[INSIDE THE TOWER]
John's voice wavered as he spoke, his head pounding from the disorienting experience. "Uh, my head hurts, what the hell happened?" he mumbled, stumbling in the dim light. He accidentally bumped into someone, causing both of them to tumble.
"What the... huh, is that a person?" his eyes darted around, taking in the increasing crowd. A slight headache gnawed at him as he tried to piece together the situation.
"Oh right, that blinding light and the tower," he muttered, the memory slowly resurfacing. "Was I teleported? To where, exactly, inside this tower? Did these people go through the same thing? let's calm down and think this through."
He lowered himself to the ground, observing the frightened and unconscious figures nearby. Standing up, he explored the space, desperation growing as he realized there was no way in or out. They were all trapped, cut off from the world outside, inside the enigmatic tower.
"Goddammit, let us out of here! Do you know who I am? You won't get away with this," one of the men around John shouted, his voice carrying a facade of confidence, but his trembling knees betrayed his fear.
The frantic cries of the trapped crowd mixed with the sobs of terrified children. Suddenly, a blinding light engulfed the space, making everyone shield their eyes. From the brilliance emerged a figure—slender, clad in shorts and a tight shirt, barefoot. He floated gracefully among the people, his eyes scanning their bewildered faces before stopping at the center of the crowd.
"Hello, everyone. I am Sebastian, one of the administrators of this tower," he announced, his tone oddly playful as he hovered like an exuberant child. "I'm sure you're all confused about what happened and why you're here. You've been chosen by the tower to undergo a special trial. Succeed, and you'll be granted unique abilities to combat the monster in your world."
John raised his hand, hoping for answers, but before he could speak, a burly man shoved him aside, sending him sprawling. The imposing figure stepped forward, attempting to assert dominance in front of Sebastian.
"Listen here, you little brat, if…"
Sebastian snapped his fingers, and the man exploded, showering the crowd in gore. Horrified gasps filled the air as some onlookers fainted, others retching in revulsion. John nearly vomited too but averted his eyes in time.
In an instant, he teleported before John, scrutinizing his face so closely that John stumbled backward. With a wave of his magical hand, he effortlessly righted John, his eyes holding a peculiar mix of innocence and desire.
"So, what did you want to ask, young man?" he inquired, his expression oddly cute yet slightly suggestive.
"What's wrong with him, is he gay?" John wondered to himself.
"I want to know what's happening outside the tower and what will occur if we die in here," he asked, his tone serious.
"Hmm, the outside world is fine. Focus on your survival in here. This may be the trial floor, but death inside this tower is permanent," he explained, his ethereal form hovering away.
The crowd buzzed with anxiety, some pleading to be released, but Sebastian paid no heed. With another snap of his fingers, swords materialized in everyone's hands, leaving them to grapple with the weight of their newfound weapons.
"That's my gift to you all: try and survive until the end. Well, goodbye, I have other groups to check up on," he declared before vanishing into thin air. The room fell silent, the air thick with confusion. No one understood why they were armed, and some, driven by instinct, considered turning on one another.
"Listen, everyone," John's voice cut through the uncertainty as he moved around, attempting to rally them. "If my guess is correct, this trial will pit us against some kind of monster. I assume there are monsters outside the tower as well. To make it out alive, we have to work together."
Silence greeted his words until a small girl approached, tugging at his pants.
"I will fight with you, mister," she said, her voice trembling uncontrollably.
He knelt, patting her head gently before lifting her up. "What's your name, little one?" he asked, a warm smile on his face.
"My name is Ari," she replied, clinging tightly to him.
"That's a beautiful name. Don't worry, Ari, I will protect you."
Suddenly, a doorway opened in the wall, and a reaper wolf emerged, followed by a whole pack. Chaos erupted as the wolves attacked, people scrambling in fear, trampling one another in the desperate attempt to escape the savage onslaught.
John, with Ari clinging tightly to his back, stepped backward cautiously, sword outstretched. A reaper wolf lunged at them, jaws wide open. Attempting to escape, he sprinted, but a cruel twist of fate sent him sprawling. His sword, facing upward from the fall, impaled the creature, piercing its mouth and snuffing out its life. Experience points flooded his senses, his stats visible but devoid of the capabilities that Davy's system offered.
"EVERYONE, IF YOU KILL THEM, YOU GET STRONGER! TRUST ME AND KILL THEM!!" his voice echoed through the room, rallying the survivors.
He stood, Ari securely on his back, and battled the monsters. Though struggling, he made progress. Witnessing John's courage, the others followed suit, grabbing their swords and charging into the fray.
He left some monsters alive for Ari to handle. Surprisingly, she adapted quickly, astonishing even him. Hours passed, filled with fierce combat and camaraderie. Eventually, they triumphed, forging bonds through the shared ordeal. The group's hierarchy solidified, with John rightfully leading the pack. The top five members were ranked as follows:
**John, Level: 4 - Combat Ability: 150 [Swordsman]**
**Ezekiel, Level: 3 - Combat Ability: 140 [Swordsman]**
**Ari, Level: 3 - Combat Ability: 100 [Magician]**
**Paul, Level: 2 - Combat Ability: 90 [Assassin]**
**Racheal, Level: 2 - Combat Ability: 90 [Thief]
They gathered, their faces etched with exhaustion and grief. The loss of the elderly and children weighed heavily on their hearts. John intended to prepare them for the worst, but before he could utter a word, Sebastian materialized.
"Well done, everyone. You've all excelled. You've passed the Tower of Trials," He announced, his voice carrying a note of pride. "Now, you have a choice. You can return outside, or you can advance to the first floor."
With a snap of his fingers, he bestowed upon them tailored magic, 1500 points each, and a two-level boost. Joy erupted among the survivors as the weight of their ordeal began to lift. He opened two doors—one leading outside and another to the next floor. John and Ezekiel opted for the first floor, but Ari, burdened by the quest to find her parents, couldn't join them.
"Once you're outside, look for Davy. Tell him I sent you; he'll protect you," John advised Ari, embracing her. Tears streamed down her face, and he gently patted her head. "Everything will be okay."
She left, determined to find her parents, while John set off as well. He entrusted her to Davy based on a newfound skill, [a warrior's intuition], whispering that Davy was alive. With a final glance back, he stepped through the door, and it closed behind him, sealing his fate on the first floor. What awaited him there and whether Ari would find Davy remained uncertain.