Eren leaned back against the cool metal wall of the Phantom Gate, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath. The Gate was a small, domed chamber, illuminated by soft, pulsing blue lights. A faint hum of energy reverberated through the air, and the space was devoid of furniture, save for a console in the center. A translucent screen displayed a series of symbols and numbers he was beginning to understand.
"Phantom Gate: Rest Station"
• Current Tokens: 18
• Time Remaining: 22 Hours
The console offered a variety of options, from food and water to additional time within the Gate. Tokens were the Tower's currency, earned through performance in the trials. The better his efficiency and survival instincts, the more tokens he seemed to earn.
After surviving the first floor, the Tower had deposited him here, rewarding him with 18 tokens—enough for basic sustenance and some experimentation time. He tapped on the screen, scrolling through the options.
Available Purchases:
Ration Pack (1 Token): Contains basic food and water for a day.
Extended Stay (5 Tokens): Adds 24 hours to Gate time.
Workshop Access (8 Tokens): Provides tools and workspace for experimentation.
Basic Medical Kit (3 Tokens): Restores minor injuries.
Eren selected a Ration Pack, watching as a compartment opened on the console and dispensed a vacuum-sealed bundle. Inside was a bar of something resembling hardtack, a pouch of water, and a small pill labeled "Nutrient Supplement."
He downed the water first, savoring the sensation of hydration. The ration bar tasted like cardboard, but it was enough to keep him moving. As he chewed, his thoughts drifted back to the battle on Floor 1.
Flashback: Floor 1 Trial
The beast had been monstrous, its body a mass of sinewy muscle and jagged, mana-infused crystals jutting from its back. Every step it took left scorch marks on the stone floor, and its roar had rattled Eren to his core.
With nothing but a knife, some basic scavenged tools, and a hastily rigged slingshot, Eren had survived by the skin of his teeth. He'd aimed for the exposed crystals, hoping their instability would cause a chain reaction. The gamble worked, and the beast had collapsed in a flash of light and searing heat, leaving behind a single, glowing crystal the size of his fist.
Back in the Gate, Eren reached into his bag and pulled out the prize: the crystal. Its surface shimmered with an iridescent glow, and faint warmth radiated from it.
"What the hell are you?" he muttered, turning it over in his hands.
He placed the crystal on the console, which lit up in response. A new set of options appeared on the screen.
Crystal Analysis (2 Tokens): Identifies the crystal's properties.
Energy Extraction (5 Tokens): Converts crystal into raw energy for workshop tools.
Enhancement (10 Tokens): Enhances weapons or tools using the crystal.
Eren hesitated. He didn't know enough about the Tower's mechanics to spend tokens carelessly, and the idea of "Energy Extraction" felt too final. For now, he selected Crystal Analysis.
The console hummed as a circular device extended, scanning the crystal with beams of light. A moment later, text appeared on the screen.
Analysis Complete:
• Name: Mana Crystal (Tier 1)
• Properties: Contains unstable magical energy. Handle with caution. Can power basic devices or enhance tools.
• Additional Notes: Compatibility with Earth technology unknown.
"Unstable energy, huh?" Eren mused. He tucked the crystal back into his bag, his mind racing. If this thing could act as a power source, he had a chance to replicate some of the tools he'd seen in documentaries and military tech expos back home.
For now, though, he needed more resources.
Experimentation in the Workshop
Eren swiped on the console again, this time purchasing Workshop Access. A section of the Gate opened, revealing a smaller chamber lined with basic tools: a soldering iron, clamps, wires, and a small 3D printer-like device labeled "Material Synthesizer."
The synthesizer caught his attention immediately. Its interface displayed options to create components using mana crystals and other materials he'd find in the Tower.
"Okay," Eren muttered, rolling up his sleeves. "Let's see what you can do."
He started with something simple: a powered blade. Using the Tier 1 Mana Crystal as a core, he wired it to a lightweight handle, incorporating salvaged circuitry. The result was crude but functional—a knife with a glowing edge that vibrated faintly with mana energy.
Weapon Crafted: Mana-Infused Knife
• Damage: Moderate
• Durability: Low (needs recalibration after heavy use).
Sweat dripped from his brow as he held up his creation. It wasn't much, but it was a step forward. He slumped against the wall, his exhaustion catching up to him.
A soft chime from the console interrupted his thoughts.
Phantom Gate Time Remaining: 10 Hours
"Time to rest," Eren muttered, setting his knife aside. He closed his eyes, letting his body recover. Tomorrow, the second floor awaits.
Little did he know, the challenges ahead would only grow more complex—and the Tower's true nature would start revealing itself piece by piece.