Shiver went first, followed by Okotuka, and finally Mezu. As they moved forward, the air grew colder with every step. Visibility was better higher up, but on the ground, the thick mist made it difficult to see where they were going.
"The tower's entrance is going to be stranger than you both imagine," Okotuka said in a low voice. "They've built floating tiles."
"Floating tiles?" Mezu asked.
"Yes, Mezu. Once we step on them, they'll lift us and carry us to the entrance. The door is several meters above the ground."
Mezu had never seen anything like that before. He could already imagine himself clinging to a tile, completely out of control.
"Father, can you clear the mist? The visibility is almost zero," Shiver said.
"You're right, Shiver."
Okotuka raised his hand. It slowly turned pale as the mist around them was drawn into it. As the fog thinned, a massive rock appeared directly in front of Mezu. He let out a quiet breath of relief—one more step and he would have walked straight into it.
Even after absorbing the mist, it didn't disappear completely. They had been walking for nearly five minutes, yet the tower was still nowhere in sight.
"It's nice to see the Inaziki clan leader here," a cold voice said from within the fog.
Mezu's heart nearly jumped, but he quickly calmed himself. No one could hurt him—not with his father there.
"The pleasure is mine, Yuniki," Okotuka replied.
The man in the mist finally stepped forward. He was tall and lean, dressed in a white cloak. Mezu's attention was drawn to the badge pinned to it.
KOT — Rank 2.
Yuniki gave Okotuka a small nod. "The path's been unstable today," he said. "You're earlier than I expected."
"A few winds and a bit of mist aren't enough to slow me down, Yuniki," Okotuka replied.
"You've brought guests," Yuniki said calmly. "Shiver and Mezu, I presume. I am Yuniki Kurozawa, current KOT, Rank 2."
Both Shiver and Mezu bowed.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Shiver said.
"It must have been a long journey," Yuniki replied. "Let's not wait any longer and head straight to the tower."
It didn't take long for the tower to come into view. It was so massive that they couldn't see it in its entirety.
At the center of a magnetic field lay a circular carving etched into the iron ground. They all stepped onto it. Yuniki muttered a few words, and the circle split into four equal tiles beneath their feet.
"Just think of where you want to go," Yuniki said. "The tile will take you there. For now, follow me."
Yuniki moved first, followed by Okotuka and then Shiver. Mezu quickly thought, Follow Shiver.
His tile lifted into the air and began moving forward. The sudden motion threw him off balance, and he nearly fell—but managed to steady himself just in time.
"Be careful, Mezu," Shiver called from just above him.
"Yeah, it's nothing much," Mezu replied.
He was still shaken, but he forced himself to focus.
Mezu's landing went better than he expected. For some reason, he felt like this wouldn't be the last time he came here.
The door in front of them was enormous. A storm symbol was carved into its surface. Mezu couldn't help but wonder why.
The door creaked open on its own, and Yuniki gestured for them to follow. Inside, many people were already waiting. The reception room was filled with all kinds of people.
As soon as they noticed the newcomers, everyone bowed.
"Welcome to the East Tower," said a short man wearing a hat and a cloak that looked far too big for him.
The man led them to the receptionist—a pale-looking fellow in his early twenties.
"Rooms 1001, 1002, and 1003," the receptionist said. "Prepared for our special guests."
"Sorry, but we're not planning to stay," Okotuka replied. "We're here for the inauguration ceremony."
"Of course," the receptionist said with a nod. "The inauguration will begin in half an hour on the forty-fifth floor. Until then, please enjoy yourselves."
"Thank you," Okotuka said.
By then, Yuniki had already left them, busy speaking with several highly ranked officials nearby.
They stepped onto a teleportation circle.
"Forty-fifth floor," Okotuka said.
The circle glowed, and in a flash, they arrived in what looked like an ongoing party. Mezu felt dizzy from the teleportation, but he could still make out what was happening.
A stage stood in one corner, where a man was singing. People danced, laughed, and drank freely, filling the hall with noise and energy.
Amid the chaos, Mezu noticed a woman approaching them. She was young and beautiful.
"It seems you're early, Okotuka," she said with a smile. "We thought you'd be late."
"So it seems, Lora Mitrezana," Okotuka replied.
"Let's go dance," she said, grabbing his hand before he could respond and pulling him into the crowd.
"Your dad's dancing! What are you waiting for?" she shouted back. "Do you want to wait until you're grandpas?"
Shiver and Mezu exchanged glances before joining in. Mezu didn't know much about dancing—but he knew enough.
His mother had taught him well.