The Player that Can’t Level Up

Chapter 167: The Three Tests (4)

With a flash of bright light, Gi-Gyu was transferred to another place. He found himself in another completely white space when he opened his eyes. Everything was white, including the walls, floor, and ceiling. And in the middle of the room, a woman was kneeling elegantly.

El Gi-Gyu recognized the woman.

Its El. The woman resembled Els human form. A thin silk dress hid her wings, and she looked so beautiful that Gi-Gyu couldnt help staring at her in awe. The woman looked a little different from the El Gi-Gyu was used to, but there was no doubt that she was El.

But whats happening here? Gi-Gyu wondered as he watched the scene. During Lous test, his consciousness was put inside Lous physical body to experience Lous last battle. But now, all he could do was watch El like a ghost. As if to show that he wasnt actually here, Gi-Gyu wasnt given a physical body or the freedom to move around.

Lou, El, Brun, Gi-Gyu called out to his Egos, but no one answered.

I guess I cant communicate with them here? In the first test, Gi-Gyu couldnt talk to any of his Egos except Lou. He was seemingly in a similar situation again, but

Why cant I talk to El either? Gi-Gyu became confused. Disappointingly, he couldnt hear or talk with El. This was Els test, so why didnt his connection to her become stronger?

Left with no other option, Gi-Gyu decided to just watch El. Even after what seemed like an eternity, the kneeling figure didnt move an inch, making him question if time had stopped. However, that didnt seem like the case since some breeze from somewhere would make her dress flutter occasionally.

Rustle.

Time passed by as she maintained her kneeling posture like a statue. She remained still, and he watched her patiently. It might have felt boring to some, but Gi-Gyu didnt feel this way.

Shes so beautiful, Gi-Gyu thought in awe. She looked so divine and elegant. Studying her quietly, he waited for something to happen.

-...

Suddenly, Gi-Gyu heard one of his Egos voices. It was a whisper so faint that he couldnt tell whom it belonged to.

El? Is that you? Gi-Gyu asked. This was Els test, so he assumed the speaker was El.

But

-Creepy bastard.

It was Lou.

***

What?! Why are you here? Gi-Gyu couldnt hide his disappointment.

-Did you have to sound so disappointed?

Lou teased him while laughing creepily. This didnt make sense to Gi-Gyu. During the first test, he could only communicate with Lou. So here, he should have been able to chat with El.

Wait. Could it be? Gi-Gyus improved brain worked fast to come up with several possible explanations. After going through each of them, he selected the most logical explanation.

-You got it.

Lou confirmed Gi-Gyus suspicion. Gi-Gyu quickly turned toward El.

El!

-El is inside that data, so she cant talk to you. But I still dont get why you and I are connected.

If the kneeling El was his El, then why did the stance and appearance change then?

-Im gonna guess that her memories stored inside the Tower have restored her previous form and placed her inside it. That isnt exactly the same El you know. The old El is inside this new El.

This Russian doll situation confused Gi-Gyu, but he nodded since he felt he understood what was happening.

Rustle.

El finally rose. The silk dress moved around her body, showing off her slim silhouette.

Knock, knock.

Someone had knocked on the white door from the outside. It appeared El had already known someone was coming to her room before the knock. She murmured in her clear voice, Please come in.

Creak.

The white door opened slowly, and the visitor was revealed. He kneeled on one knee and announced, The meeting has started. Everyone is waiting for you, ___.

Gi-Gyu became confused. He was certain the visitor addressed El by her name, but he couldnt hear it.

-Im guessing the data hasn't been processed perfectly yet. Just give it some time.

Gi-Gyu nodded as he saw El walking out the door.

Huh? Gi-Gyu tried to follow her, but he couldnt move. It was as if his body was trapped underneath something heavy. Was he supposed to wait here until El returned? Helpless to do anything, he just watched her leave. All he could do now was stay where he was and wait.

***

Creak.

Gi-Gyu couldnt tell how long he had been standing and waiting in the same place for Els return.

In a way, this is just as hard as the first test. Its certainly less dangerous, though, Gi-Gyu thought. Watching the time pass by endlessly was a tedious task; the boredom was painful even. So when El returned, Gi-Gyu felt ecstatic.

But

Did something happen to her? Gi-Gyu asked in confusion.

Lou replied,

-Who knows? This isnt from my memory, so I have no idea. I cant even tell when this happened. But

Lou trailed off before continuing.

-Based on what you experienced in the first test, Im guessing this timeframe was very important to El.

Gi-Gyu silently nodded and watched the tired-looking El, who had her head down.

Trudge.

Her exhausted steps made his heartache. El returned to her original place and kneeled again.

This again? Gi-Gyu became a little frustrated, wondering if he would have to watch it again. And if yes, for how long?

But it seemed that he was worried about nothing. El clasped her hands together as if praying and asked, Just what is it that you want me to do?

Drip.

Tears rolled down her eyes, looking like pearls as they hit the floor.

El whispered again, Just why are you giving me such a difficult test?

It sounded like she was praying to a god. Gi-Gyu didnt know why she seemed sad, but he could feel her devastation. She was also feeling deep sadness, longing, respect, and

Betrayal. Gi-Gyu realized in surprise. The emotions El felt were both positive and negative.

Lou. Gi-Gyu called out.

-What is it?

Unable to help his curiosity, Gi-Gyu asked, Does god exist?

Gi-Gyus voice was calm and quiet, indicating that his question wasnt a light one. Lou didnt answer immediately, and Gi-Gyu continued to watch El, who hadnt stopped praying.

Please do not make me choose this, begged El.

Then, she suddenly stood up.

Gi-Gyu wondered, Does she have another visitor?

Lou still hadnt answered his question. Regardless of how hard Gi-Gyu thought about the word god, no light bulb went off in his mind. Had Lou known anything about it, Gi-Gyu could have accessed the information from Lous data. Did this mean Lou didnt know?

Creak.

This time, the door was pushed open rudely without a knock. El used to be the queen of all angels. She had to be the most powerful being here, so who could burst into her room like this?

Before Gi-Gyu could even turn to see who it was, El called out to the visitor, Raphael, what is it?

Finally, Gi-Gyu saw the visitor. It was a slim and elegant young man, but Gi-Gyu couldnt see his face for some reason. However, Gi-Gyus instinct told him that the man was powerful.

The visitor was so powerful that Gi-Gyu couldnt even analyze his full strength.

But

He is about as strong as Belphegor. Or is he a bit stronger?

-So its him, huh?

Gi-Gyu asked, You know him?

-Just like in hell, there were rulers where El lived too. El was above them, but the other six archangels were no joke.

Something popped in Gi-Gyus head, The Seven Archangels.

-Thats right.

Raphael, the rude visitor, was known to be the strongest of the seven.

Raphael replied, I came because I was worried about you.

El gave him a small smile and asked, Why would you be worried?

Els voice sounded so kind, but Gi-Gyu felt annoyed. But, he controlled his emotions and quietly listened to the conversation.

It appeared that there was no goal for this test. Unlike the first test, where the system told him to experience death, no announcement was made for this test regarding a clear goal. Gi-Gyu needed to find a clue and achieve the secret goal.

-Perhaps watching itself is the goal.

Gi-Gyu nodded to Lous statement. Meanwhile, the two angels continued to chat.

Bowing, Raphael asked, Arent you unhappy about the meetings conclusion?

I am, El didnt deny it. But isnt this what everyone wants?

Raphael became quiet.

In a frustrated voice, Lou muttered,

-What an annoying system. If a king orders something, it should be done. Setting up meetings to make collective decisions How ridiculous!

That statement alone was enough to tell Gi-Gyu why Lou was betrayed.

Hearing the thought, Lou yelled,

-What?!

Ignoring Lou, Gi-Gyu concentrated on the two angels conversation.

Raphael replied, You dont have to take responsibility for everything.

No, youre wrong. Els firm voice made Gi-Gyus eyes widen. A serious look appeared on her face, indicating how determined she was. As the head of the angels, I must protect you and the rest. How could I call myself a leader if I only rule without taking responsibility?

Raphael seemed speechless. After a long pause, he argued, But

Raphael seemed so distressed that he wanted to cry. Feeling annoyed, Gi-Gyu thought, Hmph! How can an archangel be that weak?

-Dont get personal here.

Lou warned.

Raphael continued, unable to hear Lou or Gi-Gyu, Dont you have the right to be happy as well?

In the end, Raphael burst into tears. El smiled and murmured, Just as I have the right to be happy, everyone does too. I do not consider this a sacrifice.

El closed her eyes, asking, After all, dont you agree that this is his will?

Raphael became quiet again. Another awkward silence fell, and despite feeling uncomfortable, Gi-Gyu had no choice but to watch them.

Creak.

The door opened once more without a knock. Gi-Gyu turned toward the door to find the next visitor shouting, Fuck that! God is already dead!!!

Raphael and Els eyes widened in shock. Nonplussed, they just stared at the new visitor.

...!

...!

However, Gi-Gyu was so shocked that someone could have knocked him down with a feather. The one who had made the proclamation was none other than