Chapter 1 - Why Me? (1) 

A massive explosion echoed across the plains. It was the last battle we faced—a decisive moment not just for our lives, but for the thousands of others hanging in the balance. The journey to reach this point had been exhausting, yet this ultimate confrontation proved to be even more draining than the culmination of all our previous struggles.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Magic was unleashed, swords clashed with the tough hide of the monstrous creature, the air ignited and flame, earthquakes raged, destroying everything in their path. Despite the grim circumstances, the tide slowly turned in our favor. Well, that was something to be proud of.

This was the situation we found ourselves in. As long as we remained patient and did everything what we can, we could overcome this.

Seven top-ranked individuals paved the way back to our world. Out of the thousands who had come to this place, the reality was that only seven were deemed worthy to progress this far—a rather disheartening fact.

Roooaaar!

The final adversary we faced was a colossal black dragon, its towering figure making us look like tiny ants beneath its feet. Its size was so immense that it seemed implausible. However, it also made it easier for us to attack, even though a single fatal strike from this lizard would end us instantly.

"Merge with the gust of wind, bestow your blessing—Haste!"

There wasn't much I could do in a grand battle like this, especially when the enemy was impervious to magical attacks. I mean, isn't providing buffs to allies the only thing I could do? It was frustrating, but who could I complain to?

Actually, I could create some kind of illusion or disturbance for the enemy. Not directly on the target, but I could still disrupt the surrounding area. Conjuring illusions in front of the colossal dragon might not be very useful since it was far from foolish. However, perhaps it would become momentarily distracted, showing a slight vulnerability due to being too focused on the illusions, right? At least the odds weren't zero.

The rest of what I can do is to provide buffs to my allies—increasing speed, strength, stamina, and endurance. Anything that can be useful, I will unleash here. By the way, another reason why I only provide minimal assistance is to conserve the mana I possess. My main task is to give the final blow, the Ultimate Attack. Of course, to do that, I first need to overcome the dragon's magic resistance.

Slash~

That was an attack from our swordsman. He's an intriguing young man. I've seen him a few times in the past, but back then, he looked quite pitiful—timid, fearful, naïve, and, frankly, too honest, I must say. But look at him now, becoming a resilient youth who serves as the spearhead for everyone.

Time and environment can transform people into something unexpected. Life is truly fascinating. Often, everything doesn't go as you think it would.

"The dawn light sweeps away the darkness, illuminate—Heal!"

"Impenetrable Fortress—Earth Wall!"

"Annihilation Slash!"

"Divine Arrow!"

Wow, they're pulling out all the stops at this opportunity. Perhaps this is the chance we've finally earned after battling for so long. Of course, I won't be left behind. Anyway, the opening we've been waiting for is here. Finally, the dragon's magical protection vanished. This is my only chance. I mean, if I fail, there's no other hope. Everyone is already too tired, and I've gathered all the mana I have for this attack. Imagine if it misses, I'd be devastated.

"Ruler of Space destroys, Ruler of Time restores, return the world to its origin—Armageddon!"

Even though the dragon had an absurd magic resistance, after its protection disappeared, it was just a giant tough chunk of meat. This is what I've been waiting for all this time—a skill that ignores all obstacles, destroying everything in its path.

Of course, there is a drawback—the slow movement of this skill. However, it doesn't matter when the enemy is crawling.

Creak. Clack. Creak.

Boooooom!!!

The space split as cracks spread slowly, converging to form a large void sphere, obliterating anything in its path. The upper half of the dragon's body vanished, marking the end of our Long Battle—a two-day, two-day struggle without a single break. Truly, it didn't suit my old bones.

"Hahahaha!"

"Great job, everyone."

"Finally done."

Everyone gathered again. Seven individuals in total, without a single casualty. A sense of relief mixed with satisfaction spread among everyone. The Long Battle was finally over, and we could finally return. It has been a long journey.

It reminds me, it's been forty years since we came to this place, more precisely, since we were abducted. Suddenly transported to a foreign land by strangers clearly defined as kidnapping.

Forty years of struggle and hardship finally came to an end. I don't even know what happened in the real world. How about my wife and children? It's good if they're okay, but what can I hope for now? My wife may have already passed away. The last I remember, my son was around 18 years old, and my daughter was 8.

My children might even have grandchildren, and I know nothing about it here. Well, I am content as long as they live well.

"Congratulations."

A woman's voice suddenly emerged, dispelling all the thoughts we had. A woman who is wearing a white gown, adorned with wings as white as snow behind her, with blonde hair and stunning beauty—Luminara.

This is the same angel who brought us to this cursed place. However, until now, she hasn't answered our questions about why she dragged us here. It's frustrating because we remained in the darkness for 40 years.

"You have completed the trial up to this highest floor, as promised. The gate back to Earth will now appear on this 100th floor."

I felt a bit anxious about her appearance, a kind of foreboding, but from her words, my anxiety lessened a bit. The same went for everyone else. They were cautious about her appearance but relieved after hearing her words.

"But..."

I knew it! My instincts were never wrong! Damn! Also, don't beat around the bush. Can't you just say everything at once!? I felt my feelings towards her intensify, and it definitely wasn't the good kind.

"The trial is not over if your goal is to return everyone in the Tower."

"What do you mean!? This differs from what you said in the beginning!"

Good question, but even if the angel answered it, there wouldn't be any actual difference. Moreover, it makes sense for the abductor not to let their victims escape so easily. Plus, we've remained in the darkness until now. I mean, I know I shouldn't be doing this, but thinking about everything we've been through going to waste is incredibly frustrating.

"The last trial is me, as I am the key to open that gate."

That was quite unexpected. I thought she would say something like, 'Only one person can go through, so you must kill each other,' or something. Well, I guess my mind is starting to be affected by age. This is bad.

"Ahem, may this old man ask something?"

At least I have to make sure of something. My fading foreboding, now roaring, tells me that I've stepped into chaos. I feel like the bad luck won't just stop here.

"Continue."

"When will the last trial begin?"

"Now."

"..."

Okay, we're in trouble. We used up everything we had to face the previous black dragon. Although we're not completely empty, at this moment, it's probably only around 10% of our full capacity. This is clearly not a pleasant situation.

Initially, I thought she would only give us a few hours, which is very short. But considering she has already appeared here, it's not impossible that she's only giving us a little rest time. But once again, as if luck was mocking us, she didn't even give us a moment's rest!

"Nonsense! We just—"

"Let's get started then."

Boooooom!!!!!

The angel gathered light in her hands and unleashed it, dozens of times larger than the Armageddon I released earlier, and she released it just like that.

Okay, even if she gave us a few months, we still wouldn't stand a chance against her. Why did she start it now? Because we have no chance of winning?

But a new question arises here. Then what's the reason for her making us grow stronger if only to be killed after reaching this point? Are we just some kind of entertainment for her? I don't know. At least, I'm not interested in watching a 40-year-long movie that ends with a bad ending.

Also, what is this? Weren't we talking cordially before? Isn't there an unwritten rule to prepare before the battle begins? Damn it! Give us time to process the information! This is getting more confusing.

If you don't want to let us escape, there's no need to use words like a trial; this is no different from murder. Damn, there are too many questions compared to answers here.

Like me, the other six are also filled with disbelief and shock. No one can react.

The explosion of light swallowed the entire world.

Everything disappeared just like that.

It's truly nonsensical.

I don't even want to think about complaining.

If this were a game, I would uninstall it immediately and report it as a scam. This is the worst game ever. You can't treat an old man like this. I hope my children don't grow up with personalities like this.

Sigh...

Our hard work vanished just like that. Forty years of futile struggle.

I want to cry.

I mean, we knew we might not get the outcome we hoped for, but isn't this too much? At least give us a good fight, even if it's just for show.

Damn stupid angel.

Finally, darkness envelops me; let's consider this the end of the journey. A game with no extra chances. You lose, and that's game over.

* * *

"Papa! Papa! Wake up!"

"Uh..."

My head hurts. I slept, but instead of reducing fatigue, it only made me more tired. Ugh, I might need to get a health check later.

"Little girl, it's not good to shout to wake someone up. That's bad."

"Hm? Is it? But Papa didn't wake up when I did it gently. Papa is bad!" she retorted with a pout.

Well, I can't win against her. Not after she makes that face. I get up and hug her.

"Huu... This is Papa's fault, okay? Forgive me, alright, good girl? Later, we'll buy ice cream."

"Hmph! Mama already bought me ice cream."

With that, she wriggles free from my grasp and dashes out of the room. Truly an energetic girl. I really want to hug her all day. She's really cute.

Okay, let's rethink what happened. That was a really strange dream. It feels like I shouldn't forget it, but here I am only remembering some parts. Giant lizard, flying pigeon, and... and... as expected of me, I forgot the rest.

But my desire to hug my daughter is increasing right now. Maybe influenced by that weird dream earlier. I don't know, I'm not sure.

No, seriously, I really need to replenish my Ninium reserves. I feel like my health will deteriorate even more if I don't hug her.

I get up and start running after her.

"Kyaa!! Let go! Stupid Papa! Bad Papa! Let me … go!!!"

"Argh! Are you a dog? Don't bite!"

That hurt. Right on my shoulder. Who taught her that? Seriously, she's growing badly. What's wrong with hugging your own daughter... mischievous girl.

"Mama! Papa's gone crazy! Help me!"

This girl … why do this to this kind man? She ran away as if I were an unforgivable sex offender. Seriously, where did you learn it from?

"Huhuhu, did you bite it like mom said?"

"Nn, Papa shouted and let me go, hehe."

Okay, so you're the person is. You two dare to plot against this great existence. Unforgivable! Let me show you what it means to deceive this great me.

"Try my secret Technique, Bear Hug!"

"Ah! Mom, help! The devil got me! Save me! Uwaahh… Ah… I'm dead…"

"Ha ha ha. No one can beat me! Little girl, you are my food for tonight … Nom Nom Nom!"

"Kyahahaha! Stop … Whahaha… I give up…"

Plok

"Ugh."

"Stop messing around you two, go wash yourselves, we're going to have breakfast."

I turned around to see the perpetrator who hit my head. There I saw a beautiful middle-aged woman, with tied black hair showing an aura of maturity and a gentle mother. Smiling as he returned to the kitchen. This is my wife, Linda Wood.

By the way, this troublesome little girl is my daughter, her name is Rani, or called Nini. Inheriting her mother's black hair, or not, I also have black hair. So maybe inherited it from me? Of course, as expected of me.

My son, who is currently leaving for school, is called Rin. He's not important right now, so let's ignore him.

And most importantly, the great existence who descended from heaven to bless humanity with his light—that is me, Lucas Wood.

But once again, it makes me think of the dream I had, the figure with pristine white wings that just irritates me to think about.

Ugh, this ruins my day.

As I stand silently contemplating, my wife comes again. Ugh, how long have I been standing here daydreaming?

"Food's ready... Why are you still here? Go wash that silly face!"

"Uwa! Monster attack! Papa, fight it!"

"Unfortunately, my dear, your mighty dad cannot defeat this monster. We better run!"

"Good thinking, onto Plan B, retreat!"

And that's the daily life of our little family. A delightful morning. The presence of my little daughter makes the atmosphere cheerful.

I carry my daughter and start walking towards the bathroom. But it feels like I'm neglecting something important, or not. Something easily forgotten is surely not something important. The saying goes like that, so it must be true.

Whoosh!

Or maybe it's wrong. Perhaps this is something very important?

A magic circle appears beneath us. Before I could think, the scenery in front of us changes.