<h4>Chapter 154 Locker Rooms: Disciple Of Death</h4>


    Arthur entered the dark locker rooms, lighting a candle as he plopped down on one of the benches and sighed. The room was warm and cozy but contained the squalid scent of body odor.


    All otherpetitors had entered the stands to spectate the various battles. Arthur circted mana across his body, inspecting the damage to his circuits in-depth after straining them so much.


    However, it was necessary.


    The more Cassius spent his vitality, the more power he amassed. Although the crimson-eyed man refrained from attacking initially, he was forced to do so once the power exceeded his ability to dominate.


    His purpose was not only to defeat Cassius but also to instill a particr kind of fear in the hearts of the crowd, Elder Feyright. Moreover, to Elder Gabriel, Arthur disyed unwavering determination and dominating potential and power.


    This allowed Elder Gabriel to feel a sense of superiority and control since he believed he had Arthur in the palm of his hand. Once Cassius was injured beyond belief and on the doorway to Hell, the intense emotions in the hearts of both Gabriel and Feyright burst.


    Thetter experienced a sense of danger, resulting in an urge to kill Arthur.


    The former experienced a sense of tion, resulting in an urge to protect and further control Arthur.


    Both were equally detrimental to Arthur''s ns, but they allowed the crimson-eyed man to instigate a battle. As the crowd was swept into their scuffle, other members would step up to defend their honor.


    Naivety was the best victim of maniption. Those with immense pride, along with a narrow mind and naive beliefs were incredibly easy to manipte, as one simply had to y with their emotions.


    Arthur knew that Gabriel and Feyright would eventually realize his motive, as they weren''t as naive as their descendants and nmates. However, by then, it would be toote, as Arthur would have escaped.


    There was no chance of receiving the inheritance of the Baron Of Death.


    The trip was a failure.


    But, before Arthur left, he nned to loot Gargo Vige so as not to leave empty-handed after spending so much time. The crimson-eyed man couldn''t–as his conscience wouldn''t allow it–leave without exploiting the vige that had treated him like expendable goods.


    Suddenly, the sound of a twisting knob entered Arthur''s ears. He immediately ced his hand on Skofnung, which had consumed its fair share of blood. Although, without the satisfaction of causing death, the Demonic de was not satisfied.


    As the door to the locker room creaked open, a shadowed figure revealed its presence.


    Suddenly, Arthur''s eyes widened slightly. "Aunt Isabe?"


    Isabe–the shadowed figure–nced at the crimson-eyed man''s sword before letting out a little chuckle. "Were you going to sh me to bits, Arthur?"


    "Of course not," the crimson-eyed man replied, leaning back in his seat. Isabe continued to smile gently, taking a seat beside Arthur. Her movements were slow, while her body was incredibly stiff.


    She was unlike Gabriel, who retained 50% of his power from his prime.


    Although neither of them continued their climb, thetter continued to train the residents of Gargo Vige, in turn preserving half of his power. On the other hand, Isabe''s situation was a bitplicated.


    Shepletely abandoned her hopes and dreams but was still able to find happiness. After such a devastating life, one wouldn''t be surprised to see a suicide note hung up on her house door.


    However, she fought through the inconveniences, deciding to savor life.


    Arthur–albeit unconsciously–hade to acknowledge and admire that way of thinking, although he was still disappointed that she didn''t pursue her goal. Every yer''s goal was to climb as high as they could.


    "Congrattions on winning," said Isabe, continuing to smile.


    She was a veteran in the tower and realized the necessity of brutality. Even if it was not required, one needed to instill fear in their enemy''s heart, or they would simply crawl back and bite.


    "Thanks."


    Suddenly, Isabe let out a chuckle before breaking out intoughter. "But seriously… Avalon?"


    Arthur felt wronged. Even he was a bit pissed about the name, although he hadn''t gotten a chance toin to the perpetrator, yet. And, if things go well, he will never receive the chance to meet Gabriel.


    If the situation progressed perfectly, he would die in this battle.


    Of course, not all things things progressed ording to a nned scenario.


    "Why did youe here?" Arthur inquired. As those words escaped his lips, the atmosphere dropped in temperature almost instantly. Each word spoken contained deep emotion and echoed across the room as if it were absolute.


    Arthur''s chest was tight, but he was mostly calm. "Disciple Of Death."


    Isabe''s face paled, and her eyes widened. Time stopped.


    Arthur and Isabe locked eyes. The former''s eyes reflected a mix of confidence along with a single ounce of regret. Thetter''s eyes contained utter shock, rage, and what Arthur expected to see…


    Fear.


    Death was a well-renowned aspect of power, but not on the earlier floors of the tower. As people entered Heaven''s Spire, they retained their morality and expected others to act simrly. They shunned the unholy aspect.


    However, as they climbed higher, they shed all connections to what people call "humanity." Eventually, they embraced the questionable and controversial aspects of power, thirsting for power.


    Isabe was nning on, or had already inherited the legacy of the Baron Of Death.


    Faced with a possible opportunity to recover her original status, she delved deeper into the concept of death. As she experimented, the regret and agony morphed into a mere fleeting dream, freeing her of all the painful memories.


    However, when contemting whether to reveal her findings or hide them, she chose thetter in order to prevent being shunned away from society. For that very purpose, she also morphed into a kind soul, trying to cement her position in hermunity.


    Humans were social animals, especially when weak.


    They needed to band together.


    Isabe, although having discovered such an important inheritance, wasn''t able to make the most of it due to her connections to society.


    She wasted her life.