The aftermath of the battle left the air heavy with the scent of blood and scorched earth, a haunting reminder of the cost of survival. Amidst the fallen, survivors navigated the desolate landscape with faces etched in grim determination. Though their numbers had dwindled, those who remained embodied an unyielding spirit.
Mark observed the scene, a strange mix of satisfaction and unease washing over him. The eyes of the others rested on him now, their gazes reflecting the brutality they had just endured. Fear and awe mingled with a raw, unspoken gratitude. If not for his decisive intervention against Nam, more of them would surely have fallen.
Amidst the chaos, Lyra floated like an ethereal figure untouched by the surrounding carnage. Her presence stood in stark contrast to the devastation, emanating both power and a chilling indifference.
"The Crucible served its purpose," her voice rang out, echoing across the battlefield. "It was designed to identify those who would push beyond their comfort zones, to fight, to grow stronger. Many succumbed, a testament to the true stakes of your journey."
A tremor of unease rippled through the survivors. Bolu's gaze flickered with a mix of skepticism and calculating ambition. Others shrank back, the weight of her words heavy on their shoulders.
"The Tower awaits," Lyra continued, her voice laced with a hint of purpose. "Ten floors stand before you, each a vast world in itself. Resources will be scarce, knowledge hard-won. You will learn, you will adapt, you will fight for your survival."
A hush fell over the gathering. The cards given after slaying creatures had stopped. Everything they needed from now on had to be earned. This was a trial by fire, a test not just of strength, but of wit and determination.
"The first floor," Lyra warned, "may offer a deceptive sense of security. Information is there for the taking, though heavily veiled – history of the Weave, cultivation, power levels and civilizations all over the Weave. But remember, complacency is your enemy. The longer you linger on the first floor, the more unforgiving it becomes. Each week spent on a single level will escalate the dangers you face."
Mark absorbed her words, a mix of excitement and apprehension churning in his gut. This was far grander than the simple fight for survival he had envisioned. It was a gamble with unimaginable rewards, but the path was fraught with peril. He glanced at the others, their expressions mirroring his own internal conflict.
Lyra's form shimmered, her final pronouncement hanging heavy in the air: "The Tower awaits. Embrace the challenge or succumb to oblivion. The choice is yours." The survivors stood amidst the desolate battlefield, the weight of her words settling upon them. The Tower loomed before them, a silent monument to their upcoming trials. The true test had only just begun.
Then, a shift. The world rippled, reality warping around them. Disorientation washed over Mark – a wave of dizziness, a sickening twist in his gut. When the world settled, he blinked, a tremor coursing through him.
He was alone. No battlefield, no survivors, no oppressive presence of the Tower. He stood within a grand space, sunlight streaming through tall, arched windows and casting long shadows across the polished stone floor. Bookshelves lined the walls, stretching upwards until they vanished into the gloom. The air smelled faintly of old paper and dust, mingled with a hint of something sharper, almost metallic.
A familiar chime dinged in his head – the system.
Stolen story; please report.
Floor Notification: You have entered Floor 1
Location Designation: Labyrinth of Lore
Floor Summary: The Floor of Knowledge offers the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Weave, the history of this world, and the true nature of the Tower itself.
Reminder: It is recommended to review your status and select a class before exploring. The clock begins once active exploration of labyrinth starts
Labyrinth of Lore Restriction: Entry is limited to a maximum of three hours within a 24-hour period. Exceeding this limit will result in penalties.
A tense silence hung in the air after the system notifications faded. Mark took a deep breath, the adrenaline from the battlefield slowly receding. His gaze swept across the magnificent Labyrinth of Lore, the urge to delve into its secrets warring with a nagging sense of incompleteness.
A soft chime interrupts his contemplation – the system once more.
Experience Gain: You have gained 50,000 XP for defeating significantly higher-level Goblins.
Mark's eyes widened. 50,000 XP – a staggering reward for the brutal encounter with the Goblins. This windfall could significantly boost his level once he selected a class.
Another chime in his head pierces the silence.
System Announcement: Access Granted - Leaderboard
Leaderboard Information: You are currently level 10 but not listed on the leaderboard. To gain visibility, you must choose to publish your name or choose a title.
1. The Crimson Knight - Level 10
2. Shadow Walker - Level 10
3. The Butcher - Level 10 ...
4. Bolu - Level 10
5. Iron hide - Level 10
The top 100 are all level 10.
More information from the system arrives.
Population Update: Records indicate that approximately 35% of Earth's population has been transported and integrated into a secure sector of the universe. This sector is dominated by a stable human empire. Within this group, individuals deemed unfit for the trials were protected, primarily children under 16, those over 65, and pregnant women as per Earth standard classifications. An estimated 5 billion people were transported for the trial, current population of humans in the trial: 3,056,745,980.
System Announcement: Initial Crucible Mortality Rate: 32%
The cold efficiency of the announcement chilled Mark. He clenched his fists, the weight of the lost lives settling heavily on him. Images of the fallen – their faces etched with fear and determination – flashed through his mind. The satisfaction he'd felt earlier curdled into a sickening dread. He wasn't just fighting for survival; he had been part of a brutal selection process.
"His contemplation is interrupted by a soft chime – the system once more.”
He took a shuddering breath, pushing the unwelcome emotions down for now. There would be time to grieve later. His attention was recalled to the system notifications.
Your swordsmanship has significantly improved through recent combat and discovery of the force concept. Your skill - Sword Fighting (Rare) - has increased to level 11.
Concept Unlocked: Force
Stage- Nascent
The development of this concept is entirely dependent on your understanding and practice.
Mark frowned. The system was offering potential, but not a clear path. He'd have to forge that himself. There was a flicker of excitement amidst the uncertainty – the possibility of developing a power uniquely suited to his fighting style.
As the system notifications faded, a tense silence enveloped the air. Mark took a deep breath, feeling the lingering adrenaline from the battlefield gradually recede. His gaze shifted across the grandeur of the Labyrinth of Lore, momentarily pausing as he faced a crucial decision: class selection.
With a determined nod, he addressed the system, "Display Class Options."
System Analysis: Calculating Achievements...
The holographic display flickered to life, a progress bar slowly inching forward. This brief pause allowed him to reflect on his performance in the Crucible. He'd unlocked his first concept – force – related to swordsmanship. The brutal trials had also led to the unexpected discovery of hidden nodes within his being, a potential source of immense power. And against all odds, he had not only survived the Crucible but emerged as a key contributor in the final stand.
The progress bar reached 100%. A wave of information washed over him.
System Analysis Complete: Achievements Recognized.
First Concept Unlocked (Pre- Class Selection).
Node Discovery.
Mythical Ability Acquired.
Level 10 Achieved (Before the end of the first stage of trial, the crucible).
Title Earned: Survivor.
Title Earned: Mana Savant.
Crucible – Final Quest: Significant Contribution (Over 80%).
Unlocking all attributes and reaching first threshold in all attributes before the crucible ended.
Getting Merged Ability-Perfect body (Legendary)
Absorbing the information, Mark felt a surge of pride. Despite the uncertainty of what he'd faced, he had pushed himself to the limit and emerged stronger. Now, the fruits of his labor were about to be revealed.
The display flickered again, revealing a seemingly endless list of class options. Common, Uncommon, Adept, Rare, Epic, Paragon, Mythical, and Legendary blazed across the screen, each category overflowing with possibilities. Mark's jaw dropped. The sheer volume of choices was overwhelming.
Understanding that lower rarities might not align with his potential, he concentrated his focus. "Filter. Rarity: Rare and above." The resulting list shrank significantly, though still presented dozens of options.
He scanned the names, curiosity piqued by some:
* Spellsword (Epic): A versatile fighter wielding potent magic alongside their blade.
* Runecarver (Mythical): A warrior who imbues weapons and armor with ancient runes, empowering both offense and defense.
Intrigued by the concept of manipulating runes, Mark selected the Runecarver (Mythical) class for further details. However, a nagging curiosity lingered. He narrowed his filter further, selecting only Legendary class options. The list shrank to a mere eight entries, each representing the pinnacle of classes he had access to.
Mark's heart quickened as he read the names, the possibilities both thrilling and daunting:
* · Blade master (Legendary)
* Archon (Legendary.
* Enigma (Legendary).
* Vanguard (Legendary).
* Titan (Legendary).
* Shaper (Legendary).
* Arsenal (Legendary)
* Magus (Legendary).
He knew this decision was about more than mere power. It was about who he wanted to become in this strange new world.
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Meanwhile, across the vast expanse of the first floor, others faced similar crossroads...
Bolu stood atop a rocky outcrop, surveying the landscape with a calculating gaze. Catherine, shimmering with restrained energy, hovered nearby. Bolu's mind raced, each class offering a different path to power. She knew her choice would shape not only her abilities, but her destiny in this unforgiving world.
In a distant cavern, Lina sat cross-legged, her eyes closed in deep concentration. A faint glow surrounded her, hinting at the power she channeled within. She sought clarity amidst the chaos, knowing she must choose wisely to survive the trials ahead.
Elsewhere, a figure cloaked in shadow moved silently against the stone floor. They paused, a predatory gleam in their eyes, surveying their surroundings with cold appraisal.