"Alright, Damian, just breathe," I quietly admonished myself. My words echoed in the deafening silence that surrounded me, bouncing off invisible walls that only I could perceive. I could feel the tension coursing through me, threatening to override my logic with fear and panic. I knew I had to counter this with tranquility. So, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and let the cool air slowly fill my lungs. I held it for a moment before exhaling, feeling my tension partially dissipate with the expulsion of air.
In the throes of my current predicament, it was easy to fixate on the uncertainties, the potential perils that seemed to lurk around every corner. It was easy to feel overwhelmed by the weight of things I couldn't control. But I knew that surrendering to this fear was not productive. Time was my ally, and I intended to use every second wisely to come up with a strategy to navigate the myriad challenges that loomed ahead.I forced a semblance of positivity i"Let the games commence," I declared, as a rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins.In mere seconds, propelled by my significantly enhanced agility and speed, I crossed the desolate hallway, landing at the staircase in the blink of an eye. A glance around revealed the vanished remains of the slaughtered monsters; the system had efficiently eliminated their bloodied carcasses, turning them into demon cores and assorted artifacts. As a result, even their spilled blood was being absorbed into oblivion.The staircase was devoid of any creatures. I made haste, descending to the third floor and soon found myself on the second level."This will be a true test of skill," I muttered under my breath.I found myself confronted by a teeming horde of Demons. I stepped cautiously into the wide hallway of the second floor, and instantly, dozens of creatures fixed their malignant gazes upon me, baring their sharpened fangs threateningly. An initial estimate s
The battlefield was a grisly panorama of lifeless bodies, a tribute to the fierce struggle that had just concluded. I stood triumphantly amidst the bloody carnage, a satisfied grin marking my face as the fallen demons dissipated, metamorphosing into experience points for me. As their spectral bodies vanished into the ether, they generously bequeathed their valuable cores.Although my successful onslaught facilitated a level-up six times, it was a disappointing number compared to my aspirations. It felt as if the mountain I was scaling was growing steeper with every step; every subsequent level-up becoming an increasingly challenging feat to accomplish. This was a common principle I'd encountered before in the role-playing games and novels I'd immersed myself in, but to experience it firsthand was another story.As I surveyed the battlefield, my gaze was drawn to the scattering of luminescent purple stones — the residual cores of the fallen demons. I let out a low,
Upon my entry into the house, a few subtle signs had indicated that all was not as it seemed. The disorderly state of the house suggested that its occupant was either particularly unclean or… As I inhaled deeply, the lingering human scent wafting in the stale air confirmed my suspicions. Someone had been here recently, possibly even now. Although this raised some alarm bells, I decided to keep my focus on my own objectives. After all, the person didn't project any immediate threat. But once I wrapped up my self-assessment and had a better understanding of my abilities, it seemed only natural to confront the lingering presence in the house.I pondered, “For all I know… This might not be his home.” In the chaotic world that unfolded around us, concepts such as property rights had become rather ambiguous. Nonetheless, it was a surprise to stumble upon a resident in this dilapidated shelter.After successfully rendering the intruder unconscious, I fetched a s
With a confident smile, I responded to his desperate plea. "Certainly, I'll assist you," I assured the trembling man tied before me. Relief began to replace the terrified expression on Arthur's face."R-Really?" His voice wavered, seemingly unsure whether to take my words at face value."In all honesty, I've been struggling to escape this place on my own," I admitted, exhaling a heavy sigh. "I need your assistance just as much as you need mine.""Even with your high level?" He questioned in disbelief."Well... the situation is a little complicated..." I confessed, masking my unease with a vague reply.It had become quite apparent that Arthur was a novice when it came to navigating this world and its embedded system. I'd initially regretted not being among the first batch of summoned individuals, assuming I'd missed out on crucial information. However, it appeared that even the early arrivals were clueless about many aspects of this world.If I could garner Arthur's trust and collabora
With a confident smile, I responded to his desperate plea. "Certainly, I'll assist you," I assured the trembling man tied before me. Relief began to replace the terrified expression on Arthur's face."R-Really?" His voice wavered, seemingly unsure whether to take my words at face value."In all honesty, I've been struggling to escape this place on my own," I admitted, exhaling a heavy sigh. "I need your assistance just as much as you need mine.""Even with your high level?" He questioned in disbelief."Well... the situation is a little complicated..." I confessed, masking my unease with a vague reply.It had become quite apparent that Arthur was a novice when it came to navigating this world and its embedded system. I'd initially regretted not being among the first batch of summoned individuals, assuming I'd missed out on crucial information. However, it appeared that even the early arrivals were clueless about many aspects of this world.If I could garner Arthur's trust and collabora
My mind reeled at his revelation.“Is this fool for real?!” I internally exploded.All the kindness I had shown him, all for naught? Such a waste!“There’s no point in an alliance then. I’ll have to figure out another way-” I caught myself before speaking my thoughts aloud.Suddenly, my attention was caught by the sight of the fine tools I had noticed earlier. Knives and other well-crafted makeshift weapons lay strewn on the ground a few meters away.A grin spread across my face as an idea took form in my mind.“He might still end up being useful, after all.”An uncomfortable silence settled between us, only to be broken by Arthur's hesitant voice.“E-Erm… So…” he stammered, his eyes darting around the room in anxiety.He was clearly wondering about my next move. Luckily, he might not be as useless as I initially thought.“A-Ah, I apologize. I was momentarily lost in thought.” I quickly reassured him, keeping up my friendly facade.“Tell me, Arthur, could your Gift have anything to do
[Smithing] – a gift that granted the ability to forge weapons and tools from various materials. An ability straight out of the many games I had indulged in. Given the similarity in the mechanics of this world to those of video games, I felt confident about how the concept should work. I was ecstatic, feeling as if I had stumbled upon a jackpot.A soft moan broke my reverie. It was Arthur, finally loosening his stiffened limbs after I had untied the ropes that had kept him bound. His relief was palpable, and he looked at me with a thankful smile. I rolled my eyes internally; it was as if I was dealing with a child. My act of kindness was purely utilitarian – I needed him to use his [Smithing] Gift, after all.Thankfully, Arthur trusted me, and his evident fear meant he would refrain from pulling any risky moves. Satisfied, I decided it was time to get to work.“Alright, Arthur, it's time we got started. I've told you about my Gift. Now, it’s your turn to explain how your Gift works,” I
[System Alert]Arthur's face lit up in delight. "It worked!" he exclaimed, his gaze transfixed on the glow emanating from the newly crafted sword. I, too, found myself grinning in relief, thankful our risky endeavor hadn't ended in failure. Otherwise, five invaluable cores would have been wasted.Slowly, I reached for the sword. Its hilt was glowing on the ground, pulsating with an inviting yet intimidating energy. Grasping it firmly, I hoisted it off the ground."Heavy..." I muttered, feeling the considerable weight of the weapon.Bringing the sword closer, I examined it carefully. The blade, thin and long, bore a dark hue, underscored by a subtle crimson aura that surrounded it. I trained my focus on the weapon and the familiar green window popped into view.[System Information]Name: Enhanced SwordRank: F+Level: 10 (Max)Strength: 500Durability: 5,000Core Power: 700Core Energy: 100%[.]A smile of satisfaction spread across my face. The decision to sacrifice two more cores and
In the quiet aftermath of the tumultuous ARMAGEDDON, I found myself standing at the precipice of a new reality. The remnants of the battle lingered in the air, and I could feel the residual power and (G) Essence coursing through the fabric of existence. As I gazed upon the aftermath, a solemn determination settled within me – a resolve to forge a reality free from the influence of both Demons and Gods.With newfound purpose, I raised my hands, drawing upon the remnants of power that swirled around me. As I concentrated, the very fabric of existence seemed to warp and bend to my will. The Demons and Gods, the Administrators of this chaotic universe, were to be left behind in the debris of ARMAGEDDON.In a surge of cosmic energy, I began to shape a pristine reality, one untouched by supernatural forces. The skies cleared, the land became fertile, and the seas calmed. I meticulously crafted a world where the laws of nature reigned supreme, untouched by the meddling hands of higher bei
"Oh well, there's nothing else I can do…" Even if I was annoyed about the whole thing with Arthur, it was still a fact that he lost.Thanks to their emergency escape, the Pariah party missed their chance to challenge the Hidden Floor of the Tower Of Conquerors.Not only that, but their plan to use Leah and the others as hostages didn't work. They were in my [Subspace].'It's not like they matter to me at this point…'I could simply keep them as (G) Karma Point banks.Now that I could once again resort to farming (G) Karma from people, wasn't this the perfect opportunity to gain as many points as I could?'Ah, but I need quite the number of Points to advance to B Rank…'My Gift was currently in C Rank. While the abilities were pretty broken at this point, I couldn't help but wonder what awaited me if I could get a higher Rank.'With this whole gods business, I need to get as strong as possible…'With a smile, I gazed upon the warbling portal in front of me."Speaking of stronger… I sh
What happens when a person keeps climbing the Tower?Yes, with each Level Up, wounds heal and the body is restored. However, mental fatigue is something that piles up. The strain a person has is something that gathers over time.The Rankers knew this quite well, so they all agreed to climb together. It was very obvious what they were planning on doing.—Letting the other person die!In this world, there were many ways to get stronger. It was also possible to use certain loopholes in the System—especially if one wasn't an Evil Aligned yet.Since the Rankers were in a Party, they must have been very certain of their Alignments, making them completely 'trust' one another.But, these things could be deceptive.Just as I managed to kill a bunch of people without a change in my Chaotic Neutral Alignment, the same applied to a lot of people—especially in a dangerous place like the Tower.As they fought monsters, it was certain that Rankers would get weakened. Then… if, by chance, some 'accid
[SYSTEM ANNOUNCEMENT!][The Tower Of War Has Been Cleared!]Torrents of thoughts flowed in my mind as I looked at the System Window displayed in front of me.'What the hell…?'Why?How?Who?It didn't make any sense.The average Level for the current denizens of the world was 50. The strong ones were about to reach Level 100, but I didn't expect anyone to have attained Level 150 talk-less 200.The Levels and Grades of the monsters climbed as one advanced through the Floors, and since the Towers had similar difficulty, I expected others to receive the same treatment I experienced.No one could have succeeded in that venture, but me. It wasn't pride… but reality!However…'Could it be.—?!'Perhaps it was something I failed to consider. I had always suspected it, but after the Tutorial ended and I kept a watchful eye on the Leaderboard, Auction, Tower Updates, and several other elements of this new world, my doubts were cleared.There shouldn't have been anyone else who was granted somet
"Rise and shine, sleepy head." A voice greeted Abhoth as he opened his astral eyes.His vision blurred, but it only lasted for a moment.Soon, he could see everything around him. It was the exact scene he remembered before dying—the underground room where he was brewing his Elixir.Did he not die? Had he managed to survive?Countless thoughts lurked in Abhoth's ghost-like body… until he realized the fact… that he was in a ghost-like body.He nearly shrieked, seeing as he had a near-transparent form, and floated like a ghost. A purple aura emanated from him, and his body was incorporeal—well, nearly.He was made of energy, and he could even see his actual body—his corpse—lying on the ground.Abhoth didn't need a prophet to tell him that he was dead.'Ghost Magic…?!' His thoughts rang, and imaginary cold sweat broke out on his forehead.He was a ghost, so he couldn't really sweat.Still, Abhoth understood the implications of what had happened to him. As an expert in Magic, he knew of th
The audience was astonished!Sweat fell from their brows and their bodies shuddered. Even though they were protected by the sturdy pink layer, none of them were immune to the chill that coursed through their bones.The group had thought they saw the full extent of the Masked Man's powers—or at least close to it. However, his current actions shattered their preconceived notion."I-impossible…""This can't be real… right?""I can't believe this… is he really human?""Masked Hero! You're so amazing!"They all had different ways of expressing their shock.For starters, the group didn't know how it was possible to clear the battlefield of corpses. They had seen so many dead bodies—like an insurmountable sea—yet, in an instant, the Masked Man cleared them all.It was a feat like none other.As if that wasn't amazing enough, a massive Dragon suddenly emerged from a dark cloud and soared into the sky. The Demon—a being that far surpassed anything they had seen up until that moment—charged bri
There were many ways to win.I knew that from the get-go. I could use [Subspace] to shave off parts of the Dragon's body, reducing its health until it completely fell apart.I could use my purification to severely weaken it and blast the monster to kingdom come. An easy solution would also be to use the seventy-one Treasures OF War to impale the beast on all ends. If I added my Mana to them and increased their efficiency, the monster stood no chance.I could keep going on and on as to how I could win, but what was the point?Once in a while, a person needed some excitement in their life—I was no exception."COME!"My declaration prompted the Dragon Of Storms—or rather, what was left of him—to charge at me with frightening speed.>WHOOOOSSHSHHH
The area around the beast was charred, and nothing but black, sooty grounds surrounding it. Impaling it were several weapons; ranging from spears to blades.They all looked very powerful and valuable.There were seventy-one of the weapons that pierced the monster's body… most likely what killed it.My eyes narrowed on the dead beast, and a wry smile appeared on my face. It now made sense why I sensed such powerful energy from beyond the gate back then.This monstrosity was the cause.Laid on the ground, surrounded by destruction and carnage was one of the most powerful races of Demons that existed.—A Dragon!Judging from the battle scene, I had a fair idea of what transpired here… at least what the narrative of this Floor was.A battle occurred, and the several races combined forces. They had a common enemy, and that was the fallen beast at the center of the battle. I had an idea of the difficulty if seven hundred thousand individuals ganged up on the creature.'It's at least a Grade
I realized my childish body was too inefficient.In so many ways, the fact that I was below average in height and build was going to impede my future plans… which was why I decided to solve the problem.Using Lara’s Gift, now my Skill, I could shape-shift into any form I desired. However, it consumed Mana, and it also had a duration despite how much I maxed it out. Since I couldn't maintain it for too long, the ability was useless as a permanent solution.Scouring for a solution in the SHOP, I finally found my answer. It was a Potion known as the Perfect Growth Compound. After reading its description, I understood its function.The potion simply elevated whoever drank it to their ideal, most perfect physical state. As a result, it could take me to the peak I could ever attain physically.I was a little worried that I was going to remain short, but seeing as there was also a Reversal Potion being sold, I decided to take my chances.Who would have thought… it actually worked!I grew to