I sat cross-legged on the floor, the radio crackling faintly beside me. I had to tweak the dials more than usual to get a clear signal, the static making the broadcaster's voice choppy.
"...initial reports confirm that the Americinio forces dispatched to the tower in Utah successfully breached its outer levels earlier this morning. Military officials describe the interior as a multi-tiered structure, with each floor presenting increasing difficulty levels. The lowest floors are populated by weaker creatures, while higher levels are said to harbour... significantly more dangerous entities."
I leaned in closer, my heart racing. *Floors? Levels?* It sounded like something straight out of a video game.
"The soldiers reported encountering humanoid creatures described as 'goblins,' which were quickly dispatched. Upon their defeat, strange items materialized from the remains. Among these were minor healing potions, small metallic coins, and objects resembling gemstones. Military analysts believe these 'drops' may have practical value, though their origins and mechanics remain unclear."
I scribbled frantic notes in my journal, underlining *healing potions* and *drops* twice. My system inventory flashed in my mind, and I couldn't help but compare. *It's the same. The towers are functioning like dungeons. Just like what happened to me.*
The announcer continued:
"...perhaps the most striking discovery is the presence of an experience-based progression system. Soldiers reported feeling stronger, faster, and more capable after defeating multiple enemies, though this phenomenon remains unexplainable by current science."
I set the pen down, my hand trembling. The pieces were falling into place. The towers weren't just structures—they were testing grounds, environments designed to challenge and reward those who dared to enter.
The radio crackled again, the voice cutting in and out.
"...commanders have issued warnings... floors beyond the fifth remain uncharted, and casualties have been reported... further analysis required before issuing recommendations to civilians..."
And then, silence.
The broadcast ended abruptly, leaving only static in its wake. I sat back, the weight of the information sinking in.
---
As I stared at my notes, a flurry of thoughts buzzed through my mind:
The soldiers' discoveries weren't just important—they were vital. If the towers operated on a progression system, then the implications were staggering. Humanity could grow stronger. People could gain abilities, survive longer, and thrive in this new chaotic reality. But at what cost?
The part about casualties gnawed at me. *If trained soldiers are falling on the lower floors, what chance does someone like me have?* I looked down at my hands, the faint shimmer of my system interface barely visible.
But unlike the soldiers, I had something they didn't. The system was in my corner, guiding me, and preparing me. I could access inventory, track my stats, and—most importantly—spend as much time as needed in dungeons without losing time in the real world.
Although I am worried, I want to know the levels of other awakeners who have developed abilities like elemental powers or other powers of which I am currently unaware. Frustratingly, the internet is not working, and only the radio is functional.
The soft hum of the system window hovered in the corner of my vision as I prepared for another dungeon run. I couldn't afford to rush things. If I was going to tackle the towers someday, I needed to be ready. For now, I'd focus on grinding in the F-rank dungeons—safe enough to avoid death but challenging enough to push my limits.
I activated the system.
> [System Menu]
> Select Dungeon Level: F-Rank
> Select Focus Training Skill: Observe, Jujitsu Combat, Basic Sword Mastery
> Confirm Entry?
"Confirm," I whispered, gripping the hilt of my basic iron sword. The air shimmered, and my room dissolved into a dimly lit cave filled with the sounds of growls and shambling footsteps.
---
Combat Training Begins
The first wave was a group of goblins—four of them, armed with crude clubs and daggers. I activated Observe, scanning the creatures as they closed in.
> [Target: Goblin]
> Rank: F
> HP: 150
> Weakness: Neck, Joints
> Strengths: Agility
*Got it.*
I lunged forward, feinting left before pivoting and landing a clean strike to the nearest goblin's neck. The creature let out a gurgled cry before collapsing into a puff of dark mist.
> [You have defeated Goblin x1.]
> [20 EXP gained.]
> [Observe Skill Proficiency Increased: Level 3 → Level 4.]
The remaining goblins hesitated, their yellow eyes flickering with caution. I tightened my grip on the sword, switching stances. The system overlay highlighted their weak spots, a feature unlocked with the Observe skill's level increase.
"Your turn," I muttered, rushing forward.
The fight was brutal, but it paid off. By the end of the skirmish, I'd taken out all forty goblins.
> [Jujitsu Combat Proficiency Increased: Advanced → Mastery.]
> [Basic Sword Mastery Proficiency Increased: Beginner → Intermediate.]
> [Total EXP Gained: 800.]
The Dungeon's End
The final chamber of the dungeon was darker and colder. A single zombie shambled toward me, larger and more menacing than the goblins I'd faced earlier. Its decayed form reeked, and its glowing eyes bore into me.
> [Target: Zombie (F-Rank Boss)]
> HP: 300
> Weakness: Head
> Strengths: Durability, Unrelenting Attack Patterns
This wasn't just a test of skill—it was endurance. The zombie lunged, its claws swiping in wide arcs. I ducked under its first attack, spinning to slash its side. It barely flinched, its focus unbroken.
I used my newly mastered jujitsu techniques to sidestep and destabilize it, kicking its leg out and following up with a quick stab to its head. The zombie roared, its HP dropping steadily as I danced around its slow but powerful attacks.
When its HP finally hit zero, the creature crumpled, disintegrating into a black mist.
> [You have defeated Zombie Boss x1.]
> [200 EXP gained.]
> [Rare Grade Sword Move Acquired: *Crescent Slash*.]
> [Reward: 1000 Euros, Dungeon Clear + stat point in all stats.]
I exited the dungeon, the system dissolving the environment around me. The sight of my modest room was strangely comforting after the chaos of combat.
The Euros appeared directly in my inventory, crisp and tangible when I pulled them out. I stared at the system notification for the new move:
> **Crescent Slash**: A powerful sword technique that unleashes a wide, arcing strike. Effective against multiple enemies.
I swung the blade experimentally, the air humming with energy as the technique took shape.
I felt stronger, faster, and sharper—like the dungeon had not just trained my body but my instincts, too.
But this was only the beginning.
I jumped into the bath after exiting the dungeon because I was reeking of sweat and goblin blood. I'd rather not let my parents freak out since they have no idea about my system. I think it's best to keep it that way until I'm not sure the government or mafia gangs isn't going after people with amazing abilities.