A Desperate Journey to Floor 5

Audi and Dodge made their way toward Floor 5, their steps steady and unwavering. As they walked, Dodge turned to Audi with a casual question.

"What's your favorite food?"

"Meat," Audi answered without hesitation. "You?"

"Meat too," Dodge replied with a grin. "What about your favorite drink?"

"Blood," Audi said flatly. "And you?"

Dodge smirked. "Blood as well."

Just then, a beautiful young woman crossed their path. Audi's eyes gleamed mischievously as he whispered, "Look… meat and blood."

Dodge raised an eyebrow, but before he could respond, Audi chuckled. "Relax, I'm not eating anything alive anymore. I prefer it frozen."

Their banter faded as they approached the entrance of Floor 5, only to be stopped by an examiner named Ninety.

"Access denied," Ninety announced firmly. "The First Job Exam is postponed until next week."

Audi frowned. "Why?"

Ninety sighed. "A monster has been appearing on the lower floors. Several adventurers have gone missing. Chairman Uno ordered a one-week suspension of all battle training and exploration on Floors 1 to 50. Only those in need of essentials—food, clothing, or shelter—are permitted entry."

Audi's eyes darkened. "Adventurers are being abducted?"

Ninety nodded grimly. "Yes, and it's a highly sensitive matter."

Dodge crossed his arms. "Then what about our First Job Exam?"

"We'll be doing it the old way," Ninety explained. "We're taking the exam to Grave Town. Since Floor 5 is restricted, we'll use quests from Grave Town that require First Job qualifiers. Complete at least one request within a week, and you pass. I'll personally escort you to the Statue of Heroes to select your job."

He paused, then added, "Pass your first quest, and I'll introduce you to Clans and Skills. For now, go home and prepare for tomorrow."

A Shocking Call

Back at the 5th Floor Lounge, Audi pulled out his Wisdom Tech Phone, attempting to call Jazz.

"I'm sure Jazz is already a Wizard by now," he mused aloud.

"Who's Jazz?" Dodge asked.

Audi smirked. "Not sure, but they said she's my sister… so I just accepted it. My very first alive sister. Hahaha!"

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

Leaning back, he stared at his hands. "It's weird… actually feeling alive. The sun touches my skin… I actually have skin now. My teeth are complete, I can eat all the steak I want. I feel water when I bathe—not just fireballs heating my head. Hahaha!"

Dodge chuckled. "You're alive, of course, you can feel it."

Audi frowned at his phone. "Weird… this thing isn't working. I can't reach Jazz."

Growing uneasy, Audi called Ford instead.

After a few rings, Ford picked up, his voice urgent. "Audi! You have to climb as soon as possible! You need to help us—They—!"

"What? Who?!" Audi demanded.

"The tower took Jazz!"

Audi's blood ran cold. "WHAT?! Who took her?!"

"I have to go! They don't want anyone to know about this—"

"WHO?! FORD, TELL ME!"

Click. The line went dead.

A Race Against Time

Without hesitation, Audi sprinted toward the tower entrance, only to be blocked by heavy security. He spotted Ninety and stormed toward him.

"Ninety!" Audi shouted. "Is it true that Jazz has been abducted?!"

Ninety's eyes widened in shock. "How did you know?!"

"I'm her brother!" Audi yelled, his voice fierce with urgency.

Ninety sighed, his tone serious. "Even if you want to save her, you can't pass Floor 5 yet. The next floor will only open once you defeat its monsters."

He placed a firm hand on Audi's shoulder. "For now, focus on passing the First Job Quest. Next week, you'll have your chance."

Audi clenched his fists in frustration. His only option was to prepare.

The Adventurer's Dilemma

That night, as Audi devoured 20kg of meat at the 5th Floor Lounge, he overheard whispers from other adventurers.

"Some monsters from the lower floors have escaped into the tower… and they're looking for something. Or someone."

Fear spread among the adventurers. Many chose to skip this month's First Job Exam, unwilling to take the risk.

The next day, Audi and Dodge met Ninety in Grave Town.

Ninety glanced around. "Just the two of you? Where are the others?"

Dodge shrugged. "They probably chickened out because of the escaped monsters."

Ninety smirked. "Looks like my twin, Hundred, was right—only the brave ones will pass this test."

Audi grinned. "Yeah, yeah! Now, where's the food? I'm starving!"

Grave Town's Crisis

Ninety stood beside Town Chief Eliot, surveying the anxious townsfolk.

"This is Eliot, the chief of Grave Town," the old man introduced himself, his face lined with worry.

Ninety nodded. "Eliot, we're here to help with the town's dilemma."

Eliot sighed heavily. "I'll get straight to the point. The residents have reported sightings of a dangerous creature—a half-bear with the fangs of a lion and the venom of a cobra. Even its claws are laced with poison. Based on these descriptions, there's no doubt—this is Ursa Venator, the 8th Floor Boss."

Ninety exhaled sharply. "We need intel. When was it last seen? How did it get here? Has anyone been hurt?"

Eliot's expression darkened. "It was last spotted near Grave Lake, moving with purpose... as if searching for something. Or someone. The lake is dangerously close to Honey Bee Cave, home to rare Golden Honey. That might be its true target. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported yet."

A smirk played on Ninety's lips. "Alright. Let's begin the First Job Advancement—The Hunt for Ursa Venator!"

Audi cracked his knuckles, his grin widening. "At last! Time to taste a new flavor!" He licked his lips. "And I wouldn't mind trying that Golden Honey either!"

Dodge tilted his head. "Hmph… Think it can be traded for blood?"

Ninety considered for a moment before nodding. "Possible."

With their mission set, the hunt for Ursa Venator had officially begun.