Chapter 393. When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn’t become a king. The palace becomes a circus.
"When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn’t become a king. The palace becomes a circus."
These words were scrawled boldly across a massive board hung on the third floor of the towering circus-like fortress. Beneath the sign, vibrant lights flickered and whimsical music played, masking the danger that lingered in the air. Beneath that sign, two clown-dressed pirates attempted to walk in, their curly green and blue wigs bouncing with each exaggerated step.
"Stop right there," a sharp voice called out.
"Huh? Registration again?" Tyler asked, voice muffled under the squeaky red nose and painted smile. He tilted his head like a confused jester.
The man who stopped them wore magician-like attire—complete with a swirling cape and star-embroidered top hat. He looked them up and down with visible disdain. "Hmph. Are you two even worth it? This isn’t a floor for newbies. Get lost."
He dismissed them with a wave, treating them like dirt beneath his boots. Tyler and Mana were shooed away without a second glance.
"He thinks we’re just some background clowns," Tyler muttered under his breath as they turned away. "That guy’s only at Master Level. Should I just knock him out?"
"Possess?" Mana asked with a raised brow, keeping her tone light.
Tyler shook his head. "Wait. Let’s not blow our cover just yet. We need to understand the entry requirements first. Each Floor is our goal. If we can’t get through this way, we’ll go back and sneak in using the same hidden path we used after leaving Candy Crush room from fourth floor to the second floor."
Before he could say more, another pirate appeared in front of them. Mana had already vanished from Tyler’s side.
The pirate suddenly stumbled, his eyes glazing over. He lost his footing, and Tyler quickly caught him, easing him down beside a stack of barrels. With smooth precision, he grabbed a half-empty beer bottle and poured a little over the man’s shirt to make him appear drunk.