"What did he see?"
"... I can't believe my eyes."
Players who were still conscious began to rise one by one.
Numerous unconscious players lay scattered about, as if they were mere luggage on the ground.
"... So it worked."
I was reflecting on what just happened.
The initial idea came to me the moment I saw the city's master toss a diamond emblem to me from the pouch on her waist.
The other citizens are being controlled by the emblem boxes. So, could the city's master also be...? It was a plan that began with this thought.
The juvenile and arrogant nature of the city's master also contributed to this. To be honest, for a 'master', she acted quite childishly.
Of course, I wasn't entirely sure of my actions. I estimated the chances at fifty-fifty.
If the diamond box really existed, simply stealing the pouch would do.
If there was only one diamond emblem inside, I intended to secretly place a bronze box in and casually toss it back.
The city's master would become a pauper in an instant, and I imagined myself saying, "Congratulations, you're now a pauper" in front of her...
"... Thank you."
My thoughts were interrupted by the city's master, who approached with a radiant glow.
No, the one who played the role of the city's master... I'm not sure what to call her now.
"Really... thank you."
The former city's master didn't feel as imposing as before. It was hard to believe she was the same woman who once exuded such immense dignity.
It felt like an ordinary village girl was wearing armor that didn't suit her.
"... So."
After seeing the diamond box, I voiced the question I had been harboring.
"Who are you?"
The hesitant city's master finally spoke.
"... The real city's master died half a year ago."
A year ago.
Tired of the endless struggles between layers, the real city's master entrusted the city to the gods.
The young noble who inherited the city at a tender age due to the sudden death of his parents.
The spirited youth, aspiring to mold the city into his ideal, had clear goals and the will to execute them.
However, what the naive city's master failed to consider was the immense pain of forcing others to 'understand'.
While by now most have adapted to the city's rules, when they first changed, it was utter chaos.
Forced actions. Twisted personalities. Questioning one's identity. Many couldn't cope.
Initially, the city's master tried to be optimistic.
It was just an adjustment period. Over time, the citizens would be grateful.
But reality remained unchanged.
What started as a mission to create a better city turned into a tragedy where everyone was manipulated like puppets on a stage.
It was already too late to reverse everything. The situation was heading for disaster.
The young city's master agonized over and over.
Until he concluded that someone needed to be held accountable.
"... So he made up his mind."
There was a need to normalize the second floor, this city.
He was acknowledged for his sacrifice to the city and was granted the role of 'Interim Administrator'.
Thanks to that, he fully understood the newly changed rules of the city. The key was his existence.
Excluding physical rules like 'cannot leave the city', any violation of the rules had to be personally punished by the city's master.
In other words, for the second floor to function, his existence was crucial.
Which means...
"He killed himself by bursting his own heart. His last words were... 'I'm sorry.'"
Without him,
The second floor wouldn't function.
It wouldn't serve its intended purpose as a trial set by the gods. "If that happens... the gods might create a new second floor."
"The city's residents might become free."
With that thought, the city's master committed suicide.
"... I never could have imagined there would be an emblem box that forces one to act like the original..."
Beside the maid, who was in shock after witnessing the death, an angel appeared, holding something shimmering.
That day, the second master of the city was born.
She did not agonize like the previous city's master, nor did she reflect on herself, and above all, she was arrogant.
Self-reflection and introspection are processes that help humans evolve as a superior sentient being, but the new city's master was not endowed with such functions.
Such things were unnecessary in this tower.
"... The angels restricted the other residents from speaking about this, but they didn't restrict the concerned party..."
I tried to say something, but no voice came out.
Excluding the original city's master who messed everything up, it felt like everyone else was a victim.
"... What do you want?"
I truly don't understand what the god who created this tower desires.
Why would a deity that judges humanity for its sins do such things?
Is it because I'm such a bad person, so I should grow and come to get me?
Or maybe, think about what humans did during the colonial era? This isn't even a fraction of that.
Surprisingly, it might have no meaning. Perhaps it was done simply because 'it's fun.'
Seeing the angels committing such acts made my head spin.
"Phew..."
From my experience on the 0th floor, I knew that in times like this, I should only look forward.
If there's a problem with no clear solution, don't think about it. The current situation was what mattered.
"So... you've now escaped the box's curse?"
"... Yes."
"Hmm..."
I glanced at the diamond box in my hand, then at the large bag at the alley entrance, filled with emblem boxes.
Now there's no master of the city. No one to enforce the rules.
And no way to get an emblem. All the boxes were stuffed in that bag.
<2nd Floor>
- Clear Condition: Obtain recognition from city residents and bring back the emblem of recognition. However, you cannot leave the city area. Please get along with your fellow players!
Excluding 'you cannot leave the city area', all the rules seemed meaningless.
The 2nd floor couldn't serve its purpose, just as the city's master had hoped.
"So, what now..."
As I was contemplating,
"Congratulations!"
Suddenly, a beautiful voice echoed.
At the same time, a radiant pillar of light emerged in the center of the square, and baby angels, appearing out of nowhere, played their trumpets with wide smiles.
- [Amazing Achievement Alert!]
- Successfully neutralized the hidden boss, 'Master of the City!'
- A special reward will be given to [Kim Junho], who contributed the most!
In front of me, a congratulatory message popped up, as if celebrating a returning war hero of the gods.
Amidst the triumphant sounds,
"... Huh?"
I realized I was the only one awake in this square.
Firefighter Park Cheoljin, who was exchanging glances with me just moments ago.
The other players, catching their breaths.
The former master of the city, who shared her past with teary eyes.
All were lying on the ground.
"We've healed them. There's no need to worry."
Their breathing was steady, and they looked peaceful, as if they were simply asleep.
I quickly checked on Choi Ji-won, and the wounds she had during the battle were all healed.
She wasn't lying, then.
Once again, I looked towards the pillar of light, the source of the voice.
"Nice to meet you."
A petite nose, smooth skin, large eyes, and red lips. Long curly reddish hair flowing down her back.
Did humans mimic the appearance of this angel when shaping their form?
Or was this creature in front of me the most cherished creation of the gods?
The androgynous-looking angel, with a warm smile, slowly stepped out of the light pillar. Although there were no pure white wings spread behind her,
And there was no radiant halo floating above her head,
It truly was a divine entrance, a sacred sight.
Especially contrasting with the square filled with dust and soot.
"I am Archangel Raphael."
The Archangel, known to oversee everything from the 1st to the 5th floor, had descended.