Chapter 210: Political Game (Bonus - )

Chapter 210: Political Game (Bonus Chapter)

"Who the hell is in charge of Lobby #111?" The Herald blurted in disbelief, swiping through her exclusive system panel, when her expression changed and she glanced at Kaelen but didn’t say anything.

"It’s okay. I already know that. Can you help me contact her?"

"What?" The Herald’s expression changed.

"Look, it’s urgent. I just need you to pass a message for me. Tell her what you saw on the third floor—"

"No." The Herald cut him off. "Communicating with other Heralds is prohibited."

Kaelen stared at the Herald blankly. "Communication is prohibited, but you have a group chat for all Heralds."

"W-What?"

"Have you forgotten I was there? The other Herald said she’d forwarded the clip of Kelsey to the group chat. If there’s a group chat, then I’m certain communication is not prohibited, and you can also message a Herald privately."

"I don’t care what you heard. I’m still not doing that."

Kaelen frowned. He didn’t need to ask why they were doing that. It wasn’t because they weren’t on good terms with Emir. It was simply because Kaelen had challenged them countless times because he believed they had nothing on him.

This was that rare moment when he needed their help.

"Fine. Your team is still stuck on Floor One. I’ll assist them to Floor Five and make sure—"

"Jokes on you. They cleared the second floor with zero casualties while you were sleeping this afternoon. They don’t need you to make it to the top, Kaelen Cross."

"Fair. How about the tenth floor? Are you certain they can make it past the final boss room when the boss of the third floor is already posing this much of a threat?" Kaelen said sharply. "Though I plan on switching lobbies on the ninth floor, I can cross lobbies and join your party on the tenth floor after clearing mine. How about that?"

The Herald scoffed. "Do you think that would work? Entering the Tower from another lobby?"

"I see no reason for it not to work."

"It might, but that’ll be the last time you use that loophole because it’ll be patched as soon as the audience sees you can move across the Tower without restrictions. They weren’t too happy with the trick you pulled last time. They even created a poll to make you redo the second floor, but because it was a false floor, the Tower Masters let it slide. Don’t get too cocky, Kaelen Cross. You’re in the land of the enemy. No one wants to see you win, which is exactly why we have zero sponsors and little to no resources, even when we have an outstanding candidate who clears all floors solo. So I’ll pass on that offer."

"If you have something to say to Lobby #111, I’m sure there’s a comment section for viewers’ opinions. If you screamed loud enough, maybe she’d notice you."

Kaelen stared hard at the Herald before he turned and left without saying another word.

On his way back to his room, he sent a message to Felix.

By the time he arrived at his room, Felix had replied to his message.

Felix Gray: Oh, look who’s here. You totally forgot about me and went on an adventure without even giving me feedback on the idea. I’m starting to feel like this is a one-sided partnership.

He wasn’t wrong.

Kaelen had indeed abandoned him and only came knocking when he had a problem.

Me: I’ve been busy. I’ll make it up to you by giving you early information on the third floor. I also need your help with something.

Felix: Early information on the third floor? Sorry, buddy, I have that already. And of course you need help. But hey, what are friends for? You indirectly helped me too. And let me guess, you want to contact Emir, by any chance?

Kaelen’s eyes widened in shock and disbelief. He stared at the message for a long moment, not knowing how to reply.

At first, it seemed like Felix could read him like an open book. But no, that wasn’t the case. There was nothing to it, because how was it possible that he had information on the third floor when Kaelen had been the only one to enter it?

Me: How did you get information on the third floor?

Felix: From you, my friend.

Kaelen paused to look at the message for a long moment. It looked like Felix was just trolling him when it struck him.

Me: Wait... don’t tell me my Herald sold information on the third floor using me?!

That was the only possible cause, and Felix had confirmed it before he even asked.

Felix: It seems like you weren’t informed. These sorts of things happen, but it’s usually an agreement between the candidate and their Herald, and they split the profit from selling the information to other Heralds. It’s more effective than waiting for a generous patron.

Kaelen’s expression turned cold.

The same Herald who had just refused his simple request had sold information when they’d both agreed on being discreet?

Another message came in from Felix.

Felix: I doubt your wife got the memo.

Me: First of all, how do you know that’s Emir’s domain? Secondly, is it possible to communicate with a Herald from another lobby?

Felix: I know it’s Emir. I also know the identity of every single Herald on duty. Heck, we often get snippets of their group chat. You’re lost, Kaelen. But I’ll put you on if you become a little more considerate of me. Together, we can make it out of here and save our world. You might think I’m one of the bad guys (which is true), but I have a family back in our world. The only advantage I have over you is the fact that I’m married into one of the big families.

To answer your question, yes. It is possible to message a Herald directly, but that’s not the problem. The issue is knowing the alias they go by to protect their identity. I can get that if Emir’s for you, but it might take a while and a price.

Kaelen read the message carefully and quickly typed a reply.

Me: Thanks, but don’t bother. I’ll ask my Herald for that.

Felix: Are you sure about that? It doesn’t sound like you and your Herald are on good terms.

Kaelen only smiled coldly.

Me: Haven’t been more sure about anything in my life.

He said that and closed his inbox before stepping out of his room and heading towards the angel’s gate, which would make them appear.

Conveniently, they were already there with the ding-dong dash girl, discussing something Kaelen couldn’t care less about.

He spoke up as soon as he arrived.

"Hey, I heard Heralds go by aliases and can be contacted directly. I need Emir’s alias right now." He said flatly.

The Herald was taken aback for a moment before she scoffed in cold disbelief. "Who do you think you’re ordering around with that tone—"

"I learnt you sold information on my experience on the third floor."

The Herald immediately froze.

"It’s been less than fifteen minutes," Kaelen said coldly. "I need Emir’s alias right now... or do you want to see how fast I can summon the Herald Executioner?"