I opened my eyes and found myself in a familiar space. It was dark, warm, and quiet… It was a place that always calmed me down no matter what happened.
A small ray of sunlight pierced the room, passing through the small space caused by the demarcations in the curtains which covered my window.
"It's morning already," I said tiredly.
I gave a short sigh and glanced around me. It took a while before my eyes adjusted to the darkness, but once they did I was able to see things a little more clearly.
My wall clock hung on the wall, along with my calendars and the other accessories I had, which were mostly based on my favorite anime characters.
My mind wondered for a moment, disoriented about many things, most especially the short, yet seemingly lasting dream I had.
"If felt so vivid though…" I muttered.
Deciding that I have gotten enough sleep, I stretched my body and yawned heavily.
"Should be the 26th now. Would you look at that, I slept throughout Christmas, after all."
With no noise around me, I felt a sense of peace and satisfaction. No one would be disturbing me for the day, so I should take the time to enjoy myself even more.
I went to the switch which was placed on the wall adjacent to my bed and turned on the lights to properly navigate my room.
>Click<
No light appeared.
Strange… What's going on?
I clicked the switch again, and nothing happened. Curious about this, I looked around my room and discovered the warmer wasn't even working. I quickly went to the circuit switch and found out it was already on, though no light was displayed.
"Hmmn, there's no electricity, I wonder why… Is there a blackout? That never happens…" I mumbled
Upon discovering the absence of electricity, the room suddenly began to feel stuffy. I can't stand this… I need fresh air.
I glanced at the only window in my room and moved towards it. Curtains covered it in order to ensure darkness prevailed here, however, Right now, I needed that very light.
Grabbing both drapes with my hands, I moved them apart, making them reveal the glass windows. The sudden flash of light made me close my eyes and squeeze my face. Without opening my eyes, I stretched my hands and used my sweaty palm to slide the windows open in order to let a fresh breeze fill up the stale atmosphere I was in.
However, what I felt was nothing of that kind. Instead a strange smell of flames and smoke filled my nose and heat swept through the already stuffy space.
"What the…" I groaned and opened my eyes to see what could cause such discomfort and taint the breeze which was meant to be cold.
It was winter, after all
I slowly opened my eyes, and the images I saw made everything I thought was just a dream rush back into my memory.
"I-It was real…?!" I muttered, taking in the scene of chaos and destruction before me.
Through my window, I witnessed what could most accurately be described as an apocalypse, only seen in movies and comics.
The world was literally engulfed in flames and destruction. I saw monsters of fantasy roaming through buildings, flying beasts soaring through the sky… Creatures of nightmares prowling around the devastated buildings with their grotesque appearances.
"It's all real… The dream… Everything!"
My heart suddenly started beating at a rapid rate. Panic spread through my entire body, making it go numb in fear. If everything was real, then that meant… This world had become…
>Screech!!<
A loud, piercing sound suddenly filled the air, making me cover my ears in reflex. I glanced all over to see where the screech had come from. Looking around in panic, my eyes finally met it, a flying monster who raised its wings in exaltation, displaying its brilliance. Its eyes suddenly darted toward my direction, meeting my gaze.
My body froze immediately, paralyzed by the fear and terrible foreboding I had.
The bird grinned devilishly, taking flight immediately, and ascended higher into the sky. Quickly aiming its body in midair, it glided through the winds while focusing its gaze on me. Lunging toward my house, it swept through everything else, and I knew for sure I was going to die.
"H-Help…" I mumbled in fear, stuttering as I spoke.
My body shook and I felt like I would pass out at any moment.
Even when I had watched countless scenes like this back in the Sacred Hall, experiencing such horror in real life was something my fragile mind couldn't handle. I remembered enjoying the monsters killing several humans when I tuned in to watch feeds on the events on Earth after the 'Christmas Miracle'. Was it finally my turn? Right here, right now…
"I'm… Going to die…?"
Suddenly, as the monstrous bird of prey lunged toward me, a much larger and terrible creature intercepted the bird, and in the blink of an eye, devoured the beast of terror I feared.
>CRUNCH<
I could hear the sounds of grinding bones and tearing flesh from my distance, watching the blood of the beast fly everywhere. As I shivered, seeing the purple liquid ooze from the jaws of the massive beast which had just killed the monstrous bird, it turned and stared at me.
Its gaze terrified me far more than the dead bird, something that seemed impossible. My heart raced at an inconceivable pace and I felt I would have a heart attack at that moment.
From the frying pan into the fire!
The colossal creature, resembling a grizzly, with four arms and a pair of dragon wings, grinned as its eyes locked on me. Its smile was condescending, as though it mocked me.
>Kuahahahaha<
I heard it snicker in a monstrous tone, making me feel even more pathetic as the beast ridiculed my shivering state.
Suddenly, the beast turned away, shrugging nonchalantly, and flew out of sight in an instant.
"Eh?" I muttered, confused by what just happened.
My legs gave out and I crumbled to the ground, still shaking.
The monster, whether not it felt like eating me, spared me. Was I not worth considering in the eyes of such a terrible creature?
I was saved due to the whims of that monster, if not… my death would have been guaranteed. A feeling of frustration enveloped me as I clenched my fists in anger and frustration.
Despite everything… I'm still so useless…
"You pathetic kid!…" I said to myself.
"… NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, ONLY THINK OF SURVIVAL… AND HOW TO GO ABOUT IT!"
God's voice and the words he said suddenly rang through my head as I remembered my final moments in the Sacred Hall.
"That stupid geezer… What has he done?!" I muttered.
I don't know why, but after recollecting his words, I stopped shaking immediately. I ruminated on his advice. Was he trying to tell me something? He did say I wouldn't last very long in the world, which was why he didn't give me the last Gift he had.
"Survival…"
I had to only think of that one thing… In such a hellish world, was that even possible for me?
"But… This world had been hell for me before now… What difference does this make?" My mind suddenly answered.
My eyes immediately widened as the realization of my position began to dawn on me.
I had knowledge of occurrences all over the world, thanks to the time I observed everyone. I understood the state of affairs of the world, and how horrible the situation had gotten.
With scarcities plaguing the whole world, and everyone in a state of panic and unrest, there was very little anyone could do. The few who actually ventured to fight the 'Demons' as God called them, were the powerful Gifted… I can definitely count myself out of those.
Even though I had nearly shit myself after watching the gory sight just now, with the threat gone, my mind has become clearer. Slowly and calmly, I was beginning to remember the time I spent with my roommate, watching my planet from a safe place.
I remember thinking up various strategies and counters for the problems people encountered. Panic and fear will always cloud the minds of humans, so in a state of emergency such as this, no one was thinking clearly and rationally. But, while in my room, I was safe… Calm and secure.
There was a common theme that was in every thought I had concerning this devastation back in the Sacred Hall.
"In such an apocalypse, there's one thing that is most needed… It's neither power nor people… But rather Food, water, and resources… If I have those…"
This world… I can survive, no, I will survive in it!
Okay, first things first, I need to know exactly what my aids are.It's been 30 days since the 'Miracle' happened. Today is the 24th of January... Looks like I missed the New Year celebration as well... Yayy...I was in the Sacred Hall for quite some time, and even though we didn't spend much time talking to each other, I knew quite a few things about that God guy.Knowing the geezer, there was no way he would say something if he didn't mean it."Since he brought me to this world and gave me advice, it must mean that I have a chance at surviving... and I'm definitely taking it!"Currently, I possess the Divine System, a window that contains information about myself.The world is now like a game, and I'm a player. Just like in RPGs and fantasy events, I have access to a special panel that displays my current status and abilities.Every Gifted in this world possesses this System, and along with it comes the power to 'Level Up' and increase one's overall abilities.Other than that, there
In the profound silence of the celestial palace, the resonant voice of God echoed, "It's about time he left." The gravitas of his words filled the divine expanse, each syllable reverberating in the still air.Ensconced on his monumental throne, his eyes were drawn to a large golden screen suspended before him. This screen was no ordinary construct, but an extraordinary device reflecting a vast multitude of events unfurling across his divine dominion. His gaze swept over the flickering images, taking in the realities of the mortal world below.Observing the unfolding circumstances, his voice rang out, "Would you just look at this... What a mess!" His utterance carried an amalgam of surprise, disappointment, and a poignant frustration.The spectacle of the world beneath was enough to stir even the most composed deity. Witnessing the callous disregard for life by humans, the ease with which demonic entities invaded and overran once majestic cities, a sense of profound irritation welled
It had been six days since I returned to this world, and 36 days since this madness began... My body still trembled at the thought of leaving this haven I had made for myself, but I refused to allow the fear within to shake my resolve. "Urgh… I stink…" I gagged, after taking a whiff of my odor. Being so preoccupied with learning as much as I could, I spent little time doing anything else. Other than eating and sleeping, my undivided attention was dedicated to learning as much as I could about the System and formulating strategies while preparing for the inevitable time I would leave. After six days of such an unhygienic lifestyle, I needed an intense bath. I brushed my teeth as hard as I could, making sure I got everything right since I would not be doing anything like it in a while. Also, using the water that was left in my bath, after putting enough in my [Subspace] I had a thorough shower. Now feeling refreshed and full of vigor, I picked the clothes I had decided to wear, af
My body quivered, trembling with an unfamiliar sensation, a disconcerting numbness spreading through my limbs like a silent, creeping storm. It was a moment that hung in the balance, teetering between survival and demise, an instant that would decide if I could find my place in this world, or be discarded like obsolete flotsam in the face of an era that was alien and daunting in its savagery."As a rational person, should I fail to kill a Demon during our first encounter, what hope could I possibly harbor to explore the chaotic world that lies in wait beyond these walls?" This grim realization sank like an anchor in the sea of my thoughts.With an unwavering grip, I clutched the sharpened metal rod that was my only line of defense, a pitiful shield against the brutal realities of my existence. With measured movements, I tilted the rod, aligning its razor-sharp edge towards the direction of the ascending staircase."Skraakiiiikk!" The eerie sound resonated in the cavernous silence, the
With a resonating "Skrreaeeek!", the cavernous hallways of the forsaken edifice reverberated with the guttural cries of otherworldly creatures, malicious echoes snaking their way through the labyrinthine pathways that had once offered the promise of escape. But it had become glaringly clear that the maze now only led to dead-ends.An eerie realization dawned on me, chilling me to the core yet oddly sparking a determined resolve in my heart. There was no path for flight, no possibility of escaping the hellish scenario I found myself ensnared in. The only victory lay not in evasion, but in confrontation. I had to suppress these demonic creatures, overpower every single one of them lurking within the decrepit walls of this forsaken structure. It was a daunting task, to say the least, but one that could not be avoided. The only way to gain an upper hand was to anticipate their attacks, strategize against their strengths and weaknesses, for my resilience against their unexpected onslaughts
The gruesome squelch of monstrous flesh under force echoed throughout the confined hallway, marking yet another victorious battle against a wave of demons. "Skriiiiikkk," the creatures wheezed, issuing their final, feeble death cries as the life seeped out of them.I surveyed the bloody aftermath, an odd sense of satisfaction washing over me. "This marks the third wave," I gloated, casting a scornful look at the pathetic beasts now lying lifeless at my feet.As if in response, an unexpected message rang through my mind, a voice both alien and intimate simultaneously.[You Have Leveled Up][You Have Leveled Up]My eyebrows lifted in mild surprise. Leveling up twice in quick succession? I had expected a more substantial boost, given the formidable opponents I had just laid low.The slain demons were a group of three, and each of them held an impressive level. One was at Level 6, the remaining two at Level 5. Considering my level was at 4 when I killed them, I had been hoping for more e
An earsplitting wail erupted, the horrific sound slicing through the air as the demons leapt forward, their bodies crouched, ready to pounce on me. It was a hideous sound, one that echoed the darkness and despair that had consumed my existence. Without a moment's hesitation, I voiced out, "[Subspace]!" The word, a command to the unknown, pierced the air like a beacon of hope in the suffocating despair.As though materializing out of the fabric of reality itself, a shimmering blue window appeared before me. I reached out, extending my hand towards it, aiming to select an item from the list that displayed itself before me. However, even as my fingers neared the translucent screen, I felt a sudden and overwhelming crunch. One of the monstrous beasts lunged at me, its gnarled fangs sinking deep into the soft flesh of my arm. The immediate pain was piercing, the beast's sharp fangs gouging out a chunk of my skin, its teeth burrowing into my flesh with ruthless force. The agony was almost
It was amidst the buzz of cosmic energy that a golden-hued interface flickered into being, its luminescent presence serving as a beacon amidst the tumultuous chaos that had so recently gripped my existence. The inscribed details on its screen revealed the stark reality of my current circumstances and the significant progress I had made since my last ordeal.Before the debacle involving a menacing swarm of demons, my experience had peaked at Level 6, and now, having ascended four levels during the fray, I felt a surge of expectation ripple through my being. The lure of greater prowess, reflected in the numbers on the golden panel, was a tantalizing promise of the potential growth that lay within my grasp.[STATUS INFORMATION]- Name: Damian Stark- Level: 10 – Exp: 10.30- Race: Human- Job: None- Age: 16 Years- Sex: Male- Height: 5” 3. – Weight: 115 pounds- Alignment: Chaotic Neutral- Karma Points: 100 – (G) Karma Points: 10[Stats]- HP: 600/600- MP: - -- Strength: 140- Agili
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