"Another one? " Although Shinso couldn't hear what Yuri was saying, he could understand Headon—which raised his suspicion. 'Is he planning something...? '
'Recalling the events from the beginning... Yuri came here to see me, an Irregular. Judging by her earlier behavior, she seemed so eager. That must mean we arrived at almost the same time.'
'But Headon said he sent another person earlier. The chance of that person being an Irregular is also high. Based on what I know, it could only be three people: Bam, Rachel, and... that guy.'
'That guy is the least likely—his origin was mostly fan speculation. So, it's probably Bam. Since he was sent earlier, Rachel must still be here somewhere, hidden. As for how he passed... My guess is he used his own Shinsu. Well, that doesn't matter.'
While Shinso tried to uncover the mystery behind the current events—
"Hey, Evan! " Yuri called out. "You got a spare Pocket, right? Give one to this newcomer."
"Yes, yes..." Evan sighed, reluctantly moving. Being with this troublesome princess was clearly taking a toll on him. "Let's see... Where did I put it again? " He put down his bag and rummaged through it. "Ah—found it! "
At the same time, Shinso snapped back to reality. He noticed Evan walking toward him, extending his hand. Resting in his palm was a black ball.
"..." (Here, take this...)
'Oh, is he giving me his balls... (Pocket).' Without hesitation, Shinso touched the Pocket, which was wrapped in paper covered with unknown symbols. The moment he made contact, the paper scrambled and floated around him.
"How is it, newcomer? Can you understand me now? " Evan asked with a smile.
He was being treated differently compared to Bam—probably because both had silver hair, although Shinso wasn't a Guide.
"Yes. Thank you! " Not feeling any hostility from Evan, Shinso didn't hold back his gratitude. 'I'm being treated differently... Is it because I'm not here to kill Zahard but to cause trouble for others and have fun instead? '
Shinso recalled that some Guides could perceive the future. While that ability typically applied to redheads, silver-haired Guides weren't completely dumb either—after all, they were Guides.
Seeing Shinso's polite attitude, Evan felt somewhat relieved. Irregulars were anomalies, and he was wary of them, but this one felt... different.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm an A-grade Guide and a Ranker of this Tower—Evan Edrok," he said, then shifted his gaze toward Yuri. "Similarly, she is also a Ranker—Lady Yuri."
"Ah, hello." Shinso offered a nod. "My name is Shinso."
"Shinso, huh..." Yuri placed a finger on her chin, clearly thinking about something. Evan gave him a small nod of approval and continued explaining the Pocket's mechanics. Although Shinso already knew, he listened intently.
"The item I just gave you is called a Pocket. It's an essential item to climb the Tower. It contains all languages and automatically translates everything for you."
"Oh? That's why I can understand you now."
"Yes. Also, try saying 'Invisible Mode.'"
Following the instruction, Shinso said, "Invisible Mode," and the Pocket disappeared. Evan explained a few more features, and Shinso tried them out. As a geek, he found the Pocket fascinating.
Yuri continued to observe Shinso. Though she didn't think he was weak, he did seem different compared to Irregulars like Urek. Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, she pestered him.
"Hey, Shinso, right? Why's your physique so small? You seem really different from other Irregulars! "
Shinso stared at her blankly. He could explain that Irregulars varied—some were weak, some strong. Beings like Urek, god-messenger Enryu, and even Axis Phantaminum were simply on a different level. Those Irregulars had performed monstrous feats—killing Administrators, raiding Zahard's mansion, killing royalty and High Rankers, and some even becoming self-proclaimed champions.
Just because past Irregulars were strong didn't mean all Irregulars were. It's just that the strongest beings happened to be Irregulars. People often associated "Irregular" with strength because they brought chaos to the Tower.
"Irregulars...? What's that...? " Shinso feigned ignorance. No one had mentioned Irregulars yet, so if he suddenly dropped knowledge, it might make things worse. Even with Urek's template, he could only use 1% of its potential—nowhere near enough to fight powerful beings or kill Administrators.
"Oh, right..." Yuri lightly slapped her forehead. "Irregulars are those who open the door themselves. It means they aren't chosen by the Tower."
"Only selected ones may enter the Tower. However, on rare occasions, Irregulars like yourself enter on their own. Since long ago, they've always brought change... or chaos." She gave him a meaningful look, emphasizing those words.
"Also, Irregulars possess enormous strength, which makes them a symbol of fear within these walls."
Finishing her explanation, she narrowed her eyes at him, gauging his reaction.
"However... You seem different. What are you planning to do? "
She didn't clarify the question, but it wasn't hard to guess—are you going to bring change or chaos? Depending on his answer, he could end up an enemy of Zahard. But truthfully, he wasn't interested in becoming a king or causing destruction.
"Hm... I didn't really expect to end up here," Shinso said. "But if we're talking about goals... I only want simple things."
"What kind of things? "
"Babies."
Evan: "..."
Yuri: "..."
'Does he mean... He wants to climb the tower just to breed?! 'Their lips twitched at his bizarre declaration. Just when they thought he seemed normal—he turned out to be abnormal.
Shinso felt misunderstood. "Ah, no—I don't mean literal babies. I mean entertainment."
"Entertainment...? "Yuri repeated, her interest now genuinely piqued.
"Yes. Before I got here, life was boring. I never really got to enjoy things. So I don't care whether Irregulars bring chaos or change. That's not my role. I just want to enjoy myself while climbing this tower, no matter what happens inside."
"Oh? " Yuri's impression of him instantly soared. As someone who did whatever she wanted, she liked people who had the same vibe. Now she was really interested in what he'd do.
"Oh, sorry to interrupt your conversation," Headon cut in, "but it's time for the exam..."