Chapter 148: Cohabitation
Following a brief introduction, Sis, sporting narrowed eyes and an ethereal smile as she floated gracefully above the group, explained, "As this is only the First Floor, the methods to ascend are fairly straightforward. You can either prove your power by defeating a D-Rank Floor Guardian or acquire a 2nd Floor Admission Ticket from the Tower Shop for 50,000 TP, allowing you to teleport there directly."
Preempting the question at the forefront of many Ascendees' minds, Sis went on to dutifully explain, "As for the plots of land you see around you, they represent your prospective lodgings. The Tower is a place where the powerful, ambitious, and resourceful are permitted the opportunity to rise above, while those who lack or lose their ambition are fated to struggle or rely on others for creature comforts and safety. From this moment on, the food you eat, the beds you sleep in, and the roofs over your head must be acquired using Tower Points."
Hearing Sis's words, those who had spent their Tower Points recklessly couldn't help grousing to or amongst themselves. Meanwhile, those who had anticipated such a development or simply believed in having reserve funds felt vindication and relief...
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"What the hell? These are way too expensive..." remarked Nami, frowning at the display that materialized as she, Vahn, and many others from the stay-behind group approached one of the lots closest to where everyone had arrived on the 1st Floor. The plot wasn't particularly large, only eight by eleven meters, but the starting price was 490,000 TP for just the land. If you wanted to have a house or something like an Inn assembled for you by the System, the most economical option was 713,000 TP for a cottage.
"It's because this is one of the closest points to the Dungeon Terminal and where new Ascendees will arrive when first arriving, making it prime real estate," explained Vahn, appending, "If you purchase a plot closer to the safe zone's periphery, the cost drops considerably."
"So, what's the plan?" asked Nami, crossing her arms, shifting her weight onto her right foot, and staring at Vahn as she asserted, "There's no way you don't have one."
Gesturing with his chin to a series of white cliffs, Vahn revealed, "I plan to open up a Consultation and Help Agency along those cliffs. It's a little out of the way, but I don't want to be inundated with clients."
Blinking in surprise, Nami tilted her head and repeated, "A Consultation and Help Agency...?"