Gozarts town, the inception of adventures for those daring to venture into the new oasis realm. As players depart the tutorial, they find themselves spawned here – a humble abode where they embark on their journey, gradually honing their skills and growing stronger.
Over time, many of these fledgling players set forth in pursuit of greater challenges and power. They seek battles within dungeons and the tower. However, the town remains far from deserted; regularly replenished by fresh players from the tutorial. That was the case until about a week ago.
As days turned into weeks, a peculiar phenomenon unfolded. None had sighted anyone from the tutorial, prompting speculation within the virtual world about events in the real world. Adding to the enigma, this occurred shortly after a game-wide announcement that reverberated through the player base.
[ The 100th floor had been attempted. ]
This announcement reached every player of the game, evoking various reactions – panic, astonishment, curiosity, and a prevailing silence as players grappled with its significance.
Honestly, it felt more reassuring to dismiss it as mere coincidence or a glitch, as though an error had crept in somewhere. At least, that's what they clung to – the notion that such an implausible event couldn't possibly be true. Within the confines of the game, uncertainty shrouded the existence of a one-hundredth floor; the highest conquered level stood at thirty-five, a feat accomplished solely by a unique group known as "the remainders."
This assembly consisted of individuals so devoted to the game that even after gaining the freedom to depart, they opted to stay, determined to ascend to the zenith of New Oasis. Eventually, others embraced this commitment, swelling the ranks of the initially small enclave into a substantial in-game guild.
This guild, composed of formidable entities consumed by an insatiable thirst for power, severed all connections with reality. Their leaders, possessing an air of terror, portrayed themselves as the most capable players both within and beyond the game. Yet, even they had barely managed to surpass the thirty-fifth floor, narrowly evading fatal consequences.
Contemplating which player could conceivably conquer the tower and scale its heights up to the one-hundredth floor was undeniably unsettling – in reality, the answer was simple: no one. That was the sole logical conclusion they could muster, or at least, the one they persuaded themselves to accept, allowing them to almost dismiss the unsettling irregularities that had surfaced.
However, not long after, shattering the tranquil ambiance that had settled over Gozarts town, a sense of calm and peace hard-won by the residents, the familiar horns sounded, resonating throughout the town.
These horns marked the completion of the tutorial and the arrival of new players – a sound that had been absent for weeks, making its return all the more surprising. Although, even more startling was the spectacle that ensued after the horns – the grand unveiling of the tutorial ranking.
[ Rank 1: 30,000 XP (Ivan Golborne) ]
Within the minds of those present, an unsettling dilemma emerged. They grappled with what was more perturbing: the near-impossible quantity of experience points amassed by a tutorial player or the disconcerting fact that this list only showed one individual.
Now, the players surrounding Ivan sought answers to this very enigma. Yet, the response they received, although somewhat anticipated, remained profoundly disconcerting.
"How did they meet their demise?" inquired another voice from the group of players.
"Through sheer stupidity" Ivan offered matter-of-factly.
"Do you find this funny? Do you understand the gravity of this situation?" retorted one of the players, his anger flaring.
"Far from it, I assure you. I made no attempt at humor; I am only presenting the unfiltered truth. Their demise resulted from their own reckless actions," Ivan responded somberly.
"Well, you'd have to elaborate on that statement when we're before the Five guilds. Let's go," declared the man who had previously erupted in anger.
"What if I have no plans to follow you anywhere?" Ivan inquired.
"In that case, we'll ensure your presence by means of force," the man retorted.
"Ah, now that's funny," Ivan responded with a near-manic burst of laughter. His amusement stemmed from the realization that each individual facing him was at Level Twenty-five or below, yet they persisted in foolishly brandishing threats.
"What's so amusing?" the man inquired.
"'By force?, tell me...just what makes you think you're capable of that" Ivan retorted, his gaze narrowing upon the group.
"I am confident in our abilities," the man asserted, swinging a substantial axe through the air. While Ivan's true identity remained enigmatic, he remained steadfast in the belief that a player fresh from the tutorial couldn't possibly outmatch him in strength.
"Excellent. Then you're prepared to bet your lives on this confidence" Ivan affirmed as he retrieved Bloodhound from his inventory, its dark blade seeming to absorb the surrounding light.
"Wait, there's no necessity for violence. It seems we've simply misunderstood each other. Let's all remain composed, Lester," interjected one of the girls within the gathering, her voice laced with reason as she returned her weapons to her inventory.
"Mr. Ivan, you must understand that the game has experienced several anomalies. Given your sudden appearance and the tutorial's unconventional status, it's only appropriate that you assist us in resolving this matter. If you'd kindly cooperate and accompany us, we would greatly appreciate it," the girl explained.
"And where, precisely, am I meant to be accompanying you?" Ivan queried.
"You'll be traveling alongside another individual who is undergoing trial, heading to the outskirts of Border Town," the girl provided in response.
"Well, I suppose since you've asked so politely," Ivan replied, although his words were far from genuine. In truth, he held no intention of obliging their request, irrespective of their approach. Initially, he had planned to swiftly incapacitate them, if necessary, and continue on his way. However, his perspective shifted upon learning their destination; an opportunity had presented itself.