Chapter 204
by post_apiChapter 204: The Sixth Meeting
A new Babel Tower conference has been convened.
Date: November 25th.
Countdown: Thirty-six days until the anticipated doomsday.
In the lofty Sky Temple, where winds whisper and clouds seem within reach, the Savior sits alone on an ivory-white throne. Behind him, the golden sun dominates the sky, and no one beneath the platform dares to look directly at his figure.
For the first time, the colossal Fusion Slime R21 finds itself in this temple. The high altitude unnerves it; its massive body trembles in fear. Despite its size, Fusion Slime is the least capable among the Core Operators in terms of combat prowess, intelligence, and emotional resilience.
One by one, the Core Operators of Babel Tower gather, cloaked in black mist, ready for action.
A Quiet Transformation
Mu Ling stands amidst the crowd, her demeanor calm, her expression unreadable. The others glance her way, eager for answers. Has she truly ascended to the Crown level, transcending her former limits?
It is Maryse who voices the unspoken question.
“Mu… Nightsaber, did your Crown Ceremony go smoothly?”
Mu Ling’s response is measured, her tone steady.
“Umm. I have embarked on the road to the Crown.”
Her declaration stirs mixed emotions. Maryse wonders if the aloofness in Mu Ling’s tone signals a change in their bond. Unbeknownst to her, the trials of the dark dimension have left Mu Ling emotionally scarred and distant. Yet, this very detachment lends her an air of composed strength.
The realization that a Crown-level transcendent now stands among them shifts the atmosphere. While envying her achievement, the others remain hopeful—they, too, may ascend within months.
Still, for the Savior of Babel Tower, a ‘Crown level’ transcendent is but a minor milestone. Yet to the operators, it represents a level of power once deemed unattainable, a stepping stone toward the rank of Apocalypse, a realm of the elite, bordering divinity.
Uncertainties in Tatsumi City
Maryse’s thoughts drift to the upcoming conquest of Tatsumi City. Today marks the date when Senior Profligate and the Savior vowed to bring the city under Babel Tower’s dominion.
Will it end in bloodshed?
Unlikely.
Her heart clings to hope, especially for those left behind in the Augustus family. She prays they won’t face annihilation.
Alan, however, remains conflicted. Despite knowing Babel Tower’s undeniable superiority, he understands the Night Watchers’ unyielding integrity. They wouldn’t surrender, even if faced with overwhelming power.
What should I do?
Meanwhile, Amy watches silently, reflecting on the magnitude of Babel Tower’s strength. She dreams of becoming stronger, leveraging this unprecedented opportunity to challenge the status quo.
Ambitions Beyond Power
The plight of Ring City’s slums
weighs heavily on Amy’s mind
—violence, exploitation, and
suffering abound. She recalls
her own harrowing past, a
victim of corporate greed.
These memories fuel her
determination to change the
city’s fate.
‘Crown level’ is not enough. We
need even greater power—
enough to make the world
tremble.
A Strategic Move
The moment is broken by a
clap.
“Why does everyone look so
serious?”
Bai Yan, in his Profligate guise,
steps forward, his smile
easing the tension.
“Let us congratulate Miss
Nightsaber on her ascent to
the Crown. Her transformation
ensures no faction in Noah
dares underestimate her now.”
He turns to Mu Ling, who
gazes back with serene
detachment.
Bai Yan then declares their
next move:
“Today, we begin the conquest
of Tatsumi City. The major
families will join the Babel
Tower.”
Opposition and Resolution
Alan challenges the necessity
of this action.
“Is it really necessary? Tatsumi
City offers little to strengthen
Babel Tower. Shouldn’t our
reach extend beyond this city?”
Amy counters, highlighting the
families’ extensive influence
and intelligence networks.
Their control over essential
resources and personnel
cannot be overlooked.
Bai Yan intervenes, outlining a
deeper purpose:
“It’s time for Babel Tower to
step into the light. Living in
shadows breeds fear—for
ourselves and our loved ones.
Why continue this way?”
His words resonate, especially
with Maryse and Mu Ling, who
long for freedom from
secrecy. The path forward
becomes clear—either
dominate Tatsumi City’s power
structures or integrate them
into Babel Tower.
A Bloodless Conquest
Alan’s final plea is met with
agreement.
“During this campaign, there
must be no indiscriminate
killing. Not a single innocent
person should be harmed.”
Bai Yan nods.
“Of course. This will not be a
violent takeover. It’s a
collaboration invitation.”
Amy adds, “Negotiations rely
on power, reasoning, and
incentives. The major families
will understand the benefits of
joining us.”
Bai Yan concludes, “We need
an example—a model of
cooperation that assures them
of their future under Babel
Tower’s protection.”
A Shocking Announcement
The next day, in Tatsumi City’s
Platinum Zone, the Wettin
family hosts a grand banquet.
Representatives from the other
four clans gather, speculating
on the agenda.
At the banquet’s start, Count
Gallard stuns everyone with a
single declaration:
“Everyone, I have joined the
Babel Tower.”