As Kira's quiet vow echoed in his mind, the landscape around him began to shift. The once-empty expanse morphed into something out of a dream—a world of fantasy. Towering, enchanted forests stretched as far as the eye could see, their trees glowing softly with an ethereal light. Majestic mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks piercing the sky and wreathed in swirling mists. Rivers of crystal-clear water flowed through the valleys, shimmering under the light of a sun that seemed too perfect to be real. Strange creatures, both beautiful and terrifying, roamed the land, their forms unlike anything Kira had ever seen before.
It was a world plucked straight from the pages of a fantasy novel, a place where magic seemed to hang in the very air. But despite its beauty, Kira knew this world was filled with dangers beyond his comprehension. Suddenly, a soft chime resonated through the air, catching everyone's attention. A translucent screen appeared in front of Kira, displaying various stats—his name, age, and a series of unfamiliar terms like "Strength," "Agility," and "Endurance." At the bottom, a single word stood out: "Status." Remembering the guide's final instruction, Kira whispered the word aloud, and the screen expanded, revealing more details about his abilities—or lack thereof.
Kira's heart sank as he read the numbers. They were all average, just like he had always been. There was nothing remarkable, nothing that would give him an edge in the trials to come. He clenched his fists, frustration bubbling up inside him. But then, he remembered his vow. He had promised himself that he would see the end of this, and he wasn't about to let a few numbers dictate his fate. Around him, other players were also checking their statuses, some reacting with excitement, others with despair. The air was thick with tension, a mix of fear and determination. It was clear that this was no ordinary game; it was a fight for survival, and not everyone would make it through.
Suddenly, a loud voice boomed across the landscape, cutting through the murmur of the crowd. "Welcome to the first world of the Tower. This is a realm of fantasy, where the lines between reality and myth blur. Your goal is simple: survive for ninety days. Use the resources around you, form alliances, and beware of the dangers that lurk in every shadow. At the end of this period, those who survive will be rewarded with a weapon to aid them in their journey. Fail, and you will be eliminated—permanently."
The gravity of the situation hit Kira like a ton of bricks. This wasn't just about fighting monsters or solving puzzles. It was about navigating a world full of unknown threats, all while trying to stay alive. He looked around at the other players, realizing that in this world, trust would be a rare commodity. Alliances might be necessary, but betrayal could come at any moment. Kira took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. He knew he couldn't afford to be careless. He'd seen enough of human nature to know that people could be more cunning and dangerous than any creature lurking in the shadows. With a determined expression, he began to move away from the crowd, distancing himself from the potential dangers that came with forming alliances. If he was going to survive this, he would do it on his own terms. No groups, no distractions—just him and his will to endure.
The game had started, and there was no turning back. Kira slipped away from the mass of players, his footsteps light and deliberate as he moved deeper into the unfamiliar terrain. The dense forest enveloped him, its towering trees stretching skyward, their branches forming a canopy that filtered the light into a kaleidoscope of greens and golds. This was not just any forest—it was alive with a magic that pulsed through the air, tangible and intoxicating. The further Kira ventured, the more the world around him seemed to transform. The forest was a place where Mother Nature's beauty was amplified, yet infused with a fantastical twist. Vibrant flowers bloomed in colors he had never imagined, their petals shimmering as though dusted with stardust. The air was filled with the sweet, melodic hum of unseen creatures, their songs a symphony that blended harmoniously with the rustling leaves and the gentle murmur of a distant stream.
As he pushed through the underbrush, Kira caught glimpses of beings that belonged to myths and legends. A group of fairies flitted past him, their delicate wings leaving trails of light in their wake. They giggled softly, casting curious glances at him before disappearing into the foliage. A majestic bird, its feathers an iridescent mix of blues and purples, soared above the treetops, its call echoing through the forest like a haunting melody. Kira paused to take it all in, his breath catching at the sheer wonder of it. The forest was filled with creatures that defied explanation—deer with antlers entwined with glowing vines, rabbits that darted through the undergrowth with the speed of lightning, and serpents that slithered silently along the ground, their scales shimmering like liquid metal.
Yet, despite the beauty around him, Kira remained cautious. He knew that in this world, appearances could be deceiving. The creatures, though enchanting, might be as dangerous as they were beautiful. He had no intention of being lured into a false sense of security. The Tower had been clear—survival was the key, and he would do whatever it took to ensure his own. Finding a secluded spot near the edge of a small clearing, Kira decided it was time to take stock of his situation. He needed to gather resources, find shelter, and plan his next move. The forest might be magical, but it was still a wild, untamed place. And in this world of fantasy, where the lines between reality and myth blurred, Kira knew he could rely only on himself.
He took a deep breath, feeling the cool, fresh air fill his lungs. The forest was both a sanctuary and a battlefield, and Kira was determined to navigate its challenges on his own terms. As he scanned the area, his resolve only strengthened. The Tower's first floor was a test, and he intended to pass it—alone, and on his own terms. As the guide was about to leave, one of the players, a young man with a nervous expression, raised his hand and shouted, "Wait! Is it really just about surviving for 90 days? That's it?"
The guide paused, her ethereal form hovering above the ground as she turned back to address the question. Her expression remained serene, but there was a glint of something—perhaps a warning or a hint—behind her eyes. "Surviving is only the bare minimum," she replied, her voice carrying across the crowd. "On the first floor, it's not simply about staying alive. It's about leveling up as quickly as you can. Consider this floor a warm-up before the real trials begin."
She let that sink in before continuing, "Your progress here will determine your strength for the challenges ahead. The tasks you complete, the creatures you defeat, and the alliances you may or may not form—all of these will influence your growth. This is your chance to hone your skills, increase your status, and prepare for what's to come."
The crowd buzzed with murmurs of realization, fear, and excitement. The stakes had just become clearer—this wasn't a mere test of endurance, but a race to power. "So, level up," the guide concluded. "Because on the floors that follow, survival alone will not be enough."
With those final words, she began to dissolve into a cascade of glowing feathers, which continued to fall gently to the ground long after she had vanished. Kira watched the feathers drift down, his mind racing. The guide's words had added a new layer of urgency to the situation. It wasn't just about outlasting the others; it was about outpacing them. He knew that the creatures in this fantasy world, no matter how magical or terrifying, would be key to his progress. He would have to hunt, explore, and push himself beyond his limits if he wanted to stand a chance on the higher floors.
As the last of the feathers settled into the earth, Kira turned away from the others, heading deeper into the wild. He wasn't here to make friends or form alliances. His path was clear: survive, level up, and prepare for the battles ahead. He clenched his fists, his determination hardening with every step. "I will see the end," he muttered to himself, the words a quiet promise as he disappeared into the depths of the enchanted forest.