Ash stepped through the massive doors along with the others.
The moment he crossed the threshold, the air changed.
He had messy, long black hair with white roots that fell around his face.
Sharp gray eyes and tanned skin, slightly sun-kissed, as if shaped by years under sunlight.
He wore a sleeveless black vest that hugged his lean, muscular frame, paired with loose white joggers and dark boots.
Fresh wind brushed against his face.
He stopped walking.
Before him stretched a vast open landscape — endless green fields swaying beneath a
bright blue sky. Mountains rose in the distance like sleeping giants. Waterfalls spilled from
cliffs, their mist drifting across forests of tall silver-leafed trees.
It looked peaceful.
Too peaceful.
Ash frowned.
"What is this place…?"
Suddenly—
Hello.
Ash froze.
The voice hadn't come from around him.
It had come from inside his head.
A translucent screen flickered into existence in front of his eyes, like a floating window only he could see.
Lines of faint blue light formed symbols and text.
The voice spoke again, calm and neutral and a little guy appeared on the screen.
Hello. I am your Designated Intelligence Guide.
Ash blinked several times.
"What…?"
But you may call me Dig.
Ash stared at the screen.
"You're… talking in my head."
Correct. A small chip was implanted within your brain before your arrival. It allows you to communicate with me and view information through a visual interface.
The screen shifted slightly, hovering at the edge of his vision like a game menu.
You may think of it as a game window.
Ash rubbed his temple.
"So you're… a guide?"
Correct. I exist to assist you. I can provide information, display maps, explain rules, and answer most questions related to the Tower.
The voice paused briefly.
However, I must inform you that all interactions between us are recorded. The Ruler has full access to this data.
Ash grimaced.
"Of course he does. Is there a chance someone is listening to our conversation right now?"
Yes. Someone is listening to this conversation at this very moment.
Ash glanced around. Other participants were already moving into the fields—some running toward the forests, others shouting in confusion.
He turned his attention back to the floating screen.
"I want whoever's listening to know something," Ash said coldly. "I will win this stupid game… and when I do, I'll make you all pay."
I am certain they received your message.
"So every participant has a guide?"
Correct.
"And is your allegiance with me… or with the Ruler?"
I was created to assist you in whatever you require and to place your needs above all else. Therefore, my allegiance will always be with you.
"Alright then. Final question."
He crossed his arms.
"Where am I?"
You are currently on Floor One of the Tower of the Animal Kingdom.
The screen shifted, displaying a faint map outline of the surrounding terrain.
Like every floor, there is no time limit. However, most participants require approximately one to three months to clear this level.
Ash raised an eyebrow.
"Clear it?"
Correct. To advance to the second floor, participants must develop three abilities related to their animal classification.
Ash tilted his head.
"Three abilities?"
Yes. One passive ability and two active abilities.
The screen flickered softly.
Your passive ability has already been unlocked.
Ash straightened slightly.
"Passive ability?"
Correct. A passive ability is one that does not require activation. Like in a video game, it remains active at all times.
Ash narrowed his eyes.
"And what ability is that?"
Instead of answering immediately, the guide spoke again.
Let me ask you something.
Ash waited.
Do you remember the man who stood behind you in the chamber?
Ash didn't hesitate.
"Blonde hair. Tall. He received the lion mark."
The guide continued.
Do you remember the participant two rows diagonally from you wearing a green hoodie?
Ash nodded slowly.
"He didn't say a word the entire time. Didn't panic either."
The screen flickered.
Correct.
Ash frowned.
"What does that have to do with—"
Do you remember the first sentence spoken by the Ruler?
Ash answered instantly.
"'Greetings, Participants.'"
Silence followed.
Then the guide spoke again.
As expected.
Ash's brow furrowed.
"What do you mean?"
The screen shifted again, displaying a small black symbol.
A crow.
Like you know your animal classification is Corvus. The crow.
Ash stared at the symbol.
Crows are known for exceptional memory and intelligence.
A soft chime echoed from the screen.
Passive Ability Unlocked: Photographic Memory
Ash inhaled sharply.
Ash felt a strange clarity settle in his mind, as if invisible doors had opened.
Every detail from the chamber resurfaced instantly.
Every face.
Every word.
Every sound.
Nothing blurred.
Nothing faded.
The guide continued calmly.
You will not forget anything you experience within the tower.
Ash exhaled slowly.
"So… that's my power."
Correct.
A brief pause followed.
Then the guide added in the same neutral tone:
It may not appear as impressive as the strength of a lion or the reflexes of a spider.
However… survival in the Tower does not rely on strength alone.
Ash looked toward the distant forest.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Good."
He started walking.
"Because I'm not planning on dying here."
And he walked forward into the unknown.
© 2025 Moku. All rights reserved. The Tower of the Animal Kingdom is an original work by Moku. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited.