...I entered the portal at those words.The sensation was different this time. My newfound cosmic awareness made every moment of the transition crystalline in its clarity. The portal's energies weren't just visible—they were a symphony of forces I could almost taste.Streams of cosmic radiation flowed around me like liquid starlight, each particle singing its own microscopic song. My 1% mastery felt like having a droplet of understanding in an ocean of potential, but even that droplet was enough to sense the magnificent complexity of spatial travel.Through my enhanced perception, I could feel the precise moment when space folded around me, the exact amount of energy required to tear a hole in reality—10 units of cosmic energy, my mind supplied automatically.The journey lasted both an instant and an eternity. Then reality reasserted itself, and I stumbled out onto solid ground—or rather, onto perfectly transparent crystal that seemed to float in the sky.I gasped. Below me stretched Luminaris, the City of Explorers, and the largest metropolis I had ever seen or imagined. From my vantage point in what appeared to be a massive transparent cube suspended high above the city, I could see everything.The city sprawled beyond the horizon, a tapestry of impossible architecture that defied earthly physics. Crystalline spires twisted into the clouds, while floating islands drifted between them like lazy clouds.Streets of light pulsed with energy, carrying countless beings of all shapes and sizes. Some areas glowed with perpetual twilight, while others blazed with the light of artificial suns."Welcome to Luminaris," a cheerful voice announced. I turned to find another humanoid rabbit, this one with steel-gray fur and wearing a crisp white uniform. Unlike Alice's unsettling cheerfulness, this one's smile seemed genuine. "I'm Bernard, and I'll be your guide to one of the Newbies Districts."The rabbit's paw moved with a fluid grace, and as it waved, the wall seemed to melt away, revealing a bridge that shone with pure, ethereal light. It connected to a floating island, reminiscent of a medieval village but with a futuristic twist. The cobblestone streets were lined with Tudor-style buildings, and every surface was adorned with glowing runes.The air itself seemed to shimmer with the sudden appearance of the bridge, made of pure and dazzling light. It extended from the transparent cube to the floating island, which looked like a scene out of a medieval fairy tale. Cobblestone streets wound their way through the air, and Tudor-style buildings with glowing runes decorating every surface floated above them.The bridge felt solid beneath my feet as I stepped onto it, but at the same time, there was a slight tingling sensation, as if I was walking on electricity. The air itself felt charged with energy, making the hair on my arms stand on end, but there was also a sense of security I could feel from everything around me.As the wall dissolved, a warm and tingling sensation spread across my skin, as if being touched by the soft rays of a gentle sun. The bridge of pure light seemed almost weightless, but as my feet stepped onto it, it felt solid and sturdy, like walking on firm ground.Gasps and murmurs of "Whoa" echoed around me as we all stood transfixed, the energy in the air leaving us in awe.The bridge of pure light seemed to pulse with energy, its ethereal surface inviting to the touch. It was warm and almost electric, sending a slight tingling sensation through anyone who dared to touch it."The Newbies District is where all fresh explorers begin their journey," Bernard explained as we walked across the bridge. "You'll need to reach level 10 before you can access the rest of Luminaris. Consider it a tutorial area."The district was a fascinating blend of medieval charm and magical technology. Wooden signs creaked in the wind next to holographic advertisements. A blacksmith hammered away at what looked like a normal sword, except it glowed with impossible colors.The district's most striking and imposing landmark was the Explorers Guild, a titanic structure that merged elements of a gothic cathedral with a dazzling crystal palace. Its jagged spires clawed at the heavens, while its sprawling base resembled the gnarled roots of an ancient tree, seemingly rooted deep in the earth."This Guild provides everything a new explorer needs," Bernard continued. "Training facilities, a library, dining hall, shop, and free accommodation for those low on DC. The receptionists are..."He didn't need to finish. Through the grand entrance, I could see several rabbit humanoids in uniform behind the counter. Some of the other explorers visibly flinched at the sight.Bernard was a guy serious about his work, so once he pointed at the places he mentioned, he walked away from our group with a "survive newbies" note. But that was after he made us enter the strangely empty guild hall.The main hall was now packed with people—specifically, the other ninety-nine individuals who had been summoned from Earth. Some huddled in small groups, already forming alliances.Others wandered alone, looking as lost as I felt. It was nice seeing fellow introverts like me. Well, my introverted nature kicked in hard, and I found myself drifting toward the edges of the room.Alone, just as always, I tried my best not to get in the spotlight. I should probably visit the dining hall to bite into something. Who knows the type of otherworldly foods that will be present there?"Excuse me," a confident voice called out.I turned to find a group of nine people approaching. Or more like I faced them since I had already felt that they were walking toward me.Their leader was a striking woman with olive skin and artistic hands stained with various colors. Something about her commanded attention without demanding it. She looked a little abnormal, but after everything I had experienced today, I was not going to sweat the details as Alice had said.I could swear that she was Russian, but hearing a near-perfect English accent from her made me think some other powers were at work here.Now just as I thought about it, everyone seemed to be able to communicate together despite being different. Even the rabbit humans could communicate in English."They are probably communicating in their own language, but I am hearing it in perfect English, huh?" I deduced, feeling a simple moment of pride. My deductions should be correct at least."What do you want with me?""I'm Isabella Romano," she said, extending her hand. "And I believe we should talk. All of us with Transcendent abilities should stick together.""I am Seun Adebayo," I said to observe courtesy and not to be a proud jerk.My facial expression surely changed immediately. I did not expect anyone else to know about it, after all. I did not want to be someone who steps out to be a protagonist at first meeting. I just wanted to survive and go back home.The others introduced themselves: Liu Wei with his calculating eyes, Hiroshi Tanaka with his mirror-like gaze, Min-ji Kim whose voice seemed to make the air ripple, Raj Patel with his kind but tired expression, Sarah Mitchell who seemed to move slightly out of sync with time, Marcus Thompson whose hair stood slightly on end, Viktor Petrov with his perpetually frosted breath, and Emma Laurent who seemed to float slightly with each step.They were all abnormal people parents would warn their children to run away from. And I think I should not be part of them.Continuing with the story:"How did you know?" I asked Isabella.She smiled. "My System skill lets me assess danger levels, and Liu Wei can see the names of everyone from their status. You were one of the last to arrive, but you register as the strongest person here. I don't know the power you possess, but I think we need to work together if we want to survive what's coming."I hesitated, my social anxiety warring with the logic of her words.But as I looked at these nine people—each bearing powers that could reshape common sense itself—I realized this might be my chance to overcome more than just the challenges of the tower."There is no danger in just getting to know new people," I told myself silently."Alright," I said, taking a deep breath. "Let's talk."Isabella leaned forward in our small circle, her eyes scanning each of us intently. "I think everyone should have met Alice and seen what is happening to many dimensions."A collective murmur of agreement rippled through our group. Liu Wei nodded sharply, his calculating gaze distant. "The rabbit's explanation was... disturbing.""Those poor worlds," Min-ji added, her voice causing actual ripples in the air around us. "So many already lost.""Which is exactly why," Isabella continued, her voice gaining intensity, "as people born with transcendent souls, we have a responsibility to save the worlds. It's not just about us anymore."Marcus Thompson's electrically-charged hair seemed to crackle with his agitation. "Hold on. I didn't sign up for some grand crusade. I just want to survive this."I felt a sense of kinship with him."Exactly," Raj agreed, his tired eyes showing concern. "We're not heroes.""But I am!" Hiroshi Tanaka stepped to the center of our circle, striking a dramatic pose. "This is clearly my protagonist moment. I shall save not just one dimension, but all of them! The universe has chosen me—"Several snorts and eye-rolls cut through his speech. I watched Viktor's frost-tinged breath come out in an exasperated sigh."Really, Hiroshi?" Emma said, hovering slightly above the floor. "This isn't an anime."As the argument began to heat up, Isabella raised her hand, commanding silence with her natural authority. "Everyone, please. Let's hear from someone who hasn't spoken yet." She turned to me. "What do you think about all this?"I shifted uncomfortably as all eyes turned to me, but I forced myself to speak with conviction. "Teaming up is smart, but we need to be realistic. The floors are generated to fit individuals. While we can work together, we need a simple, achievable goal—like surviving and making it back home. If we become strong enough to protect our dimension in the process, great. But none of us were trained for this. We were normal people before today."I saw Isabella's eyes light up with understanding. "That... actually makes a lot of sense. Let's vote on it. All in favor of focusing on survival and getting stronger together?"Hands raised one by one, until only Hiroshi's remained down. He shook his head, muttering about "missing the chance for a perfect hero's journey.""We should stay connected," Sarah suggested, her movements slightly out of sync with time. "Isabella, you could create a group chat on the forum and add us all."We spent the next few minutes setting up our usernames and joining Isabella's newly created group. The peaceful organization was suddenly disrupted by a tremendous gust of wind.A cyclone burst through the entrance, carrying a stunning woman in an emerald mage robe and cap. Her dramatic entrance was somewhat undermined by her stumbling slightly as she landed."Greetings, new explorers!" she announced, her voice magnified. "I represent the Green Magic Tower, and we're seeking promising apprentices among—""Now wait just a minute!" Another woman, this one in crimson robes, strode in with flames licking at her heels. "The Red Tower has first rights to recruitment! You can't just—""First rights? Since when?" The green mage's eyes sparked with magical energy."Since always, you overgrown hedge witch!""What did you call me, you walking torch?"As magical sparks literally flew between their glares, I took a step back. "I think I'll check out the dining hall now."Isabella caught my eye and nodded, barely containing her amusement at the spectacle. "Go ahead. We'll message you on the forum if anything important comes up."As I slipped away from the escalating magical argument, I couldn't help but smile. Escaping from trouble is what I think my specialty should be.