The Beginning Before the End
Five years had passed since Grey's mother told him the legend of the Tower. Now, at 15, he stood among the brave ones, ready to challenge his fate.
The sun cast its warm glow over the village of Lolalas, hidden amidst trees and wooden houses. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the chirping of birds. Villagers stirred, aware that today was the day their bravest would venture into the Tower.
Grey awoke with a start, finding himself on the floor, a testament to his restless sleep. He scrambled up, rubbing his sore backside. The wooden bed creaked as he stood, its familiar groan a comforting sound.
As he prepared, a cabbage cart with black-armored soldiers arrived. Grey recognized the signal – they had come to collect those bound for the Tower.
His mother met him outside, her eyes filled with a mix of worry and encouragement. "Good luck, Grey," she whispered, pressing a small pouch into his hand. Grey felt a lump form in his throat as he nodded.
Grey approached the cart, his heart racing. "I'm one of the people going to the Tower," he declared, trying to sound braver than he felt.
An old soldier raised an eyebrow. "Kids these days don't value their lives." Grey bristled at the comment, but the soldier's expression remained impassive.
Grey entered the cart, finding three others from Lolalas: Peter, a rugged man in his 20s with a thick black beard; Victoria, a 16-year-old girl with piercing black eyes and an air of quiet confidence; and Locust, a man shunned by the village, with a mysterious air about him.
As the cart traversed the landscape, Grey gazed out at the rolling hills and forests. The Tower loomed in the distance, its peak shrouded in mist.
The capital's stone walls and grand houses came into view, and Grey's excitement grew. He had never seen such opulence.
As they arrived at the Tower, Grey's eyes widened. Up close, it seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky, its stone façade imposing and ancient.
The soldiers disembarked, and the group followed. Inside, a spacious hall with enormous windows and vibrant floors bustled with people. The air was thick with anticipation.
A diminutive bunny in a suit and tie caught their attention. "Listen up, everyone," he began, silencing the room. His voice was high-pitched, but commanding.
"I'm your examiner. I'll assess your worthiness to become Tower Hunters. View your statuses."
Grey's eyes turned blue, revealing his stats:
Name: Grey Lowmit
Age: 15
Height: 5'7"
Skills: None
Puff: None
Rank: Unknown
Items: Bag
System: None
The bunny explained, "You're at the lowest rung. The 1st floor may aid in advancement. Ranks are awarded upon clearing floors." He paused, surveying the crowd.
"The ranking system is as follows:
- Bronze (B Rank): 1st floor
- Copper (C Rank): 5th floor
- Advanced (A Rank): 10th floor
- Silver (S Rank): 20th floor
- Gold (SS Rank): 40th floor
- Plutonium (SSS Rank): 60th floor
- Diamond (Mystic Rank): 80th floor
- Rainbow (Legendary Rank): Unreached
He smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Skills, puffs, and items await within. A system will be granted post-1st floor. We bear responsibility for your safety. Are you prepared?"
The bunny gestured, and a towering door materialized. An armory appeared, stocked with gear for 500 aspirants.
Grey's heart pounded as he surveyed the equipment. He had never held a sword before.
"Equip and proceed to your first trial," the bunny instructed, ushering them forward.
Grey took a deep breath, his mind racing with possibilities. He was about to embark on a journey that would change his life forever.
*To be continued...*