The golden glow of the twin suns bathed the fields of Nelrith in warm light as evening descended. The air was filled with the soft scent of ripening grain, and the rhythmic rustle of crops swaying in the breeze created a peaceful harmony that seemed to carry the weight of the entire world. Birds flitted through the trees lining the dusty roads, their cheerful songs cutting through the evening air, while insects buzzed lazily in the fading warmth. In the distance, the Tower of Heaven loomed, a colossal structure that rose impossibly high above the horizon. Its silhouette stretched across the sky, casting a long, dark shadow over the fields below. To the untrained eye, it seemed like nothing more than a distant monument, a strange and otherworldly presence. But to Jobaer Al-Fahim, it was a constant reminder of ambition, fear, and the unknown.
The Tower had always been there. No matter where he went or how much time passed, its presence was undeniable, like a looming figure in the corner of his vision. For as long as he could remember, the stories surrounding the Tower had fascinated him. Tales of power, of ascension, of unimaginable worlds hidden within its endless floors. Some claimed that it was a divine creation, others that it was the prison of gods and demons. Whatever the truth was, the Tower stood at the center of it all, a beacon of hope and terror for those who dared to dream.
For most, the Tower was nothing more than a legend, a distant dream spoken of in hushed tones. It was an unreachable goal, one that few could ever hope to achieve. The stories, however, had never fully intimidated Jobaer. From a young age, he had felt a strange pull toward it, an innate sense that his life was connected to the Tower in a way that he couldn't yet understand. It was more than just fascination—it was a deep, unshakable feeling that burned in the pit of his stomach.
Leaning against a sturdy wooden fence that bordered his family's farmland, Jobaer watched the Tower's faint glow with a mixture of awe and determination. The golden sunlight of the twin suns reflected off its surface in a way that made it seem as though it were pulsing with life, as if the Tower itself was aware of his gaze. His hands gripped the fence tightly as he stared at the vast structure, his heart racing with anticipation. Every night, he found himself drawn to it. Every moment that he spent in its presence, whether seen or unseen, filled him with a sense of purpose. A purpose that was hard to explain, but impossible to deny.
He had heard the stories from his grandfather, tales of Rankers—those who ventured into the Tower in search of power, enlightenment, or escape. Most of them never returned. Those who did, however, were never the same. Some spoke of gaining unimaginable strength, others of encountering gods and demons, while some claimed that the Tower was merely a stage for a never-ending battle. Whatever the truth was, one thing remained clear: the Tower demanded sacrifice. It was a place where only the strongest survived, where dreams were forged or crushed underfoot.
Despite the dangers, Jobaer couldn't help but feel an unshakable conviction. He was meant to be a part of it. He wasn't sure how or why, but the Tower had called to him, and he couldn't ignore it any longer. Deep down, he knew that it wasn't just about seeking power or adventure. The Tower held the key to something far greater—something tied to his very existence.
"You're staring at it again, aren't you?"
Jobaer turned sharply at the sound of the voice, startled out of his thoughts. Standing a few feet away was Rafan, his best friend since childhood. Rafan's easy grin was plastered across his face, but his eyes twinkled with the playful mischief that always seemed to follow him. His clothes were dusted with dirt from a long day spent working in the fields, and a cloth was draped over his shoulder, evidence of his earlier attempts to wipe away the sweat of the day's labor. Despite his casual appearance, Rafan's presence had always been a comfort to Jobaer—steady, dependable, and grounded.
"Yeah," Jobaer admitted, his voice almost a whisper as he looked back toward the Tower. "It's hard not to. I can't stop thinking about it."
Rafan raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms over his chest, the playful grin never leaving his face. "You've got it bad, my friend. Obsessed with something that's a hundred miles away and would probably eat you alive the moment you set foot inside."
Jobaer chuckled softly, but the words stung more than he cared to admit. He could feel the weight of the Tower's mythic reputation pressing against his chest, yet he couldn't bring himself to be afraid. "Maybe," he said, his voice thoughtful, "but I feel like I'm meant to go there. Like... like my life has been building up to this moment. I don't know how to explain it."
Rafan studied him for a moment, his grin fading just a little. The lighthearted teasing in his eyes was replaced by something deeper—concern, perhaps, or curiosity. "You really believe that, huh?" he asked, his tone softer now.
Jobaer hesitated, feeling the enormity of his own emotions. "I do," he said finally, his voice firm with a quiet conviction. "I don't know why, but I feel like my life... my purpose is tied to that place. The Tower isn't just some fantasy for me. It's real. And I'm going to go there."
Rafan remained silent for a long moment, his gaze flickering between Jobaer and the distant silhouette of the Tower. The wind stirred, sending ripples through the grain and rustling the leaves in the trees. Jobaer could feel the weight of his friend's scrutiny, but he didn't back down. The pull toward the Tower had only grown stronger over the years, and now it was impossible to ignore.
"Well," Rafan said, his voice returning to its usual teasing tone, "just promise me you won't forget us little people when you become some big-shot Ranker, okay?"
The words broke the tension in the air, and Jobaer laughed, the sound light and genuine. But even as he chuckled, there was a trace of sadness in his laughter, a quiet understanding that his path forward might take him away from everything he knew. "I could never forget this place. Or you," Jobaer replied, his eyes locking with Rafan's, a silent bond of friendship and unspoken promises passing between them.
For a moment, they stood there in comfortable silence, the only sound the whisper of the wind and the distant call of birds as the last rays of the twin suns dipped below the horizon. The Tower, still distant and unmoving, seemed to watch over them both—an unyielding reminder of the choices that lay ahead.
"You've always had big dreams, Jobaer," Rafan said finally, his voice quieter now, almost as though he were speaking to himself. "I just hope you don't lose sight of what really matters along the way. The Tower is dangerous, and once you step inside, there's no going back."
Jobaer turned his gaze to his friend, his expression softening. "I know. But it's a chance I have to take. For me, for my family, for everything I've ever known."
Rafan nodded slowly, his grin returning, though it was tinged with uncertainty. "Just... just don't forget that the world outside the Tower is real, too. It's easy to get lost in the pursuit of power and forget the people who've been with you from the start."
"I won't forget," Jobaer promised, though he couldn't shake the feeling that his journey into the Tower would be one of isolation, of challenges that would force him to leave behind everything he knew. But for now, there was still time. Time to prepare, time to grow, and time to savor the friendships and family that had shaped him.
As the sun finally disappeared beyond the horizon, the stars began to twinkle overhead, and Jobaer felt the stirrings of something inside him—an unyielding drive that refused to be ignored. The Tower would call to him again, and when it did, he would be ready.
The Al-Fahim Family
The Al-Fahim household was a bustling place, full of life and warmth. The sprawling farmhouse was built by Jobaer's grandfather decades ago, its stone walls weathered but sturdy. It stood at the edge of the village, surrounded by fields that stretched toward the horizon.
Inside, the clatter of pots and pans echoed from the kitchen as Jobaer's grandmother, Mariam, prepared dinner. The rich aroma of spiced lentils and roasted vegetables filled the air, mingling with the laughter of Jobaer's younger cousins as they played a game of tag in the front yard.
Jobaer's grandfather, Harun Al-Fahim, sat on the veranda, carving a piece of driftwood with practiced hands. Though his hair was white and his face lined with age, his posture was straight, and his eyes were sharp, carrying the weight of a life spent as a Ranker.
"Jobaer," Harun called as his grandson approached, "come sit with me."
Jobaer obliged, taking a seat on the wooden bench beside his grandfather. Harun handed him a small knife and a fresh piece of wood. "Carve something. It'll help clear your mind."
Jobaer hesitated but took the knife, letting the familiar rhythm of carving guide his thoughts.
"You've been staring at the Tower again," Harun said after a while.
"Is it that obvious?"
Harun chuckled. "To me, yes. I know that look. Your father had it, too."
Jobaer paused, the knife stilling in his hand. "Nana, what were they like? My parents, I mean."
Harun's smile faded, replaced by a wistful expression. "They were brave. Smart. Stubborn, too—especially your father. He was always pushing boundaries, always reaching for something greater. Your mother... she was the one who kept him grounded. Together, they were unstoppable."
"Then why did they disappear?" Jobaer asked quietly.
Harun sighed, his hands resuming their work on the carving. "The Tower is a place of trials, Jobaer. Even the strongest can falter. What happened to them... I don't have the answers you're looking for. But I do know this: they loved you, and they believed in you. That's why they left you this family—to keep you safe."
Jobaer nodded, though the weight in his chest didn't lessen.
Harun, sensing the tension, leaned back in his chair and gazed at the distant horizon. "Do you know why the Tower is feared as much as it's revered?" he asked.
"Because it's dangerous?" Jobaer guessed.
"More than that," Harun said. "The Tower isn't just a place you enter—it's a force of its own. It chooses who it lets inside, and once you're in, it binds you to its rules. You can gain power, sure, but the Tower doesn't give without taking something in return. Memories, status, even your very existence—it can strip it all away if it deems you unworthy. Only the strongest, smartest, and most adaptable survive its trials. And even then, some floors are more perilous than others. Entire armies have been wiped out on a single floor."
"But what's at the top?" Jobaer asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
"Ah, the eternal question," Harun replied with a soft chuckle. "Some say it's ultimate power, the kind that could reshape the universe. Others think it's freedom from the Tower itself, a chance to escape its influence forever. But here's the truth, Jobaer: no one knows. The few who've reached the higher floors never come back to tell the tale. Maybe that's why people like your parents were drawn to it—seeking answers to questions they couldn't resist."
Harun placed a hand on Jobaer's shoulder, his gaze steady. "If you ever decide to step into the Tower, know this: it will test not just your strength, but your very essence. Be sure of who you are and what you want, because the Tower will take everything else."
Jobaer swallowed hard, the weight of his grandfather's words settling over him. The Tower felt more distant and yet more real than ever.
The Dinner Table
The Al-Fahim family dinners were legendary, a cacophony of laughter, debates, and the clinking of utensils against plates. The long, sturdy wooden table in the center of the dining room was laden with food, its surface barely visible beneath the array of dishes. Steaming plates of fragrant biryani, spiced lentil stew, grilled fish marinated in turmeric and garlic, and freshly baked flatbreads were arranged alongside bowls of colorful chutneys and pickled vegetables. A large pitcher of rosewater sherbet sat at one end, its cool, pink liquid glistening with condensation.
Jobaer sat near the middle of the table, squeezed between his youngest cousin, Nayeem, who was enthusiastically piling his plate with food, and his best friend, Farhan, who was visiting for dinner. Across from him, his grandmother Mariam presided over the gathering with the quiet authority of someone who had long been the family's anchor. Despite her age, she had a sharpness to her eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor that kept even the most mischievous of her grandchildren in line.
"Pass me the fish, Jobaer," Farhan said, nudging him with his elbow.
Jobaer handed over the platter, chuckling as Farhan scooped a generous portion onto his plate. "Careful," Jobaer teased. "Leave some for the rest of us."
"Food's meant to be enjoyed, brother," Farhan replied with a grin, taking a bite of the fish. "And this? This is divine."
Mariam smiled from her seat. "Eat as much as you like, Farhan. There's plenty to go around."
The room buzzed with overlapping conversations. Jobaer's uncle, Rafiq, was recounting a tale from his time as a merchant in the city, his hands gesturing animatedly as he described a run-in with a particularly crafty customer. His aunt, Yasmin, laughed so hard she nearly spilled her glass of sherbet. Meanwhile, Nayeem was pestering Harun with questions about the Tower, his small face alight with curiosity.
"Grandpa, is it true that the Tower has monsters the size of houses?" Nayeem asked, his voice a mix of fear and excitement.
Harun set down his spoon and regarded his grandson with a thoughtful expression. "Monsters come in all shapes and sizes, Nayeem," he said. "Some are big, yes, but the most dangerous ones are the ones you can't see. The ones hiding in plain sight."
Nayeem's eyes widened, and he leaned closer. "Like ghosts?"
"More like people with hidden intentions," Harun said, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "The Tower isn't just about fighting beasts. It's about understanding the challenges in front of you and the people around you."
Jobaer listened intently, his own curiosity piqued. He had always found his grandfather's stories fascinating, even if they left him with more questions than answers.
As the conversation shifted back to lighter topics, Mariam began serving dessert—a creamy rice pudding garnished with slivers of almond and saffron. "Eat well," she said, her voice firm yet affectionate. "You'll need your strength for tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Jobaer asked, looking up from his plate.
Mariam exchanged a glance with Harun, who nodded. "It's time you started preparing for the Tower," she said. "You've been asking questions for years, and you're of age now. It's better to face it with guidance than to stumble in blindly."
The table fell silent, the weight of her words settling over everyone. Jobaer's heart raced. He had dreamed of entering the Tower ever since he was a child, but now that the moment seemed closer than ever, he wasn't sure how to feel.
Farhan clapped him on the back, breaking the tension. "Looks like you're finally going to get your chance," he said with a grin. "Just don't forget us little people when you're a big-shot Ranker."
Jobaer managed a small smile, though his mind was already racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. As the conversation returned to its usual liveliness, he couldn't help but feel that this dinner marked the end of one chapter in his life—and the beginning of another.
Late-Night Reflections
The house was silent now, the laughter and chatter of dinner replaced by the soft creaks of settling wood and the distant hum of cicadas in the night. Jobaer lay on the rooftop, a woven mat beneath him and the vast expanse of stars above. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of jasmine from his grandmother's garden below. He had always loved this time of night—the quietness, the solitude, and the sense that the world paused just long enough for him to gather his thoughts. Tonight, though, his mind refused to settle.
He thought about his grandfather's words at dinner, the weight of them pressing against his chest like an invisible force. It's better to face the Tower with guidance than to stumble in blindly. The Tower—a name that carried with it so many promises and so many dangers. Jobaer had grown up hearing tales of its wonders and horrors, from the glittering cities on its lower floors to the treacherous trials that had claimed countless lives. Yet, despite the fear it inspired in others, Jobaer had always felt a pull toward it, an inexplicable yearning that seemed to call to something deep within him.
Turning onto his side, Jobaer glanced toward the silhouette of the Tower in the distance, its peak lost in the clouds. Even from miles away, it was an imposing sight, a structure that seemed to defy reason and reality. He imagined what it must be like inside—endless worlds stacked atop one another, each with its own rules, dangers, and opportunities. It wasn't just a place; it was a universe unto itself, and every person who entered it carried their own hopes, fears, and ambitions.
But why did he want to enter? That question lingered in his mind like an itch he couldn't scratch. Was it the promise of power? The allure of adventure? Or was it something more personal, tied to the mystery of his parents' disappearance? Jobaer clenched his fists at the thought. He had grown up in their absence, raised by his grandparents and uncles, yet the void they left behind was something he could never quite fill. His father's journals, stored carefully in a locked chest under Harun's bed, were the closest he had to understanding them—a collection of cryptic notes and half-finished entries that hinted at a story cut tragically short.
And then there was the matter of his own talent. He had no idea what it truly meant or how it would manifest, only that it set him apart in ways that could either save him or paint a target on his back. The Tower didn't hand out gifts freely, and he knew enough to understand that anything extraordinary came with extraordinary risks.
A rustling sound below startled him, and he sat up, his heart pounding for a moment before he realized it was just the wind in the trees. Still, the interruption broke his train of thought, and he let out a soft sigh, leaning back on his elbows. His best friend, Farhan, had always joked about Jobaer's overthinking, calling him a "philosopher in training." But tonight, the questions weren't just idle musings—they were a storm brewing in his chest, one that wouldn't be calmed until he stepped into the Tower and found the answers for himself.
As he gazed at the stars, Jobaer made a silent promise to himself. Whatever awaited him—be it power, danger, or the truth about his parents—he would face it head-on. The Tower wasn't just a test; it was a chance to rewrite his story, to carve a path forward in a world that demanded strength and resolve. Tomorrow, he would begin preparing. But tonight, under the infinite expanse of the sky, he allowed himself a moment to dream, to wonder, and to hope.
For the first time in years, Jobaer felt a flicker of something he had almost forgotten—a sense of purpose, burning quietly in the depths of his soul.