The victory felt hollow as the dungeon around him began to dissolve. The oppressive darkness lifted, replaced by a blinding light that signaled the end of the trial. Kale's body was on the verge of collapse, the repeated use of Limit Break and his other abilities having pushed him far beyond his physical limits. Yet he had survived, dragging himself through the impossible gauntlet set by his cursed talent.
A familiar pull gripped him, and in an instant, he was teleported back to the waiting room, a simple, empty chamber with white walls and a lone bench. Kale braced himself for the usual shower of rewards that came with clearing a dungeon, but this time, nothing appeared. The room was silent, save for the faint hum of the system. His breathing slowed, and he scanned the empty space, expecting a glitch. Instead, his system window opened, displaying a new set of notifications.
The realization dawned on him: from the 4th Floor onward, the rules were different. A new system was in play—Karma.
Kale's interface outlined the basics of the new mechanic. Karma wasn't just a tally of kills or completed objectives; it was a measure of everything—decisions, performance, and even how he treated those around him. Karma could be spent on a variety of things: skills, gear, rare items, and even secrets from the Tower itself. But the catch was this: the more Karma retained, the better the rewards at the end of the next main trial. It was a high-stakes balancing act, and every action he took would have consequences.
"The Tower just keeps throwing curveballs," Kale muttered, absorbing the implications. It was no longer just about raw power. It was a game of strategy, patience, and restraint. The thought of it both intrigued and frustrated him—his every move scrutinized, weighed, and judged. It felt like the Tower itself was a sentient entity, constantly adapting to keep him on edge.
Turning away from the notifications, Kale shifted his focus to his skills. The grueling battle had driven their mastery levels to new heights. The Mastery System was another layer he'd unlocked. Skills improved through repeated use, becoming more refined and efficient. At 100% mastery, a skill would evolve into a more powerful version of itself, though this transformation was limited to those ranked below S3. Skills ranked S3 and higher were notoriously difficult to master; they were beyond the reach of all but the gods themselves—or so it was believed.
Kale's eyes fell on Omniscient Eyes, the most recent addition to his arsenal. Its mastery level had surged thanks to the relentless dungeon fights. The skill was already proving invaluable, granting him a perspective that went beyond mere sight. It dissected every move, every breath, allowing him to predict and react with uncanny precision. He couldn't help but marvel at its potential. If rumors were true, Omniscient Eyes could rival the legendary Golden Sage's Eyes—or even surpass it.
Kale leaned against the cold wall, his exhaustion catching up to him. Every muscle screamed for rest. His body was battered, but the mental toll weighed heavier. The constant strain of pushing his abilities to their limits had drained him in ways he hadn't anticipated. He needed rest, and he needed it now.
After finally reaching his temporary quarters, Kale collapsed onto the bed, letting sleep take over. The room was unremarkable, but to him, it felt like a sanctuary. His mind shut down almost instantly, allowing him a few hours of uninterrupted, dreamless sleep. When he awoke, the pain was still there—a dull throb that pulsed with each heartbeat—but his resolve was unbroken. He couldn't afford to stay idle. There was always someone faster, stronger, or more prepared. The Tower never waited, and neither could he.
Without a moment's hesitation, Kale geared up and left the room. He moved with purpose, making his way to the entrance of the 4th Main Trial. The path ahead was fraught with peril, and every step felt like a countdown to the next confrontation. But that was the price of ambition. He couldn't afford to linger on these early floors, not when the upper levels promised the kind of power he desperately needed.
As he approached the trial portal, Kale's thoughts were singular and unwavering: climb, fight, survive. The Tower was a merciless place, filled with challenges that defied logic and enemies that only grew stronger. But Kale was ready. The risks were higher than ever, but so were the rewards, and he intended to claim them all. The 4th Main Trial awaited, and for better or worse, Kale was determined to meet it head-on.
The Tower's system had changed the game. Karma wasn't just a score—it was a judgment on his actions, rewarding and punishing in equal measure. Every decision, every fight, every moment could either strengthen him or set him back. This wasn't just about leveling up or finding better gear anymore; it was about navigating an invisible web of consequences that stretched across each floor.
The interface displayed an option: Karma Shop. Temptations lined up, from potions to stat boosts to rare skills. The allure of instant power was undeniable, but he understood the hidden price. Each purchase would sap his accumulated Karma, potentially weakening the rewards he would receive after the next main trial. It was another cruel twist, forcing him to weigh short-term gain against long-term advantage.
Kale dismissed the menu, refusing to be baited. His goal was clear—climb higher, survive longer, and secure his place in the Tower's hierarchy. He was playing a different game now, one that demanded more than just brute strength. Strategy, patience, and foresight would be his new weapons.
Before leaving the waiting room, Kale took a moment to examine his other skills. Limit Break, Monster Hunter, and Sage's Eyes had all gained considerable mastery during the relentless battles in the dungeon. Each skill felt more responsive, more refined, as if they had evolved alongside him. Limit Break was no longer just a surge of power; it was a controlled explosion, finely tuned to his will.
Kale knew he was walking a razor's edge. The Tower demanded everything—body, mind, and soul. But the Mastery System offered a path to something greater. Skills that reached 100% mastery could evolve, gaining new properties and enhanced effects. Kale wondered just how far he could push them. Could Limit Break transform into something that didn't tear his body apart every time he used it? Could Sage's Eyes reach a point where it rivaled the legendary skills of the gods?
He glanced at Omniscient Eyes again, feeling the surge of potential. Already it was showing signs of becoming something more. With each use, the skill seemed to grow sharper, feeding him not just data but insight. It was more than a tool—it was a guide, showing him the perfect path through every challenge.
But he wasn't naïve. Skills ranked S1 and above were almost mythic in nature. The idea of reaching 100% mastery in such a skill was considered impossible. Even gods, bound by the rules of the Tower, had limits. Kale's mind wandered briefly to the rumored divine abilities that existed beyond mortal comprehension. There were whispers of skills ranked above S, held only by those who had ascended beyond the Tower's grasp. But those secrets were locked behind a barrier of causality, hidden from beings like him. It was a humbling reminder of his place in the grand scheme of things.
Kale sighed and headed to his room in the hotel. His body was still aching from the dungeon, and he needed time to fully recover. He stretched out on the bed, feeling the weariness seep out of him. As he closed his eyes, he knew he couldn't afford to stay on these lower floors much longer. The real challenges lay ahead, and he had no intention of wasting time.
Once rested, he gathered his gear and headed straight for the 4th Trial entrance. Kale's determination was absolute. He couldn't linger, not when the path to the 10th Floor called to him. The Tower was ruthless, and it would only get harder. But with every step, every battle, Kale was getting stronger, wiser, and more prepared for whatever awaited him.
He stopped briefly at the portal, his mind replaying the last trial, the lessons learned, and the power he had harnessed. There was no room for hesitation, no space for doubt. He stepped forward, his body still aching but his resolve unshaken. This was just the beginning. The Tower had tested him, pushed him to his limits, but he was still standing. And as long as he drew breath, he would keep climbing, no matter the cost.