Joo Hyun stepped through the shimmering portal, his body bracing itself for whatever awaited him on the Fourth Floor. A sense of familiarity, almost like déjà vu, washed over him, but he dismissed it quickly. He'd learned that overthinking was a luxury he couldn't afford in the Tower. The moment he entered the new floor, everything around him changed once again.
The blinding light of the portal faded, and in its place, the world around him came into focus. He stood in a dense, shadowy forest, trees towering high above him, their twisted branches forming an eerie canopy that blocked out most of the sky. The ground was soft, damp with dew, and the air was thick with the smell of moss and earth. The sound of distant rustling filled the air, accompanied by the occasional eerie screech or growl that echoed through the trees.
This place feels... off, Joo Hyun thought, his instincts already on high alert.
The mist hung in the air like a veil, and the deep shadows cast by the trees seemed to shift with a life of their own. It wasn't just the environment that made him uneasy—there was something else here, something hidden beneath the surface. It felt like he wasn't alone.
Stay focused, he reminded himself. The Tower doesn't show mercy.
He took a cautious step forward, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He hadn't even made it a few feet when he felt it—a presence, something lurking just beyond his line of sight. A heavy, oppressive energy, almost suffocating, made his breath catch in his throat.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed from the shadows. His heart skipped a beat. Without hesitation, he activated Void Step, disappearing into the air and reappearing behind a nearby tree just as a massive, clawed beast lunged from the darkness, its jaws snapping shut where Joo Hyun had been standing only moments before.
The creature, a hulking beast with glowing red eyes and fur matted with blood, snarled in frustration, its massive body shifting from side to side as it searched for him. Its claws scraped against the ground, leaving deep gouges in the earth.
Joo Hyun's mind raced. This isn't just a random monster... it's a guardian, a test. The Tower's patterns were becoming more apparent with every floor—each one presented not only a challenge of strength but also of survival.
The creature's red eyes locked onto Joo Hyun's position, and it roared, charging with terrifying speed. Joo Hyun didn't flinch. Instead, he activated Martial Arts Mastery once again, his body moving like liquid as he dodged to the side. With a swift motion, he pulled out his sword, Nightfall, a weapon forged from the remnants of the first monster he'd defeated. It was an odd, shadowy blade that seemed to absorb light around it.
He leaped forward, his movements fluid and precise. As the beast swung its claws at him, he sliced through the air, his sword cutting deep into the creature's side. The blade left a trail of dark energy in its wake, cutting through the monster's thick hide with ease.
The creature let out a blood-curdling screech, stumbling back. Joo Hyun didn't waste a moment. He pressed the attack, using his enhanced reflexes and Elemental Affinity to fuel his strikes. His sword danced through the air, leaving deep gashes in the creature's flesh.
With a final, decisive blow, he pierced the creature's heart, and it collapsed in a heap, its body disintegrating into a cloud of mist that quickly evaporated into the air.
---
[SYSTEM ALERT]
You have defeated the Forest Guardian. You have gained 800 EXP.
The Fourth Floor has been cleared. Proceed to the Fifth Floor when ready.
---
Joo Hyun stood over the remains of the beast, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath. His clothes were torn from the battle, and his sword was coated in dark blood, but the fight had been won. Another trial passed. Another floor cleared.
He took a moment to absorb the feeling of victory, but it was fleeting. The Tower was unforgiving, and there would be more challenges ahead. His injuries stung, reminding him of the price he paid for every victory. The pain was a constant companion, a reminder that no matter how powerful he became, the cost of power was never far behind.
As the mist began to clear, Joo Hyun turned his gaze to the next portal, knowing that whatever awaited him on the Fifth Floor would be even more dangerous than what he had just faced.
I can't slow down now, he thought, his resolve hardening. The Tower doesn't stop. Neither can I.
Before he could take a step toward the portal, however, something caught his attention. A figure appeared from the shadows, a silhouette emerging from the forest's depths. It was a person, but there was something strange about the way they moved—too fluid, too graceful. The figure's face was hidden in the shadows, but Joo Hyun could sense their presence, as if the air itself parted to make way for them.
Without a word, the figure raised a hand in greeting, their voice soft but carrying through the stillness.
"You've done well to make it this far," the figure said, their tone smooth and calm. "But the real trials are only just beginning."
Joo Hyun instinctively took a step back, his senses on high alert. His hand tightened around Nightfall, ready to strike at a moment's notice.
"Who are you?" he asked, his voice steady despite the tension. "What do you want?"
The figure chuckled softly, their movements shifting like a wisp of smoke. "I am someone who has walked the path you're on. But don't worry, I'm not your enemy... yet."
Joo Hyun narrowed his eyes. He didn't trust this mysterious figure, but there was something about them—something about the way they spoke—that made him pause.
"I have no time for games," Joo Hyun replied, his patience wearing thin. "I'm not here for some cryptic riddles. I'm here to climb the Tower."
The figure smiled, though it was impossible to tell if they were amused or mocking. "Then climb. But remember this—no matter how high you go, the Tower always finds a way to test you. And some tests are more dangerous than you could ever imagine."
With that, the figure disappeared into the mist, leaving Joo Hyun standing alone, his thoughts a whirlwind of questions.
What was that?
He didn't have time to dwell on it. The Fifth Floor awaited, and the real trials were only just beginning.