The sky above the Tower split open in a radiant golden light. From its peak, a celestial figure slowly descended, enveloped in a divine glow. It was a woman with an angelic appearance—long golden hair flowing as if untouched by gravity, eyes shimmering like distant stars, and immense white wings that radiated an overwhelming aura of power.
Her voice echoed throughout South Korea, soft yet carrying an undeniable authority:
"The Tower is now open. Those who seek power may climb its floors. Your fate awaits you."
Almost instantly, a translucent blue screen appeared before every person within South Korea:
[Do you wish to enter the Tower?]
[First Floor - The Forest of Beginnings]
[✔ Yes] [✖ No]
Unlike what many expected, this phenomenon wasn't global. No one outside of South Korea received the message. While news of the Tower's appearance had spread worldwide, only Koreans had been given the choice to enter.
Because of this, the number of people who accepted was significant, but not overwhelming. Thousands of individuals—students, soldiers, criminals, businesspeople, even the elderly—vanished in an instant, teleported to an unknown fate.
Terry, without hesitation, pressed "Yes".
All across South Korea, entire crowds gathered in city streets disappeared in a flash of blue light, dissolving like ashes scattered by the wind.
At the same time, massive holographic screens appeared in every major Korean city, broadcasting live footage from inside the Tower. The screens displayed the first participants materializing in a vast, primeval forest—ancient trees taller than skyscrapers, their thick canopies obscuring much of the sky. Strange echoes of unseen creatures resonated in the distance, creating an eerie atmosphere.
Terry felt the wind shift around him. The ground beneath his feet disappeared, and in the blink of an eye, he too found himself in the Forest of Beginnings. The scent of damp earth and old leaves filled his senses, and all around him, the sounds of murmuring voices and distant screams reverberated through the trees.
Before anyone could react, the angelic figure appeared once more in the sky above them, her voice carrying an unsettling calmness:
"Welcome, challengers. The first floor's trial is simple—survive for three days in this forest."
A tense silence fell upon the crowd. Then, the realization set in.
Some had entered out of curiosity, others for adventure—but among them were people who had accepted without thinking. Young teenagers, elderly citizens, even a few children who had unknowingly pressed "Yes" found themselves stranded in an unfamiliar wilderness. Panic erupted almost immediately. Some began crying, others frantically searched for an escape, but the truth was undeniable: there was no way back.
Despite the chaos, some individuals quickly took control of the situation. Among them were trained soldiers and law enforcement officers who had also entered the Tower. Recognizing the need for order, they started gathering people, setting up a temporary base within a clearing.
Terry, however, knew better than to stay with a large group. If an enemy attack came—whether from monsters or desperate humans—a crowded area would be the first target.
Without hesitation, he turned and walked into the dense forest alone.
If he was going to survive, he had to rely on his own strength.
And if the Tower had truly been designed as a battleground, then sooner or later, the real dangers would reveal themselves.