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Quick Update initiated!

!ERROR! REPAIR NEEDED. LV2 DEVICE REQUIRED.

Skill List:

Kanji (lv1): Aspect of Energy: Electricity, Thermal, Sound, Elastic.

{Skill points: !ERROR!}

[Full destructive power limit: Several Villages]

Skills: [1. Infuse/Absorb] [2. Energy travel] [3. Energy trail] [4. Energy bolt] [5. Energy wave] [6. Energy blade] [7. Energy shield] [8. Energy dual conduit] [9. Energy healing] [10. Umbral Cape]

[Vortex battery (Storage)]

Inventory: Geographic sphere, Mechanical soap, Spyware device, Tungsten-infused nanotech silver chain, Tech tablet (Portal) (Hide, Input, Output, Convert, Compress), Night-vision goggles.

Claire (lv1): Aspect of Creation

Skills: [1. Create (Slots: 10)] [2. Absorb (Only created and non-broken items)]

[Vortex battery: The Ninth Prince’s Order]

Inventory: Black cloak, Crossbow, Crossbow bolt (modified with rotatenium), Ammo pouch, Fanfics, Mechanical soap, A spyglass, Night-vision goggles, Medicine belt (sling bag and pockets for syringes), UV flashlight, 4 Flesh syringes, 4 Healing Bandages.

David (lv1): Aspect of Form

{Skill points: !ERROR!}

[Range limit: Room]

[Vortex battery (Control)]

Skills: [1. Expand (x2)] [2. Spikefacation] [3. Delay (1-10s)] [4. Shieldfacation] [5. Trigger] [6. Transform pattern Wave] [7. Net Transform] [8. Whip transform] [9. Blend around] [10. Uno]

Inventory: Tungsten bat, AK-47, Mechanical soap, Night-vision goggles.

Amelia (lv1): Aspect of Reality

{Skill points: !ERROR!}

[Attack type: Strong illusion] [Attack range: x3 field of view]

Skills: [1. Third-person vision] [2. Blurring Mirage] [3. Double] [4. Connect] [5. Vision Swap] [6. Disguise] [7. Flash Mirage] [8. False movement] [9. False Touch] [Mentaltomisis]

[Vortex Battery (Charge)]

Inventory: Frying Pan, Knife, Mechanical soap.

Sarah (lv0): Aspect of Fiction

[Skill access: 1 skill for each item] [Conjured item 1]

Inventory: Mechanical soap, Nezha’s leopard bag (Nezha’s ring).

Noah (lv0): Aspect of Emotion

Skills: [Emotion infusion] (Emotional requirement: High)

Inventory: Mechanical soap, Sharpening stone, 4 Flesh syringes, 4 Healing Bandages, Torn t-shirt, Anger stone, Hoodie.

Diana (lv0): Aspect of Law

{Laws unlocked: Law of Friction} {Limit: Only manipulate small values}

Inventory: Mechanical soap, A pickaxe, Night-vision goggles.

Adrian (lv0): Aspect of Knowledge.

{Connected Minds} {Info Extraction} [Limit: half of basic info}]

Inventory: Mechanical soap, Rope, Handbook (recorded events).

Azan (lv1): Aspect of Change.

[Vortex Battery: Greater Flight]

{Limitation: 1. Follow under the concept “change” only. 2. Changes under other aspects require hand-holding.}

Change slot: 2

Inventory: Metal suitcase, Mechanical soap, Miniature fan, Blue boxing gloves.

Mina (lv0): Aspect of Time

{Limitations: 4 skills (Currently).}

Skills (!ERROR!) (Auto Input Activated): |1. Aging| |2. Time Exchange|

Inventory: A machete, Mechanical soap, Yellow boxing gloves.

Gwen (lv0): Aspect of Destruction

{Limitation: Gas only}

Inventory: Mechanical soap, Izzybot, P.T.A.

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In the grip of a howling gale, he approaches the zenith of the tower. The once familiar light now dapples the vast sky in myriad shades of blue, a sight unseen by him for what seems an eternity. An icy blast whisks across his exposed chest, prompting a shiver to cascade down his spine. He curls his fingers around his torso in a vain attempt to retain warmth.

Noah "Holy shit! I can still be cold! Gwen didn't tell me that!"

The Wielder of Emotion summons his inventory, retrieving a cozy hoodie. Now snug within its presence, he finds his surroundings laced with oddities. Upon gazing upwards, a fragment of his own reflection stares back. Intriguingly, the scene repeats itself when he peers straight ahead. How mysterious... Noah strides forth, his soul unshaken by whatever fate may hold.

Noah "After all the things I did. I'm afraid anymore. Let's see what is causing this."

His hand punctures the peculiar veil, watching as a thin, elastic layer encases his arm, slithering upwards as he delves deeper. The sensation is akin to traversing a colossal air bubble.

Noah "Wait a minute. The reflection and the reason I can breathe up here. This is an air bubble! Isn't it?! It is a massive air bubble!"

Retracting his hand, Noah ambulates with measured steps, eyes trained on the ground. Unwittingly, he hoists his hand just an inch too high, and with a sudden lurch, he begins to ascend from the floor.

Noah "What's going on?! Fuck! Come on, Noah! Think! Quick!"

Summoning an anger stone, Noah radiates with a fierce crimson aura. He attempts an aerial swim back to solid ground, paddling through the thin air. But a miscalculated stroke sends him spinning, disoriented, and nearing the bubble's apex. He hastily retrieves his mechanical soap, looking at it with doubt. He then smashes it against his chest, giving birth to his own bubble of soap. As he ascends, the two bubbles intersect, jettisoning him back to the ground.

Noah "Oh thank god-

Landing heavily, he squints at the ground before him. A hidden message, stumbled upon by pure chance, comes into focus. It reads: "Having surmounted relentless trials and challenges, The Angel of Emotion soared to the pinnacle of the tower. One final test of courage awaits... Descend the tower! Let your wings sprout!"

Noah "What? They seriously want me to go back down. How?!... No. No, you can't possibly mean that I have to jump down! Are you nuts?"

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

Noah's words echo in the void as he moves toward the closest edge. Looking down, a sea of clouds greets him, stretching beyond sight. He inhales deeply, turning his gaze back to the cloud-dappled abyss. Imagining them as gargantuan pillows offer a sliver of comfort, so he takes the leap... The sensation of the world expanding as he plunges downward is ineffable— a moment etched permanently into his memory. Dipping below the cloud cover, his eyes feast on the breathtaking landscape, oblivious to the green battery adhering itself to his back.

With a soft thud, it sinks into his spine and unfurls four pairs of luminescent, verdant wings.

Noah notices their presence.

Noah "Woah! When did this- Wow! Are these falcon wings?! Awesome!"

Beneath him, a verdant tapestry of grass opens, at the heart of which resides the RV— a toy model from his current altitude. Noah spots his three comrades engaged in what appears to be yoga. A chuckle escapes him as he surveys the tranquil scene, his thoughts straying.

His reverie is broken by an abrupt contact with the ground, surprisingly void of impact.

Noah "Huh. HUH?! What happened?! I took no fall damage. Hold the phone-

Accessing his skill window, he spots [Vortex Battery (Fall Resistant)] listed among his abilities. Noah can't help but let out a hearty laugh, a sound that catches his companions' attention. Kanji, recognizing the laughter, goes over to welcome him.

Kanji "Noah! I'm glad you're safe. I guess that trial didn't take as long as we thought!"

Noah "Wait. What time is it?"

Gwen "It is around 4:35 pm. May I ask why you are shirtless?... Did it perhaps get demolished during your travel through the tower?"

Noah "Yep. It was one mimicking bastard that did it. Claire, can you get me a new one?"

Claire "Wow, this is the first time you actually said my name! The tower changed you lol. But sadly, I don't think I can get you a new one-

Extending his hands, Noah passes all of the bandages and syringes from his pockets to Claire. An abrupt silence descends, and their gazes latch onto him. They brandish their weapons, encircling him.

Noah "Ummm... guys? What are you doing?"

Kanji "It's suspicious. We assumed that you would have used up all of them by now. Unless... you're someone else completely! Also, the way you talk is different as well."

Noah "Wha-What?! Come on! This is ridiculous! The tower changed me alright! I spent like a couple of years in there! But I'm still the Noah you all know! I can prove it."

Gwen "Really, now? Would you mind answering a few questions that only our dear friend would know?"

Noah "Alright, bring it! I know all of it."

Claire "Okay. What is Sarah's birthday?"

Noah "It's on the same day as mine. It's the 12th of June!"

Gwen "Okay. That's correct. One more question. What is the one game all of us enjoy playing?"

Noah "Super Fight Bros! Now, do you believe me?!"

Kanji "Sorry, we are just a bit on edge lately. Not hearing a response from AN is a bit uncomfortable. Claire, make him a new shirt."

Claire advances towards Noah, proffering two items— an ax and a pristine white T-shirt. Accepting the shirt, he slips it on. The ax, held aloft, catches the sunlight, the gleaming blade flickering as he tilts it from side to side.

Noah "This is... this is a tungsten ax. Awesome. Thanks, Claire. So now that we are done... Where are the others?"

Kanji "Yeah, apparently they left to go prepare for something on Dave's floor. This happened right after we all finished practicing with our weapons. But before I tell you more about that. I want to hear your end of the story. What was it like?"

Noah "Okay, where do I begin..."

Noah unfolds his tale before them.

All the battles and hardship, the emotional trauma, and the tasks of overcoming the impossible against all odds.

Kanji "A-Amazing. It's like a tale of legend or a myth. The fact that you managed to clear all of that on your own. That's remarkable! I think... the student has become the master."

Noah "Kanji. You give me too much credit. Without your nano thingy, I would have been dead like several times. So... thanks."

Gwen "Your modesty is appreciated. But! I can't help but compliment you on your utilization of the resources you had at your disposal. You made sure that none of you had, were useless to the bitter end, and that deserves respect! Especially when you were up against the cyclopes, dragons, and knights."

Claire "Omg! That part is so awesome! Maybe I can make a comic. No, an anime! I call it "Noah's inferno journey"! Sarah is going to be so proud of you!!"

Noah "Do you actually have time for that? Sarah... how is she? And can you tell me what happened on this side while I was away? Just give me a summary."

Kanji "Basically, I ordered everyone to practice wielding their weapons. I told them to come up with a technique that they can use effectively in case their powers run out or if they are low. In the end, each one of us created one signature technique. The biggest surprise is that these moves went really well with our respective aspects."

Noah "Woah. Information, much. But you did your best in summarising it. Thank you, Kanji. Now, should we go up there and see what's going on?"

Gwen "You know talkative Noah is unsettling, to say the least. Just something I need to get used to. And no, we should only go when they are ready. Anyhow, I'm curious about the function of your green apparatus."

Noah "What? Oh! You mean my Vortex Battery. It's fall resistant."

Claire "Cool! No fall damage! Hey! Since you have like eight wings, do you fly faster?"

Noah "I don't know. We can test it if you want. Maybe race between you, me, and Kanji."

Kanji "Sounds good. It will help you get used to it. Let's start at the fence attached to the cottage and we'll wrap around the entire pen."

Both Noah and Claire respond with a nod. As they proceed, Gwen trails behind, extracting Izzybot and whispering a command. The computer's tendrils burrow into the earth, re-emerging as a grand arch marking the starting line. With a snap, Izzybot detaches a fragment of its branch, which morphs into a functional whistle.

Gwen "On your mark! Get set!.... Go!"

The sight of Kanji and Claire surging forward sends a nearby flock of sheep scampering. They navigate to the pen's midpoint when— a sudden realization kicks in.

Kanji "Wait, where is Noah?!"

Returning to the starting line, they're met with the disappointing sight of Noah face-planted in the soil. Rising to his feet, he lowers his head...

His body emanates a leafy glow.

Kanji "Woah! Green! If I recall... you are feeling shame right now. Don't worry. That was just your first attempt. So get back up and try again!"

As the green aura dissipates, it gives rise to a flurry of blue petals encircling him. Noah sends a thumbs-up to his comrades, focusing his attention inward. He senses the rhythm of each wing, envisioning them beating in harmony. The very next moment... he's soaring high, joined by Kanji and Claire. They glide around the pen, their speeds perfectly matched.

Claire "Wow! I guess having more wings doesn't make you fly better. Whoever made these batteries sure has a lack of creativity."

Kanji "I wouldn't say that. The trials and the rewards we gain are unique and random in nature. It makes us curious to see what awaits us next. Making it an adventure."

Gwen "Kanji! Claire! Noah! I just got a message! Dave and the others are ready! You guys can come down now!"

Descending from their aerial adventure, they make their way to the RV. As the wielders ascend the spiral staircase, they ignore the passing floors until—

Noah "Yo, what?! What happened to my room?!"

Above Noah's bed, a petite shrine adorns the wall. Noah inspects it closely to find a framed photograph of himself nestled within. Two small pots flank the picture on either side, each filled with ash and punctuated by a single incense stick.

The faint glow at the tip of each stick indicates they're still burning.

Claire "Ah... so that's what she wanted your picture for. I have no idea what this is. Must be some Chinese tradition."

Kanji "It is to respect the dead. It is common for Chinese families to light two incense sticks for a dead relative. She must've seen you as a great big brother, Noah."

Noah "That's... that's very thoughtful." "Well, fuck! First, I was a friend zoned and now I'm brother zoned. I fucking knew my romance is going to go nowhere! Maybe I should have mated with that Siren! This is the fucking worst!"

Noah sprints up the staircase, the others following close behind. Arriving at Dave's floor, he twists the doorknob only to find it locked from within. Even the window has been securely shuttered.

Gwen steps forward, knocking on the solid door.

Gwen "Gwen to Dave. Can you hear me? Let us through."

Dave "Bros, is Nobro there?"

Gwen "Yes. Yes, he is. Now, will you let us in?"

The door groans open, revealing darkness... and then, suddenly, the room is awash in light! A burst of confetti showers the startled guests, followed by a burst of indoor fireworks illuminating the room.

Kanji "Wh-What?! When you guys... I'm speechless."

"HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!"

Claire "Omg! You guys remembered! Thank you so much!"

Claire lunges at her friends, enfolding them in a hearty hug. Noah's gaze, however, drifts to Sarah. Sitting alone beside a karaoke machine, her face obscured by her hoodie, she appears forlorn. Noah navigates through the festivities to sit beside her. Their silence is comfortable, shared solitude amidst the celebration. Kanji and Gwen exchange warm smiles before approaching Dave's round table, where a towering twelve-layered cake takes center stage. They encircle the table, analyzing the tantalizing treat. Yielding to temptation, Gwen dips her finger into the frosting for a preview.

Gwen "A milk chocolate frosting and a milk chocolate base. Our names are plastered onto each layer in what I assume to be dark chocolate. How simple. But... I like it. I like it a lot."

Kanji "Same opinion here. How did they know that we like chocolate? Well, it's obvious that Claire likes it. Hey, Gwen. Do you like chocolate?"

Gwen "I don't necessarily... hate the flavor. It's just that I prefer a tastier palette like mint chocolate. You... You don't find that weird. Right?"

Kanji "No, not at all. That is an interesting take. Maybe you and I can enjoy a mint chocolate sundae together sometimes."

A blush blooms on Gwen's face as she tries to conceal it, but Kanji reads her like an open book. Internally, he can't help but smile. This is the only way to keep the balance of his team, The leadership theory of equal treatment. Joined by Claire and the others, they settle around the round table. Kanji, Claire, and Gwen observe that each of their comrades cradles a present in their hands.

Claire "Presents! Give me give me give me!"

Dave "Woah! Calm down there, Cla'bro. You see we ran into some mad problems. Like talking and shit and deciding your present was difficult as fuck, man."

Azan "Dave you barely even decided anything and just went with it! But yeah, it nearly wasted our time. So... our presents will go to a specific friend. That means that one of you will receive three instead of two. I'm so sorry!"

Kanji "Put your head back up. It's alright. To be frank with you all, we would be just fine without a birthday party. So, it's okay that things went wrong."

A shared smile unites them as they commence the gift exchange. Kanji is handed two presents— one a mystery concealed beneath worn red wrapping, the other a neatly packed square gift ensconced in sleek black paper. Gwen receives a rectangular present swathed in rustic brown paper, along with a spherical gift enveloped in a grey wrap. Claire is presented with three large square presents— one robed in pure white, another in a blend of black and white, and the third sporting a vibrant yellow cover.

Kanji/Claire/Gwen "Thank you for the presents!"

As they dive into unwrapping their presents, the ambiance near the karaoke machine shifts subtly.

Noah inches closer, his shoulder lightly grazing Sarah's.

Lifting her head from beneath the hoodie, she looks at him.

Sarah "Noah. You big dummy!"

Clutching him in a hug, she clings to him like a beloved teddy bear. He returns the favor, wrapping his arms around her. They remain locked in this soothing embrace for several heartbeats.

Sarah "W-When did you become such a badass?! Are you trying to one-up me or something?! You jerk!"

Noah "Huh? Wait, did you hear the entire conversation earlier?!"

Sarah "Yeah, we all did! Thanks to Amelia and Adrian. I just... I just... I just feel embarrassed putting up that shrine you know! I really thought you were going to die! Not only am I wrong, but you also changed! No-

Noah "Ssshh. The Noah you know is still here. I still like edgy shit you know. Well, spending all those years inside the last room made me a bit biased toward 1950s stuff."

Sarah "Yeah, that final level was so sad. Noah... are you must be mad that I... I-I didn't believe in you enough. I don't deserve to be your friend!"

Noah "Sarah. People can change. It can be good or it can be bad. That is the truth anyone anywhere must accept. No one is gonna judge you on whether a person will or won't change."

Sarah "Wow, since when were you a philosopher? Wait, let me guess. The last room taught you that, too. Didn't it?!"

Noah "Yep, and there's another change in me too. Besides talking more, I have found a greater value in my life. It is you guys and I promise to protect everyone till the very end. Even I have to fight a god."

Sarah "Okay, we got a badass over here. Hey, Noah. Want to listen to some death metal?"

Noah "Sure, why not? The night is long after all."

As the evening unfurls, the wielders immerse themselves in the party, their joyful celebration spilling over into the dawn of a new day.