fucking inside, and so on. When Bam finally came inside her, despite the fact she looked quite tired, she eagerly started to stimulate his cock, sucking and using her breasts. While she wasn't nearly as skilled as Enne and Hana was, her enthusiasm was commendable and she didn't hesitate to push herself more, stating she wanted to last for at least 3 hours compared to Yuri only lasting 2 hours.

Afterwards, she regularly switched positions from Bam, going from being in cowgirl, missionary, and doggy, all to enjoy the best she could. She had enough of him fucking her in the pussy after he came one last time, and told him to fuck her in the ass next without holding anything back. Bam did so, and he sure made her scream more than she had before, applying particular force on her breasts and even targeting her clitoris, a trick he learned, to show him what he really could do. In the end, she lasted for just 2 hours and a half, which left her disappointed, but Bam assured her she did well.

And he supposed her hopes worked, as he realized he indeed had to keep going, for the sake of the people he loved, and he wouldn't be greedy about it, progressing naturally and not allowing himself to sully his friends in any way in the pretense of honoring them. Before he slept, Repellista told him she also had two more women who wanted to "get under his pants, and because you saved them", and she hoped it would convince him further. Bam was a bit curious, but decided to leave it for tomorrow.

What Repellista teased turned out to be the astonishing confession of two FUG hard-liners who had been with him during the fight. He really didn't expect this, especially as they hadn't spent too much time together, although they had gotten acquainted over the years and developed a solid working relationship. It was none other but the FUG Guide Soo-Oh and FUG Elder Sophia Tan, both of whom Bam had personally saved from stray attacks or the impact of Jahad and Enryu's attacks colliding.

Soo-Oh was easily the most tsunderish about it, as she heatedly started by describing how he once reminded her of Jahad and how his attitude vexed her, but then she grew soft as she admitted over the years, she started to realize how Bam truly was trying to be better than the ones who came before, and his compassion wasn't out of naivety, but genuine heart and hope. She definitely had showed him real respect over the years, Bam admitted, but then Soo-Oh admitted she only realized she had fallen for him after he saved her from the fight between Jahad and Enryu. The fact that he, an Irregular who she once disliked, proved himself to be so concerned for someone like her and risked his own life for her was what made her realize she had developed feelings for him.

Sophia Tan, on the other hand, was definitely more casual and respectful about it as she began by calling Bam "My Manly God", which made Bam blush for some reason, before she then admitted spending time training him made her feel an attraction to him that she at first ignored, but over the years, especially as he and her would go on more missions together than most FUG members did, she really couldn't stop herself from truly falling for him. After seeing Bam valiantly risk his life to save her and also being willing to take the mantle of leadership over the Grace Family, that was when she realized he truly was deserving of her love.

Repellista then wisely pointed out while both may see him as their God, they also really like him as a man because he SAVED them. He might not believe himself to be a savior, but the truth was he had saved many, so Bam shouldn't feel like he was lacking. Not all conflicts could be won, but Bam could still do his best. That was why she had fallen for him, just like how those two had grew to love him: He always got back up and kept fighting.

Needless to say, Bam was touched to the point of shedding a few tears as he realized he really did do his best after all. While he hadn't known those two too much, he chose to give them a chance out of gratitude that they reminded him of what he should strive to do.

And so Bam went to the graveyard, where he assured Mirchea he would lead the Grace Family to a brighter future before bowing in front of the graves of Rak, Vespa, Aleksai, Beta, Horyang, and Cassano, promising to fulfill their wishes.

Unbeknownst to Bam, far away, Enryu watched using lighthouses so discreetly Bam didn't knew. It brought the Red Tower to smile.

Who would have thought my sister's son could be such a great "ladies man". From what I could see of his fate, there are still a few more before his "harem" would be complete. I might be the "coolest man" in the Tower, but my nephew dwarfs me when it comes to being cool around women. I hope your soul is at peace Arlene. Your son will thrive now. May you and V rest in peace and be reincarnated as simply good couple.


And so Bam returned to hanging around with his friends more while still training. Since he already had a pretty good grasp of what his teachers were training him, Bam focused on improving his perfomance by fighting and defeating those simulations of the 10 Great Family Leaders for about 5 hours a day until he would then help his friends training. At their own request, he trained them more strictly than ever, even causing them a bit injuries that they were fine with.

Of course, Bam also spent more time with his girlfriends, both old and new.

They were all very much relieved when he finally returned to his normal self, Yuri kissing him for a full minute and shedding a single tear as she told him not to make her worry like that again, Endorsi and Anaak hugging and grabbing his arms while arguing about who should date first, Miseng and Yihwa both just sobbing as they cried on his shoulders, Hana just giving him an understanding pat while Enne was frantically hugging him, relieved he was fine. Even some of the more reserved ones made their relief clear. Both Tiara and Aria gave him a brief but quite sincere hug, Hwa Ryun patted him in the shoulder and told him she always had faith in him, while Irure straight-up kissed him in the cheek, the lips, and the forehead.

The girls didn't protest over the new inclusions, and Hwa Ryun even welcomed them courteously. Apparently, Repellista had told them all about how Sophia and Soo-Oh was partially why Bam regained himself, so they decided to be grateful and not protest his decision. They had other stuff to focus to, particularly getting stronger for the next stage of the war.

Also, while Yuri, Aria, Garam, and the two new inclusions from FUG had all fought in the war in numerous ways, they had decided it was best that they look after the younger girls and their squads. In particular for Yuri, Aria, and Garam, they decided they would need to get even stronger than their original level, as they all needed to become powerful enough to truly survive. They didn't want to make Bam heartbroken, and so they became determined to fight side-by-side alongside their fellows and protect them, choosing to work together and forego any kind of romantic rivalry for the sake of everyone's happiness, especially Bam's.

Yuri took charge of the "Harbingers", Aria decided to join the "Red Light", and Garam chose to be the leader of the "Variable Protectors". Ha Yurin herself was quite willing to train them, just as she was currently also helping Master Jinsung grow even stronger than he already was. His Master had been reluctant, but agreed, if only for his sake. Bam didn't want to lose anyone precious to him anymore.

By the time of the second week of the third month, leaving him with only 2 weeks and 3 days left, Bam had made up his mind that he would be Enryu's apprentice, as Enryu was the only one who he could truly compare to Jahad. He had written a letter to Enryu and cast a spell to send it to Enryu, expressing that he agreed to Enryu becoming his main teacher from now on.

Only an hour later and Enryu appeared, expressing he was glad that Bam had made his choice. He told Bam that he had been keeping an eye on him, and his efforts to improve by himself was noteworthy, but now Enryu offered the "Beyond S+Rank" sparring partner, none other but Enryu himself. Bam had rolled his eyes at Enryu as he admitted he expected him to be better at giving names.

Anyway, Enryu had asked Bam to spar with him right then, creating an alternate dimension for them to have at it. Bam lost, of course, all while Enryu held himself back, and unlike previous spars, Enryu tested Bam's skills in various fields that he thought he had mastered and pretty much schooled him. He had lost sparring sessions to Yurin and Urek, but never as badly as he lost to Enryu. Enryu wasn't kidding as he said he would teach Bam to grow in every specialization possible, and Bam couldn't deny he still had quite much to learn after how he fared.

Enryu dominated him in hand-to-hand combat within 3 minutes as he easily parried all of Bam's hits for a full 2 minutes without retaliating before he then pressed the offense, taking the upper hand swiftly and landing blow after blow as Bam could barely keep up before he grounded Bam by grabbing him in the neck and tossing him down. Bam had even asked how could he be so good at hand-to-hand when he was a Spear Bearer, and Enryu simply stated that he and Jahad were a firm "Master of All", and even Urek was like that, so Bam shouldn't be surprised, causing Bam to grumble at the injustice of clashing wits with the coolest man in the Tower.

Bam didn't even last a minute fighting Enryu as a Spear Bearer as Enryu easily landed 12 hits, 9 blunt blows and 3 cutting attacks, and that was after Bam gave up soon on attacking, focusing much on defense. Archery didn't help much as Enryu disarmed Bam within only 10 seconds more than he had with a spear. Competing accuracy? Bam was pretty much eaten alive by the Red Tower, getting hit 20 times within 30 seconds. Enryu had to heal him up before he could keep going, and at least the man wasn't mocking him.

At least he lasted for 6 minutes when he dueled Enryu's spear with his two blades, although he failed to land a single hit again, as he managed to block an adequate amount of Enryu's spear, albeit with Enryu clearly holding himself back by a few margins, but he was mostly on the defense. At least he could launch a couple of attacks when he wanted to, though, and Enryu at least admitted he was better with dual-blades.

Stealth attacks as a Scout didn't work as Enryu could read the shinsu so well it was hopeless for him to try and be sneaky, all while he could control shinsu with enough subtlety that even Bam's Moonlight Seekers couldn't react to all of his attacks and struggled to read the nature of it. In fact, Enryu could physically sneak behind him even when he was focused too!

His Magnus Core was also inferior to Enryu's own lighthouse control, even almost making Bam mistake the Red Tower for being like Tperie, as the man managed to override Bam's lighthouse techniques, show off a few impressive moves, and even turn a few of his lighthouses against him. Then Enryu revealed he had been controlling lighthouses as his primary method of observing Bam, causing Bam to realize how he really was out of his depth against the Red Tower.

Still, this didn't discourage Bam. He knew Enryu meant well now, so he just gave his uncle a small smile.

I'll keep going, until I surpass you and Jahad! I'll make a better world for everyone, so lend me your strength!

Enryu allowed a small grin on his face at that.


And so we reach the halfway of the story, Jahad. The boy's getting closer and closer to being worthy of the secrets, of challenging you for the mantle of King. He's recovered from the loss of a few of his friends, albeit with a bit of a help from his women.

You might be who you are, but don't you think to give the boy privacy? The Son of Arlene has earned those women, so he deserves to spend his time with them uninterrupted.

Ha! I didn't interrupt them, at all. Yet another one of your former Princesses have joined him. I must say, your blood really seems to be so compatible with the Graces...

I didn't design it that way.

I know. So the story approaches closer than ever to the endgame.

Yes. The endgame, extending beyond simply the duel between me and the boy, but it's still not for at least 8 years or so. How about you just go back to "penning your story", Phantaminum?

I suppose so. I assume you've prepared quite the games indeed for the final clash. You already gathered a few of what you need, but there are still half or more left, right?

Yes. I already have a few candidates as to what they are. How about you just leave and appear at the end, Phantaminum? An Axis like you surely has other business to attend to?

As you wish. Enjoy the remaining years, Jahad. After all, you know better than anyone not to take victory as granted.


And thus the end of the half of the story is here!

I do hope you enjoyed Enryu shown in action. Enryu being Arlene's sister was such a popular idea, and I thought about what if Enryu chose to join Bam's side, so here it is! I do hope I made it clear just how while Jahad might be strong enough to fight him, that doesn't change the fact Enryu is still one of the two "current" strongest characters in this fic's universe.

And we get another steamy scene! I think I'll have to change my mind, as there'll definitely be more smut than just five, especially in the next arc. I do hope you look forward to it, though!

And Phantaminum is confirmed to be the voice that spoke to Jahad! That's all I'll say, he he...