"We need better equipment before we even think about entering that thing."
Ilwoo announced to the assembled group. Over the past few hours, they'd managed to scavenge only a handful of weapons and gear suitable for tower climbing.
Twelve people had volunteered for the attempt, but...
'We're nowhere close'
He thought, surveying the crowd that clearly wasn't ready for anything resembling real combat. Most carried homemade weapons—crude spears, kitchen knives duct-taped to broomsticks.
Despite being players, none had genuine fighting experience.
"Well, funny you should mention that, "
A familiar voice cut through his thoughts. Hayeon sauntered in, lugging a duffel bag that thumped against her legs with every step. Her grin practically glowed with mischief.
"You know those cool weapons museums always have behind glass?"
"Please tell me you didn't—" Sena started.
"Break into the National Museum? Me? Never."
Hayeon widened her eyes, all mock innocence.
"I just… stopped by while it was closed and grabbed a few old things. For research, obviously."
She unzipped, revealing an impressive collection of swords, spears, and armor pieces. Most looked real, their steel shining even after centuries.
A few had clear signs of museum repair, but many looked like they were still ready for battle.
"Hayeon, that's stealing." Park Minji was a former office worker who'd somehow managed to reach Level 2, the same as Ilwoo, though her combat experience was all in her head.
"Stolen from who? The museum's been shut forever, the government's gone, and whoever owned this stuff has been dead for centuries."
Hayeon picked up an ornate katana, shifting it to test its balance.
"These beauties deserve action, not a lifetime stuck behind glass."
"She's not wrong."
The man's voice was steady, clipped. He stood with squared shoulders, boots planted like he expected an ambush any second. His fatigues were torn but tidy.
The kind of person who kept his discipline even when the world burned.
"Rules don't matter when the world ends. Name's Kim Donghyun, by the way."
He nodded at him and then looked at the person standing behind him.
Beside him, a boy who looked no older than fifteen stayed quietly. He didn't say anything but watched the weapons closely.
From what Ilwoo heard, his name was Choi Jinhyuk, another lucky one who survived.
Even though he was young, his sharp eyes showed he understood the situation better than many adults.
Ilwoo sighed internally, knowing that whether she'd stolen them or not, they couldn't afford to be picky about equipment sources. At least now they had real weapons instead of improvised junk.
He stood up, making his decision. "Alright. Fifteen minutes. We take on the tower."
***
"Remember,"
Ilwoo said to the group as they got ready to leave the safe zone,
"If anyone doesn't want to go, you can stay here. The zone needs people to protect it, and it's okay to choose sure safety over likely danger."
A middle-aged man tightened his grip on a borrowed sword, the blade trembling in his hands. His eyes flicked toward the tower, then back to Ilwoo.
"Can we really get stronger in there?" he asked, voice low.
"Yeah, but if you die in there, it's permanent," Ilwoo said plainly.
"The tower can make you stronger, sure, but mess up once, and you're gone. No do-overs."
The group went quiet, taking in what they had just heard. Everyone knew how dangerous this was going to be.
"That's why I'm saying it again—don't try to play heroes. If you want real power, join us. Just know... the price might be everything."
He studied the twelve people still staring at him with mixtures of fear and determination.
"Protecting the safe zone matters just as much. No one should be looked down on for choosing that role."
As he talked to the others, he caught a glimpse of Sena staring at the safe zone's barrier, her face distant and worried.
"Go ahead and finish getting ready," he said to the team.
"I'll join you soon."
As the group dispersed, tightening straps and checking gear, he made his way toward his sister.
She stood rigid, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the shimmering edge of the energy barrier. Her lips were pressed tight, unmoving.
"What's bothering you?"
Sena didn't answer right away, her eyes staring past the energy barrier.
"Don't tell me you're thinking about—"
"I want to come with you," she said, her voice firm with stubborn resolve.
He sighed, running a hand down his face, gaze flicking to the tower's looming outline beyond the barrier.
"I already told you, that's not going to happen. You're not trained to fight, and you'd be dead within the first hour. So no, absolutely not."
For a long moment, she just looked at him, her face hard to read behind the mask. But he knew—she was worried about him.
After the world fell apart and they struggled to survive, it was no surprise that his sister still feared her little brother would get hurt.
"Then promise me you'll come back safe," she murmured.
"HEY, MASKED LEADER!"Hayeon's voice rang out across the safe zone.
"Are you coming, or are we starting without you?"
He turned toward the sound, already stepping back.
"See? They need me," he said with a faint smile, gesturing toward the group—though his eyes lingered on her a moment longer.
"Don't worry about me. You'll be fine as long as you stay inside the zone."
"Really?"
"Totally. The system blocks any player fights in the safe zone."
He put his hand on Sena's shoulder.
"So don't worry about me. Just make sure this place keeps going."
"Just... promise you'll come back."
"I will."
Her lips curved, slow and hesitant, a flicker of warmth breaking through the tension etched into her face.
It was the first time in days she wasn't just surviving. After a final wave, he turned, his boots thudding softly against the stone as he rejoined his team.