Chapter 36: The Shifting Sands
Eren's boots crunched against loose grains as he stepped onto the 17th floor. A vast expanse of golden desert stretched endlessly in every direction. The air shimmered with heat, and the distant sound of wind carried an eerie melody. Unlike the previous floors, there were no walls or ceilings, only an open sky painted in hues of deep orange and violet.
System Interface Activated
Floor 17: The Shifting Sands
• Objective: Locate and retrieve the Sandstone Obelisk.
• Hazards: Heat exhaustion, sandstorms, and hostile desert predators.
Eren glanced at the horizon. The system map displayed nothing but a blank screen, with a small blinking dot marking his starting position. The obelisk's location was left entirely to his intuition.
"Fantastic," he muttered, pulling his scarf up to shield his face from the rising wind.
The first few hours were uneventful but grueling. The sun's heat bore down on him, forcing him to ration water from his supply pack. Occasionally, he'd spot shimmering mirages, but each dissolved as he approached.
He paused to study the shifting dunes. They moved unnaturally, almost as if alive, their curves and patterns forming symbols that faded before he could comprehend them.
The silence was shattered by a low, guttural growl. Eren turned sharply to see a massive, scaled creature emerge from the sands. Its body was serpentine, covered in glimmering golden scales that blended perfectly with the dunes.
System Interface Update
Entity Identified: Desert Serpent
• Threat Level: Moderate
• Weakness: Exploit its moment of attack.**
The serpent struck with terrifying speed, its jaws snapping inches from Eren as he leaped aside. He rolled to his feet, activating the energy coil in his blade. The creature reared back, its glowing eyes locking onto him.
As it lunged again, Eren sidestepped, slashing at its exposed underbelly. The blade struck true, drawing a screech from the serpent as it recoiled. He didn't let up, closing the distance and delivering a series of precise strikes until the serpent collapsed, its body dissolving into golden dust.
The sands beneath him shifted violently, the ground quaking as if in response to the serpent's death. A sandstorm erupted without warning, blinding him and forcing him to take cover. The wind howled, carrying grains that stung against his exposed skin.
Through the storm, a faint glow appeared in the distance. Eren shielded his eyes, focusing on the light. It pulsed rhythmically, like a beacon calling him forward.
He moved cautiously, the shifting sands threatening to swallow him whole. The glow grew stronger, revealing the silhouette of a towering obelisk made of sandstone. Its surface was etched with intricate runes that seemed to shift and change as he approached.
As he reached out to touch the obelisk, a powerful force surged through him, and the sandstorm abruptly ceased. The obelisk's glow intensified, projecting an image into the air above it—a map of the floor, revealing hidden pathways and dangers he had narrowly avoided.
System Interface Update
Objective Complete: Sandstone Obelisk Retrieved
Reward: Sandstone Ward: Provides resistance to heat-based attacks and environments.
The reward manifested as a small, glowing charm in his hand. Eren clipped it to his pack, already feeling its effects as the oppressive heat became more bearable.
Before he could leave, the sand around the obelisk began to ripple. Dozens of smaller serpents emerged, their golden scales glinting menacingly. Eren tightened his grip on his blade, preparing for yet another battle.
This time, he didn't hesitate. Using the enhanced mapping module and his newfound heat resistance, he outmaneuvered the serpents, exploiting their coordination gaps to strike with precision. One by one, they fell, their bodies dissolving into dust like the first.
With the path clear, Eren located the exit—a swirling vortex of sand that hovered ominously at the far edge of the floor. He stepped into it, the sensation akin to being pulled through a whirlpool, before landing on the staircase to the next floor.
Eren paused to catch his breath, glancing back at the now-distant desert. The trials were relentless, each floor testing him in new ways. But as he ascended, he felt his resolve harden.
The Tower wasn't just a challenge—it was a crucible, forging him into something stronger with every step.
Ha guys sorry just not as interested in the story as in the past because there's no one reading😿
But to whoever does get to this spot thank you I loved writing this.
-Gachadevildog