The air was thick with tension as Kira and the others stared up at the towering structure before them—a massive tower that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky, its surface covered in ancient runes and glowing symbols. This was their trial. The first Act.
The deity's voice rang out, still smooth but with a certain finality. "Welcome to the First Act. You are no longer on Earth. For now, you exist in a separate plane of reality—one adjacent to your world, yet vastly different. Here, laws, order, and all that you know do not apply. Only one rule matters: survive."
Kira glanced around, watching the other players react to the shocking revelation. Some were excited, eager to test their newfound powers, while others were panicking, still trying to come to terms with what was happening. But here, there was no government to protect them, no laws to shield them from chaos.
"This Act is a tutorial," the deity continued. "A tower with 25 floors. Each floor presents a challenge—a boss that you must defeat. Only by doing so can you progress. Defeat the bosses, and you can establish safe zones for yourselves. Fail, and your journey ends."
The players were quiet, absorbing the weight of the task before them. Kira could see it in their eyes—some had already accepted their fates, while others were still in denial.
The deity gave no further explanation. With a wave of their hand, the players were transported into the tower, the world around them shifting once again.
Kira felt a sudden cold wash over him as the environment changed. The once dark forest had been replaced by a frozen landscape. They were now standing in what looked like an icy cavern. The temperature had dropped drastically, their breath visible in the freezing air.
"Your first trial," the deity's voice echoed in the cavern, "is the Ice Wizard. Face him, and let your skills and instincts guide you."
In the center of the cavern stood a figure—a tall, gaunt man clad in shimmering ice armor. His eyes glowed with a pale blue light, his hands crackling with frost. This was the first boss: the Ice Wizard.
The players fanned out, testing their powers. Some conjured flames, others summoned shields of light, while a few tested their agility and strength, trying to find their footing in this hostile, lawless environment.
Kira, still without a skill, moved quietly through the chaos, observing. His instincts told him that charging in without understanding the Ice Wizard's abilities was foolish. He watched as the other players began their assault.
"Now let's see," he whispered to himself, stepping back into the shadows, "how do they adapt to this world?"
The Ice Wizard raised his hand, summoning massive spikes of ice that jutted from the ground. Players who had taken their first skills scrambled to avoid the attack, some using their abilities to counter the freezing onslaught. One player, who had chosen Flame Control, tried to melt the ice, but the wizard was quick. With a flick of his wrist, a gust of icy wind blew, extinguishing the flames.
Kira watched, calculating every move. He had to adapt quickly if he wanted to survive without a skill. The others were learning to use their powers, but the Ice Wizard wasn't holding back. This wasn't just a game. It was real, and it could end as quickly as it had begun.