章 84: Front of the Line

A few hours passed. Two others had gone in before Yun Yuling, and the second person was now on the 17th level. With each level a challenger cleared, its exterior would become bathed in light, so everyone watching could keep track. By now, there was more than a little grumbling, and I heard people actually groan when the 17th floor light winked out and the 18th lit up. It would have been comical if I could believe they weren't being serious. I had a feeling the poor soul in the tower right now was going to suffer from his success.

By the time they reached the 30th floor, I had long run out of ways to joke around with Shokoya and Li Han. "You know, he's probably going to be at that for a while. I'm getting stir-crazy, how about I go to the Invigoration Pavillion and get us some picnic lunches?"

"I guess I am a little hungry," said Shokoya, "I'll have the fried tofu."