The journey to the tower stretched through the winding, decayed streets of Jiang City, each step an exercise in tension. The once-bustling metropolis was now a hollow skeleton of its former self, with broken buildings and darkened windows staring like empty eye sockets. Every sound—the crunch of glass underfoot, the distant howl of wind—felt like a prelude to danger.
Qin kept his hand near his knife, his eyes scanning every shadow. The memory of the fight with the Shades was still fresh, his muscles sore from exertion, but there was a thrill in him now, an ember of excitement he couldn't ignore.
The System's presence pulsed faintly in his mind, like a companion walking just behind him. The words it had spoken earlier—"emotional bonds increasing efficiency"—lingered, and he couldn't help but wonder what that meant for him, for Zhao Yue, and especially for Feng Lan.
"Tell me more about the System," he said, breaking the silence.
Zhao Yue glanced at him, her expression as guarded as ever. "What do you want to know?"
"Everything," Qin said, his voice firm. "Why does it choose people? What's the point of all this?"
Zhao hesitated, and it was Feng Lan who answered first. "The System doesn't exactly send out newsletters, rookie. It's cryptic, always pushing us toward something without explaining why."
"But you've been using it for longer than I have," Qin pressed. "You must have learned something."
Feng Lan smirked, her amber eyes glinting. "Oh, I've learned plenty. Like how it rewards you for taking risks. The bigger the gamble, the bigger the payout. And let's just say I've cashed in a few times."
"Risk and reward," Zhao Yue interjected, her tone serious. "That's the core of it. The System thrives on conflict, on growth. It doesn't care about morality or fairness. It only cares about potential."
"That's not an answer," Qin said, frustration creeping into his voice. "Potential for what? Why does it even exist?"
Zhao Yue's gaze hardened. "No one knows. But if you waste time asking questions it won't answer, you'll die. The System rewards action, Qin, not hesitation."
The words stung, but they resonated. Qin fell silent, his thoughts churning.
As they continued through the ruins, the System's voice chimed in his mind, cold and mechanical:
New feature unlocked: Progression Tree.
Access for a detailed breakdown of abilities, potential upgrades, and long-term growth paths.
Qin stopped in his tracks, the sudden influx of information flooding his mind. A holographic interface appeared in his vision, translucent and glowing with faint blue light.
"Something wrong?" Zhao Yue asked, her hand already on her sword.
"It's... the System," Qin said, distracted. "It's showing me something new."
Feng Lan stepped closer, curious. "What's it saying now?"
Qin focused on the interface, his eyes darting over the glowing symbols and branching lines. The Progression Tree was a complex web of interconnected nodes, each representing a skill or ability. Some were grayed out, locked behind requirements he hadn't met, while others pulsed faintly, awaiting activation.
Branches Available: Combat, Influence, Command, and Manipulation.
The Combat branch was straightforward: enhancements to strength, speed, reflexes, and weapon mastery. But the other branches intrigued him. Influence seemed to focus on charisma and persuasion, with abilities that promised to sway allies and manipulate enemies. Command offered strategic insights, leadership skills, and the power to inspire others. Manipulation was the most enigmatic, hinting at abilities to twist reality and control unseen forces.
"Fascinating," Feng Lan said, watching his expression. "It's giving you a map, isn't it? A path to power."
"Something like that," Qin murmured, his fingers twitching as he mentally selected the Combat branch. The node pulsed brighter, and the System's voice echoed:
Skill unlocked: Blade Mastery I.
Passive effect: Increased efficiency and precision with edged weapons. Minor boost to attack speed.
A warmth spread through his hand, and he instinctively gripped his knife. It felt different now, lighter, as if it were an extension of his arm.
"Did it just... do something to you?" Zhao Yue asked, her eyes narrowing.
"It gave me a skill," Qin said, his voice steady. "Blade Mastery. I can feel it—like the weapon is part of me now."
Zhao Yue's expression darkened. "Be careful with those upgrades. The System doesn't give anything for free."
"What do you mean?" Qin asked.
"Every ability you unlock comes with expectations," Zhao said. "The System will push you harder, test you more. It's a double-edged sword."
"And you would know all about swords," Feng Lan quipped, earning a glare from Zhao.
The tension between the three of them was palpable as they reached a narrow alleyway, its walls covered in faded graffiti. Zhao Yue paused, her hand raised to signal silence.
"We're close," she whispered. "The tower's just ahead."
Qin followed her gaze and saw it—a looming structure rising above the ruins, its surface smooth and metallic, reflecting the gray sky. The tower seemed out of place, almost alien, its architecture unlike anything he'd ever seen.
As they approached, a low hum filled the air, vibrating through the ground beneath their feet. The entrance was a massive archway, guarded by two statues of armored figures with glowing eyes.
"This is it?" Qin asked, his voice hushed.
"This is the first floor," Zhao Yue said. "The tower has many levels, each one more dangerous than the last. If we can secure this floor, we'll have a base of operations."
"And what's waiting for us inside?" Qin asked.
Zhao Yue didn't answer, her eyes fixed on the statues.
Feng Lan grinned. "Guess we're about to find out."
The moment they stepped inside, the air changed. It was colder, heavier, and the faint hum grew louder, resonating in their bones. The room they entered was vast, its walls lined with glowing runes that pulsed in time with the hum.
The System's voice spoke again:
"Welcome to the Tower of Trials.
Objectives: Secure the first floor.
Eliminate all hostile entities.
Bonus rewards available for efficiency."
"Hostile entities?" Qin repeated, his grip tightening on his knife.
As if in answer, the shadows at the edges of the room began to move. Figures emerged, humanoid but wrong, their forms flickering like static. They carried weapons—blades, spears, and axes—and their eyes glowed with an unnatural light.
"Shades," Zhao Yue said, her voice grim. "Stronger than the ones we faced before. Stay close and don't hesitate."
The battle that followed was chaos. Zhao Yue's sword moved in a blur, her strikes precise and deadly. Feng Lan fought with a feral grace, her laughter ringing out as she dodged and countered with effortless skill.
Qin felt the System's enhancements kick in, his movements sharper and faster than before. His knife found its mark again and again, each kill accompanied by a surge of energy that left him both exhilarated and hungry for more.
The System's voice provided constant updates:
"Entity eliminated.
Experience gained.
Skill efficiency increased."
By the time the last Shade fell, the room was silent except for their ragged breathing.
As they stood amidst the carnage, the System chimed again:
"Floor secured. Rewards unlocked."
A chest materialized in the center of the room, glowing faintly.
"Loot," Feng Lan said, her eyes gleaming.
They approached cautiously, and Qin was the first to open it. Inside were three items: a small vial of glowing liquid, a pair of fingerless gloves etched with runes, and a smooth black orb.
"The vial's a healing potion," Zhao Yue said. "Standard issue."
Feng Lan picked up the gloves, slipping them on with a grin. "These are mine. They boost agility."
Qin picked up the orb, its surface cool to the touch. The System spoke:
"Shadow Core acquired.
Allows the user to manipulate darkness for a limited time.
Requires mastery to unlock full potential."
"Looks like it's for you," Feng Lan said, smirking.
Qin stared at the orb, a strange anticipation building in him. The System had given him power, and he was only beginning to understand its potential.
As they prepared to ascend to the next floor, Qin's thoughts were a mix of excitement and unease. The System was changing him, shaping him into something he didn't fully recognize.
And deep down, he wasn't sure he wanted it to stop.