Webtoon: Tower of God

(Y/n)'s POV

Gripping my heart in a tightening hold, the anxiety and worry clouding my mind refused to leave me alone. Trapped within a never ending pit of darkness, I felt the cool surface of my pendant against my skin and willed its sentimental value to calm me down.

"(Y/n)."

I turned around despite knocking all my books over. Ran flashed a smile my way, scaring away all my concern and unwarranted anxiety. Tears brimmed my eyes but I forced them away before running into his arms.

"You idiot. Don't ever leave me like that again."
"I'm sorry but I didn't think you'd let me leave if you knew," he replied.
"I was worried that you'd never come back..."
"I would never leave you alone again."

Bam and the others filed into the room. I immediately thanked them, grateful that none of them had died. Tired of losing those that were close to me, I began worrying excessively whenever they left to go win their battles.

"Don't worry, (Y/n). We're all fine," Khun exclaimed.
"Yeah, Ran made sure to look after himself this time," Bam added.
"It's such a shame you couldn't come with us," commented Endorsi.

I forced a smile but on the inside, I felt useless. Although my blood was that of someone from the Ha family, Rachel had stolen my powers, forcing me to submit to a life of idle boredom and constant fear.

"We'll get your powers back for you," Ran whispered quietly.
"Alright you two lovebirds, we're gonna go get some rest. See you later," said Khun.

After shutting the door, Ran came over and laid down with his head on my lap. I felt a blush creep onto my cheeks as he stared at me with the most innocent eyes anyone could ever have.

"Aren't you bored when you stay in here?" he asked.
"I have my books and you're always with me and..."
"You're bored."
"No, I'm not. At least, not right now I'm not."

I had unconsciously started stroking his hair. With a content sigh, he allowed himself to rest and close his eyes. His sleeping figure was akin to innocence itself yet my heart felt conflicted.

He was always there to protect me no matter how far apart we were. He would claim that he was fine even though several wounds covered his entire body. He would never let me worry about him...

Without realising, tears had slid down my cheeks but they didn't go unnoticed. I hurriedly wiped them away but Ran had already gripped my hands, his eyes never leaving my face.

"Why are you crying? Are you...thinking unnecessary things again?"
"No...I'm just..."

He sat up and placed a gentle kiss against my forehead. I let him pull me into a warm hug, savouring the peace that came with his welcoming embrace.

Remaining broken was a difficult task but asking for someone to mend you was even harder. Unfortunately, one does not realise the importance of valued treasure until it is lost. I did not want to lose another person...especially not Ran...

I was losing myself. Rachel had broken me. She had taken the lives of my family and showed no mercy when she stripped me of my powers. I was just a hollow shell with nothing to show. I was...useless...

"(Y/n), I love you."

Those words hit me like a bullet to the chest. I managed to smile, not something pretentious but a sincerely genuine smile. He pulled away, his lips forming an adorable pout as he inspected my face.

"Don't cry anymore."
"Thank you."

Suddenly, the door blasted off its hinges.

Ran's POV

I hid (Y/n) from the blast of the explosion. Rachel stood on the other side, a smug smirk on her ugly face. She had a glowing orb above her hand...(Y/n)'s powers. I clenched my fists in anger.

"Want these back?" she asked.
"You'll regret coming here, Rachel."
"Oh, will I? I came here to retrieve (Y/n). It seems that her powers are only compatible with her body."
"So what? Are you planning to make her your servant?!"
"So what if I am?"
"I doubt you can. You can't even lift your own weight, let alone anyone else's."
"Shut up!"
"What's going on here?" AA asked.

He had come rushing to (Y/n)'s room with everyone else trailing behind him. I quickly dodged the attack Rachel sent towards me. She seemed determined to get rid of me first, her biggest obstacle.

"AA, help us out!"
"I'm on it!"

I created a spear and threw it towards her. She immediately attempted to block it with her lighthouse barrier but it shattered upon contact. Her defence was weak but with (Y/n)'s stolen powers, I wasn't sure what she could do.

Within seconds, she had disappeared. Damn it! Bam was by (Y/n)'s side. He gave me a discreet nod before I rushed after Rachel. He would protect her if any dangers came, I knew it.

Travelling through the many corridors in this building, I managed to pick up her scent or rather, her flow of shinsu. To the left. I aimed a kick and managed to hit her stomach, sending her flying back a few metres.

"If you think you can win against me then you're dead wrong."
"I need her...body..."
"Give it up, Rachel. You'll never beat me, and I definitely won't go easy on you."
"She's just a girl!"
"...she isn't just anyone. She's...my entire universe."
"Well then, I'm afraid I'll have to take that away from you. She doesn't deserve this power nor your protection."

I showed no hesitation when aiming a spear towards her. She took the full brunt of the attack, but didn't seem conscious. What a bothersome weakling. She deserved nothing, not even death.

Grabbing the orb from her, I headed back to (Y/n)'s room. Bam and the others had been kept busy. Unconscious bodies littered the ground like water filling up a pool.

I spotted (Y/n) in the corner with silent tears streaming down her cheeks. I crushed the orb in my hand before pouring its misty contents onto her body. She shivered and blacked out.

Catching her just as she fell, I held her body against mine. Thank the stars that she was safe. I would never give her up for anything. Even if the whole world was against me, I'd fight back. I'd fight for the girl I had come to love so much.

She was a light, a fire lighting the way in my times of darkness. In this cruel tower, one couldn't survive alone. That was why I was glad that she was by my side.

"Ran, where's Rachel?" asked AA.
"Unconscious somewhere in the building."
"And you didn't think of capturing her?"
"I wanted to get to (Y/n)."
"*sigh* You sure do love her, don't you?"

I simply pulled (Y/n) closer to me.