Surviving in my Own Unpublished Failed Novel

["Han Jiho, are you guilty of being a sinner?"]

A human being's sin was a stigma of being alive — in memorial or physical, but whether or not it was committed by mistake or by choice was something the sinner only knows.

Even though that was the cycle of human life — to live, to sin, to move on, and to keep surviving, Jiho, standing inside the dim yet serene Area of Fealty, where countless miniature stars, acting as a wall, were fluid like a viscous yet-to-be-dried abstract painting, was greatly perplexed by the seventh question from the Administrator.

Various thoughts flooded his mind at the moment. He wasn't sure whether to answer Yes or No, though every human being was guilty of being a sinner at some point in their life.

But the Administrator's question, at least based on Jiho's perspective, contained hidden meaning. It was broad in a sense, but the subtlety of the Administrator's voice made Jiho feel that he was truly being judged.

'What should I say? I know I've done things as a child like disobeying my parents sometimes.'

Jiho thought, remembering the previous questions that were asked by the Administrator.

They were about himself, his family, his resolve to become stronger after the death of his family, and his goal. In other words, everything was laid bare inside the Area of Fealty due to the ancient power of the Tower.

Silence echoed inside the Area of Fealty as Jiho contemplated the question and what he should answer.

'I should not overthink this.'

Jiho thought that if he didn't know so many things, he shouldn't speculate especially in his current situation.

After a minute or two, Jiho finally spoke, with conviction.

"No, I'm not guilty of being a sinner."

Sometime later, the Administrator's deep voice resounded.

["You have stayed true to your ideals."]

Before Jiho could try to process the subtle message of the Administrator, the System's notifications rang in his head, and following that, the System messages.

[You have finished answering the Player Judgment questions according to the best of your ability!]

[The Tower of Growth is assessing everything you have said.]

[...assessing...]

[The Tower of Growth has taken note of your fealty toward yourself!]

[The Tower of Growth has finished assessing your responses!]

[You have passed the trials of the Tower!]

[You have received the Title: First Close Mystery Tower's Conqueror!]

[Your resolve has been heard by the Tower of Growth!]

[Due to your resolve on holding to your ideals, the Tower of Growth has granted you one wish!]

[This one wish can only be granted at this moment and only limited to the Tower of Growth's will.]

[Worthy! State your wish!]

Jiho was first confused. But after some time, being given a short time to ponder about what he wanted to gain in accordance with the Tower's ancient power and will, he spoke.

"I want the location of the Glory Shards or Fragment if it's possible."

The Administrator's voice seemed to fade for a moment upon hearing Jiho's request.

Three seconds later, the Administrator responded with a question.

["Don't you want to know the truth behind the Monster Stampede that almost killed everyone in your village?"]

At the unexpected suggestion of the Administrator, Jiho's eyes widened, his mouth slightly agape, while staring at the wall of miniature stars.

"I-is that possible?"

Although the Administrator already suggested it, meaning it was possible, Jiho still couldn't help but ask.

["Yes, it's possible."]

The Administrator succinctly spoke. He wanted to test Jiho in some way, and although it was truly possible to give Jiho an answer, it would heavily depend on Jiho himself if he could handle the truth behind it.

Jiho contemplated, he subconsciously gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, looking at the dark ground of the room.

He wanted to know. It was his wish more than anything else in the world — that he could bring justice for his parents and the other villagers of Sanctus Solaris who died nonsensically.

But, at this moment, he couldn't open his mouth — not because the Administrator was restraining him in some way, but rather because he felt like knowing it with his current self would only stagnate his growth.

He felt like he wasn't worthy enough to take on a journey yet. He felt like he would only feel helpless for a very long time, and would continue to live with a heavy heart until that time comes.

Letting out a deep breath with a heavy heart, Jiho spoke reluctantly.

"N-no, not yet.

"I want the locations of Glory Fragment or Shards."

The Administrator felt relieved upon hearing Jiho's words since he was nowhere near ready of learning the truth about his parent's death.

["You truly are the man of conviction."]

["With my authority as the Administrator of this Tower, and according to the Tower's will, your wish will be granted at this moment."]

At that moment, similar to what Elizabeth experienced when she asked the information regarding the direct killer of her father, a panoramic holographic screen overlapped those miniature stars on the walls.

The information regarding the location of the Glory Fragment or Shards was screened in Jiho's vision.

["Understand that not everything can be revealed to you."]

Jiho didn't answer. He understood that there might be consequences with too much information or compromisation, and he believed it was the Tower's will to show what was in front of him.

He then read the locations of the Glory Fragments or Shards that's being known to him at this moment.

***

[Location of Glory Fragment or Shards]

— Glory Fragment:

1. The sword you previously possessed before acquiring the golden lightning sword from the Insane Harpy, Karas.

2. Strayed Dungeon, "Forest of Memories" — located in Alastor of the Orion Continent.

3. Close Mystery Towers.

— Glory Shard:

1. Strayed Dungeon, "Golem's Keep" — located in Arka of the Orion Continent.

2. Strayed Dungeon, "Treasure Swamp" — located in Etheria of the Orion Continent.

3. Strayed Dungeon, "Sea of Corals" — located in Nereia of the Orion Continent.

4. Strayed Dungeon, "Dune of Memories" — located in Bhaskara of the Orion Continent.

5. Treasure Vault — located in the kingdom of Cassiopeia of the Orion Continent.

***

Jiho noticed something about the location of some of the Glory Fragment.

He also quickly realized, though it wasn't specific, that maybe the Close Mystery Towers were the locations where most of them could be found and acquired. Especially since he already acquired numerous Glory Shards in the Tower of Growth with the exception of what the Administrator, after defeating the Insane Harpy, had previously given.

On the other hand, upon reading the last given location of the Glory Shard, Jiho couldn't help but frown, but before he could even complain inwardly, he heard the voice of the Administrator.

["Han Jiho, continue to seek your story."]

Turning into blue lights, the System message entered Jiho's ears.

[You are now exiting the Tower of Growth.]

***

Appearing in the Obelisk Public Grounds, Jiho glanced around and suddenly fell into confusion. Numerous unfamiliar people in unfamiliar uniforms were surrounding him.

After some time, the other party members, who first exited the Tower, slowly approached him with caution.

"Jiho? Are you there?"

According to the reports gained by the Obelisk Organization, the average time before the psychological cue of the Tower kicked in was about one to two minutes.

This means that it was only one to two minutes that had passed since the Baron's daughter had exited the Tower of Growth before killing the Baroness in the country, Cassiopeia.

After Russell and the others appeared, the Obelisk Military was initially cautious even while explaining to them the current situation, but after confirming that they were cleared of suspicions and truly passed the Tower of Growth, they were let go and waited for Jiho's arrival — the only one remaining in their party that had yet to appear.

And at this moment, just a few minutes passed since Russell and the others arrived, Jiho finished the 30th floor and arrived, too.

"Huh, what do you mean if I'm here? Of course, I'm here."

The lead officer of the Obelisk Military, the one that guided Russell and the others, that was assigned in this area interjected between Jiho and Anya.

"Young man, stay where you are for two minutes. It's a precautionary measure if you are truly safe on the Failure Penalty.

"Don't worry. We'll explain to you the situation first, so lend your ears."

The clearly unordinary and strong officer looked at Jiho. Jiho then looked at Anya and the others, seeing the myriads of expressions painted on their faces. He also saw Rumia, talking to someone on her smartwatch, with tears in her eyes.

Understanding the general idea of the situation, Jiho stayed where he appeared as he listened to the words that came out of the lead officer. Similar to others, his expression turned sour.

'D-deaths... again... Millions at that.'

Out of nowhere, he was reminded of the incident in his village.

Subconsciously gritting his teeth, and clenching his fist, the lead officer unintentionally cut off his thoughts.

"Alright, you're clear now, young man. I know we're not in the mood to celebrate, but still, congratulations, young man."

Jiho nodded at his words before taking his steps to one of the waiting areas where Russell, Anya, and the others stayed for a while.

***

- "Where are you?"

- "We just finished conquering the Tower. I'm at the Obelisk Public Grounds. Anything you need?"

Russell was talking on the smartwatch with the Disciplinary Committee President, Azalea.

- "Alright. Meet me in the Disciplinary Office right now."

Russell scoffed at Azalea's words before he responded.

- "If you need something, you should be the one coming to me."

Russell felt that Azalea just broke a pen on the other line as she fell silent for a moment.

After three seconds, Azalea ended the call.

'I'm mentally lethargic to walk right now.'

Russell thought, glancing around. It seemed there were many Obelisk Military personnel scattered around inside the Obelisk Academy, which meant that there were many students that had yet to finish the Tower — either by failing or succeeding.

'It's like a quarantine due to virus.'

He thought, waiting for Azalea.

Russell saw Samantha with her unyielding unknown expression, sitting seats apart from him, but for some reason, she wasn't approaching him when she previously seemed desperate to have a talk with him based on her tone and what she said while on the Tower.

After some time, getting gawked at by some of the middle age military personnel, Azalea arrived where Russell was sitting.

Standing in front of him, Azalea firmly and quickly spoke.

"I need your help. Let's talk privately."

Russell tilted his head, scrutinizing the woman's expression. Her long platinum hair and ruby eyes respectively fluttered and glistened.

The others looked at him, perplexed. They didn't have any idea, aside from Freya, Amelie, and Amery, that he was somehow close with the Disciplinary Committee President.

"Alright. After you."

Russell replied with a faint smile.

***

A few hours later, after Russell and the others exited and conquered the Tower of Growth.

Leon's party finally reached the 30th floor, the Player Assessment area.

In the Area of Filthy, Mira, Leon's sister waited for the result as she answered the Administrator's seventh question — whether she was guilty or not if she felt jealous of her older brother's strength.

Sometime later, the System's message rang in her head, but it quickly, and subconsciously made her fall to her knees since she couldn't understand.

[You have failed the Player Judgment!]

***

On the other Area of Fealty, standing mightily and full of vigor, Leon also waited for the Administrator's voice or the System's message.

Seconds later, with a wide smile of anticipation, the voice of the Administrator resounded.

["Leon von Obreyon, your inspiration in gaining strength is not something the Tower needs.]

Following that, the System's message entered his ears.

[You have failed the Player Judgment!]

[You have received the Failure Penalty!]

"W-what?!"