The vast space of the Trial Tower fell silent.
Then—
A new message appeared before everyone.
[FIRST PHASE INITIATED]
Floor 1 — Comprehension Trial
Moments later—
A book appeared in front of each individual.
[Training Manual Assigned]
Murmurs spread immediately.
"A book?"
"This is the trial?"
"No monsters?"
Some looked confused.
Others frowned.
But a few—
Remained calm.
"…Comprehension phase," someone whispered.
For the past ten years, knowledge about the System had spread across the world. Schools, academies, and private institutions had prepared people for this moment.
Not everyone was clueless.
Namus picked up his manual.
Freedom from All Things
"…Strange."
A voice called out—
"Hey! Namus!"
He turned.
Rian approached, holding his own manual.
Basic Spear Combat — Beginner Manual
"You got something weird too?" Rian asked.
Namus nodded slightly.
Around them—
People began checking their manuals.
"Fire Affinity Control!"
"Sword Technique!"
"Beast Taming Basics!"
"Alchemy Introduction!"
"Cooking Efficiency…"
"Farming Growth Method…"
Each manual was different.
Each path unique.
Another message appeared.
Comprehend your manual within the time limit.
Failure will halt your progress.
No one hesitated anymore.
Some immediately began practicing movements.
Others tried to circulate energy.
Some read intensely.
Rian stepped aside, beginning spear drills.
Namus…
Sat down.
He opened the manual.
No techniques.
No explanation.
Only one line.
"Let go."
"…That's all?"
He frowned.
Around him—
People were progressing quickly.
Movements improved.
Energy stabilized.
Some even smiled—
As if they had already understood.
Time was passing.
Namus closed the manual.
"…Let go of what?"
Noise filled the space.
Pressure built.
People rushed.
Forced understanding.
Tried harder.
But Namus—
Stopped.
"If I'm forcing it… I'm still holding on."
He closed his eyes.
And released everything.
No thoughts.
No effort.
No resistance.
Just stillness.
Gradually—
The noise faded.
The pressure disappeared.
Even the sense of time—
Became distant.
And for a brief moment—
Everything vanished.
Nothing remained.
And in that nothing—
He understood.
His eyes opened.
"…I see."
[Manual Comprehended]
A second manual appeared.
Around him—
Voices erupted.
"I did it!"
"Second manual!"
"Hurry!"
A system message followed:
Total Manuals: 10
Comprehend 5 Manuals — Gain Strength
Comprehend 7 Manuals — Awaken Talent
Comprehend 10 Manuals — Obtain Legacy
Excitement surged.
Pressure increased.
Everyone pushed forward.
Trying to comprehend more.
Trying to reach higher.
But Namus—
Remained calm.
He picked up the second manual slowly.
Because he had already realized something important—
This wasn't about speed.
It was about understanding.
And this—
Was only the beginning.