When that man exploded, everyone understood that Tartarus was not joking with anyone. A heavy silence filled the space.
The Angel of Death (Tartarus) began explaining the floors in a firm voice. She said:
"Each floor contains a monster."
Then she continued:
"Our king, Hades, is one of the strongest beings in this world—so strong that even the gods cannot oppose him. So become as strong as you possibly can, because Lord Hades despises the weak. We are watching all of your movements, and there is no way to escape except by defeating Lord Hades. Now go and prove your worth!"
After Tartarus left the scene with her terrifying presence and warning words, all the participants were suddenly struck by an electronic shock throughout their bodies. A moment later, a glowing window appeared in front of everyone—a transparent list accompanied by a metallic, robotic voice that said:
"System activated. Loading player information..."
On the screen, information such as:
Level (current level)
HP (health points)
XP (experience)
Special skills
Rewards obtained
But the main focus was the skills, whose categorization promised a real battle:
• Main Skills:
1. Magic Skill (Upgradeable through training and items)
The magic skill consists of four branches: Fire, Water, Plant, Earth.
2. Swordsmanship Skill
Single Sword: high accuracy and speed
Dual Sword: greater power and wider attack range
3. Archery Skill
Has only one style, but based on talent it is divided into Precision, Speed, or Explosive types.
4. Level Appraisal Skill
Only a limited number of people possessed this skill. With it, they could see the levels of monsters…
• Special (Hidden) Skills:
Only individuals with innate talent or extremely high luck could unlock one of these skills:
Special Skills
Special skills could only be activated by defeating a floor boss.
In the heavy silence of the crowd, only the trembling of the virtual windows and whispers of fear could be heard…
Then a voice echoed once again in everyone's mind:
"The choice is yours… survive, or become a stepping stone for others!"
---
As the list appeared, an uproar spread through the crowd. Some shouted in excitement, some panicked upon seeing their low HP, and some simply stared at the Level Appraisal Skill…
And at that moment, Tartarus's voice echoed in everyone's minds:
"Do not take the floor bosses lightly… each one has power at the S or A level… This is not just a game—this is a fight for survival!"
---
When the leveling system activated, everyone waited for the results. A few seconds later, a glowing letter appeared above each participant's head, representing their power rank.
Power Level Classification:
Level S (Special):
Only 15% of the participants. Geniuses with legendary skills, capable of fighting high-floor bosses and even changing the course of the game.
Level: 1
HP: 150
XP: 100
Level A (Advanced):
About 25% of the participants. Powerful and skilled warriors capable of teamwork and intense combat.
Level: 1
HP: 120
XP: 100
Level C (Normal):
49% of the players. Average forces with basic skills; survival for them heavily depends on luck, teamwork, and positioning.
Level: 1
HP: 100
XP: 100
Level E (Defective):
Only 1% of the players. Completely powerless individuals.
They have no combat or magic skills, only a defective skill: "Level Appraisal," which is barely usable even in real combat.
These people are essentially excess baggage in the game…
They are most likely to be the first victims.
Level: 1
HP: 50
XP: 100
---
And in the minds of the players, a bitter sentence played:
"If you're Level E… just run!"
---
Everyone had completed their teams. The only ones left alone were the Level E players. Everyone said they had no place here and should become stepping stones so others could escape.
As I was leaving the area, someone stopped me and said, "Where are you going in such a hurry?" I looked at him with eyes full of anger. Out of fear, his hand involuntarily released me.
Everyone was busy forming teams, but the only ones no one approached were the Level E players. No team wanted to take along a weak and unskilled member. Level E was like a stigma, a symbol of incompetence. Sometimes the only reason someone might accept them was to use them as a porter—or a sacrifice.
Among all the contemptuous and indifferent looks, only one person was not afraid of being Level E and didn't care at all—someone who had spent his entire life playing this game.
Maybe everyone saw him as a "game defect," but his demonic smile said otherwise.
He was happy, because he was the only one who knew how Level E could be upgraded.
The displayed list gave no explanation for upgrading Level E. Only for levels C, A, and S did it state that defeating a boss higher than their own level would allow them to advance.
But Level E? No explanation. No guidance. No hope—because there were no floor bosses at Level E, not even enemies.
And that was where he was different…
He knew the dark secret hidden deep within the game.
The secret to upgrading Level E…
Everyone had formed their teams. Weapons were chosen, strategies prepared, and the only ones left outside this circle were the Level E players.
The crowd looked at them with contempt. One Level A individual said loudly:
"They have no place here. They should just become stepping stones for us so we can get out of this hell!"
Everyone agreed with him and said they should use them to escape.
Amid all the noise, I was searching for my friend Yuji, but I couldn't find him anywhere. I tried to quietly slip along the wall and leave. I wanted to get away… from the looks… from the insults…
But just as I tried to pass through the crowd, a hand grabbed me.
A cold, contempt-filled voice echoed in my ear:
"Where are you going in such a hurry, you pitiful thing?"
I turned around and locked eyes with the man. Silent rage surged in my gaze, but before I said anything, his fingers involuntarily loosened, and I left that place.
When I got outside, I was so happy I couldn't stop myself from laughing.
I was counting down the moments to revenge… but even in that happiness, I was worried about Yuji. I kept thinking to myself: Where did Yuji go? He was right there beside me…
(To be continued…)