chapter 14 the big day

Amori, Umori, and Imori made their way to the structure that served as the passenger terminal for the airships. To access the transportation, they had to take a loan from some gangs who were more than willing to give them the money—they couldn't refuse.

After paying for their passage to Padokia and boarding the airship, they spent 1 day and 7 hours traveling to Padokia. From Lublo, they could see the Celestial Tower in the distance.

"Umori, so that's where we're going to train? It's immense!" Umori exclaimed.

Imori added, "So, this is where we're going to get rich. Let me manage your money for you. Banks aren't secure."

Amori and Umori replied in unison, "If we let you handle our money, you'd spend it all on games or comics!" they shouted.

Imori looked at his brothers, feeling hurt by their lack of trust in him, even though they weren't entirely wrong.

The airship landed, and as they fixed their gaze on the tower, Amori said, "Let the hell begin."

On the way to the Celestial Tower, they passed various markets selling trinkets, weapons, antiques, and miraculous remedies, among other things. Upon reaching the tower, a long human chain awaited them just to register. It took them three hours to reach the receptionist.

"Good morning. Here's the registration form," said the receptionist.

After filling out the forms, she said, "Please wait for a moment. Here are your registration numbers: Alucard Amori, number 1226; Alucard Umori, number 1227; Alucard Imori, number 1228. You will be called for your duels shortly. Please wait in the waiting room."

The waiting room was filled with various contestants, each there for different reasons. Some had gambling debts, others had mortgages—they were the easiest to distinguish, as fear and regret were evident on their faces. Others were there for more money, eager to prove they were the strongest.

Further down, they could hear cheers and see different contestants fighting. Some people cheered and encouraged them. They found a place to enjoy the spectacle when suddenly:

"Number 1227 and number 862 are expected in Arena C."

Umori stood up. "It's my turn to dance," he said, heading to the arena. His opponent was a man of simple build.

"Prepare for combat," the referee announced.

The man charged at Umori, aiming a punch at his jaw. Umori deflected it and countered with a punch to the stomach, sending his opponent into dreamland.

"Number 1227 wins! You advance to the 50th floor," the referee declared, handing Umori a ticket that would grant him access to the next floor.

"Number 1226 and number 562 are expected in Arena F. Number 1228 and number 712 are expected in Arena A."

Imori said, "Our turn has come, Amori. Let's see who finishes first," he said, heading to his arena. Amori did the same.

The referee signaled the start of the combat. Amori's opponent, a sumo wrestler, took his stance and charged at him, trying to grab and pin him. Amori dodged and delivered a blow to the chin, knocking him out.

Meanwhile, Imori moved behind his opponent and began to strangle him. His adversary tapped the ground to surrender. Despite not being as strong as Amori, Imori's strength was not a joke, and he compensated with tremendous reflexes and speed.

"Number 1227 wins! Number 1228 wins! You advance to the 50th floor," the referees declared.

They took their tickets and headed to the reception to cash in their victory. The rewards were meager; the tickets didn't serve to advance floors, just to prove their victories and receive a small payment. coming 50th floor earned them 152 Jénis, a pittance. Fortunately, these weren't death matches, where a life would be exchanged for such a small sum.

The receptionist explained the tower's rules, emphasizing that a defeat meant losing floors, just as a victory earned them advancement. Winning on

the 50th floor was worth 50,000 Jénis

the 100th floor nearly 1 million Jénis

the 150th floor 10 million Jénis

and the 190th floor 200 million Jénis

The more the receptionist talked, the more the Jenis signs were evident in their eyes. Although Amori was already aware of this, hearing it made him feel great. They were broke, but at least tonight, they could sleep in a hotel.

Imori declared, "We need to keep advancing so I can become rich," revealing his true intentions. They thought he intended to keep the money for himself.

"You're right. Let's keep climbing. The opponents will be tougher," Amori said. They spent two weeks fighting to reach the 180th floor, losing once or twice but winning more. After finishing his match, Amori headed to the reception to collect his earnings. His brothers were already there. During those two weeks, they not only made money but also started using the participants to try out techniques they discovered in various dojos and even meditated to calm their minds before a fight. Amori had forced his brothers to meditate as an excuse for preparation.

As Umori and Imori approached Amori, he suddenly felt a hand tapping his shoulder. Without thinking, he reacted with a jump kick, using the momentum to distance himself.

"Good reflexes, kid. Or should I say, Amori?" said a voice with a smile.

His brothers were already in fighting stance. Amori recognized the man from his white hair, large nose, black glasses, and the huge pipe resting on his shoulder. They were incredibly lucky—he couldn't have wished for a better person to encounter.

"No need to be so tense. I'm Morau McCarnathy, your examiner, or rather, your master," he said with a charismatic smile.