The weather on the eleventh floor was a welcome change. Snow still covered the ground, but Bunty could tell straight away that it was due to altitude and not an eternal winter. Giant fir trees surrounded the hub. Some of them rivalled the nobles’ towering homes in New Calcutta. Beastly, shadows moved in their branches, but it didn’t appear to bother the people in the hub. Bunty heard their calls, and the wood creak. He could tell they were too big to be critters, so he guessed the locals had some other form of relationship with them.

During his travels through the last two intervals, Bunty had learned that not all the literature in New Calcutta were authentic. The stories said all of Gaia’s creatures wanted to end human life. Bunty now had growing doubts regarding the claim. The many communities that had settled within the tower had either tamed the local fauna or found a way to coexist. Bunty guessed it was something similar.

The hub’s buildings didn’t display any allegiances. However, Climbers from every house littered the streets. Bunty spotted people wearing the East India Company’s colours too. Passing FTF employees nodded at him, Gwyneth. Meanwhile, the DeLawneys shot them knowing glances. Bunty was sure they’d think twice before attacking the pair, though—at least anywhere the public could see.

Even though the trio was ravenous, they found the hub’s binding stone first. Unlike the previous floors, it wasn’t as crowded. While the first two intervals were densely populated, Bunty was sure it wouldn’t be the same for the third. He had witnessed it first-hand. The tenth floor was a dangerous and difficult barrier to cross. Those who made it there and settled lived much more affluent lives than the houses controlling the fifth and sixth floors.

The Ansons controlled the fourteenth floor and were now rumoured to be extending their reach into the fifteenth. As a result, they were the wealthiest Climbing family in New Calcutta. Their ruthlessness dwarfed the DeLawney’s, and they used to maintain their hold on the tower. The talk on the street said that the other houses and several organisations had spent decades trying to build more than isolated settlements past the tenth floor. As far as he knew, none of them had succeeded.

Bunty shook his head, bringing himself back to reality. He hated the Ansons more than any noble house. However, he knew better than to go against them. Their advanced teams had among the most powerful Climbers known to humankind. Bunty did want vengeance for Neer but wanted the truth more than anything. Once he had it, then he’d had a decision at hand. Seek revenge, solve the tower’s mysteries, or build a home within it. For the time being, he only had a singular goal: fixing Oss.

After they were done interacting with the binding stone, the trio settled by a roadside stall. Bunty bought two venison wraps for each of them. As he expected, they devoured the first one in seconds. It wasn’t enough, though. Bunty was still hungry. Given the look in his companions’ eyes, they were too. They ordered teas and took their time eating.

“Are you feeling better now, Oss?” Bunty asked. Close to an hour had passed since they entered the new floor, but he still hadn’t stop fidgeting. Bunty had heard about Climbers suffering mental scars that haunted them for life, but he had never witnessed anything of the sort in person. He didn’t quite understand it. The smaller leopards were no match for the python or tortoise, but Oss hadn’t faltered when facing them. Bunty believed it was their combined injuries that had him shaken, but he couldn’t be sure.

“I’m feeling better,” Oss replied, flashing him a restrained smile. “Thank you. I’m sorry I couldn’t translate the texts for you, Bunty.”

“It’s a good thing I copied the inscriptions then.” Bunty fished his notebook out of his pocket and opened to the page containing the drawings.

“For Gaia’s sake, Bunty now’s not the time for that,” Gwyneth said, grabbing the notebook and placed it face down on the little road-side table.

“I’m being insensitive, aren’t I?” Bunty sighed. “I’m sorry. The thought of not just saving Alexander but getting Neer back too must’ve driven me a little crazy.” He placed a reassuring hand on Oss’s shoulder. “Forgive me, mate. I got carried away.”

“I understand, Bunty. I, too, have lost people dear to me. If there were anything that could bring them back, I’d got a little crazy too.” Oss shrugged Bunty’s hand off his shoulder and returned to his sandwich. “It’s just a legend, though. The Chronos Bloom doesn’t exist. Even if it did, I doubt it would bring someone back from the dead. Not even Gaia can pull off necromancy.”

“They’re eyes on us,” Gwyneth said, nodding at a DeLawney party across the street. They, too, were in the midst of the meal but continually glanced at the trio while whispering to one another. “I doubt they’ll try anything, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for them.”

“What about the hooded pair down the street?” Oss asked. “They’ve been following us ever since we exited the gate.”

Bunty followed his eyes to spot two figures standing in the distance. They didn’t display any colours giving away their allegiance, and the long capes made their shapes amorphous and unrecognisable. “They might Boleyn spies or bounty hunters,” Bunty said. “I think it’s time we find a defendable indoor location to rest and formulate a plan. We’re reasonably safe while in the hub. Let’s use this time to rest, regroup, and figure out our next step.”

He pulled Neer’s journal out of his pack and opened it to the ear-marked page. “Neer was never a good artist, but he’s described the facility’s location and the way there.”

“I’m not saying that it doesn’t exist, Bunty, but prepare for the facility that is no longer functional. Someone else might have found it since Neer’s passing. It might’ve been destroyed too.” Gwyneth squeezed Bunty’s forearm, looking deep into his eyes. “I’m not trying to discourage you. It’s important you understand that Gaia is forever changing. What you’re after might no longer exist. Just be prepared for such a possibility, alright?”

“What kind of beast are you chasing, Bunty?” Oss asked, raising an eyebrow. “I thought you were looking for Explorer?”

“We have several things we want of Gaia,” Bunty answered. “It’s a long way before we reach Explorer. For now, my primary focus is saving my friend. There’s a plant monster on the twelfth floor that might have the power to heal his injuries.”

Oss’s face hardened. “A plant? They’re best left alone.”

“Why?” Bunty’s brow furrowed. “How is any different from hunting a thousand-year-old tortoise?”

“Plant monsters old enough to produce anything potent enough to revive someone from near-death shouldn’t be trifled with. More than often, they’re vital to a floor’s ecology. By killing, you risk ruining the floor’s ecological balance.”

“Well, it’s for the best that we don’t intend to kill the beast,” Bunty replied. “I’d like to harvest its sap. That’s all.”

Oss didn’t appear convinced, but he didn’t say anything more. The trio finished their meal and set about finding an inn. The DeLawneys didn’t follow them, but the hooded pair did. Bunty held his left arm close to his chest and summoned a white ink gauntlet. Meanwhile, his right hand wrapped around his axe’s hilt.

The distance between them closed as the trio wandered away from populated streets into the settlement’s quieter corners. Gwyneth appeared distracted by the children playing in the snow. Despite their preteen age, a couple of them bore tattoos unique to beings gifted with spirits. While she remained oblivious of their presence, it wasn’t the same for Oss. After all, he had much keener senses than either of them. His ability to appear nonchalant was near non-existent, though. Oss’s shoulder and back had stiffened.

Bunty wasn’t sure how to react. It was unlikely they worked for the FTF. There were plenty of them walking around the floor, and their allegiance was no secret. The only reason he didn’t consider them enemies straight away was because Baba had said he had spies in the Boleyn household and the tower. Facing them in a dark alley when they were tired and injured wasn’t the smartest of moves, though. Bunty had almost made the mistake once before and wasn’t keen on repeating it. So, he led his friends into a tavern and picked a table with a clear view of the door.

While Gwyneth spoke to the landlord regarding lodging, Bunty and Oss readied their weapons under the table. Despite the minor friction between them, such synchronisation without the need to communicate felt good. Then the tavern door opened, and the pair entered. Bunty spotted a couple of strange orange eyes in the hood’s shadow. They featured almond pupils—not the usual teardrop-shaped nuts one found on Earth, but ones that ended in two opposing points.

The eyes stopped when they met Bunty’s. He prepared to extend a tentacle when the pair started walking towards him. Oss sniffed at the air, furrowing his eyebrows. Bunty wanted to get up and rip their hoods off, but he managed to contain themselves.

“Excuse me, gentlemen,” Gwyneth said, slipping between them to return to the table. She placed three steins of steaming cider on the table. The cinnamon and clove smell coming off them made Bunty’s mouth water, but he kept his eyes on the strangers. Gwyneth took the seat next to Bunty before smiling up at the hooded pair. She casually slipped a dagger out of her boot and held it under the table in a reverse grip. “How can I help you?”

“I don’t think you can, love.” The shorter of the pair asked. Her eyes didn’t glow like her partner’s. “I was hoping we could have a word with Mr Sen. Preferably in private.”

Bunty jumped out of his seat, backpedalling into the wall. His friends followed suit, but instead of retreating, they adopted a fighting stance.

“Take it outside, or I’m calling the guards!” The landlord yelled from behind the bar. A cat purple cat jumped onto the bar next to him, the hair on its back standing on its end.

“That won’t be necessary,” Bunty replied, pushing Oss’s bone staff down. “Put your weapons away.” He turned to the landlord. “I’m sorry. Just seeing ghosts. Do you have a private room?”

The landlord nodded. He instructed one of his staff to show them the way, and she jumped to follow his instructions. The serving piled their drinks onto a tray and guided them through a pair of old doors into the basement. It was well-furnished but colder and dustier than the floor above.

“Do you need anything else, sirs?” The young woman asked.

“Two more pints for our quests and five of whatever is for dinner,” Bunty answered.

“We got venison stew, a mixed squash curry, and baked potatoes.”

Bunty looked back at his companions. The hooded pair held their tongue, and his party still appeared too tense to respond. So, Bunty spoke for them. “Can we get three of each meal and five baked potatoes, please?” Oss cleared his throat. “Make it seven. Just knock and leave it by the door, alright?”

The maid nodded and left. Once Bunty had closed and locked the door, the pair lowered their hoods and beamed at him. Bunty couldn’t help but smile back at them.

“I thought you were dead!” He exclaimed.

“So, you ran into Yuki, then?”

Gwyneth cleared her throat, getting Bunty’s attention. “I’m sorry. This is my party, Gwyneth and Oss.” Then he turned to the caped pair. “Hina. Koki. This is my climbing party.”

Gwyneth’s eyes widened. “I’ve heard so much about you,” she said, shaking Hina’s hand.

“Yes, I did run into Yuki last time I was in the city,” Bunty answered. “She told me that you bit off more than you could chew, and you died with all the Cores and materials you had gathered.”

Koki leaned in and whispered into Hina’s ear. “Koki has something to say.”

Koki pulled his coat back, revealing the coat, shirt, and trousers underneath. Bunty was glad to see the man had abandoned the traditional Japanese clothing. It was ill-suited to the local weather. When Koki took the sword at his waist, Oss assumed a combat stance, but Bunty raised his hand, signalling him to relax. The Ito clan member then bowed, holding his weapon out for Bunty with both hands.

“I am sorry!” Koki’s word came out as an almost bark.

Bunty wasn’t sure how to react. He’d never been on the receiving end of such a formal gesture. Koki had made himself physically vulnerable before him.

“It’s alright, Koki,” Bunty said. “I never blamed you for what happened.” Hina translated for Koki, but he didn’t budge. “Can you tell him that I appreciate the gesture, but I do not use swords? I’d rather have his friendship and help and not his weapon.”

Hina smiled. She nodded and translated for him again.

Koki stood up straight and nodded to Bunty. His lips curled up in a soft smile, and his eyes reverted back to their human form. Oss sighed and took a seat. The rest followed suit. Gwyneth chuckled when a tiny frog peeked out of Koki’s hood and croaked.

“So, are you ready to tell me what happened?” Bunty asked, eyeing Koki and Hina’s clothing. They were brand new. When Koki unzipped his jacket, black metal chainmail peeked out from within. Meanwhile, Hina wore heavily padded leather. The one-handed mace at her waist had a sizeable red Core socketed in it too.

“We faked our deaths,” Hina answered. “It’s why we’re trying to keep our faces hidden for the time being. Mei wouldn’t just dismiss us. She kept trying to get us killed while holding onto Cores and pay. So, when we got the opportunity, Koki and I walked us into an ambush. When Yuki suspected Mei’s life was in danger, she dropped her pack, picked her up and ran. We grabbed the luggage, spilt some blood and ran in the opposite direction.”

Bunty couldn’t help but laugh. “Please tell me you got all her Cores?” Hina nodded. “I bumped into Yuki while she was bidding on a Core we found. I joined the auction and got her to pay a lot more than it was worth.”

Hina chuckled and translated for Koki. He joined in the laughter. “We sold what we could and got ourselves some good gear and were upgrading our spirits when we heard about you.”

“DeLawneys?” Gwyneth asked.

“We heard them talking about you in the tenth-floor hub,” she said. “So, we’ve been here for a couple of weeks hoping to run into you.”

“Really?” Bunty grinned as a comforting warmth blossomed in his chest. It wasn’t the cider. He had forgotten about the drink, and it remained untouched on the table.

Koki smiled nodding. “We both agreed that we owed you,” Hina told Bunty. “Koki and I wanted to take some time to master our newest upgrades before braving the interval. Initially, we intended to wait for a couple of weeks, but then Yuki and Mei passed through. So, we decided to take some more time and let them get a head start and then you arrived.”

“How have you been climbing so quickly?” Bunty asked, trying to get his head around how much faster they had covered the intervals than him.

Hina fished a thick, folded wad of paper out of her pocket and unfolded it. “Holy cow.” Bunty and Gwyneth gasped in unison. Hina leafed through the pages one by one, showing off maps of every floor up to the fifteenth floor. It wasn’t as expansive and detailed as the maps in the guidebooks. However, they highlighted the Ito-clan shrines and multiple safe routes to the destination.

“We discovered something interesting,” Hina said, tapping the tenth floor’s map. “The routes to the shrines are more or less safe. However, someone has gone around, adding runes around each of them that attract powerful monsters. If not for Yuki, we wouldn’t have made it through most of them. I’m guessing the Itos pissed off someone powerful. On the bright side, we’ve exited each floor with a decent Core.”

“That’s pretty amazing,” Bunty exclaimed. “You have no idea how happy I am to see you two safe. I knew it was a great decision to invest in you, Hina. Should I assume you’re ready to join me?”

“Koki and I both.”

Bunty turned to his companions. “I hope you’ve got nothing against this decision?”

“Of course not,” Gwyneth replied. She took Bunty’s hand and squeezed it gently. “With a five-man team, we’ll have no trouble pursuing bigger game.”

Oss didn’t say anything but smiled and nodded.

“That’s great!” Hina grabbed Koki’s forearm and kissed him on the lips. He pushed her away, scolding her in Japanese. Hina laughed, and Koki’s ears reddened. “I’m sorry,” she said. “Hope I didn’t just break your little heart, Bunty.”

“He’ll live with it,” Gwyneth told her.

The doorknob jiggled. When it didn’t open, loud knocking followed. Hina and Koki raised their hoods straight away, and hands jumped to weapons. Only he and Gwyneth were still relaxed. Bunty pressed an ear to the door, and he heard heavy breathing.

Bunty cracked the door open, clutching his axe. It was the waitress. Bunty helped her bring in two more steins of cider and their food. Once she left, the group relaxed and dug into their meal and caught up on their adventures thus far. Bunty tried to bring Oss into the conversation, but he stuck to one-word answers and focused on the food.