"F.U.G. invaded the exam? Those cultists truly know how to cause trouble, and they did it at the lowest floor (test floor), where the supervision was restricted.
Do they think it's easy to fight with an administrator and floor master? "
Kiseia said, staring at the sky where the sound came from.
"Well, they were F.U.G. They have been opposing ten great families with their so-called 'Slayers,' labeling them as God. Honestly, this is beneficial for us in a way if the floor master gets rid of them."
Hugo chimed in before continuing,
"Anyway, the administrator should give us a path leading to the exit."
She sighed in exasperation.
"And it's very likely we will conduct a re-examination. The damage was probably unbearable for them to forcefully stop the exam. Considering it was F.U.G., they were probably prepared for this attack; the only question is their motive..."
Cheondung only saved their words into his memory but didn't speak. Just like Hugo said, he thought that they must have a motive, and it's likely a big plan. He doesn't have deep knowledge about F.U.G., but it didn't hinder his ability to think and look for a bigger picture.
*F.U.G. was responsible for that attack, huh? That explains the commotion earlier. Considering their powers, they must have been a ranker, perhaps a floor master?*
*Considering their goal was to overthrow the ten great families that had been ruling this tower for a long time, still none of them have succeeded yet. The only explanation for the F.U.G.'s failure was probably due to their insufficient firepower.*
*According to Hugo. F.U.G. was a cult, a group of cultists gathered in a single faith. They probably have a wish that could only be granted by their so-called Slayers, and those powerful individuals are being worshipped as God.*
*Despite having that title, they still didn't succeed all this time, so my guess is likely correct.*
*I don't know how strong they are (Slayers), but for an organization this big, they wouldn't deploy strong combatants just to cause havoc. Which means their main objective is on this test floor.*
*A good leader always tackles the problem at its roots, and right now the main problem of F.U.G. was their lack of firepower. Then executing their plan timed with my arrival was a coincidence. It's likely they lay low to avoid suspicion, which also indicates that this step is crucial. Having said that, the organization was aiming to gain strength on this floor…*
*Irregulars, huh… they are likely aiming to pull some irregulars in their ranks. So far there are only three well-known irregulars: Phantaminium, Enryu, and Urek Mazino. They have been living here for quite some time. I can't say for sure if they recruited them, but judging by the way Ella explains the movement of Urek Mazino. I guess they didn't manage to recruit him. An organization of this level would have used every means necessary to pull someone, even by force, yet they didn't succeed, probably for two reasons: first, they don't have anything that could attract him. Second, they don't have enough strength to put him into submission?*
*If that's the case, then they are waiting for someone. An irregular with strong potential but can be manipulated at early stages. And this test floor was the perfect environment for it. Irregulars would take tests like regulars, although there are some exceptions.*
"I see, so that's how it is…" Cheondung mumbled. Loud enough for them to hear.
Kiseia and Hugo exchange glances, thinking, "What did he learn from that?" Did he even learn something? After all, information about F.U.G. is like common sense. So they found it weird when he said those words.
But Cheondung, completely oblivious to it, didn't mind. His thoughts were wandering on something else.
*Anyway, regarding the examination. Their main goal was to use an attack to cover their agenda. The administrator who made an announcement earlier was probably already dead; it was broadcast by a different person, likely from F.U.G. If their main goal is to cause havoc, then taking the path could be more dangerous.*
*Instead of following this path, it would be better to head to the finish line ourselves. Considering their plans, it wouldn't be surprising if they released several monsters in place of gathering.*
Reaching a conclusion, Cheondung glanced at them. "I'm planning on passing this exam. What about the rest of you?"
"Passed? Didn't you hear the announcement? "They said the exam would be cancelled and there will be a re-examination." Kiseia frowned.
"That's right," Hugo followed up, while looking at him as if she's staring at a dumb kid.
Cheondung didn't mind their gaze; instead, he raised several of his fingers, not to point upward but more to indicate a number to validate his opinion. "You're contradicting yourself…" he started.
"Huh!?"
Hugo raised an eyebrow. She wanted to retort, but he didn't give her a chance.
"You said that to the administrator. Could take care of F.U.G. If everything is under control, then there's no need for them to cancel the exam."
As if they realized something, the girl's eyes widened in disbelief.
"That's…"
However, that wasn't enough to clear their doubts, so he added more.
"If they are going to cancel the exam, then it's either the F.U.G. invasion damage was unsustainable for them, which could be the worst case, or something happened related to the examination," he said.
"Regardless, choosing our path to find the real exit instead of following them would be the best option."
Despite the two outcomes, both are potential dangers and could lead into a trap.
"For now, we couldn't trust the administrator since the possibility of F.U.G. successfully inflating them was high. This gathering might be part of their plans. So choosing our own path is the most practical and effective way."
"That might be correct. But that seems far-fetched. What would they gain by taking on regulars? " Kiseia asked.
*Lots of things, like taking hostages. There might be someone important here they could use to gain control over someone. And I could think of many more, like potential recruits.* Cheondung thought, but his mouth had a different saying, "Who knows? Anyway, what are your thoughts? "
Hugo's finger pinched her chin as she contemplated. She felt like Cheondung had substance but also lacked something. She couldn't put her mind into it, so she can only weigh her options.
"Assume you're stating the truth of this matter. Can you guarantee you could find the exit? " she asked. This is the most important; if the safety passage turns out to be a trap, then can he find the real exit?
"Yes." A short response. "In fact, I already have a way, but it requires your cooperation."