Jackal cleared his throat. As you can see, he said, gesturing around at the buildings nearby, the second floor encourages people to pick a weapon. If the first floor trains one in the art of survival, the second floor trains people in the art of combat.
Tafel raised an eyebrow as she looked around. I dont see any magic weapons like staves or wands.
Those are located on the thirtieth floor, Jackal said. That wasnt always the case, but the lords of the tower insisted. Jackals voice lowered to a whisper. You didnt hear it from , but the lords of the tower arent all that great; theyre ntally weak, feeble-minded people obsessed with authority. Theyre afraid that teaching people magic so early on will allow common people to excel and gain the strength to dethrone them.
Before anyone could respond, Jackal cleared his throat and spoke in a loud voice, Most people pick a weapon and stick with it for whatever reason. Theyre given a sword when theyre young, so now they use a sword. They pick up a bow to hunt to survive, so now they use a bow. The second floor encourages you to try a wide assortnt of weapons to figure out which one suits you the best. Perhaps youve used swords all your life, but you actually had a talent when it ca to wielding spears; the tower seeks to unearth your full potential.
Makes sense, Tafel said and nodded.
Jackal headed towards a building in the distance. Once he walked past two people wearing blue armor, he exhaled. You have to watch what you say in the tower, he whispered. Especially if youre critical of the lords. They have eyes and ears everywhere, and any showing of disrespect will get you noticed.
Its that bad, huh? Tafel asked, furrowing her brow.
Its only bad if you arent talented, Jackal said, a bitter smile appearing on his long snout, barely visible underneath his hood. If youre skilled, the lords will scout you into their guilds, and the lords authority over the common people increases.
Ive heard the lords are fighting things thatre capable of destroying the tower, Tafel said. Arent they just doing everything they can to beco stronger?
Baseless rumors, Jackal said and shook his head. Of course, theyd portray themselves as heroes of the people. Without them, the tower will fall. Without their assistance, no one would be able to climb to the sa heights as them. The reality is anyone who climbs the tower can beco as strong as a lord, but theyre restricting us from growing by reducing the difficulties of the exams to prevent us from obtaining the full rewards.
Do you have any examples? Lindyss asked. She stepped on the grassy spider and sat beside Tafel, forcing the demon to scoot over, almost knocking her off. Luckily, Diamant was paying attention and expanded the seat to accommodate the both of them.
Sure, Jackal said and nodded. You mustve experienced it yourself during the advancent exam to co here. The lords encouraged people to beco guides, incentivizing them by subsidizing the innkeepers, who offer discounts and other perks to the guides. In return, the guides help newcors pass the exam safely. On paper, theres nothing wrong with this; however, the guides heavily persuade groups of people to avoid taking the trials of the various temples in the exam reason, citing safety reasons.
And clearing those trials grants weapons and other bonuses, Lindyss said.
Exactly, Jackal said. You see it too, dont you? That one bonus may be the reason why soone fails the next exam. It may be why they fail to secure another bonus thats absolutely necessary for passing a future exam. The higher up in the tower you go, youll see more and more people with nothing but despair in their hearts because theyre trapped, unable to advance further through no fault of their own.
Really? Tafel asked and tilted her head to the side. Weve t the Light Lord, and honestly, she doesnt seem like shed do sothing like that.
Jackal tripped over air. Youve t the Light Lord? he asked, whirling his head to the side to look at Tafel. He cleared his throat and smoothed out his cloak. Well, as a lord, Im sure she knows to present her friendliest face to the public. She might seem like a nice person, but you cant trust her outer appearance.
No, thats not it, Tafel said and shook her head. She wasnt friendly at all.
Jackal furrowed his brow. Then what do you an?
I just an she didnt seem like the type of person to use her head? Tafel said in a questioning manner. What I an to say isTafel humd and stroked her chinif Ashley wanted to oppress the people, shed do it with force, not with a huge, elaborate sche.
Jackal fell silent. After a bit of walking, he exhaled. I dont claim to know the lords. In fact, Ive only ever seen one from a distance. However, I can see from the rules and institutions theyve created all throughout the tower that soone up there doesnt have the peoples best interests at heart.
Lindyss shrugged. Why should they? In the end, theyre just people.
Have you ever heard of noblesse oblige? Jackal asked. Power and prestige co with responsibilities to those who dont have either.
Nope. Lindyss shook her head. Havent heard of it.
Err. Jackal furrowed his brow. Then, uh, now that you know what it is, dont you think it makes sense?
No, Lindyss said. What do the powerful get in return? If Im born next to a river, and youre born in the desert, am I obligated to give you water for nothing in return just because you dont have any? The cursed elf snorted. If Im born powerful, and youre not, I dont see why I should be obligated to use my power for you just because youre weak, especially when there are things like dragons out there capable of squishing both of us like were insects.
But, if youre a good person. Jackals voice trailed off upon seeing Lindyss unamused expression. N-never mind.
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