Chapter 11: The Countdown Continues
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MC's Perspective
Ten days have passed since the countdown began. The pressure is mounting with each passing moment, and I feel it heavier than ever. Only seven days remain before the monster gates open, and the clock is ticking down with ruthless precision. As I track the progress of the players still ascending the Tower, I can't help but think of Isabel. She's made significant progress, currently sitting on the 78th floor, and her journey is far from over. Her growth is rapid, especially considering the difficulties ahead, but I'm worried about the remaining time.
The trials only grow more dangerous the higher you go, and despite the advantages I've provided her through the manual, I know that nothing can truly prepare anyone for the horrors that the Tower holds. Still, I believe in her strength. Isabel has been exceptional, and if anyone can reach the 100th floor, it's her.
But she isn't alone in this struggle. Millions of players across the globe are also striving for the same goal. They're climbing the Tower, each with their own methods and abilities, facing the challenges that await them. Some will fall. Some will succeed. And some will awaken to unimaginable power.
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System Announcement:
"Players currently ascending the Tower:
Total players remaining: 398,724,543
Total players who have awakened to S-Rank: 687
Players currently between Floors 71-100: 56,892,301
Players remaining on Floors 70 and below: 341,774,242"
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MC's Perspective
The numbers the system has just provided are staggering. Over 398 million players are still fighting their way through the Tower. And yet, only a small fraction — just over 72,000 — have awakened to S-Rank abilities. That's a drop in the ocean compared to the total number of players. The system is showing that a significant number of players — over 56 million — are currently between Floors 71 and 100. It's clear that the competition is fierce, with so many players reaching these heights.
But what strikes me the most is the remaining players below Floor 70. More than 341 million players are still stuck on the lower floors, struggling to overcome their trials. The disparity is enormous, and the chances of many of them reaching the higher floors in time are growing slimmer by the day. With the monster gates set to open in just seven days, the odds are against the majority of these players. The Tower is merciless, and only the strongest will survive.
Despite these overwhelming numbers, Isabel is climbing steadily. I've seen her push through trials that would have broken most players. If she keeps this pace, I'm confident she will awaken soon. But it's the remaining time that has me worried. The closer we get to the monster gates opening, the more dangerous it will become for everyone.
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System Announcement:
"The following players have reached Floor 100 and awakened S-Rank abilities:
Marcus (Gladiator) – Country: United States
Sofia (Sorceress) – Country: Germany
Raj (Warrior Monk) – Country: India
Liu Wei (Elemental Sage) – Country: China
Ragnar (Berserker) – Country: Norway
Kira (Assassin) – Country: Japan"
"All players who have reached Floor 100 have been expelled from the Tower. Only the strongest continue the journey."
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MC's Perspective
Seven players have made it to the 100th floor and awakened to S-Rank abilities. It's a monumental achievement, and their journeys have concluded. As I look at their names, I wonder what comes next for them. They've conquered the Tower's challenges, at least for now. But the real battle is still ahead — the monster gates will open soon, and only the remaining players will face the true threat.
The players who have reached these heights are among the elite, but I know that the Tower isn't done with them. The monster gates will force even those at the top to face new and deadly challenges. For now, I can only watch from the sidelines as the final countdown ticks away.
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System Announcement:
"Time Remaining: 6 Days and 23 Hours until the Monster Gates Open."
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MC's Perspective
Six days and twenty-three hours. That's how much time remains. It doesn't feel like enough, not with so many players still struggling to climb and awaken. The pressure is immense, and soon the entire Tower will feel the weight of the monster gates opening. I can only hope that the players who have made it to the higher floors are ready for what's coming. Isabel is strong, and I believe in her, but the dangers that lie ahead are unlike anything she's faced before.
As the time continues to dwindle, the Tower seems to grow even more oppressive. The players who are still climbing are running out of time. I've done everything I can to help them, but in the end, it will be up to them to survive.
For now, all I can do is watch, wait, and prepare for the chaos that is about to unfold. Seven days. That's all they have left.
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End of Chapter 11