The Calone family mansion possessed a secret underground chamber—one known only to the head of the family.
Now, Jane and Quinos descended a spiraling staircase. The chamber was cylindrical in shape, its foundation built from white brick that formed the winding steps beneath their feet. Quinos led the way, while Jane followed closely behind him.
When the end of the staircase came into view, they stopped before a massive gate. It consisted of two dark wooden doors reinforced with iron along their edges.
Quinos knocked on the left door twice, then once on the right.
Moments later, a creaking sound echoed as the two doors slowly opened in opposite directions. Dust that had long settled within the gaps drifted down into the air, a clear sign that this place had not been opened in a very long time.
Jane, who had been standing at the back, froze in astonishment as the doors opened.
"…How long has it been since I last came here?" Quinos muttered to himself, waving his hand slightly to disperse the floating dust.
They stepped inside.
Within the chamber stood rows of bookshelves, impeccably preserved—so clean that not a single speck of dust touched them. Farther away from the shelves, numerous weapons were displayed, each radiating immense magical power.
Jane could sense it immediately.
Every item in this room had been obtained by the Calone family from the Tower of Gods.
It was her first time entering this place, and she could not hide her awe as she took in the sight of the countless treasures.
Quinos walked toward a bookshelf organized alphabetically and pulled out a rather thick book with a yellow-black cover.
He held it for a moment, gazing at the title clearly engraved on its surface.
Lightning Breakthrough Aura.
Quinos turned to his daughter. "This is it," he said, handing the book to Jane.
Jane stared at the book before carefully taking it from her father's hands—the manual containing every step required to master Lightning Breakthrough Aura.
"I entrust this book to you," Quinos said gently, an unconscious smile forming on his face as he looked at Jane.
"What?!" Jane exclaimed in shock. She had never imagined her father would actually give her the book.
"…Consider it a gift for obtaining the Union badge."
Jane fell silent, fully realizing just how priceless the book in her hands truly was.
Without thinking, she rushed forward and wrapped her arms tightly around her father.
"Thank you."
It was nothing more than a sincere embrace—pure gratitude from a daughter to her father.
…
In the slums, where Kyran resided.
Merlin sat in the same chair he had occupied before in Kyran's room. Kyran, seated behind his desk, looked surprised by Merlin's sudden visit.
"What brings you here?" Kyran asked.
Merlin had come to seek information from the beggar group—an organization infamous for its intelligence-gathering capabilities.
"I'm looking for information," Merlin said briefly.
"…Don't worry. This time, I'll pay for it."
Unlike before, Merlin had no intention of receiving information for free.
"What do you want to know?" Kyran asked, his demeanor shifting instantly as their relationship turned strictly professional.
"I want to know the latest news inside the Tower," Merlin replied.
Kyran nodded.
"First, on the third floor, a tournament among Climbers is currently underway to obtain the right of permanent residence on the floor. Second, a newly emerged dungeon on the fifth floor has already been claimed by the Blue Rose expedition group. Third, a member of the Demon Faction has appeared and has been captured by the Holy Faction."
Kyran delivered the information concisely.
"For detailed information on each topic, there will be an additional charge," he added, having only provided the headlines.
Merlin processed the rough state of the Tower in his mind.
"I'm interested in the Demon Faction and the Holy Faction," Merlin said, considering his role as an Apostle.
"The price will be one silver coin," Kyran replied, "but since it's you, I'll lower it to seven bronze coins."
"One piece of information costs twice the price of ordinary bread," Merlin thought to himself.
He placed seven bronze coins on Kyran's desk, and only then did Kyran continue.
"A newly registered Climber has been conducting a summoning ritual in Sector Two—the gathering area for newly arrived Climbers."
"His name is Bunido. He obtained his badge by stealing it and killing another Climber. He holds no noble title and originates from the slums of Sirus."
Merlin's eyes widened.
"Do you know him?" Merlin asked, noting that both Bunido and Kyran came from the slums.
"Yes. He was once one of us," Kyran answered. "Until he left, driven by his desire to destroy the nobles and other Climbers."
"So this is all fueled by personal resentment?" Merlin asked.
"Yes. A hatred he nurtured for years. The murder of his parents by nobles was the beginning of it all."
Merlin recalled how nobles often looked down upon those beneath them, arrogance deeply ingrained in their nature.
"Then how did he come into contact with the Demon Faction?" Merlin asked, sensing something amiss.
If Bunido truly came from the slums, someone must have taught him summoning rituals before he ever entered the Tower. Surviving even the first floor without prior preparation was nearly impossible.
That meant Bunido had planned everything long before entering the Tower.
"…The city has already been infiltrated by the Demon Faction," Merlin said.
Kyran nodded.
"They're also behind the disappearance of several children and women in the city."
"They're preparing something big."
Kyran then pulled out a parchment from his desk drawer and placed it on the table.
"Here."
It was a portrait, drawn in black ink.
"The head of the Church of Rebecca."
"Pastor Flaudis. He is the mastermind behind the disappearances of the children and women—and the one pulling the strings behind Bunido."
Merlin could not hide his shock.
"The Church of Rebecca is the most widely followed religion in Sirus. How could its leader be part of the Demon Faction?" Merlin said in disbelief.
"Anyone who hears this would say the same," Kyran replied.
"…But my contact claims to have seen Pastor Flaudis imprisoning children and women beneath the Church of Rebecca."
"The church is located in the noble district. Why haven't the nobles noticed anything?" Merlin murmured, rubbing his chin.
"…Unless the nobles themselves are involved!"
"Exactly," Kyran said, nodding.
"The nobles protect the Church of Rebecca. Because of that, the Union cannot act freely—even though they are aware of the truth."