The rain in Seoul fell steadily, its rhythmic tap against the pavement a familiar sound to Joo Hyun. He tucked his umbrella a little closer to his side, the tattered fabric barely holding together against the wind. The day had been long, filled with awkward meetings and cold sales calls, but it wasn't like it was anything new. In fact, it was almost routine. For a 26-year-old salesman like him, life consisted of little more than trying to make a deal, get by, and make sure his mother didn't worry too much about their financial situation. Nothing extraordinary ever seemed to happen to someone like him.
"Maybe tomorrow will be better," he mumbled to himself, as he walked home through the damp streets of the city. His shoes squelched slightly with each step, but his mind was far from the wet ground beneath him. His thoughts wandered to his apartment, to the simple meal he'd make, to the quiet solitude that awaited him.
But that night was different.
As he walked, a strange chill filled the air, far colder than it should have been for an ordinary rainy evening. The streetlights flickered and then dimmed, leaving only a vague, unnatural darkness in their place. Joo Hyun stopped, glancing around. Something wasn't right.
Before he could process the sudden unease creeping up his spine, the ground beneath him cracked open, and the world around him shattered into light. His heart skipped a beat, and he felt as though his body was being torn apart. The cold wind vanished, replaced by an overwhelming force pulling him upward, higher and higher, until everything around him was nothing but a blur of bright colors and flashing lights.
---
The Void
When Joo Hyun opened his eyes, he was no longer standing on the wet pavement of Seoul. He was in a vast, endless expanse, surrounded by darkness as far as the eye could see. The air was thick with an unsettling energy, and the only light came from a massive crystal pillar that stood in the center of the space. It glowed with an otherworldly radiance, pulsating gently, almost as if alive.
"W-What is this?" Joo Hyun whispered, his voice sounding small in the emptiness. He tried to move, but his limbs felt heavier than usual, and his mind was clouded with confusion.
Before he could do anything, a voice echoed in the void, calm and patient, as if it had been waiting for him all along.
"Welcome, Player Joo Hyun."
Joo Hyun's heart raced. He looked around desperately, trying to find the source of the voice, but there was no one in sight.
"Who's there? Where am I?" His voice trembled.
"Do not be afraid," the voice reassured him. "You have been chosen."
The voice paused, allowing the words to sink in. "Chosen for what? What is this place?"
A glowing screen appeared before him, its text shifting and adjusting as if tailor-made just for him.
---
[SYSTEM ACTIVATED]
Welcome, Player Joo Hyun. You have been selected to enter the Infinite Tower.
The Infinite Tower spans countless realms and dimensions. Each floor is a trial—a test to measure your strength, wit, and resolve. Your journey will be difficult, but your rewards will be limitless.
"You are the chosen player," the voice continued, "and you will rise to the top of this Tower, if you are strong enough."
Joo Hyun stood frozen in place, his mind trying to comprehend what he was hearing. The Infinite Tower? The words didn't make sense. Was this some kind of dream? Or worse, a nightmare?
"You will be granted access to three powers," the voice explained further. "First, your Infinite Attributes."
The screen flickered again, showing a list of options.
---
[INFINITE ATTRIBUTES]
Strength: Increases physical power and endurance.
Agility: Enhances speed and movement precision.
Intelligence: Improves mental abilities and strategic thinking.
Endurance: Boosts stamina, pain tolerance, and resistance to damage.
Mana: Expands your magical energy, used for casting spells.
"You may choose two attributes," the voice continued. "Each attribute will grant you 15 points to distribute as you see fit."
Joo Hyun's gaze lingered on the list. He wasn't sure what any of this meant, but something inside him stirred—a strange sense of purpose. He thought of the long hours he'd spent talking to clients, trying to close deals. He wasn't weak, but he wasn't particularly strong either. He'd need something more if he was going to survive this.
"I'll choose Strength and Intelligence," Joo Hyun said, his voice more certain than he felt. The screen flashed as the attributes were selected, a surge of power flowing through him instantly. His body felt lighter, stronger, and his mind clearer, sharper.
"Good choice," the voice said. "Next, your Infinite Talents."
[INFINITE TALENTS]
Martial Arts Mastery: Instant mastery of all forms of combat and weapons.
Elemental Affinity: Control over the elements—fire, water, air, and earth.
Charisma Beyond Compare: The ability to sway hearts and minds with ease.
"You may select two talents," the voice explained. "Each talent will empower you in different ways."
Joo Hyun didn't hesitate this time. The first talent, Martial Arts Mastery, was a natural choice. It would give him the skills to survive in this new world. The second, Elemental Affinity, felt like the right fit. With the ability to control the elements, he could be versatile, able to adapt to any challenge.
"Martial Arts Mastery and Elemental Affinity," Joo Hyun said, feeling the talents settle deep within him.
---
[INFINITE SKILLS]
Void Step: Teleport short distances, leaving no trace.
Copycat: Mimic any skill or ability used against you.
Creation Magic: Summon weapons, tools, or objects from thin air.
"Finally, your skills," the voice prompted. "Choose two."
Joo Hyun felt his heart beat faster. This was it—the final step. He could feel the power inside him already, but these skills could make the difference. Void Step would allow him to move quickly, to avoid danger, and Copycat felt like the perfect defensive skill. Being able to replicate his enemies' abilities would make him unpredictable.
"I'll take Void Step and Copycat," Joo Hyun said, almost without thinking. As soon as the choices were made, he felt an immediate rush of energy. His body hummed with power, and for the first time, he felt like he wasn't just an ordinary man anymore.
---
"You have made your choices," the voice announced. "Your journey begins now."
In an instant, the void around him disappeared, replaced by a vast, rocky arena. The ground was rough, and in front of him stood a goblin—small, green, and armed with a crude weapon. Its yellow eyes glinted as it bared its teeth.
"Welcome to the tutorial, newbie," the goblin sneered. "Let's see how long you last."
Joo Hyun's heart raced, but he was calm. His body felt alive with power. He didn't know what the future held, but he knew one thing for sure: He wasn't going to back down.
"This is just the beginning," he whispered to himself, eyes locked on the goblin. His journey through the Infinite Tower was about to begin. And he was ready.