Standing in front of a boundlessly tall tower, resembling an obelisk, was a man no older than 18. His eyes were filled with a determined yet empty look. He was wearing a simple black hoodie and grey sweat pants, looking like he was about to go for a workout.
Glancing up at the strange tower that pierced the heavens, all he could feel was the feeling of unease slowly wrapping around him.
That acursed tower appeared 15 years ago. It stretched 100 floors tall, with each floor being the size of a large city. Millions of people have attempted to ascend the tower of trials throughout the years, but no one has succeeded in reaching the top yet. Most end up dying before they even reach the 10th floor. Whether that be from the monsters inside or the other players ascending to the top.
With a slight hesitation, he uttered the words that had changed and ended many lives before him,
"Enter, tower of trials"
With that simple command, a grand, massive set of doors made of thick mahogany wood opened. Inside those doors, a warm light poured out, gentle like morning sun, but as it touched his skin, a chill ran down his spine—it was empty warmth, hollow and deceiving.
Jolted awake, he glanced around the long, dark pathway that surrounded him. Without a single chance to think, a strange message appeared in front of him, hovering in mid-air, written on a formless holographic board.
*Ding*
"Player has entered the tower of trials."
"Player's stats and info will now be displayed."
Player information:
Name: Sunny
Title: Undiscovered
Age: 16
Stats:
Strength: 2
Agility: 1.5
Health: 100%
Magic Power: 3
Divine trait: Undiscovered
Skills: None
"The tower of trials tutorial will now commence."
"Every monster defeated is one point. The trial will end when either the player reaches the end or is killed."
His eyes were darting around the dark, decrepit tunnel, trying to assess his situation. It resembled an abandoned subway, with strange symbols etched into its brittle walls. With the all too familiar scent of blood reeking all around the dark, forsaken tunnel.
Suddenly, a barrage of magic-imbued arrows launched towards Sunny, not giving him even a single moment to think.
Barley managing dodged the barrage of arrows, with a few of them grazing his shoulder. Sunny pickly peered around in the darkness, looking for the source of the attack.
Where the fuck are they even coming from, and what is that accuracy? A single shot could easily kill me.
Ahead of him was a group of 5 skeletons, their bones held together with magic power, and a strange aura emanating from their bows. Preparing another attack to finish off their target.
*Ding*
"The player's health has reached 45%"
Will I even make it to the 1st floor?
Looking around the dark tunnel, one thing was shining. A single pristine sword plunged into the ground with a black and gold hilt sticking out.
Without any hesitation, Sunny charged towards the sword, shifting side to side, trying to avoid the incoming onslaught of arrows. One hits its mark and logs itself into his right shoulder, digging deep into his flesh, but he charged forward with even faster speed, finally reaching the sword.
Grabbing the handle and pulling with all his might, he barely managed to break it free. Holding the sword in his hands, a strange feeling spread throughout his entire body.
*Ding*
"Embuing sword with Player's magic power."
"Players' attack power has increased by 50%."
A dark purple aura began to engulf the sword. Enveloping it in dark pulsing energy.
What is this energy? I can feel even my bones pulsing from this aura!
With a newfound power, Sunny dashed ahead and ducked, avoiding the next barrage of arrows, then, at a sharp angle, pushed off the ground and decapitated 3 of the skeletons with one swift and elegant slash.
As the remaining two skeletons scrambled to reload, Sunny lunged. He pivoted to the left, blade low, and drove it clean through the ribcage of the first. Without pausing, he kicked the other backward, pinned it with his knee, and rammed the blade through its skull, gracefully finishing the battle.
*Ding*
"Player has completed the tutorial."
"4 stat points will be awarded."
"New Skill has been discovered: Aura-imbued sword."
"Players' Divine trait will be awarded now."
"Player's Divine Trait has been selected to be Necromancy."
"Player will now be transported to Floor 0 of the tower."