The 43rd story arc of the Tower of God series consisting of chapters 153 - 159 from the second season. The arc centers around Bam and company's journey through the 35th and 36th Floors of the Tower as a means to catch up to the Hell Train. Meanwhile, Team Rachel encounters the Slayer Candidate known as Hoaqin on the Hell Train, and joins forces with him.
Arc 42 | Return to the main Tower of God recap page. | Arc 44
36F - Hell Train: Hoaqin
A month has passed as Hell Train continues its travel up the Tower. Team Rachel is seen continuing to make their way through the express by destroying any guardian they come across, which Daniel's shown to have fully healed from the damage he took against Bam during the battle at Train City. The group continues on towards their target, Hoaqin.
Meanwhile on the 36th Floor, Bam and several of his companions are seen riding the Deokja; a large airship that's heading for the Floor's testing area to take the 36th Floor test. Their aim being to climb the Tower as quickly as possible to catch up to the Hell Train. At the Deokja bar, Khun spends some time gathering information on current events, such as overhearing the rumors about the chaos that spread after everyone got word about FUG hijacking the Hell Train at the 35th Floor's Train City, and Emily warning everyone to stay away. As Khun makes his way back to the others, he thinks over how they're supposed to catch up to the Hell Train before it departs from the 37th Floor's train station. Khun figures that along with hoping that they can stall the train at the 37th Floor, he hopes that Wangnan and Ehwa find an opening within the express to take Hwaryun back from being Team Rachel's hostage. In addition, Team Nobic went off on their own to catch up to the Hell Train, and the Aka and Boro groups went on ahead since they're experienced D-rankers who already have access to the 37th Floor. Thus, they will be waiting on Bam and company.
Eventually, Khun arrives at the room his team was provided on the Deokja. His teammates consisting of Bam, Rak, and the remaining members of Team Sweet & Sour. Khun remains worried about Bam given that the latter lost control of the Thorn during the Train City battle, which Bam assures him that he's fine. Akraptor then asks if Khun learned anything, which Khun explains how Team Rachel appears to be warning everyone through the Emily terminal to stay away from the Hell Train due to FUG taking it over, which Khun advises everyone to not rely on Emily anymore given that it's controlled by Team Rachel. Bam asks if there's any information on Hoaqin as he never heard of such a Slayer Candidate during his time at FUG. However, Khun informs him that not even his Lighthouse has information on him, and then heads to his room to be alone, which everyone else heads off for a meal.
Akraptor stays behind to enter Khun's room, which he calls Khun out since he could tell that something's bothering him. In return, Khun explains how he's got several worries. That he doesn't know what Bam thinks of him after finding out that he tried to kill Rachel at Train City, and that Bam is powering up too fast, which has left him worried that Bam's body could fall apart if they don't find a way to stabilize the Thorn. Meanwhile as Bam walks with his teammates, he thinks over how his body is in pain again due to something that feels like it's shaking within him, which is something that's been happening ever since Bam's departure from Train City.
The story flashes back to when Bam and his companions, along with Blarode and Quaetro, are seen having rushed from Train City to the 35th Floor's testing area in order to take the Floor test. Bam remains out of sorts given how the Thorn just went haywire during the fight against Team Rachel, but he assures the team that he's fine, and that they need to hurry in order to catch up to the Hell Train. Shortly after, a bot is heard announcing that the 35th Floor test will soon begin, and asks for the test-takers to gather.
The 35th Floor's test area is shown to be a forest with an arena platform in the center of it. The teams taking the test meet on the test's middle platform, which given that everyone else is still at Train City, there's only two teams taking the 35th Floor test: Bam's group, and a team led by a large D-rank Regular named Bel Berhino. The announcer bot then explains the test, which is a forest battle between an offensive team and defensive team. The defending team must protect the forest's middle platform that has a register with a card slot on it. The offensive team that attacks the defenders' platform wins if they manage to put a test card into the register's card slot.
Bam's group are put in the role of the defending team, which they move into position around the arena register to protect it against Bel's team, who will be attacking them from the surrounding forests. As Bel thinks about who he should attack first, the 35th Floor test officially begins.
The 35th Floor's advancement test officially begins. The defending Team Bam taking position around the middle platform while the offensive Team Bel starts off in the surrounding forest. Hearing that all his 8-man team has to do is get their test card into the defending team's register, Bel remains hyped that they're going to have an easy win.
At the forest location where Rak's been positioned, he's met by two of Bel's teammates, Bullback and Moraseung. Seeing that Rak's just a little crocodile, Bel's teammates see this as an easy win. However, Rak surprises them by suddenly transforming back into his original large form, and easily disposes of Bullback and Moraseung. Bel's team is already left with just six people.
Meanwhile, Bam is seen at another forest location having been positioned with Akraptor and Miseng. Akraptor remains worried about Bam's current condition, but Bam assures him that he will do his part to not be a burden despite currently having a headache. Akraptor and Miseng then move to hide in order to act as sniper support for Bam, who remains in the open alone as bait for the enemy. While waiting, Bam continues to think about his dream of the "power" telling him that he can be given the strength to go higher.
Watching over the battlefield from his Lighthouse, Khun notices the oddity that he's unable to find one of Bel's teammates. That person being Walkin, who is seen sneaking up on Bam. Walkin's presence remains hidden thanks to the barrier provided by his high-tier White-X Observer. He then charges at Bam to perform a hidden knife kill, but Bam senses the danger, and reacts on instinct by landing a punch on Walkin's face despite not being able to see him. Bam's left confused as to what's currently going on with his body as Bel's team is now left with five people.
Confused as to how Walkin was defeated, Bel and his teammate Rujon head off to Bam's location to dispose of the threat. Bam fires shinsu Bangs at Bel, which the latter's body is able to hold out thanks to being a member of the Hendo Family, a group known for their strong defensive power. However, Bam follows up with a martial arts uppercut that blasts him back into Rujon. Thus defeating them both. Another of Bel's teammates appears flying in the air to try to attack Bam, but he quickly counters with a shinsu Bang that shoots his enemy out of the sky, much to his teammates' shock that Bam's pulling this off without the power of the Thorn. It's at this point that Bam collapses and faints due to what's currently going on with his body. In the end, Team Bam eventually wins anyway given that Team Bel only had two fighters left at that point, which they pass the 35th Floor test.
Returning to the present, Bam's seen on the Deokja airship with his teammates as they walk to get a bite to eat. However, Bam's headache begins to act up again, which results in him once more collapsing and fainting, much to the worry and confusion of his teammates.
The Deokja airship continues towards the 36th Floor's testing area. Khun remains in his room going over Lighthouse information on their competition for the 36th Floor test, which he takes note of a bunny girl that looks like an older Sia Sia. Khun remembers how Sia told him about how she desperately needs money for the sake of her race, which Khun wonders if the older bunny girl is going up the Tower with a similar goal. However, it's at this point that his teammates return with the unconscious Bam. Khun's obviously worried about Bam's condition, which Akraptor suggests that they postpone taking the 36th Floor Test. However, Bam wakes up asking that they continue on since they need to make it to the Hell Train. Despite Khun's worry, he agrees to continue on.
Jumping ahead, Team Bam is seen taking on the 36th Floor Test. As the battle rages, Bam is eventually met by the older bunny girl that Khun was investigating. Claiming that she has to become a rich Ranker for the sake of her species, the bunny girl attacks Bam with her spear weapon. Bam remains exhausted due to whatever's currently going on with his body, but he's able to see the bunny girl's attacks, and dodges every spear strike. Eventually, Bam counters with a barrage of shinsu Bangs that defeats the bunny girl. However, Bam once more falls unconscious. In the end, Team Bam beats the 36th Floor Test.
Following the 36th Floor Test, Bam remains unconscious in a bed while his teammates watch over him. Khun figures that Bam's pressuring himself to rush things ever since their failure at Train City, which he figures that before Bam overexerts himself, they need to board the Hell Train at the 37th Floor's train station no matter what. Akraptor remains convinced that they will make it in time, but Khun assures his teammates that he has a plan to reach the Hell Train in time, and hopes that Hoaqin doesn't wake up before then. It's at this point that Jinsung appears in the room, much to everyone's shock as to why he's suddenly here. Obvious that he's here to see what's going on with Bam, Jinsung questions them what happened to his pupil.
At that same time, Team Rachel is seen continuing their journey through the Hell Train followed closely by Wangnan and Ehwa as they wait for an opening to go in and rescue Hwaryun. Arriving at the next door, Rachel questions if Hoaqin's really here, which Daniel assures her that he is. Daniel explains how Hoaqin's someone who controls souls, and ended up splitting up his body throughout the Hell Train. He also notes that while Hoaqin didn't leave any clues about his whereabouts, Daniel has something on his body that allows him to sense Hoaqin's location. He shows off the "seal" on his arm that looks like a tattoo; implied to have been given to him by Hoaqin. Daniel announces that the first part of Hoaqin will soon be set free.
Meanwhile in the train's darkness before Team Rachel, an all-white person with a silver crown on his head, and wielding a long sword, is seen sitting in a chair.
Aboard the Hell Train, Angel, Mad Dog, and Traveller have been stationed to watch over Team Rachel's hostage, Hwaryun. Wangnan and Ehwa watch from afar, which Wangnan remains annoyed that for the past month, Team Rachel's been leaving no openings to possibly save Hwaryun when they should be thinking that they're the only ones on the Hell Train. Wangnan also goes over to Ehwa how he's caught on to how the interior of the Hell Train works:
- 1) There's a day-night cycle.
- 2) Monsters appear at night while its peaceful during the day.
- 3) You need to make it through a certain amount of sections each day in order to stay aboard the Hell Train.
- 4) Hell Train riders making it through ten sections will allow them to take a Floor Test to continue riding the train to the next Tower Floor.
Keeping his focus on Hwaryun, Wangnan makes it clear to Ehwa that they need to save her before they're forced to take the Hell Train's Floor Test. However, he remains confused as to why Hwaryun doesn't appear to be resisting her captivity. Especially when she's a Guide that could easily escape on her own.
Meanwhile, the other members of Team Rachel, Rachel, Daniel, Yura, and Cassano, find themselves stuck in front of a door with a number puzzle on it. The puzzle being a 3-by-4 keypad where they must have all the lines equal the same sum, and they're only allowed to make three number swap moves, or else it will cost them an Express Ticket. Rachel suggests they go a different route, but Daniel advises against it due to how mysterious and dangerous the express is to go off the beaten path, which he can sense that the locked door in front of him remains the quickest way to reach Hoaqin. Knowing that not even their Emily terminal would know the answer given that it's a new puzzle, Daniel figures that their only option is to rely on their hostage Guide.
Team Rachel brings Hwaryun before the keypad puzzle, which she calls everyone out for being so stupid that they don't know simple math. She explains how the keypad's lines are diagonal, which the 12 in one corner makes it obvious what the sum is. That every diagonal line needs to amount to 12. She questions what Team Rachel is trying to accomplish when they're too stupid to handle things as easy as this, which given his goal to resurrect Roen, Daniel just states that he's aiming to start over by changing the current boring and filthy world. Meanwhile, Wangnan and Ehwa are seen continuing to spy on them from afar.
At that same time, FUG's Ha Jinsung is seen having just arrived at Bam's 36th Floor room. Khun, Rak, Akraptor, Miseng and Prince stand between them, which Khun questions why Jinsung's here. In return, Jinsung assures them that he's just here to check on his pupil. Checking on the unconscious Bam, Jinsung gets the gist that Bam's been overusing the Thorn, and calls out FUG's Yu Hansung for pushing his pupil this far. He then asks Khun and company for a meeting.
Shortly after, Khun and company explain everything that happened to far to Jinsung, such as Team Rachel stealing away the Hell Train, and Team Rachel's goal to reawaken Hoaqin. They ask if Jinsung knows of Hoaqin, which he answers that he doesn't, but knows of someone else who's highly dangerous aboard the Hell Train that he hopes is not the same person that Team Rachel's trying to free. However, he refuses to tell Khun's group who it is since its a FUG secret, and orders them to give up on the train as he will send his own crew to deal with Team Rachel. At this point, Bam reawakens having heard Jinsung's order, and makes it clear to the FUG Ranker that he can't do that. That he will take everything back on his own power. However, Jinsung isn't convinced, and warns Bam that he can't send him back to the Hell Train if the dangerous person he's thinking of truly is the same person that Team Rachel's trying to awaken.
Returning to the Hell Train, Hwaryun completes the keypad puzzle for Team Rachel after making the three number moves that make all the diagonal lines equal to 12. The locked door then opens, which Team Rachel and Hwaryun walk on through it. Wangnan and Ehwa try to chase after them only for the door to close on them. Thus, leaving the two of them stuck on the other side as they also don't understand math to solve the keypad puzzle.
As for Team Rachel, they stumble into the room of a massive Bloomer Guardian, and are forced to battle against it to reach the next area. Due to their lack of teamwork, Team Rachel's quickly put on the backfoot thanks to the Bloomer Guardian's massive size and strength, and the ability to fire shinsu blasts from its mouth. However, Hwaryun takes command of the group by giving orders to Daniel, Mad Dog, and Angel until it reaches a point where Daniel lands a devastating blow on the Bloomer Guardian's private area, which knocks it out.
Following the battle, Rachel praises Hwaryun for getting her team to fight together, but Hwaryun calls Rachel out as someone incapable of leading the current members of Team Rachel. However, Rachel isn't bothered by it as she's aiming for stronger teammates, and calls out Hwaryun knowing that the latter is just playing along as Team Rachel's hostage in order to give Bam information on her plan. Rachel also calls out Hwaryun knowing full-well that the latter lied to her. That even though Hwaryun claimed back on the 2nd Floor that she will help Rachel become the heroine, she knows full well that the hero Hwaryun actually chose to follow is Bam. As a result, Rachel tells Hwaryun that she will work by herself to become the story's heroine by finding teammates that can do what she cannot. Her first "Thorn" being the Slayer Candidate known as Hoaqin.
Moving on from the Bloomer Guardian room, Team Rachel and Hwaryun open the door to the next area. Here, they find a person colored and dressed in all white, and with a silver crown on his head, sitting in a chair in the middle of the room. Hwaryun sensing that this person is dangerous. The white person then turns to see his new visitors, and is glad to see that Daniel's finally here; stating that it's been a while.
Aboard the Hell Train, the white person before Team Rachel and Hwaryun turns out to be Hoaqin, which Daniel calls out to him to get moving now that the locked door's finally been opened for him. In return, Hoaqin gets up, and properly introduces himself; claiming that with FUG's help, he will reclaim his throne, and take control of the Tower. In return, Team Rachel and Hwaryun are left confused by the sight of Hoaqin being a rather short person despite how dangerous he's supposed to be.
Meanwhile on the 37th Floor, the veteran D-rankers, Boro and Hanool, are seen at a forest river waiting for Bam and his companions to finally arrive on the Floor. Boro mentions that Team Aka went off to retrieve Faker (one of the top D-rank Regulars), and with Boro and Hanool is Yura's sword-user teammate, Danhwa. Due to Hana Yu being injured during the Train City tournament, Danhwa was given her Express Ticket, and is allowed to go to the Hell Train with them as long as he doesn't cause any trouble. Having heard that Yura's traveling with a dangerous group, Danhwa makes it clear that his only goal now is to get Yura away from Team Rachel. Danhwa then asks Boro if it's true that Hoaqin, the person Team Rachel's trying to awaken on the Hell Train, is truly as evil as what was described to him, which Boro answers that based on what he witnessed when they last met Hoaqin aboard the Hell Train, he is.
With Boro narrating his story to Hanool and Danhwa, the story flashes back to 600 years ago at the 35th Floor's Train City. Five Regulars are seen completing the test to be allowed to board the Hell Train. The five being Boro (Fisherman), Daniel (Scout), Aka (Defender), Sachi Faker (Wave Controller), and Roen (Light Bearer). They ended up becoming friends due to the amount of times they've run into one another, and while Boro and Daniel tend to get on each other's nerves, Daniel lets it slide whenever Roen appears to calm them down due to Daniel's obvious crush on her. This specific test is also where they met Poro Poe, who tried to attack them. Daniel easily holds him off, but Roen turns out to be a kind person and allows Poro to come along with them seeing that he's lonely. As a result, the six of them head off as a team excited for an adventure on the Hell Train.
Boro continues to narrate the story explaining to Hanool and Danhwa how the adventure went to hell the moment they came across Hoaqin. The flashback from 600 years ago jumps to the moment that Boro's past team boarded the Hell Train, which they ended up coming across Hoaqin within it. Hoaqin asks that they become his underlings, which his arrogance to ask people he doesn't know to suddenly become his minions angers Roen. She explains how she's seen arrogant members of the Ten Great Families lose their lives aboard the Hell Train, which is similar to how Hoaqin's currently acting. In return, Hoaqin introduces himself as FUG's upcoming Slayer, and that he's boarded the Hell Train to one day reclaim his throne.
Continuing the story, Boro explains how along with his team, many other Regulars became Hoaqin's underlings aboard the Hell Train out of interest of him being a Slayer Candidate. Thus, they became a strong group aboard the Hell Train. However, an incident happened one day where Daniel came across Roen in front of the corpse of one of the underlings, which the scene looks like Roen killed her. The desperate Roen explains that she had been set up by Hoaqin, which she begged Daniel not to tell anyone out of fear of everyone possibly turning on her. As Daniel moves to comfort Roen, Boro provides the narration to Hanool and Danhwa what Hoaqin's overall goal is. That in order for Hoaqin to regain a power that he once had, he created a disaster by having everyone aboard the Hell Train kill each other. Boro states to Hanool and Danhwa that that incident is where he learned that it's not the Hell Train itself that makes the journey "hell," but the monster within it known as Hoaqin.
Back on the Hell Train, Hoaqin could tell that Team Rachel is confused as to why he looks so short and weak to them. As a result, Hoaqin calls out to Team Rachel's Mad Dog if the latter could sense that that he's weak. Introducing himself as one of FUG Slayer Baylord Yama's Mad Dogs named Buelsar Elliot, Buelsar makes it clear to the group that he can indeed sense the power that Hoaqin gives off, and offers his services to the Slayer Candidate. Hoaqin then proceeds to call out Daniel for going to such lengths just to resurrect Roen. That even though Hoaqin is going to kill many others, Daniel plans to go along with it just to get Roen back. However, Hoaqin assures Daniel that he will resurrect Roen once he's regained his power.
Aside from Buelsar and Angel bowing before him, Hoaqin remains confused as to who the blonde and blue-haired girls are that came with Daniel. In return, Rachel introduces herself and Yura to Hoaqin as others who wish to help him. They show off the handheld Emily terminal to Hoaqin, which Rachel notes how they've been using it to control the masses. Rachel explains how they know that Hoaqin requires souls to restore his lost power. Thus, they plan to bait people through Emily to come to the Hell Train for Yura's concert so that Hoaqin can then prey on the newcomers and eat their souls. Hoaqin admits that the plan sounds amazing as his stomach begins to growl of hunger. He informs Team Rachel that he's been starving for souls since he was trapped for so long, which they head off in order to finally fill his stomach. Meanwhile, Hwaryun continues to watch from the sideline.
On the Hell Train, Wangnan and Ehwa continue to struggle at solving the keypad math puzzle that's blocking them from keeping up with Team Rachel. Eventually, Ehwa starts to understand the puzzle's math gimmick, but before she could fully solve it, the door opens with the newly released Slayer Candidate, Hoaqin, now standing before Wangnan and Ehwa. Team Rachel and Hwaryun are seen following closely behind him.
Meanwhile on the 36th Floor, Jinsung is seen on a floating ship with Bam and his companions. Jinsung remains alone, which he communicates with a FUG member loyal to him over his Pocket about recent events. The two of them hope that it's not truly Hoaqin on the Hell Train, which Jinsung announces that he's sent a team to the Hell Train to face Hoaqin despite knowing that they'll be no match if it truly is Hoaqin. Jinsung also remains worried about Bam using the Thorn when it's still in a state of instability. Thus, with his goal being to keep Bam and company out of danger from running into Hoaqin on the Hell Train, Jinsung plans to take Bam and company to 36th Floor's Middle Area to keep watch over them until the storm surrounding the Hell Train blows over. Meanwhile, Bam and his companions are seen waiting in their ship rooms, which they clearly don't like Jinsung keeping them locked down.
Back on the Hell Train, Hoaqin questions who Wangnan and Ehwa are upon coming across the two of them, which knowing the danger they're in, Hwaryun quickly calls out to them warning them to escape. Going along with it, Wangnan moves to distract with one of his shinsu bombs. However, his throwing arm is quickly stabbed through by Hoaqin's sword. Hoaqin then forces Hwaryun to stop acting up by threatening to fully cut off Wangnan's arm. Keeping the stabbed sword in place, Hoaqin orders Wangnan to reveal what his identity is, or else he will eat him.
Returning to Jinsung's floating ship, Bam, Khun and Rak remain in their room until Rak's patience wears out. Rak desires to fight Jinsung to try to escape. However, Khun remains disinterested in trying to fight given that Jinsung's a powerful High Ranker who's known to have killed many members of the Ten Great Families in the past, and even wiped out an entire faction that he had a grudge against. Khun continues to remain disinterested knowing that Jinsung played a part in helping get Bam out of FUG with the Thorn at hand. A brief flashback is seen with Khun watching the conversation between Jinsung and the newly awoke Bam. Jinsung makes it clear that due to Bam's current unstable state, he doesn't believe that Bam will be a match for Hoaqin. Thus, Jinsung states that he will only allow Bam to go if he can beat the former in a fight.
Following the flashback, Rak remains determined to fight Jinsung. Especially knowing that giving up means that they're leaving Wangnan and Ehwa on their own. In return, Khun makes it clear that it's obvious that they can't actually fight a High Ranker, but also adds that there's other methods to take on Jinsung. Thus, he tells Bam that it's time to go to the place they must go to.
At that same time on the Hell Train, Hoaqin's sword remains stabbed within Wangnan's arm. Hoaqin continues to order Wangnan to reveal who he is before he eats him. However, Daniel steps in asking Hoaqin to back down for two reasons. That they need to focus more on going to the next stage before the Hell Train kicks them out, and that Wangnan and Ehwa will be useful hostages given that they're comrades of FUG's newest Slayer Candidate, Jue Viole Grace. Being a Slayer Candidate, the mention that there's a new one catches Hoaqin's attention, which he agrees to free Wangnan from his sword, which he then asks Daniel who Jue Viole Grace is.
Back to Jinsung's floating ship, Jinsung continues to remain along until the Bam, Khun and Rak trio approaches him. Bam makes it clear to the FUG master who taught him that he needs to go to the Hell Train.
Standing before Jinsung on his 36th Floor's floating ship, Bam tells his master that he needs to go to the Hell Train as there's people there that he has to meet. In return, Jinsung takes this as the answer that Bam and his companions have chosen to fight him, which he slowly approaches them ready for battle. However, Bam, Khun and Rak's plan to escape him turns out to be just running off down the hall they came from, which confuses Jinsung.
While running away, Khun explains the plan to Bam and Rak that he sent Team Sweet & Sour's Akraptor, Prince and Miseng off to prepare another floating ship for them that will get them away from Jinsung's ship. Khun also adds that Jinsung will be weakened by the Floor rules given that he's a High Ranker visiting a low-level Regular area of the Tower. Thus, they have a chance to distract him while their teammates prepare the getaway. Eventually, Jinsung catches up to them and orders them to stop what they're doing, which Khun tells Rak that it's the latter's time to shine. However, Rak's easily caught by Jinsung, which forces Bam to zoom off on his Blue Oar platform to escape towards the prepared escape vehicle. The result is Khun being left behind to take on Jinsung 1-on-1, which Khun readies his Lighthouses despite knowing that he stands no chance.
Nearby, Bam arrives at the escape vehicle that was prepared by the members of Team Sweet & Sour. However, Jinsung's shown to have caught up to Bam already, and orders his pupil to stop. Knowing that Bam's worried about his comrades that are already aboard the Hell Train, Jinsung warns Bam that going now in his current unstable state will just result in him losing more comrades. However, Bam refuses to back down. It's at this point that Blarode and Quaetro arrive to help stall Jinsung from reaching Bam, which they make it clear that they also have someone (Wangnan) that they need to rescue aboard the Hell Train. The two of them perform a combo attack on Jinsung that actually leaves the High Ranker impressed. However, he still easily passes by them.
Jinsung now stands before Bam, Akraptor, Prince and Miseng aboard the escape vehicle ready to use force to get them to stop. However, it's at this point that the departure siren for the escape vehicle goes off, which catches Jinseng attention. It's at this point that the true purpose of Khun's plan is put in motion, which his Lighthouse is seen floating above Bam and company. Creating a Lighthouse field over Bam and company, Khun teleports them out of the escape vehicle, which leaves Jinsung alone. Jinsung is unable to stop it as he's left alone on the escape vehicle, which automatically departs from his original floating shop that is now controlled by Bam and the Regulars. Bam of which says goodbye to his master. Meanwhile, Bam and company are seen having teleported to Khun and Rak's floating ship location that Jinsung left them at.
From the escape vehicle, Jinsung accepts defeat, and watches as his original floating ship transports Bam and his companions up to the 37th Floor. The FUG member on his Pocket questions if Jinsung will go after them, but Jinsung states that he won't given that breaking any further Floor rules will piss off the Floor Guardian. The one on the Pocket then questions if Viole really is capable of taking on Hoaqin, but Jinsung remains unconvinced believing that Bam is nowhere near strong enough to take him on.
Meanwhile on the Hell Train, Wangnan and Ehwa are seen tied up as Hoaqin and Team Rachel's captives as they're all taking on the 36th Floor Test to remain on the express. However, they all stand by and watch as Hoaqin easily and brutally kills the giant sea creature they had to fight for the test. Wangnan and Ehwa can't believe the monster Slayer Candidate they just witnessed as Hoaqin remains thinking about Jue Viole Grace, and wanting to kill him.
Long Summary
A month has passed since the Hell Train departed from the 35th Floor's Train City. Aboard the Hell Train, Team Rachel continues to make their way through the express toward their objective. Daniel is seen using his Living Creature abilities to destroy one of the guardians blocking Team Rachel's path. He then looks around, and sees that the Mad Dog of their team has also finished off one of the guardians as he gives off a sigh of relief knowing that the fight is already over.
After the battle, the Mad Dog walks up to Daniel, who points out that it appears the latter's legs seem to have made a full recovery. Daniel answers back that it's easy for him to recover from such an injury as long as he has enough souls, but admits that the hit he took from the Slayer Candidate kid was pretty rough. The Mad Dog replies that Daniel consuming many souls at the 35th Floor's Train City seems to have been worth it, which Daniel agrees was the case even though he's never been able to reach full soul capacity.
Looking to the Hell Train door ahead of them, Daniel informs the group that it will be daytime in the express very soon. The Mad Dog adds that Daniel's earlier mention of who they're here for seems to be correct since he can feel the breath of the Slayer Candidate before them. As Team Rachel makes their way beyond the next Hell Train door, Daniel figures that it won't be much longer for them to finally meet Hoaqin.
Meanwhile, Bam and company's journey to catch up to the Hell Train continues. The setting switches to the Tower's 36th Floor where an airship known as the Deokja is seen flying towards the Testing Area in order to ascend up to the 37th Floor.
Aboard the airship, Khun is seen eating a seafood meal at a bar amongst several other Regulars. The cook wishes Khun a good afternoon as Khun admits that the seafood is delicious since it appears to be what the region around his current location is good at. Next to Khun, he hears two Regulars at the bar gossiping about the current state of the Hell Train.
He hears one mention how the Hell Train suddenly took off from the 35th Floor before any of the Train City D-rankers could get on board. He also states how weird it is that the idol, Yura, had suddenly vanished, and questions what's going on currently due to all these strange events going down. The conversation continues where one mentions that he heard a rumor of how some FUG punks are on this years Hell Train run. He explains that the source of this info came from Emile, and that according to the chatting program, everyone that approached the Hell Train station platform ended up dead.
The other Regular finds this disappointing since it means that it's now highly unlikely that they will be able to get an Express Ticket, which the first Regular agrees that the current Express Ticket holders have proven themselves to be monsters. Having heard the converation, Khun thinks over his current situation of how it's been a month since they began the chase after the Hell Train. He remembers back to how everyone soon realized that the Train City tournament was fake.
Moments after, all the Regulars fell into panic when they learned that the Hell Train had already departed from Train City. They quickly searched for the Train City Administrator (Poro Poe), but were surprised to learn that he was no longer around as well. Despite Khun and company knowing the truth, the result of the Hell Train hijacking was concluded to only be an operational error, and that the people in charge of watching over Train City weren't charged for their failure to control the situation.
Khun concludes that this result was to be expected with regards to how the higher-ups of the Tower handle this kind of problem. Instead of looking into the problem, they just applied a band-aid fix, and moved on to other more important matters. He figures that the higher-ups way of thinking is that they can just simply hide wounds under a cover to the point of recovering on its own. That the wound will never fester into something major. Khun then pays for his meal and drink, and leaves from the bar.
Walking through the Deokja airship, Khun thinks over how his group's current goal is to chase after FUG's Team Rachel, who were able to hijack the Hell Train for themselves at Train City. However, they need to journey on foot to catch up, and are being slowed down having to pass the Floor Tests to reach the higher Tower Floors. Khun also remembers back to how his original trio team of himself, Bam, Rak, as well as the rest of the Sweet and Sour team, split up from Team Nobic to separately go up the Tower, and how Boro and Team Aka, who already have clearance to reach the higher Hell Train Floors, will be rejoining them at the Hell Train's 37th Floor station.
Continuing to think it over, Khun deduces that the main problem they're currently dealing with is reaching the 37th Floor station before the Hell Train. However, given the Hell Train's speed, and Khun and company's need to take the Floor Tests, it's pretty much impossible to catch up with their only hope being that they can find a way to stall the Hell Train's journey by any means necessary.
Khun figures that one possibility is Wangnan and Ehwa, who made it into the Hell Train using the White Heavenly Mirror. He deduces that the two of them wouldn't be able to take on Team Rachel alone, but if they manage to free Hwaryun from their grasp, then there's a possibility that they will be able to come up with a plan to make Team Rachel crumble from the inside. However, Khun concludes that the first thing to make sure of is that his current group doesn't crumble first.
Khun enters a room on the airship where Bam and company have been staying. Rak orders the blue turtle to tell the group where he wandered off to, which Khun reminds the alligator that he was out gathering information like usual. Rak refuses to believe it claiming that Khun was probably off eating some fine cuisine without them, which Khun counters that it's Rak's own fault for spending his own personal budget on so many snacks early. The counter leaves Rak unable to say anything more as Khun turns his attention to Bam. Khun asks how Bam is feeling these days, which Bam answers that he's fine currently, and that Khun doesn't have to worry about him anymore.
Khun is glad to hear it as Akraptor asks if the former learned any new information while he was out. Khun answers that other than Team Rachel using Emile to spread the word that FUG is currently on the Hell Train, which is scaring many Regulars away from going to the next Floor station, there's nothing new to report. Akraptor next asks if Khun heard anything about Ehwa and Wangnan being on the Hell Train, which Khun answers that he hasn't, and would be difficult to do anyway since there's no way to contact the outside from the interior of the Hell Train. Khun explains that the cause is obviously some sort of device at work that blocks radio signals from exiting the express.
Khun explains that if things go well for Wangnan and Ehwa, they should be able to get Hwaryun away from Team Rachel, and if they do so, their chase after Team Rachel might go a lot smoother than they originally thought. However, Khun adds that he's hoping to somehow get in touch with Wangnan and Ehwa before they manage to catch up. The reason being that Wangnan and Ehwa are still not aware that the rest of the group will attempt to board the Hell Train at the 37th Floor.
Miseng asks if they should try to contact them using Emile since it seems to be working through the Hell Train, but Akraptor warns her that Rachel could provide Emile false information. He also reminds her that Wangnan and Ehwa don't even have an Emile terminal. Khun agrees with Akraptor stating that it was because of their dependence on Emile that it resulted in their failure to catch Team Rachel at the Hell Train platform in Train City. He orders the group to not rely on Emile so much from here on out, which Akraptor concludes that at this point, their only option is to climb the Tower as fast as they can playing catch-up.
Bam is the next to speak asking Khun if there's any way to get more information on the Hoaqin guy that Boro warned them about. Bam explains that even when he was in FUG, he never heard of such a Slayer Candidate, but points out that it's rare for a simple Regular to be chosen as a Slayer Candidate, so this whole situation just comes off feeling odd to him knowing nothing about Hoaqin. Akraptor asks if Hoaqin being a Slayer Candidate means that the guy is powerful, which Bam answers that it's most likely the case, but also adds that it's been bothering him hearing that Hoaqin apparently left a part of him inside the Hell Train somewhere.
Khun answers Bam that they should wait to hear more about Hoaqin from Boro later on since he couldn't find any information on the Slayer Candidate either when he searched him up over his lighthouse. Rak asks if this means that Hoaqin is considered someone to have gone missing, which Khun answers that it is, and that the only other likely scenario is that FUG is keeping Hoaqin a secret from the Tower for some reason. Khun admits that things will turn out bad for them if Team Rachel manages to wake Hoaqin up, and that he doesn't know what Rachel is planning trying to use Hoaqin for some final objective of hers. However, he reminds the group that the first thing they should be worrying about first is their need to catch up to the Hell Train.
At this point, Khun states that today's meeting is pretty much over, and asks them all to get something to eat since they're about to reach the testing area for th 36th Floor. Rak is annoyed that Khun isn't going to be joining them, which Khun replies that there's nothing wrong with dining alone since it's how anyone should eat their meal. Rak remains confused by the answer, which Khun explains that he has no reason to plan out his eating schedule just for the sake of dine with everyone else. He asks for Rak to find someone else that suits his taste, and to enjoy his meal with them. Khun then leaves the room unable to understand why Khun is acting this way. Rak leaves off calling Khun a bastard as he yells to the group that they will eat without him. He claims that he will eat a delicious unagi bowl, which Miseng finds to be nasty.
Moments later, Akraptor greets Khun, which the latter asks why the former didn't go with the rest of the group to eat. Khun reminds Akraptor that he should eat before they reach the test area, but Akraptor asks Khun what his problem is. Khun asks what he means by that, which Akraptor explains that he's noticed how Khun's been acting strange to his teammates these days, especially towards Bam and Rak. Khun asks how this is any different than he normally acts, which Akraptor admits that while Khun usually acts like a jerk, he's really become a genuine one these days. Khun asks once more how this is any different, which annoys Akraptor seeing that Khun is trying to chance the subject. Akraptor points out that Khun knows exactly what he's referring to, and asks once more why Khun is now acting like an even bigger jerk than before.
Akraptor assumes that it has something to do with his relationship towards Bam and Rak, which Khun answers that Akraptor already knows about it. That Bam now knows about how he tried to kill Rachel at the Train City station platform. As a result, a distance has grown between him and Bam. Khun also explains that he's now grown afraid, which shocks Akraptor. He reminds the latter of what Bam showed them at the Train City station platform. An unbelievable and daunting power that revealed itself once more during the 35th Floor test that got them up to this current 36th Floor. Akraptor admits that Bam's new strength is hard to believe, but asks how this is surprising to Khun since this should have been expected once Bam obtained the Thorn. Khun answers that while he does believe this, Bam's growth is happening way too fast.
Remembering back to the 2nd Floor, Khun explains to Akraptor that Bam was once the weakest of the bunch, even amongst the other 2nd Floor Regulars. However, nowadays, he's worried that because of Bam's increasing rapid growth, they won't be able to catch up to him anymore. That he's at a point where he can't let Bam go, because of how unable Bam is currently due to the rough reunion he had with Rachel at Train City. Khun explains that there may be a day at some point where Bam will break into pieces, because he will be unable to control the Thorn's power. That he's afraid of that day finally appearing. Khun states that the only answer he's come up with is that before that day comes, they need to find a way to stabilize Bam's growth so that he doesn't take in too much more than what his current body is capable of holding. Something that would allow for Bam to control the Thorn's power.
Meanwhile, Bam is seen walking with Rak and Miseng as they make their way to the airship cafeteria to eat a meal. He hears Rak mentioning that he still wants unagi, which Miseng continues to object to. Feeling pain in his head, Bam realizes that his headache is back, and could tell that something within his body is currently shaking. He concludes that ever since the day he left Train City, something about him has started to change.
Bam flashes back to a month ago when he and his friends make it to the Test Area of the 35th Floor. Khun and company are left completely exhausted having to hurry their way here. However, Rak orders the group to get moving so that they can catch up to the yellow girl of Team Rachel, which annoys Khun seeing that the alligator is always fully charged, and never appears to ever get tired.
Khun informs the group that it's a good thing they chose to leave Train City right away since they were lucky enough to make it in time to take a test that was already established to take place today. He asks for the group to do their best to pass the Floor Test despite the fact that they're all clearly exhausted from having to race their way here all the way from Train City. Noticing Bam sitting on a nearby chair breathing heavily, Rak asks how Bam is doing since the turtle doesn't look well at the moment. However, Bam replies that he's fine, and states that they should hurry as wasting any further time could result in them losing their chance to catch up to Rachel. Bam looks up at his friends before him, and assures them that he can take the test.
The 35th Floor test to pass up to the 36th Floor begins as a referee bot asks for the test-takers to appear at the stage in the middle of the Test Area. Bam and company appear on the stage, and are seen opposite another group of Regulars. Amongst Bam and company's opponents is the D-ranker leader named Bel Berhino, who is surprised to see that they're facing off against what looks like a kindergarten party. Bel is someone who had tried to take the 35th Floor test for dozens of years, but has been unable to pass, and finally sees an opportunity today that all the strongest Regulars have taken off to try to board the Hell Train at Train City.
Looking down on Bam and company, Bel claims that his deduction was correct that all the strongest went for the Hell Train, and figures that it will be easy to pass this time around. He asks the tiny alligator before him if he agrees, which annoys Rak, and causes him to introduce himself to the cocky turtle as Rak Wraithraiser. Bel laughs finding the alligator's antics to be cute as an annoyed Khun wonders if Rak is ever going to accept that he's an alligator.
The referee bot explains the basics to the two teams that the Test Area is an advancement exam for the winning team to pass on to the 36th Floor. Each match will have a offensive and a defensive team. The offensive team will start at the outer edge of the arena field, and make their way to the center point. If they succeed in occupying the center point, they will win the game.
The defensive team will act to block off the opposing offensive team from reaching the center point. If they manage to do so for an hour, the defensive team will win. For the offensive team, the center point will be considered occupied if a card they're provided is inserted into the register that will be placed at the center point. Each member on the offensive team will be provided a card, and if the defensive team manages to steal away all the cards from the offensive team, it will be an automatic victory for them. With the game explanation over, the referee bot asks for the two teams to get into their positions.
Bam and company's side have been established as the defensive team. At a location in the arena, Blarode is left irritated that they've been given the boring side. Quaetro agrees since being on the offensive side would have meant that they could have been as aggressive as they wanted. Akraptor sends word to Khun that his area is almost ready, which Khun takes as confirmation that their defensive set-up for the game is pretty much ready at this point.
The referee bot announces that both teams have their positions now set as it asks for the Regulars to begin the 35th Floor test. Bel is left wondering if he should play with the cute alligator first while the opposing Rak thinks to himself that he will be sure to destroy the cocky Bel turtle's ass.
As the Regulars stand ready to start the test, the referee bot goes over the game set-up. That Khun's side has been established as the defensive team while Bel's side is the offensive team. The bot also reminds the two teams that the test will end once the offensive team inserts the card into the center point register, which the bot warns the defensive team to be extra careful so that end result doesn't happen. At the center point, Prince is seen sitting on top of the register having been picked to be the Khun team's last line of defense. At this point, the match officially starts.
On the offensive side, Bel gives off a laugh figuring that this will be easy since his side was chosen as the offensive team under these simple game conditions. He says to himself that they might win this test a lot faster than he originally thought. Meanwhile on the defensive side, Khun reminds Rak over a lighthouse that the alligator needs to keep quiet, and hold down his position, since they're the defensive team. Rak informs Khun that he knows that already as the alligator spots two Regulars of the opposing offensive team walking towards him.
One of the two points out how they seem to have come across the cute tiny turtle, and states that they're lucky only having to deal with little creature. However, Rak instantly enlarges himself back to his original size, and greets the two offensive Regulars, which surprises them both. Rak greets the two of them, and replies back that it appears that he's the lucky one having to deal with just two weakling turtles for now. The alligator claims once more how lucky this situation turned out to be as he blasts into the two Regulars, who scream out in pain. Khun hears the Rak beat-down over his lighthouse, and is annoyed that Rak is causing trouble instead of holding his position. Meanwhile, Bel from afar can hear his teammates calling out for help as they continue to get beaten up by Rak. He wonders if this means that his team has already a couple members.
Rak continues to yell out ordering for the cocky Bel turtle to show himself as he continues to go on his rampage. He runs into another Regular of the offensive team and proceeds to beat him up as well.
At the defensive location that Bam, Miseng, and Akraptor, have been stationed, they hear Rak's rampage going on over a lighthouse as they catch the alligator's victims calling out for help a moment after. Akraptor isn't surprised by this in the least, and concludes that this test has left Rak completely excited. Miseng points out that Rak is perhaps just happy that he's finally getting the chance to climb the Tower with Bam again, which catches the sweating Bam's attention. Akraptor notices Bam's exhausted look, and asks Viole if he will be ok since Bam had just woken up after being unconscious.
Bam answers that he will be ok since every member of the defensive team needs to play their part, and knows that he needs to do so as well even if he's not feeling well currently. He then admits that he's got a little headache at the moment, but assures the team that it won't affect his fighting ability. Bam asks for Akraptor not to worry about him, and to just go about heading to his sniper position to help the team while he stays back to defend. Akraptor agrees to do so, but asks for Bam not to push himself too hard. He then departs with Miseng into the nearby forest; leaving Bam alone with one of Khun's lighthouses at the same defensive location. As Bam stands alone, he thinks over how he hasn't heard the voice since that day a month ago at Train City, but currently still feels a light headache.
Bam is left wondering what in the world the voice that he heard back then could have been, and remembers back to how the voice told him that he knows Bam is someone that wants more power. Remembering back to reaching out for the red ball of power in his mind, Bam is left questioning if yearning for power is something he's always wanted. Bam admits that he never understood the reason as to why others sought out power for themselves, but is starting to understand that people want power in order to get themselves up to a higher place.
Rak is seen holding a defeated Regular in his hand as the referee bot announces that there's only six remaining Regulars of Bel Berhino's offensive team left after Rak went on his rampage easily defeating two of them. Rak is left wondering why the cocky Bel turtle isn't showing up as Khun is also left in a state of confusion since he's been unable to find the location of one of Bel's teammates since the moment the test began. Khun thinks over how the offensive Regulars can only approach the center point using the provided arena paths, but remains confused as to why one of the Regulars isn't using one of said paths. At this point, the unnoticed offensive Regular appears at Bam's defensive spot.
Bam's opponent gives off a laugh that his plan going unnoticed worked perfectly. He explains to himself that it's not a surprise the defensive team's lighthouse user couldn't spot him due to his converted Scout Observer known as White-X. The special Observer provided the Regular a shinsoo barrier around his body that allowed him to not be seen or heard by anybody, and states that it wasn't easy to get since it's such a special item to have in battle. Figuring that Bam is unable to notice him thanks to his White-X Observer, the Regular wonders to himself if he should either go on the silent approach, or hunt the boy down.
He notices Bam's exhausted face, and laughs in his head how dumb he currently looks. The Regular claims that he loves moments such as this where he encounters an enemy that notices nothing only to suddenly die in fear. He charges at Bam ready to perform the kill. However, Bam easily senses the attack coming, and counters with a punch to the Regulars face. The offensive Regular is left shocked upon realizing that Bam sensed him despite being in an invisible state as the Regular is sent flying into a nearby tree, and is knocked unconscious.
Bam's action shocks Khun, Miseng and Akraptor, which Miseng admits that she's confused at the moment since she didn't detect Bam's attacker on her Observer. Akraptor answers that it's because they've encountered a hidden enemy, which Khun deduces that Bam's attacker was the guy he couldn't see coming, and must have been using a high class item to hide his existence. Bel is left annoyed that the hidden trump card of his offensive team has already been caught, and is left wondering what the defensive team used to discover their user of the converted White-X Observer. Bam continues to breath heavily in exhaustion as he thinks back to the hit he was able to land on the unseen Regular. He remembers how his body reacted in an instant to counter the Regular that was aiming to kill him, and questions what it is he's currently feeling. A red spark appears off his hand as Bam concludes that his body is reacting to threats on its own.
The referee bot sends out a new announcement that Bam has defeated another Regular for a total of five remaining on Bel's offensive team. Blarode is left surprised to hear that another opponent has already fallen so early, and questions why none of the offensive oppoents are appearing at their location, which Quaetro admits that he's currently bored due to their location being so uneventful. Meanwhile, Rak is seen thinking about the black turtle knowing that it was Bam who managed to defeat the next enemy.
Confused as to why their trump card lost so easily, Bel begins to pick up the pace due to their offensive plan falling apart, and claims that he will finish this match himself. Alongside one of his offensive teammates, Bel comes across Bam, who is still breathing heavily in exhaustion. Bel calls out Bam for what he did to his trump card, and orders for the boy to tell him how he was able to see through the invisible function of the White-X Observer. However, Bam says nothing, and instead replies by shooting several shinsoo Bangs toward Bel.
The shinsoo Bangs hit Bel, but he's able to withstand the damage, and continue to stand up ready to fight. Bel being able to withstand Bam's Bang's surprises Akraptor, which Miseng explains that Khun looked into Bel's profile on his lighthouse. According to Khun's findings, Bel is connected to the ten Great Families, and has a bit of blood flowing in his veins from the special Hendo Family, who are known for their high resistance to shinsoo.
Akraptor is left irritated that they've come across a pain in the ass, and attempts to send a shinsoo beam towards Bel. However, Bel dodges it, and begins to charge at Bam. Bel aims to land a punch on Bam claiming that he's waited many hears for a chance such as this to finally climb the Tower again. He yells at Bam that he's going to kill him as he aims to punch the boy in the face. Akraptor yells out to Bam seeing the danger the boy is in, but is left shocked upon witnessing Bam land a fist uppercut of shinsoo against Bel's chin that knocks the Regular back. Bel is pushed back into the second Regular that came alongside him as an explosion occurs.
The referee bot then announces that Bel and his teammate have been defeated by Bam; resulting in just three Regulars remaining for the offensive team. The announcement shocks Rak as Blarode finds the result just now to be impressive. Khun is left shocked as well since Bam was just now able to defeat two D-rankers without needing to rely on the Thorn.
One of the remaining three offensive Regulars flies toward Bam claiming that Bam is a monster for what he did to his teammates. Bam continues to breath heavily in exhaustion as he's able to sense that he's about to be attacked by a new enemy. Akraptor and Miseng call out to Bam to hurry up and counter before he gets hit as the flying Regular fires a shinsoo beam from his mouth towards him. Bam's instinct tells him to dodge as he ducks the Regular's shinsoo beam, and counters by sending a shinsoo Bang towards the flying Regular, which strikes him in the chest area. The flying Regular of the offensive team screams out in pain as Akraptor and Miseng watch on in shock. Akraptor asks what it was that he just saw, and asks if Miseng was able to see Bam's reaction speed performing that counterattack against the flying Regular.
Akraptor wonders if what he's looking at in Bam currently is a real fisherman, which is a term used not as a Tower Position, but for someone who is a perfect fighter that can handle all types of battles. Upon defeating the flying Regular, Bam finally falls over in exhaustion, which causes Akraptor to call out to him hoping that he's ok.
Returning to the present, Bam is seen still walking with Rak and Miseng towards Deokja airship's meal area in order to get a bite to eat. Miseng claims to Rak that they will be eating fried rice over unagi, because they will get a discount ordering something as a united group rather than eating what only Rak likes. However, Rak complains that he doesn't want fried rice, because there's no meat in it. The two of them continue to bicker about what their meal will be as Rak leaves off stating that no matter what, he's going to eat meat.
Rak runs off stating that it's his choice what he wants on the menu as Miseng chases after him. Bam, having been listening to the conversation, suddenly begins to feel pain again due to the return of his headache. Going unconscious, Bam ends up falling to the floor, which shocks Rak, Miseng, as well as Prince who was following close behind them. They approach the unconscious Bam asking what happened, and call out to Bam begging him to wake up. Within his private airship room, Khun looks through the information on his lighthouses regarding his groups upcoming match for the 36th Floor test. He sees that the list for his upcoming test opponents has been provided.
However, what catches Khun's eye amongst the list is a bunny girl similar to Sia. Upon closer inspection of the bunny girl picture, Khun wonders if she's perhaps from the same species as Sia, and admits that the high similarity is giving him the creeps. Thinking things over, Khun remembers how Sia told him once before that the reason she's trying to gather as much money as possible during her Tower climb is because it's needed for her species. He wonders if perhaps the bunny girl on the opponent list is in the same boat as Sia, but before he could think about it further, Rak enters his room claiming that there's an emergency. The alligator informs Khun that Bam has fallen unconscious again, which grabs Khun's attention.
Moments later, Khun is brought to the room that the group has brought Bam to rest. He sees Bam breathing heavily and unconscious on the room's bed, and asks the rest of the group if something happened for him to end up in this condition again. He orders Rak to tell him what's going on, but Rak is unable to answer, and informs him that Bam just suddenly fell over on their way to dinner. Akraptor doesn't like the thought that Bam is just going unconscious when they least expect it, and suggests for them to hold off on going to the 36th Floor test for now.
Akraptor admits that they need to hurry if they're to have any chance of catching up to the Hell Train, but at this point, getting Bam healthy again should come first. However, Bam quickly gets up reassuring the group that he's fine for the next match, which shocks Khun.
The exhausted Bam states that he will participate in the next Floor test since not passing the 36th Floor now will mean that they won't be able to catch up to Team Rachel on the Hell Train. He assures Khun that he can do this, which leaves Khun unable to say anything further.
Some time later, the Deokja is seen flying above the 36th Floor Testing Area. The 36th Floor test is seen having already begun as Rak complains that their current situation is annoying having to deal with all these beam attacks that are trying to hit them. Rak orders the flame-person next to him, Quaetro, to burn the asshole that's currently attacking them, which Quaetro agrees to do so.
Meanwhile, Khun overlooks the current battle from afar using his lighthouses, and informs the group that they just now took care of the enemy Spear-Bearer. He asks Miseng if she knows the location of the enemy Fisherman, which Miseng informs him that she was able to find said enemy with her Observer at Bam's location. Bam appears before the enemy Fisherman, and realizes that it's the bunny girl who's the same species as Sia.
The bunny girl asks if Bam is the enemy Fisherman, which confuses Bam. He looks at the bunny girl's rabbit-like ears, and wonders if they're the same as Sia. The bunny girl apologizes to Bam that she's currently in a position where she can't fail this test as she needs to become a rich Ranker for the same of her species.
She warns Bam that she is going to come at him with intention to kill if it means that it will allow her to move on to the 37th Floor. She then charges forward, and attempts to land a strike on Bam, who manages to parry the attack, but gets knocked back by the force of the swing.
Bam re-establishes himself after getting knocked back, but like before, is still breathing heavily in exhaustion. He admits that he's currently in a tough situation, because he can hardly feel anything with his body, but reminds himself that he can't stall collapse here before catching up to the Hell Train. Bam gets in a fighting stance ready to fight the bunny girl, and tries to remember back to the feeling he had in the 35th Floor test that went down a month ago.
The bunny girl charges forward once more, and attempts another slash at Bam, who dodges out of the way. Bam remembers back to his quick reaction speed of sensing and dodging attacks during the 35th Floor test, and begins to follow that exact movement. He continues to dodge the strikes of the bunny girl, which annoys the latter calling out Bam for only dodging. She asks if Bam is only waiting to be killed, not using a weapon, but Bam remains shocked by what he's managing to pull off, and thinks to himself that he's able to see all the incoming attacks as if time has slowed down. The voice inside of him tells Bam that what he's thinking is the truth.
The voice tells Bam that he's reached a point where he should be able to see all slow attacks such as what the bunny girl is attempting to hit him with. Eventually, it will reach a point where Bam will see the opening to counterattack, which Bam admits that he's spotted said opening. Bam activates several shinsoo Bangs, which catches the bunny girl off-guard as an explosion occurs before her. The explosion dust subsides as the bunny girl is seen lying on the ground unconscious before Bam, who continues to breathe heavily. The result of the fight leaves Khun speechless, and clenching his fist in anger knowing that he's still unable to help Bam in his current unstable state.
Following the 36th Floor test, Bam is seen resting in a bed again; having fallen unconscious once more moments after his duel with the bunny girl. Akraptor figures that Bam is pushing himself too hard trying to get them to the Hell Train all by himself, which Rak counters that it's not Bam's fault the turtles all around him are currently useless. Prince assures Rak and company that they're all doing their best to reach the Hell Train, which Khun interrupts that Bam is currently stuck in a position where he can't help it.
Khun explains that Bam's been feeling the pressure to go up the Tower as fast as possible ever since they left Train City, but also warns the group that at this rate, Bam's going to be completely exhausted by the time they finally catch up to the Hell Train. Khun turns to the group, and reminds everyone that they can't waste any more time. Given Bam's current unstable situation, he tells them that they have to make sure that they get on the Hell Train no matter what at the 37th Floor's express station.
However, Khun also says to them that they should take a moment to not think about what to next in order to get a brief moment of rest. Akraptor reminds Khun that no matter how fast they move, they're still dealing with the problem of the Hell Train leaving for the next Floor before they can reach the 37th Floor station in time. He asks if Khun has come up with a solution for that, which Khun answers that he does in fact have a plan, and that Akraptor will understand everything once they make it to the express station. However, Khun also hopes that Hoaqin the Slayer Candidate isn't woken up by Team Rachel before they're finally able to board the Hell Train.
At this point, Khun and company hear a voice, finding it unbelievable that his cute pupil is always sleeping whenever he stops by. Khun and company turn to the location of the voice where they see the FUG Ranker, Jinsung, walking into the room. He points out how he's noticing that there appears to be several new members of the Sweet and Sour team that have been climbing up the Tower with his precious Slayer Candidate. Jinsung asks what happened for Bam to end up in a state of instability, which shocks Prince seeing that Mr. Jinsung has returned.
Prince asks why Jinsung has decided to show up here, to which Jinsung answers that he stopped by the 36th Floor in order to meet someone else. Khun is left stunned to realize that the person he's standing before is the FUG Ranker, Ha Jinsung, which the Ranker asks once more what happened to Bam. He asks if someone perhaps did this to his little pupil, which Khun asks in return why someone of such a high position as FUG is here before them.
In the meantime, Wangnan and Ehwa catch up to Team Rachel on the Hell Train. The two of them peak around a corner, and see three of the Team Rachel members standing by guarding the unconscious Hwaryun. Wangnan whispers to himself that he hopes Hwaryun can hang in there for just a bit longer since they plan to rescue her soon enough.
Farther within the Hell Train, Rachel and Daniel approach a locked door. Rachel asks if what Daniel said is true about a piece of the Slayer Candidate being right behind said door, and also points out how confused she is that Daniel was able to find this door in the Hell Train so easily. Daniel assures her that he's telling the truth, and asks for Rachel to put her trust in him regarding this. He also explains that given how meticulous this Slayer Candidate is, he didn't choose to hide all of himself in one place of the Hell Train.
Daniel reveals that the Slayer Candidate is someone who controls souls, and that he went about separating his own parts by hiding them in different places throughout the Hell Train. He also explains that it would have been impossible to find the Slayer Candidate if he didn't provide any clues beforehand to conduct the search. Showing off his tattoos, Daniel points out that it's a seal that had been placed on his body to locate the Slayer Candidate, and that it's telling him that they will find what they're looking for at the end of this current path. Calling out to Hoaqin, Daniel states that pretty soon, he will set the first part of the Slayer Candidate free. Behind the locked door, a mysterious silver colored person wearing a tiny crown is seen sitting on a chair within the darkness. Wangnan and Ehwa continue to watch Team Rachel approach the locked door as their hearts begin to beat rapidly. Finally breathing a sigh of relief, Wangnan takes a seat hiding back behind their wall.
Wangnan asks Ehwa the same thing he's been saying the past month of how they're supposed to save Hwaryun, which shocks Ehwa that they've been following after Team Rachel through the Hell Train without any sort of plan. Wangnan replies that he's just become fed up with this current situation, and questions why they even bother to guard her so strictly when they should know already that they're the only ones who made it on the Hell Train. He figures that at the moment, there's no chance of the two of them to get Hwaryun away from them.
Looking back at Team Rachel, Wangnan finds it suspicious that they're moving through the Hell Train a lot faster than he expected as if they have a goal established that they're trying to get to. Wangnan also goes over how he learned a few things during their journey through the Hell Train, such as the fact that the express has its own day/night cycle. He also mentions how he noticed that the Hell Train is filled with monsters during the night, but is completely peaceful when its daytime.
Continuing the rundown of what he learned, Wangnan states that they've been allowed to stay on the Hell Train as long as they've passed through a certain amount of sections each day. And by doing this through ten nights, they eventually reach a place in the Hell Train where they must take a test to proceed with the Hell Train up to the next Tower Floor. Wangnan figures that at this point, the Hell Train must be travelling up through the 36th Floor currently, but can't tell if they're in the Middle Area or the Inner Tower. He also states that it's almost about time for them to take the Hell Train test that will allow them to continue riding the train through the 37th Floor.
Wangnan is glad knowing that they've made it this far just following behind Team Rachel, but informs Ehwa that their attempt to rescue Hwaryun should come the moment before Team Rachel takes the Hell Train's 36th Floor test. However, Wangnan thinks to himself that something about this situation feels off since throughout following after Team Rachel, Hwaryun hasn't tried to escape. He admits that Team Rachel is keeping her heavily guarded, but figures that someone with the guide Tower Position should be able to easily find a path on the Hell Train to escape.
Team Rachel reaches the locked door, and spot a 12-number keypad as the lock. From top to bottom: the first row is 2, 9, 12, the second row is 8, 12, 4, the third row is 7, 5, 3, and the fourth row is 6, 3, 1. Daniel is left annoyed that they've come across a puzzle, and admits to the team that he hates these kind of roadblocks the most. The rules of the puzzle can be read near the door, which explains that the sum of the numbers from top-left to bottom-right should add up to the same sum. Only three moves are allowed to swap the numbers around to get the correct amounts. After starting, should they fail to complete this puzzle within the next five minutes will result in failure, and have one of their Express Tickets taken away. Daniel continues to get irritated knowing that they will only be able to get to Hoaqin is by solving this number puzzle lock. He explains to the rest of Team Rachel that failure here will keep them from reaching their destination on this Tower Floor.
Rachel suggests perhaps going a different route since they have the time to do so, and that they can't risk losing their Express Tickets. However, Daniel replies that such a tactic won't work since going through the puzzle lock door is the fastest way to their objective, and warns Rachel that they won't get another chance like this since the path to the Slayer Candidate could change when it becomes nighttime. Rachel is left confused by Daniel's last statement, which he explains to her the Hell Train's day/night cycle of how it's safe to move during the day, but have had to come across monsters to fight during the night. However, Daniel also adds another thing that happens at night time, which is that the paths through the Hell Train will change completely. He admits to not knowing how the Hell Train does this, but warns Rachel that they won't make it to their destination if they don't bypass this locked door by today since they could end up lost for days after the next night changes the paths around.
Daniel also points out that eventually, they will come across the Hell Train's Test Area that will allow them to reach the next Tower Floor, such as the upcoming room for the 36th Floor test. However, similar to before, there are many paths that lead up to the Hell Train Test Area, which he states is the true scary part about this express. As a result of the Hell Train constantly changing around during the night, Daniel warns Team Rachel that the result is an unlimited number of secrets that they could come across on this express. Getting back to the problem at hand, Daniel reminds the rest of Team Rachel that if they're going to reach Hoaqin, they need to solve this puzzle lock.
He asks if anyone on Team Rachel has any idea on how to solve it, but no one speaks up. Daniel thinks things over if anything they currently have would be useful for this. He establishes that Emile wouldn't help in this case since her information is only based on answers that have been provided to her, so no one would have provided Emile the method of how to solve a Hell Train puzzle lock. However, he remembers that they do have someone that could help them, the guide known as Hwaryun.
Team Rachel bring Hwaryun up to the puzzle lock, which Daniel asks if she's someone that knows how to solve it. Hwaryun replies that Daniel and company are pathetic thinking she can't solve this since it's a very simple and easy problem to solve. The revelation that it's an easy puzzle shocks Daniel, which Hwaryun explains is percisely the case since all that's needed to solve this is knowing simple math. Daniel counters her statement that people like him never had a chance to learn something in the Tower like math.
Looking at the 12-number keypad, Hwaryun informs Team Rachel that the sum of the numbers is obviously going to be 12. As a result, switching the 6 in the bottom-left corner with the 12 in the middle of the second row from the top is obviously the first of their three moves. Daniel remains confused by the situation, which Hwaryun explains that there are 6 diagonal rows to consider on this keyboard going from top-left to the bottom-right. Each of the diagonal rows should add up to the sum of 12, which is why the two corners have the number 12 now since nothing else is needed to help them reach the 12 sum. Since the outer 12s are now established, all that's left now is to deal with the four middle diagonal rows to make them all add up to 12 as well.
Daniel begins to get excited knowing that this was to be expected from a guide, and states that it was a great idea in the end to bring her along as a hostage. Hwaryun replies to him that anyone can solve this simple problem without the need of a guide, and chooses to take this time to ask what Team Rachel's overall plan is. She asks them why they've chosen to go on this adventure stealing away the Hell Train, which Daniel answers that he's simply doing it out of boredom. Angel is left wondering what lie Daniel has cooked up this time, as Daniel informs Hwaryun that he considers life to be meaningless and not fun these days.
In the end, Daniel answers Hwaryun truthfully that without her (implying Roen), life is meaningless. Daniel claims that he's reached a point where he's trying to start over by changing this boring and filthy world. He asks for Hwaryun to open the locked puzzle door as it will be their first step to making a new world. Meanwhile, Wangna and Ehwa are seem from afar watching Hwaryun and Team Rachel continue solving the puzzle lock.
Back to Bam's resting room in the Deokja airship on the 36th Floor, Jinsung is seen answering Khun's earlier question that he's here to see how his pupil is doing these days. Jinsung recognizes Khun's family resemblance as one of the Great Khun Family, and admits that Khun looks like his Family Head father so much. He also informs Khun of how Viole had once told him that Khun is one of his precious friends, which leaves Khun unable to speak. Jinsung assures him that he's not here to start anything since he's changed a lot sine his old days. He also assures Khun that he no longer kills members of the Ten Great Families if he was to ever come across one, which leaves Khun shocked in silence.
Walking up to Bam's bedside to check on his pupil, Jinsung explains that he's been worried about something like this happening, but isn't surprised that it did occur given how much power Bam is trying to control within him because of the Thorn. Jinsung blames Ranker Yu Hansung for this result, and calls him a bastard for forcing Bam to be pushed to this point. He figures that this has been a cruel fate that has been placed upon Bam, and states that this is yet another adversity that he must overcome by himself. Turning his attention to Khun and company, Jinsung asks for a word with them, which grabs everyone's attention.
Moments later, Khun and company finish explaining FUG's plan of stealing away the Hell Train using Team Rachel. The revelation surprises Jinsung, and admits that he now understands the pain in the ass situation this has become. He apologizes to Khun and company getting stuck in something related to FUG's affairs, and blames himself that he couldn't control the people within his organization properly. Khun answers Jinsung that the latter has nothing to apologize for since they never would have gotten Bam out of FUG if it wasn't for him, and that they've been blaming themselves for their failure at Train City due to their lack of ability.
Khun struggles to ask if Jinsung knows anything about Hoaqin, which shocks Akraptor seeing that there's someone who exists in the Tower that's making Khun uncomfortable. Jinsung answers that he's never heard of a Slayer Candidate by the name of Hoaqin, but seeing how this is a case related to the Hell Train, he admits that there's one guy that comes to mind.
Jinsung warns Khun and company that the person Team Rachel is trying to wake up on the Hell Train is an extremely dangerous one, which leaves Khun silent. He figures that if the person he's thinking of is the one that Team Rachel is trying to wake up, then things could get a bit messy from here on out.
With the explanation over, Khun asks if this means that Jinsung knows nothing about Hoaqin, which Jinsung answers that Hoaqin is no doubt one of the things that FUG has been keeping secret. However, he admits he's not 100% sure if his theory is correct, and assures Khun and company that this is a problem they wouldn't be able to solve if they got involved with this. At this point, Bam slowly begins to wake up.
Getting up to a sitting position, Bam overhears Jinsung advising Khun and company to slow down their Tower climb due to Viole's current condition, and that their current situation is looking pretty bad. Jinsung explains that they shouldn't worry about the Hell Train, and just continue to climb up the Tower normally. In return, Jinsung claims that he will send Regulars loyal to his side that will take care of the situation on the Hell Train. Bam hears Jinsung order the group to give up chasing after the Hell Train, which forces Bam to get up from his bed.
Bam joins the conversation telling his teacher that giving up the Hell Train chase is something he can't do, which shocks Khun seeing Bam up again. Khun warns Bam that he shouldn't be up in his current condition, but Bam states to his former FUG teacher that he's still planning to go after the Hell Train. Bam claims that he will get on the Hell Train using his own power to bring everything back to how things used to be. However, Jinsung replies that this will not be one of those times.
Bam tries to object claiming that he's going no matter what, even if his teacher tries to stop him. Jinsung apologizes that he has nothing against Bam's will to go to the Hell Train. But that the reason Bam can't go is because of his lack of abiliy. He warns Bam that if the person Team Rachel is trying to wake up is the person that he's thinking of, then he knows for sure that it's a person that Bam can't handle. The statement leaves Bam stunned in silence.
Back to the Hell Train, Hwaryun clicks the button next to the luck puzzle to see if she correctly got the puzzle right. From the top, the keypad is shown to have swapped the 5 in the third row with the 3 in the fourth role for the second move. As for the third move, the 4 in the second row is shown to have been swapped with the 3 in the third row. A clapping sound is heard as the door announces that Hwaryun's movements for the puzzle lock is correct as it announces that the door will now open. The door begins to open as an excited Angel states to Hwaryun that she's better than they thought.
Hwaryun replies that they're just too stupid overall, which Angel admits that while that's true, it no longer matters since they're through. Team Rachel begin to pass through the doorway, which catches Wangnan and Ehwa's attention seeing that it's already beginning to close. They race to the door to try to catch up, but it closes right in front of them, which causes Wangnan to fear for the worst. Ehwa complains why the door closed so fast after Team Rachel went through as Wangnan asks if Ehwa knows math to solve the lock puzzle. Ehwa gives him the bad news that she's also not sure of how to solve it.
Team Rachel stands in the room that was once locked, and comes across a massive monster lying asleep before them. Rachel asks what the creature is before them, which annoys Daniel seeing that it's a powerful Bloomer Guardian, and finds it unbelievable that one of these guardians would be the thing protecting the path to Hoaqin. The Bloomer Guardian begins to get up on its feet as Team Rachel prepares for battle. Daniel warns the group that they're up against the Bloomer Guardian which have the power to shatter bones in one hit. He reminds them that passing the Bloomer Guardian will get them to the door where Hoaqin is.
The Bloomer Guardian attempts to punch Team Rachel's location as they all scatter to evade. Seeing the explosion at the spot where the guardian punched surprises the Mad Dog, which Daniel states that it's a given due to how powerful the Bloomer Guardian is. He warns Team Rachel that the guardian is angry at the moment since they trespassed into its Hell Train territory. The Bloomer Guardian sends another punch as the Mad Dog charges forward claiming that they can't just go about dodging forever.
The Mad Dog swirls shinsoo around his jousting stick weapon prepared to counterattack, but is shocked to see the Bloomer Guardian fire a massive beam of shinsoo from its mouth towards the Mad Dog. He manages to jump out of the way of the shinsoo beam in time, and asks what it was that the Bloomer Guardian just tried to hit him with. Daniel warns the Mad Dog that Bloomer Guardians shoot destructive shinsoo breath attacks from their mouth, and advises the Mad Dog to be careful, which pisses off the latter since Daniel could have told him that beforehand. However, Hwaryun orders the Mad Dog to charge at the guardian again, which confuses him since she's basically asking him to commit suicide.
Hwaryun explains that the plan is to attack the mouth the moment the Bloomer Guardian fires its massive shinsoo beam, which the Mad Dog admits that it makes sense, and goes in charging at the guardian once more to see if it will work. Jumping forward, the Mad Dog manages to land a hit on the guardian's head, which forces it to shoot the shinsoo beam from its mouth upward. The guardian falls to the ground afterwards, but the Mad Dog informs the rest of the group that his attack only slightly worked.
Hwaryun claims that it's because the Mad Dog's attack was too weak due to him doubting her words, and thinks to herself that in the end, Viole is still the easiest for her to control. The Bloomer Guardian attempts to punch Angel next, who dodges out of the way using her angel flight powers.
Hwaryun orders Angel to keep doing that by flying around and distracting him, which Angel asks why she should be following her orders. The guide answers that while she doesn't have to, it will only result in Angel dying here. The thought of death grabs Angel's attention as she decides to go along with the plan, but also yells back at Hwaryun that she will get back at her for this later. The guardian has its attention brought to Angel as he attempts to punch her out of the air.
The guide next turns her attention to Daniel, and orders him to attack the Bloomer Guardian's vital point. Daniel reminds her that the guardian isn't choosing to open its mouth anymore after the Mad Dog's failed attack, which Hwaryun calls Daniel an idiot for for not remembering the obvious. Hwaryun points in the direction of a spot between the Bloomer Guardian's legs, and states that the location she's referring to is right there. She orders Daniel to go for a low blow, which leaves Daniel silent.
Angel continues to evade the Bloomer Guardian's punches during flight, and yells out to Daniel to counter already as she can't fly around like this forever. Daniel begins to prepare a Living Creature ball, and assures Angel that he's already on it. He then apologizes to the guardian, and sends a massive shinsoo beam towards the Bloomer Guardian's private area. Apart from Hwaryun, all of Team Rachel cringe at the sight as the guardian falls over in major pain. The Bloomer Guardian lies on the ground in defeat as Team Rachel re-establish themselves after the fight. Angel is left disappointed that this was much easier than she originally thought as Daniel finds it unbelievable that this was all it took to beat a powerful Bloomer Guardian.
Rachel goes up to Hwaryun, and thanks her for taking command since working as a team is something that her group has never done before. She asks if this is her ability as a guide, which Hwaryun admits that the teammates Rachel has gathered are fairly decent, and could be a strong and well-balanced group if they were to ever have a strong leader.
However, Hwaryun also adds that Rachel is someone completely out of their league as someone who could lead them, which Rachel replies that she's ok with that since her overall goal is to get much stronger teammates later on. Walking away, Rachel says back to Hwaryun that she's guessed how the guide is just pretending to be a hostage so that eventually, she can pass on the information to Bam once he gets on the Hell Train. The accusation leaves Hwaryun silent as Rachel continues stating that he believes Hwaryun is sticking with them so that she will learn of what Team Rachel's overall purpose is. She informs Hwaryun that the guide is doing just fine for the moment since they've almost reached their objective.
Rachel reminds Hwaryun of how the guide told her once in the past that she would show Rachel the path to becoming the heroine of this story. However, Rachel claims that she knows it was all a lie since the hero Hwaryun chose in the end was Bam, and that she was just Hwaryun's bait in order to get Bam to climb the Tower. Rachel reveals that she's actually found a way to become the heroine herself, which leaves Hwaryun confused. Rachel explains that her heroine plan is nothing special, but states that if she wasn't born as a heroine, she would just need to find people that would help her reach the top of the Tower to make it through its awful darkness. Rachel goes over how she plans to go over the Tower: if her legs break, she will find someone who will walk for her, if she goes blind, she will find the person that will see for her, if her thorn breaks, she will find the one who will be her thorn. Rachel claims that on her end, all she needs to do is find them, and states that her first thorn will be the person known as Hoaqin.
Daniel is seen opening a pair of large doors, and yells out to Hoaqin, who is supposedly behind it. As they look into the room, they spot a silvery looking person sitting on a chair facing away from them, and wonder if this is what they've been travelling through the Hell Train to reach. Hwaryun spots the silver person as well, and admits that while the color of the person is strangely so white in color, something about him just feels dangerous. From the chair, Hoaqin turns his attention to the people entering his Hell Train room, and states to Daniel that he thought the latter was never going to make it here. He greets Daniel saying that it's been a long time since they've last seen one another.
Hoaqin next states to Daniel that because the latter took so long, he was falling asleep out of boredom having to remain stuck in this Hell Train room. However, Daniel ignores it, and orders Hoaqin to come out of the room to join them since they don't have much time left to begin their operation. Hoaqin agrees to do so, but notices the red-head standing behind Daniel. He asks the red-head if she's a guide, which grabs Hwaryun's attention. Hoaqin finds it surprising that Daniel brought him some filthy food, but given his current situation, Hoaqin decides that disgusting food is something he shouldn't be complaining about at the moment, especially one that's got such a useful kill as a Tower guide.
Before Hwaryun could reply back, Hoaqin orders her to hush, and to not say his name with her own mouth. Getting up off his chair, and walking towards Daniel and company, Hoaqin properly introduces himself. He explains that with the assistance of FUG, his primary goal in life is to regain the throne so that one day he would have the Tower under his control. Now standing in front of Daniel, Hoaqin claims that soon enough, they will come to know how truly great he is. However, to the surprise of Hwaryun and company, Hoaqin is shown to be extremely short in size.
At that same time, the setting switches over to Boro's party of himself, Hanool, and Danhwa, somewhere within the Middle Area of the 37th Floor. The three of them reach a cliff overlooking a river, which Boro gives off a sigh of relief knowing that from here, they can finally see the main road. Boro informs his two teammates that at this rate, they should reach the Hell Train Floor station by tomorrow in time to get on the express. He also adds that sometime around now, Aka should be meeting up with Sachi Faker.
The sweating Danhwa replies that what Boro said is good to hear, but complains that the 37th Floor is just too hot a place to be. Seeing that Hanool is carrying their suppies, Danhwa asks the pig if he has any drinks on him, which Hanool complains that the sword user shouldn't be calling him that nickname since he was never a part of their group to begin with.
Hanool reminds Danhwa that if they hadn't gone back for him while he was passed out at Train City, he wouldn't have a second chance, such as this, to go after the Hell Train. They were even nice enough to give him a Hell Train Express Ticket due to Hana's injury during the Yellow Crazy Ball game keeping her from going any further. Danhwa admits that he appreciates everything they provided for him up to this point.
Danhwa states to Boro and Hanool that he's aiming to rejoin Yura, because he doesn't like the idea of her being around dangeorus people like FUG and Team Rachel. Hanool begins to fear that Danhwa is sounding like he could betray them at any time, which Danhwa agrees that if Yura asked for it, he would gladly fight Bam and company again, which shocks Hanool.
Danhwa next turns to Boro, and asks if what he said is true that Team Rachel is trying to wake up the dangerous person known as Hoaqin, which Boro answers is the case. Hanool, finding it unbelievable that his teacher would fear something, asks what Hoaqin did back then, which Boro explains that the Slayer Candidate is the epitome of evil where only absolute darkness surrounds the guy. He explains to Hanool and Danhwa that he met Hoaqin on a previous Hell Train run a long time ago.
The story flashes back to 600 years ago where Boro and Daniel are seen fighting in a giant brawl on the 35th Floor's Train City. After the brawl is over, Boro gives off a sigh of relief knowing that he managed to make it through the first test, but doesn't find it surprising that Daniel, as well as Aka, are the only survivors that made it this far again. Daniel agrees that he's gotten sick of seeing the same two folk, Boro and Aka, at the end of every survival test.
Daniel goads Aka for being a lot bigger since the last time they saw one another, which the giant, who turns out to have the rare Defender Tower Position, completely ignores. In addition, Daniel is shown to have the Scout Tower Position while Boro is a Fisherman. Daniel then turns to Boro claiming that he's sick of seeing the annoying bastard, which Boro replies that he's not enjoying seeing Daniel again either.
Suddenly, a newcomer approaches the Boro, Aka, and Daniel, group stating that he's enjoying how the three of them seem to have reunited once again. He adds that amongst the people trying to get on the Hell Train, this current group who always manages to make it back here is definitely the best. He also sees that Boro and Daniel haven't changed one bit, which the three of them realize that the person speaking to them is the Wave Controller known as Sachi Faker.
Boro agrees with Sachi's claim about them not changing since they last met, and calls out Daniel for never getting any taller, which annoys the latter to the point of wanting to kill Boro. Another newcomer to the group asks why Daniel and Boro always end up fighting whenever they meet each other again, which Boro instantly realizes who the voice is coming from. Turning their attention to the newcomer, the group sees the Light-Bearer known as Roen Yuia, who greets her comrades stating that it's been a long time since she's last seen them.
Boro continues his story to Hanool and Danhwa claiming that the five of them, which was himself, Daniel, Aka, Sachi, and Roen, met at the Hell Train by coincidence. The five of them became close friends due to the amount of times they ended up attempting to perform the Hell Train run.
Boro was also able to tell that Daniel in particular had developed a crush on Roen, but was someone too shy to tell her his feelings. He admits that everyone else on the team knew about Daniel's crush as Boro remembers back to the sight of Daniel blushing when Roen asked the two of them to stop fighting.
Continuing the story, Boro explains that all five of them had their own goals of wanting to board the Hell Train. However, as time passed by, they soon realized that their attempts on the Hell Train resulted in the five of them getting to know one another. Following the Train City brawl, Roen urges the group onward claiming that this time around, they are going to conquer the Hell Train. Suddenly, a newcomer Regular, who turns out to be Poro Poe, charges at them with a needle ordering them to hand over an Express Ticket. However, Daniel orders him to get lost as he easily kicks Poro down to the ground.
Daniel grabs Poro's shirt collar, and figures that this must be the latter's first attempt trying to get on the Hell Train. He apologizes to Poro, and orders him to leave since the Express Tickets aren't for such weaklings, but Roen walks up to them, and calls out Daniel for being too harsh on a beginner. Roen explains that while it's true that competition is a good thing, Daniel needs to be more considerate of the weak. Daniel asks what she's talking about, which Roen explains that if Daniel wishes to win, he needs to take care of the people around him.
Roen turns to Poro, and asks him to get up since she figured that he doesn't have any friends here. She explains that while they can't provide him an Express Ticket, they will provide him a special boarding pass in order for him to get another chance at acquiring an Express Ticket for himself. The teary-eyed Poro is touched by Roen's kindness, and wonders if he's met a goddess here and now.
However, the claim irritates Daniel who begins pulling on Poro's shirt collar again, and asks how Poro could be so blind claiming that Roen is a goddess. Poro begs to the Roen goddess for help, which Boro watches on in disbelief since the only blind one here appears to be Daniel. Soon after, Poro is seen to have joined their group as the six of them make their way to the Hell Train.
As the story to Hanool and Danhwa continues, Boro claims that back then, his old team saw the upcoming Hell Train run like previous runs where they board the express, go on an adventure, and rely on one another to keep the team safe. Remembering the team climbing the platform staircase up to the Hell Train's side-entrance, Boro repeats himself that they really believed they were just going on another adventure.
At the side-entrance, a speaker is heard stating that Boro and company's Hell Train tickets, and Poro's boarding pass, have been accepted. However, as they entered the Hell Train, the group saw standing before them the dangerous person known as Hoaqin. Boro and company see Hoaqin turn to them, and greets them with a grin. The silvery person says to the group that the six newcomers appear to be an interesting bunch, and states that he will give them a chance to be his underlings. Daniel is left annoyed by the claim to become someone's underling, and asks who the hell the silvery person think's he is. The silvery person answers that while he won't provide them his true name, they can just call him Hoaqin.
Roen is the next to speak, and yells at Hoaqin asking if he knows how rude he's being at the moment. She then asks how he could just go about asking people to be his underlings, and asks if he's looking down on them, because she assumes that he's probably someone from one of the Ten Great Families. Saying that she's seen many other sons of the Ten Great Families go about dying on the Hell Train, Roen warns Hoaqin that he should be humble, or else his pride will one day get him killed on the express like everyone else. Finding it surprising how Roen is someone who can't keep her mouth shut, Hoaqin informs her that while he currently doesn't belong to one of the Great Families, he is currently someone that's trying to reach a higher place. He informs Roen and company that he's eventually going to become a FUG Slayer, and the reason he's come to the Hell Train is so he could gain a power that would allow him to one day take his throne back.
Boro explains to Hanool and Danhwa of how at that time, Hoaqin introduced himself as someone who was currently a Slayer Candidate, and that he had made all the people on the Hell Train his underlings. Although he found it confusing as to why the other Regulars chose to become underlings for the Slayer Candidate. Boro points out that everyone knew Hoaqin was from a dangerous place, but that alone is what brought the attention towards him. He explains how Hoaqin had promised his underlings status and glory, and that the group of himself, Roen, Daniel, Aka, Sachi, and Poro, despite not liking the situation, had to become underlings of Hoaqin as well if they were going to survive the Hell Train run this time around. Boro admits however, that the power displayed by Hoaqin was no joke.
Continuing the story, Boro reveals that one day after Hoaqin had made everyone on the Hell Train an underling, something involving Roen happened. Daniel had come across her on the Hell Train one day, and saw the corpse of a Regular with a knife stabbed in his back on the ground next to her. Shocked by the sight, Daniel asks why Roen killed one of Hoaqin's underlings, which Roen, with blood all over her face, tries to explain that she wasn't the one who did it.
Tears begin to flow down her eyes as Roen tries to tell Daniel that this was a set-up by Hoaqin, and that she had no choice here but to do it. She begs Daniel to not tell anyone about this knowing that everyone under Hoaqin will come to hate her, which causes Daniel to slowly walk towards her.
In order to comfort her, Daniel gives her a hug, and assures her that everything will be ok. He states that he can lie about what he saw here as long as it's for her.
Boro explains that the reason this event happened was because Hoaqin had been using his position as the leader to make people kill one another as a means to obtain power. He states to Hanool and Danhwa that the attempt to off Roen was just the beginning of the disaster that was about to befall the Hell Train.
Boro explains that he can't forget the cruel things Hoaqin did on the Hell Train after that day, and it was then that he realized why the Hell Train was given such a name. It's because it's an express that gives birth to monsters (implying Hoaqin).
Back to Team Rachel on the Hell Train, Hoaqin asks the group why they're looking at him in an odd manner. Hoaqin figures that it's because he currently has the appearance of a child, which he admits that it's a good reason they currently don't have much faith in his abilities being the real deal. He asks the Mad Dog if they really don't feel the greatness in him because of his current child-like appearance, which the Mad Dog admits is not the case. Introducing himself as one of Yama's Three Mad Dogs known as Buelsar Elliot, the Mad Dog assures Hoaqin that he is one that can definitely feel the Slayer Candidate's great power.
Hearing that Buelsar is a Mad Dog surprises Hoaqin, who assumes that he's one of the loyal minions of FUG Slayer Baylord Yama. Buelsar confirms Hoaqin's deduction, and asks that Hoaqin makes good use of him from here on out. Hoaqin admits he understands the situation, and states that once he regains his power, he will show his gratitude to Baylord Yama, which Buelsar thanks the Slayer Candidate for. Turning his attention to Daniel, Hoaqin states that he's brought an interesting group this time around since he somehow even managed to bring a Mad Dog of Yama with him.
However, Hoaqin remains a bit confused by this situation, and asks why Daniel would perform such a foolish act like this. He asks if the life of the foolish girl known as Roen caused him to pull off a stunt like this, which leaves Daniel silent. The Slayer Candidate reminds Daniel that he should already know what he plans to do from now on (implying another Hell Train massacre). However, Hoaqin states that he doesn't really care what Daniel thinks, and assures the latter that as promised, he will bring Roen back to life once he regains his power. Hoaqin walks by Daniel, who continues to remain silent. Hoaqin next asks who the rest of the group standing with them is, which causes Rachel to introduce herself and Yura as people that have come to help him.
He asks how they could be of use to him, which Rachel provides for Hoaqin an Emile terminal. Rachel explains how it's a chatting program that they've been using to control people through the use of information, and have actually being using it to bait people towards the Hell Train so that Hoaqin can regain his power. Rachel points out that their primary plan is to gather everyone here for Yura's concert, and it's at that point that Hoaqin will be able to prey upon them.
Hoaqin gives off a smile, and admits how amazing it is that such a plan could be made with such a simple device, which Rachel thanks him for. Hoaqin responds with gratitude as he hands the Emile terminal back to Rachel. Meanwhile, Hwaryun continues to watch the conversation between Hoaqin and Team Rachel. At this point, Hoaqin holds his stomach in pain, and explains that he's been starving for so long. He states that now that they have introductions out of the way, they should get moving so that they can find a group of souls who will be able to fill his stomach.
Meanwhile on the Hell Train, Wangnan and Ehwa continue to remain stuck outside the locked door since they're unable to solve the puzzle lock that requires math. A stressed Wangnan states that if they can't solve this, they will be unable to catch up to Team Rachel in order to save Hwaryun from them. Having already started the puzzle three minutes ago, they now only have two minutes remaining.
Wangnan pounds his head ordering his stupid brain to solve this, and asks why it's been so useless his entire life. However, Ehwa believes she gets it now, and informs Wangnan that the problem turned out to be easier than she originally thought. Ehwa begins to move the numbers around putting them in their correct locations.
Before she could click the puzzle's finish button however, Wangnan and Ehwa are shocked to see the locked door already opening up. The two of them see Hoaqin standing right in front of them followed closely by Team Rachel and Hwaryun.
Back to the 36th Floor, the setting changes to a floating ship travelling to the Floor's Middle Area. Looking out the floating ship's window, Jinsung is seen informing someone on the other side of his Pocket that he will soon arrive at the Middle Area along with his pupil, Viole. The one on the Pocket asks Jinsung if the story is true about the Hoaqin person on the Hell Train actually being the person they're thinking of, which Jinsung replies that he's not sure either at the moment. Jinsung states that before they make any real conclusion, they need more information on this, and to know why FUG is going to such lengths to keep the identity of the Hell Train's Slayer Candidate hidden.
The speaker on the Pocket warns Jinsung that if the Slayer Candidate really is the person they believe it is, then this could become a troublesome situation that no matter what, they will need to put a stop to him. Jinsung agrees with the statement, and hopes that it truly isn't the Slayer Candidate they're thinking of. He also informs the person on the Pocket that he's already sent a group of Regulars to the 37th Hell Train station, but figures they won't be a match for the Slayer Candidate if it turns out to truly be the person they're thinking of.
The person on the Pocket next asks about Viole's current condition, which Jinsung answers that while the boy insists he can catch up to the Hell Train, Jinsung has decided to keep him from going after it. Jinsung explains that Viole is currently unstable due to the power of the Thorn to the point of potentially getting dangerous. Thinking about Khun and his Sweet and Sour company, Jinsung figures that it's best to make them wait it out until this storm surrounding Viole finally passes.
Meanwhile, Bam and company remain in their rooms of Jinsung's floating ship not happy about their current situation that's been forced upon them by the FUG Ranker. Looking out their window, one of them points out how peaceful the world of the 36th Floor looks.
Back to the Hell Train, Hwaryun is shocked to see that Wangnan and Ehwa managed to make it on the express. Daniel thinks to himself that something felt off about possibly being followed, but is left wondering how Hoaqin is going to take meeting two people who are their enemy. Wangnan asks who the silver person before him is, which Hoaqin in return asks who Wangnan and Ehwa are. The Slayer Candidate deduces that neither of them look like they're here to do business with him. However, he bullies Wangnan by stating he would rather see an elephant over a yellow monkey, but is glad to see that the other is a pretty lady. Seeing the danger Wangnan and Ehwa are in, Hwaryun yells out to them to use the shinsoo bomb. She warns them not to get caught by Hoaqin, which causes Wangnan to understand better what's going on.
Pulling out his weapon inventory, Wangnan grabs a shinsoo bomb, and asks for Ehwa to support him. Ehwa prepares her Yeon flames as Daniel calls out to Hoaqin in fear knowing that Wangnan and Ehwa together are capable of doing something dangerous. Before Wangnan could throw the shinsoo bomb however, Hoaqin quickly stabs his long sword through Wangnan's right arm.
The sword being stabbed into Wangnan's arm completely catches the latter off-guard confused as to how Hoaqin could move such a massive sword so quickly. Wangnan is forced to drop the shinsoo bomb as Hwaryun moves toward them hoping Wangnan is ok, but Hoaqin orders the guide to stop, or else he will completely separate Wangnan's hand from his arm. He points out that Hwaryun is smart enough to know she shouldn't make any stupid moves from here on out, which leaves the guide unable to move any further. Hoaqin then turns his attention back to his sword being stabbed into Wangnan's right arm, and figures that he won't be able to use his hand any more.
Hoaqin points out that it's thanks to Wangnan, he's getting to have some fun slicing some meat after a long time. He asks Wangnan if he and Hwaryun are perhaps on the same team, but Wangnan refuses to answer. Hoaqin then orders Wangnan to speak, and warns Wangnan that he doesn't like people who don't listen to his orders, which causes Wangnan to think to himself that the person he's currently dealing with is crazy. However, Hoaqin then gives off a smile, and admits that upon looking at Wangnan closer, the yellow-head does in fact look like a tasty one.
Back to Jinsung's floating ship on the 36th Floor, Rak gets up from his bed annoyed by the current situation. Khun asks where Rak is off to, which Rak answers that he's going to beat up the candy turtle known as Jinsung in order to get off his floating ship, and head off towards the Hell Train. However, Khun remains uninterested, and asks if Rak truly knows who he's trying to pick a fight with, which Rak admits that he doesn't, but doesn't give a shit anyway.
Khun explains to Rak that the candy turtle is known as Ha Jinsung; a High Rnaker from ancient times, who had become famous for killing members of the Ten Great Families. He warns Rak that they have no chance of defeating Jinsung even if every one of them attacked at once. Khun continues the explanation that he learned about Jinsung after looking thoroughly into information on FUG, and states that Jinsung isn't just some crazy lunatic, but had actually wiped out a whole Family in the Tower simply because he had a grudge on them.
Khun warns Rak that the reason he's choosing not to fight Jinsung is because he could end up being their worst enemy as a result. He also admits that if it wasn't for Jinsung, they wouldn't be enjoying this freedom they currently have alongside Bam, but if they look at this in reverse, that freedom could easily disappear if they refuse to listen to Jinsung. Khun makes it clear to Rak that no matter what, they can't go to the Hell Train due to the fact that the person ordering them not to go is Jinsung.
Listening to the conversation between his two teammates, Bam flashes back to when Jinsung ordered him not to go to the Hell Train. Bam remains confused by the order, which Jinsung asks if he has to repeat himself. Jinsung explains that if the person on the Hell Train is truly the Slayer Candidate he's thinking of, then Bam has no chance of defeating this Hoaqin guy when he's currently in such an unstable state.
Jinsung orders once more for Bam to give up the Hell Train run, which shocks Bam. However, Jinsung offers Bam a choice that if he still insists on going to the Hell Train, he will only be allowed to go if he beats Jinsung in combat.
Returning to the present, Rak asks if Khun is implying that they should give up on the Hell Train chase entirely. The alligator reminds Khun that the Hwaryun, Wangnan, and Ehwa, turtles are still on the Hell Train, and asks if Khun has decided to give up on them. Khun reminds Rak of their current situation that they can't fight Jinsung, which annoys Rak due to Khun's repeating words. Rak orders Khun to think up a way to beat Jinsung, but Khun repeats himself once more that there's no way to win against the Ranker.
The irritated Rak gets even more angry as he asks if Khun has decided to run away since he's decided to not do anything. The alligator then asks if Khun even cares about the others possibly dying on the Hell Train, but Khun answers that he doesn't, which surprises Rak. Khun explains their current situation that even if they somehow managed to bypass the impossible to beat Jinsung, there's still the rare chance of them even making it away from here after bypassing the Ranker. He informs Rak and Bam that the time has come to get moving to the place they need to get to, which grabs Bam's attention.
Returning to the Hell Train, Wangnan continues to yell out in pain due to Hoaqin's sword being stabbed into his right arm. Hoaqin orders once more for Wangnan to speak, and asks what he and the guide are after by following him and Team Rachel on the Hell Train. Wangnan continues to struggle, finding it unbelievable how Hoaqin thinks he can talk while is arm is in such pain. Hoaqin then claims that if Wangnan doesn't speak now, he is going to have to eat him. However, Hoaqin begins to get confused as to whether he should consider this breakfast or lunch, which annoys Hwaryun seeing that Hoaqin is enjoying the hell out of this current situation.
At this point, Daniel steps forward ordering Hoaqin to stop having his fun since they don't have the time to play around with these two people that followed them. The action surprises Hwaryun as Hoaqin is also left confused by Daniel's words. Daniel explains that at this point, they should head for the Hell Train room that will provide them the test to reach the next Tower Floor.
He reminds Hoaqin that since the Hell Train is still moving, they could get kicked out of the express if they don't pass the test by tonight; leaving Hoaqin on his own. Daniel also points out that since Hoaqin is now free from the room he was stuck in, he also will be required to take the Hell Train's test in order to reach the next Tower Floor.
Getting to the main point, Hoaqin asks for Hoaqin to leave Wangnan and Ehwa alive since they're comrades of the newest FUG Slayer Candidate known as Jue Viole Grace, which grabs Hoaqin's attention. He assures Hoaqin that leaving them alive will be useful for when the time comes that they come across Viole again.
Shocked by the revelation of there being a new Slayer Candidate, Hoaqin takes his sword out of Wangnan's arm. He asks what Daniel means by that as Wangnan falls to the ground screaming in pain due to his arm having been cut through. Ehwa is left heading over to Wangnan to check on how bad his injury is.
Returning to Jinsung's floating ship, he spots the door in the distance opening up that would lead him to the 36th Floor's Middle Area. However, the Bam, Khun, and Rak, team are seen approaching Jinsung. The Ranker asks what the problem is since he's told Viole to get some rest in his room, but Bam apologizes to his former teacher stating that no matter what, he needs to go to the Hell Train.
Jinsung remains confused by what Bam is saying, which Bam apologizes for by repeating himself that he needs to go to the Hell Train since there are people there he needs to meet with. Thinking it over, Jinsung crunches down on his lollipop, and asks if what Bam is saying is that he's insisting to go to the Hell Train even if it means having to fight through a Ranker. Jinsung begins to walk towards the group, and states that he's hoping Viole is joking about going to the Hell Train. Bam, Khun, and Rak, stand ready feeling the pressure being given off of Jinsung.
Beginning to sweat, Bam turns to Khun pointing out that a powerful Ranker is walking towards them, but Khun, still staying calm, orders Bam to stick to the plan. After counting down from three, Bam, Khun, and Rak, turn around to run away, which surprises Jinsung. Khun orders the group to run as far as they can since getting caught will result in their death, which leaves Jinsung unamused wondering what kind of plan they came up with to try to escape from him. He figures that Bam and company wouldn't simply try to run away hoping that it will get them to the Hell Train. As Bam, Khun, and Rak, continue to run away, Bam asks about Akraptor and the others.
Khun informs him that the remaining members of Sweet and Sour (Akraptor, Miseng and Prince) are currently preparing a floating ship for them to get away. Khun also informs Bam that because they're in an area for Regulars, it's against the law for non-Regulars, such as Rankers, to go all out with their full power here. In other words, Jinsung won't be able to go all-out against them. Khun asks once more for Bam to just go along with his plan since it's their only chance of escaping, which Bam agrees to do so. However, Jinsung quickly moves ahead of them, and blocks their path.
Jinsung asks if Bam and company truly believe they can easily run away from him simply because he's not able to go all-out in a Regular area, which doesn't surprise Khun as to how fast Ranker Jinsung can move. Jinsung also apologizes to the Regulars stating that even if he was forced to use just one leg, he would still be able to catch up to them. He asks for Bam and company to give up, and tells the blue-haired Khun that given the latter is a member of a Great Family, he should know how large the gap is between himself and the Ranker standing before him. Khun turns to Rak saying that they need his help now, which excites Rak knowing that the kids on this team can't do anything without their alligator leader.
Rak charges forward, but is quickly caught in a headlock performed by Jinsung, which greatly irritates the alligator. Rak struggles to escape, ordering the candy turtle to let him go, which surprises Jinsung by how strong the little alligator is turning out to be trying to hold Rak down.
Rak continues to struggle, which disappoints Khun knowing that Rak couldn't even play the stalling game for a minute or two. Jinsung then turns his attention to Khun and Bam claiming that now that he's captured one, it's just the two of them let. Khun orders Bam to head for Sweet and Sour's floating ship, which Bam agrees to do so by moving away at quick speed on a shinsoo platform.
Jinsung throws away Rak, and asks if Khun's plan is simply to make sure that Viole alone gets away. The Ranker warns Khun that the latter should think about the people he's dealing with first before choosing to mess with them, and asks if his Great Family father didn't properly educate him. However, Khun informs him that like many others in his family, he's nothing more than an abandoned child, and was never educated. Khun then summons his lighthouses ready to take on Jinsung, which causes Jinsung to wonder if he's reached a point where he will end up killing another member of one of the Ten Great Families.
Moments later, Bam reaches the entrance of the get-away floating ship where Akraptor, Prince, and Miseng are waiting to greet him. However, Jinsung easy catches up having easily already defeated Khun, and orders Viole to stop moving. He asks once more if Bam really believed that he would be allowed to journey to the Hell Train, and asks for Viole to return to him since no matter what, he won't allow him to go. He assures Viole that the reason he's stopping him here is for his own sake due to Bam's current state being unstable.
Jinsung also points out that he knows Viole is worried about his other friends that are currently on the Hell Train, but he warns Viole that if he was to go to the Hell Train in his current state, he would only end up losing more comrades. Stating that he's serious about this, Jinsung asks Viole once more to give up before he reaches his limit trying to control the Thorn. However, Jinsung notices Bam clenching his fist ready for a fight, which irritates Jinsung claiming that Viole is one troublesome pupil.
Before Jinsung could get moving however, Blarode and Quaetro appear asking for the Ranker to let his pupil go. Jinsung asks who the hell the two newcomers are, but figures that they must also be Viole's comrades. Blarode gets straight to the point that while it would take awhile to explain, he and Quaetro also need to get on the Hell Train since there's a guy there that they're also trying to save. Preparing for a fight, Blarode also adds how he heard that FUG is involved with this era's Hell Train run, and states that it's gained his interest. He points out how he heard that Jinsung is part of FUG, and asks the Ranker for a round figuring that Jinsung is strong. However, Jinsung continues to get annoyed by this current situation stating that playing with these kids is driving him crazy.
Blarode and Quaetro charge at Jinsung. Quaetro attempts to use his flame abilities while Blarode attempts to land several punches, but are all easily dodged by Jinsung. The speed of Jinsung's dodge surprises Blarode and Quaetro, which the Ranker admits that the attacks they attempted on him weren't that bad. The Ranker then counters by sending a kick into the air that sends a massive shinsoo beam upward from his leg, and then easily jumps away from Blarode and Quaetro's location. Quaetro notices that his left face cheek has been grazed by Jinsung's counter kick, but was enough to make his nose bleed. At a new location, Jinsung turns back to Quaetro asking if the kick was enough to bring the kid back to his senses, which Quaetro admits that it did. Blarode and Quaetro are forced to watch Jinsung diappear from their location, which leaves Quaetro stunned in amazement as to how cool Jinsung was.
Jinsung catches up to Bam once more, who's now standing alongside Akraptor, Miseng, and Prince within their floating escape ship. Jinsung's speed easily bypassing Blarode and Quaetro shocks Prince as the Ranker claims that since words have been unable to convince Viole to stop, he will have to resort to using his strength. Jinsung cracks his knuckles prepared to take Viole back by force, but is suddenly interrupted seeing that the floating ship prepared by the Sweet and Sour members is already starting to depart.
Nearby, Khun rubs his head due to the pain, and complains as to why Jinsung is still so strong despite being an old man. Khun's lighthouses begin to activate as Khun claims that given how Jinsung's an old man, he had prepared a ticket so that the Ranker could finally get some rest. A lighthouse is seen at Bam, Akraptor, Prince, and Miseng's, location as Jinsung is forced to watch them all disappear. Jinsung quickly realizes that it's a mass lighthouse teleport being performed, and is left shocked wondering if they're really trying to pull off what he thinks they're doing. Bam and company appear at Khun's other lighthouse that had been placed next to him as Khun says his goodbye to the Ranker. Sweet and Sour's floating escape ship with only Jinsung aboard it is seen departing the main floating ship that still has all the Regulars aboard it.
Khun explains that the plan was never to leave Jinsung's main floating ship, but to actually get Jinsung off it. He then explains that they're planning to go to the Middle Area of the 36th Floor as intended, but from there, they will go up to the 37th Floor in order to continue chasing after the Hell Train. Khun figures that even though Jinsung is a High Ranker, it still won't be enough to catch up to them once the floating ship they're on goes into warp in order to ascend up to the 37th Floor. He leaves off taunting Jinsung that he hopes the Ranker will have a safe trip. Meanwhile, aboard the floating ship that Sweet and Sour prepared, the lone Jinsung admits that the Regulars got him. That their plan to get rid of him since the very beginning was a success.
From afar, Jinsung is forced to watch the floating ship he was just on depart for the 36th Middle Area without him. The person on Jinsung's Pocket asks if he's not going to catch up to them since Jinsung is powerful enough to catch up to them, but Jinsung replies that he doesn't wish to get the Guardian of the 36th Floor angry with him by breaking into the Middle Area. He figures that his best option right now is to inform the FUG Regulars they sent to the Hell Train that Viole and company will be arriving soon.
The person on Jinsung's Pocket begins to fear that things have gotten complicated. Since things have turned out this way, the person on the Pocket asks Jinsung if he believes that Viole could defeat Hoaqin, which Jinsung finds to be nonsense if Hoaqin truly is the person they believe it to be. Jinsung makes it clear to the person on the Pocket that Viole will be no match for the true person that Hoaqin might turn out to be.
At that same time on the Hell Train, an announcement is made that Hoaqin, Tema Rachel, and their hostages, have passed the Hell Train 36th Floor test to allow them to travel up with the Hell Train to the 37th Floor. In the test room, Hoaqin is seen standing atop a cut up carcasses of several Deep Sea Fish that they were tasked to fight for said test. Off to the side, a tied-up Wangnan and Ehwa are shocked by what they witnessed wondering how Hoaqin is powerful enough to defeat such powerful creatures on his own. The two of them see Hoaqin as a complete monster as the Slayer Candidate continues to think about the person known as Jue Viole Grace, and only wanting to kill him.
Hell Train: Hoaqin Tropes
- Arc Villain:
- Hoaqin is introduced, and teams up with Team Rachel.
- During Bam and company's Tower climb through the 35th and 36th Floor tests, they fight against several opposing Regulars. Afterwards, FUG Ranker Jinsung could also be seen as a roadblock.
- Cliffhanger: While the combined Team Rachel and Hoaqin group pass the Hell Train's 36th Floor test to make it to the 37th Floor, Bam and company escape Jinsung to also head off to the 37th Floor.
- Deadly Game:
- The 35th and 36th Floor tests for Bam and company.
- The Hell Train's 36th Floor test was also one, but was easily dealt with by Hoaqin.
- Flashback:
- Bam and company's 35th Floor test was told in a flashback since the arc started where the group was already on the 36th Floor.
- A bit of Boro's past Hell Train run is revealed here where he took part in a Hell Train run 600 years ago alongside Daniel, Aka, Sachi, Poro, and Roen. However, their Hell Train adventure took a dark turn when they encountered Hoaqin on the Hell Train.
- Foreshadowing: Jinsung makes it clear that there's more to Hoaqin. note
- Hostage Situation: Wangnan and Ehwa are taken captive by Team Rachel after Hoaqin proves to be too much for them, and is convinced by Daniel to let them live for now.
- Locked Door: In the Hell Train, Team Rachel stumbles upon a math-puzzle locked door that needs to be solved in order to reach Hoaqin. Since no one on Team Rachel knows how to do math, they rely on Hwaryun to complete it for them.
- The Plan: Rachel makes it clear to Hwaryun that she will continue to look for stronger teammates that will help her climb the Tower, even if it means ditching her current teammates. All she has to do is find them.
- Time Skip: A month has passed since Train City where Bam and company climb up the Tower normally in order to catch up to the Hell Train.
- Took a Level in Badass: Bam continues to get stronger during the 35th and 36th Floor tests despite currently being unstable due to the Thorn.
- Wham Shot:
- Any of Bam's Took a Level in Badass moments during the 35th and 36th Floor tests.
- Hoaqin's first appearance.
- Roen killing one of Hoaqin's underlings in the past.
- Khun's mass teleportation scheme to get Jinsung away from his group.
- Hoaqin completing the Hell Train's 36th Floor test by himself.
