Tower of god:Skybender

**Endorsi's POV**

I had never been one to seek out the company of my rivals, but as I stood in the cafeteria, the sight before me was puzzling. Shibisu, Hatz, and some other Regulars I barely knew were all gathered at a table, laughing and joking as if they were old friends. It felt strange to see them acting so chummy, especially considering the competitive atmosphere that usually surrounded us.

After purchasing my bibimbap meal, I turned my attention toward their table, curiosity piquing my interest. I noticed Hatz was attempting to explain something animatedly, while Shibisu feigned interest, rolling his eyes at every jab that came from Hatz's mouth. The camaraderie was unsettling. Had they really formed bonds that could overshadow our previous encounters?

With my meal in hand, I contemplated joining them for a moment. After all, we were in the same situation—Regulars navigating the Tower's challenges. But just as quickly as the thought came, I dismissed it. They were still my rivals. I had no reason to sit with them.

I made my way to a nearby table, but I could feel the gaze of the group. It was almost magnetic, pulling me closer despite my reservations. I caught Bam's eye; he smiled at me, his expression warm and inviting. That boy always seemed to have a way of disarming people, a quality I found both admirable and irritating.

"Endorsi!" Bam called out, gesturing for me to join them. "Come sit with us!"

I hesitated, my instinct telling me to maintain my distance, but there was something about Bam that made it hard to refuse. His earnestness was a bit disarming, and despite myself, I found my feet moving toward their table.

As I sat down, I was struck by the chaotic energy of the group. They were all trying to outdo each other in their attempts at friendship. I glanced at Hatz, who was already getting into a spat with Khun over something trivial, and it struck me just how silly this whole situation was.

"Are you really trying to befriend us?" Khun questioned, his tone incredulous as he addressed Shibisu, who immediately denied it with a laugh. The banter flowed easily among them, a stark contrast to the tension I was used to feeling.

"What's with the friendship forms?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation back to something more substantial. "Is this really how you guys plan to gain friends?"

"It's not just about gaining friends," Shibisu replied, puffing out his chest in mock seriousness. "It's about learning to trust each other!"

I rolled my eyes, dismissing the idea. "Trust? With you lot? Good luck with that."

Before I could further voice my skepticism, Bam turned his attention to me. "Endorsi, could you be one of Hatz's friends?" His question caught me off guard, and I raised an eyebrow at the suggestion.

"Are you trying to set me up with him?" I shot back, irritation creeping into my tone. Hatz, who had been smugly grinning, straightened up at my words.

"Hey! I'm not just some guy to set up!" he retorted, looking slightly offended.

Bam laughed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "But Hatz can show you some cool sword tricks!"

I leaned back, crossing my arms defiantly. "I'm not interested. I don't need to add any more rivals to my list."

"Rivals can be friends, too!" Bam said, his voice earnest and hopeful.

"No thanks," I replied flatly, though I couldn't ignore the curiosity sparked by the idea. I didn't believe in friendships between rivals; there was too much at stake, too much history.

Just then, Anaak walked by, her presence demanding attention. "Why is a Jahad Princess like you hanging out with these Regulars?" she asked, her tone dripping with disdain.

The table fell silent, and I could feel the heat rise to my cheeks. "What's it to you?" I shot back, trying to maintain my composure.

Bam looked between us, surprised. "Wait, there are two Jahad Princesses?"

"Technically, we're step-sisters," I replied, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Like shoes on the same display. And she's technically a fake princess too."

Anaak rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed. "At least I didn't beg for attention like you."

Before I could respond, the group erupted into laughter, and I felt a pang of annoyance. These moments were supposed to be serious, not some sort of silly reunion. Yet, despite my irritation, I couldn't help but feel an odd sense of camaraderie forming among us.

As the banter continued, I found myself observing the dynamics at play. Rivalry had turned into laughter, and the serious undertones I expected had given way to something more relaxed. It was disconcerting yet oddly comforting.

"Endorsi, are you going to eat that?" Shibisu asked, interrupting my thoughts as he pointed at my bibimbap.

I glanced down, suddenly aware that my meal had gone untouched. "Maybe," I muttered, still reluctant to fully engage.

Just then, Bam leaned closer, lowering his voice. "You know, it's okay to be friends with rivals. It doesn't have to be all about competition."

I met his gaze, momentarily taken aback by his sincerity. For a brief moment, I considered his words. Maybe there was something to this whole "friendship" thing after all, but I quickly brushed it off. I wouldn't let myself get distracted.

Yet, as the laughter continued and the atmosphere grew warmer, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was changing. Perhaps, just perhaps, rivals could become allies, if not friends. But for now, I'd keep my distance, if only to maintain the edge I needed to survive in this Tower.

---

**Kael's POV**

The cafeteria was bustling with life, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension as I sat down at a table near Bam, Khun, and the others. They were a lively bunch, and even from a distance, I could sense the camaraderie blooming among them. However, what struck me the most was the tension between Endorsi and Anaak as they exchanged pointed remarks.

As I watched, I couldn't help but think back to my own experiences with rivalry and friendship in the Tower. It seemed everyone was trying to forge connections, even if they were competing against one another.

"Hey, Kael!" Hatz called out, waving me over. "You should join us!"

I hesitated but eventually joined them. The banter was infectious, and I couldn't resist the opportunity to engage, even if it meant navigating the complex dynamics among the Regulars.

I took a seat next to Endorsi, who was still contemplating her meal. "What's with the food dilemma?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Endorsi shot me a look, as if my question annoyed her, but I could see the curiosity in her eyes. "Just deciding whether to eat this or not," she replied, crossing her arms.

Before I could respond, Bam piped up, suggesting she should befriend Hatz. I couldn't help but grin at the absurdity of the situation. Hatz was a hothead, and I could see how their personalities clashed.

But as the conversation continued, I felt an unusual sense of unity among us. We were all facing the same challenges in the Tower, and despite our rivalries, there was something comforting about being in the same boat.

As laughter echoed around the table, I realized that perhaps, just perhaps, we were starting to move beyond our rivalries. And as I glanced around at my fellow Regulars, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. Maybe there was more to this journey than just competing against each other—maybe we could learn from one another and grow together.