NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 36: Departure and Goodbyes
Adam sat in a dimly lit interrogation chamber, his hands resting on the wooden table in front of him.
His weapons had been confiscated, and two guards stood watch by the door.
Across from him, an officer scrutinized him with piercing eyes.
The officer frowned, but before he could press further, a knock came at the door.
Another guard entered and whispered something into his ear.
Adam watched as the officer's expression shifted, irritation giving way to reluctant understanding. With a sigh, he leaned back.
"She woke up."
Adam's eyes sharpened.
"And?"
"She confirmed your story."
The officer didn't look pleased about it, but at least he wasn't accusing Adam anymore.
"You're free to go."
One of the guards stepped forward, placing a small bundle on the table—his confiscated belongings.
Adam reached for them, securing his weapons.
As he strapped his gear back into place, another officer entered, this one carrying a stack of documents under his arm.
He glanced at Adam before addressing the interrogator.
"We've received new orders regarding red names."
The first officer raised an eyebrow.
"Go on."
The man flipped through the pages before stopping at a specific section.
"Due to this incident, the scheduled executions of all red names will be delayed by two weeks. The higher-ups are launching a full-scale investigation across the tower floors."
Adam stilled.
'Delayed by two weeks…'
He couldn't afford to wait that long, two weeks was too long.
He had planned to defeat the Floor 1 boss before the week ended.
After all, he needed to climb to the upper floors before the major events happened...
Adam exhaled slowly, reigning in his frustration.
"Understood."
...
After careful planning, the next few days were spent with Adam's team grinding for levels, sharpening their combat skills, and solidifying their teamwork.
They fought tirelessly, moving through the hunting grounds like a well-oiled machine.
During the mornings, Adam focused on leveling his teammates, ensuring they grew stronger at a steady pace.
He corrected their mistakes, drilled them on battle formations, and helped them push past their limits.
At night, when the others rested, Adam trained alone.
He ventured into deeper, more dangerous zones, battling stronger monsters to maximize his experience gain.
His goal was clear: reach level 25 by the end of the week.
The final day arrived.
After a long night of hunting, Adam sat by a campfire, checking his status panel.
[SYSTEM PANEL]
▶ [User] Adam Codranel
➤ [Rank] Ember (Requires 50 Soul Core points and max level for the next Rank)
➤ [Level] 24 ─ (Capped at level 100)
➤ [Soul Core] 16.91
➤ [Infamy] 2
◆ [Abilities]
├── [Temporary Copy] (?-tier)
├── [Permanent Copy] (?-tier) ─ 1 usage per rank increase.
└── [Body Blood Magic] (D-tier) ─ Magic in relation to Blood Control. (20 Meter Limit)
◆ [Stream Information]
├── [Stream Codename] The Chosen Conduit
├── [Sponsors] None
├── [Average Viewers] 23/sec
├── [Subscribers] 22
├── [Gold] 7,723 Gold
└── [Pending Gifts] 0
Adam exhaled sharply.
'One level short... but I can reach 25 by tonight.'
Determined, he closed the panel and returned to camp.
As the day ended, he gathered his team, standing before them with a firm expression.
"I've decided."
He announced, his voice steady.
"I'm heading to the second floor."
A stunned silence followed before Nathaniel broke it with an exclamation.
"What?! You're challenging the floor boss already?!"
Rei his brows furrowed.
"The recommended level is 40 and above..."
Adam remained calm, anticipating their reactions.
He had trained alongside them, but unlike them, he wasn't content with staying on the first floor for long.
"I've already taught you enough to survive here."
Adam said evenly.
"You don't need me anymore."
Rei looked conflicted.
"But why the rush?"
Adam hesitated before answering, keeping his voice steady.
"My siblings are on the upper floors. I need to reach them as soon as possible."
It wasn't a lie.
His siblings were indeed ahead.
But his true objective was to reach the 10th floor before the 11th floor unlocked.
Rei and Nathaniel exchanged looks, still unconvinced.
But before either could say anything, Elara spoke up.
"Good luck, Captain."
Unlike the others, she wasn't trying to dissuade him.
While she found his decision reckless, she had seen what he was capable of.
If anyone could pull off something so absurd, it was probably Adam.
She reached into her pocket, taking out a small, glowing orb.
"I got this while hunting an elite orc yesterday. It's the most valuable thing I have right now."
She extended it toward Adam.
[E-tier Item has been found!]
[EXP Orb] ─ Grants 3000 EXP upon use.
"Thank you for everything, Captain."
Adam accepted it with a small smile.
"I appreciate it."
Nathaniel sighed, rubbing the back of his neck before opening his system menu.
"I don't have much, so take this."
[Stream Hunter, Keen Shooter, has given 540 coins to The Chosen Conduit.]
[The Chosen Conduit sends thanks to Keen Shooter.]
Rei, after a brief hesitation, pulled out a silver coin with a V-shaped inscription on it.
"My brother is on the upper floors."
He explained.
"If you ever run into him, show him this. He'll help you."
Adam took the coin but raised an eyebrow.
"If I show him this, won't he assume I killed you?"
Rei flinched, suddenly realizing the flaw in his plan.
"Uh... I didn't think about that."
Adam chuckled.
"I'll hold onto it."
He appreciated their gifts.
More than that, he valued their trust.
Accepting their parting gifts without hesitation, he knew this moment marked the end of their time together... at least for now.
[5th Style Sword Master is saddened by the departure.]
[5th Style Sword Master has donated 50 coins]
[Experienced Old Knight bids farewell to the other team members.]
[VenerableSauce has donated 10 coins]
[NLE_immortal bids farewell to the others]
Wanting to lighten the mood, Adam opened his system and spoke.
"Open your systems and go to friend requests."
The three looked confused until a notification popped up.
[Stream Hunter, The Chosen Conduit, has sent you a friend request.]
"There's a friend request option?"
Elara asked, surprised.
Adam nodded.
"Use it wisely. Don't add too many people. The fewer that know your stream name in the real world, the better."
[Keen Shooter has accepted your friend request.]
[Shadow Dagger has accepted your friend request.]
[Stone Prodigy has accepted your friend request.]
With that, their connection wouldn't be completely severed.
Even if their paths diverged, they could still stay in contact.
The atmosphere felt lighter after that.
Despite their initial protests, Nathaniel and Rei ultimately accepted Adam's decision.