Chapter 11 - Bridges to the Heart
The golden notification flickered before Jae-Hyun and Ahri, its ominous message lingering in the air between them, carrying an almost palpable weight. For Jae-Hyun, it was a grim reminder of the responsibilities he had just shouldered, while Ahri felt a knot tighten in her chest, the uncertainty of what lay ahead gnawing at her resolve. Her sharp eyes, usually resolute, betrayed a flicker of vulnerability as they darted to meet his, searching for reassurance. Neither spoke immediately, the weight of the Abyssal Bond’s activation sinking in. Ahri’s sharp eyes, usually so resolute, wavered with uncertainty as she glanced at him.
System Notification: Abyssal Bond has been successfully established. Initialization commencing.
Ahri’s gaze drifted downward as her legs trembled slightly. She gripped the hilt of her sword for balance, her breathing shallow. “Something feels… off,” she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Jae-Hyun stepped forward, steadying her with a firm hand on her shoulder. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his tone clipped but laced with concern.
“I don’t know,” Ahri said, shaking her head. “It’s like… everything inside me is shifting. I feel weaker.”
Before either could say more, a new notification appeared, its words cold and unfeeling.
System Notification: Abyssal Bond initialization complete. Adjusting parameters. Resetting linked partner’s stats to Level 1 for system synchronization.
Ahri’s eyes widened as her system interface blinked to life, revealing her new stats. Everything—her level, her strength, her agility—had been reduced to its bare minimum.
“Level 1?” she whispered in disbelief. “What… why?”
Jae-Hyun’s expression darkened as he scanned her interface, his sharp gaze narrowing on the explanation provided.
System Explanation: The Abyssal Bond establishes a unique connection, redistributing potential. Linked partner will start anew, allowing exponential growth through synergy with the bond holder.
“It’s a reset,” he said after a moment, his tone flat. “The system is rebuilding you from the ground up to align with the bond. You’ll grow faster, but it means starting over.”
Ahri exhaled slowly, her grip tightening on her sword. She glanced at her trembling hands, her expression a mix of fear and determination. “So, I’m weak now,” she said, her voice firmer than before. “Weaker than I’ve been in years.”
“For now,” Jae-Hyun replied. “But you’ll catch up. Faster than you think.”
She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. “You make it sound so easy.” Her tone softened as she met his gaze. “But you know what? I don’t care how hard it is. If this bond means I can fight beside you, really fight, then I’ll take whatever challenge comes with it.”
For a moment, Jae-Hyun said nothing, his cold eyes studying her intently. Then, with a curt nod, he said, “Good. Because there’s no going back now.”
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The Tower loomed ahead of them, its shadow casting a dark veil over the bustling city streets below. Jae-Hyun and Ahri walked in silence, their footsteps echoing faintly against the cobblestones. The weight of the Abyssal Bond hung between them, unspoken but palpable. Ahri’s movements were steady, but Jae-Hyun could see the strain in her posture, the subtle tension in her shoulders as she adjusted to her weakened state.
Just as they approached the Tower’s imposing entrance, a sharp voice cut through the murmur of adventurers milling about. "Hey, you. Step aside." The tone was commanding, leaving no room for argument. Jae-Hyun turned, his cold gaze locking onto the towering figure approaching them.
The man was massive, his armor gleaming with the insignia of the Aegis Legion. His features were sharp and imposing, his expression a mixture of disdain and confidence. He was the vice-leader of the Aegis Legion, an individual whose reputation for dominance preceded him.
Ahri tensed beside Jae-Hyun, her hand instinctively gripping the hilt of her sword. "Do we have a problem?" Jae-Hyun asked, his voice calm but edged with warning.
The vice-leader smirked, his dark eyes narrowing. "You’re blocking the way. Figures someone like you wouldn’t know your place."
Jae-Hyun’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t move. "The Tower isn’t reserved for guilds. Or have the rules changed?"
The smirk faded slightly, replaced by a scowl. "Watch your tone. You’re lucky I don’t feel like teaching you a lesson right here."
Ahri stepped forward, her sharp gaze unwavering. "We’re not looking for trouble."
"Good," the vice-leader said, his tone dripping with condescension. "Stay out of our way, and you might survive long enough to be relevant."
As he brushed past them, he moved closer to Jae-Hyun, his massive frame almost eclipsing him. Without warning, the vice-leader placed a hand on Jae-Hyun’s shoulder and gave a firm push. Jae-Hyun instinctively planted his feet, attempting to resist the force, but it was like trying to stop a landslide. The vice-leader’s strength was overwhelming, and with a deliberate escalation, he pushed harder. Jae-Hyun stumbled back several paces, his heels scraping against the cobblestones as he fought to maintain his balance. The sheer ease with which the vice-leader had overpowered him sent a chill of frustration coursing through his veins, a stark reminder of the gap in their strength. Jae-Hyun instinctively tried to resist, planting his feet firmly, but the vice-leader’s sheer strength was overwhelming. The initial shove forced Jae-Hyun back a step, and before he could fully recover, the vice-leader escalated, using far greater force.
Jae-Hyun staggered several paces, his heels scraping against the cobblestones as he fought to maintain his balance. The vice-leader smirked, his dark eyes narrowing with satisfaction. "Don’t test me," he said coldly, his voice heavy with menace.
The air seemed to grow heavier as the vice-leader walked away, his aura radiating power that made the surrounding adventurers instinctively step aside. Jae-Hyun’s sharp eyes lingered on the man’s back, his mind burning with a mix of frustration and recognition of the vast gap between them. The system interface flickered briefly in Jae-Hyun’s vision, displaying the vice-leader’s rank.
Rank: A - Very High (Dark Red).
A surge of frustration welled up within Jae-Hyun. The vice-leader’s casual dismissal stung, a reminder of the gap that still existed between them. For a moment, he clenched his fists, his mind racing with thoughts of how far he still had to go.
Ahri glanced at him, her sharp eyes filled with concern. "Are you alright?" she asked softly, her voice steady.
Jae-Hyun brushed her question aside with a curt nod. "We need to get going," he said firmly. "The Tower’s not going to wait."
The moment they stepped through the Tower’s entrance, the oppressive atmosphere of the first floor enveloped them. The mist-shrouded forest stretched endlessly, its eerie stillness broken only by the occasional rustle of unseen creatures. Ahri glanced around warily, her grip on her sword tightening.
"It feels… different," she said, her voice low.
"You’re not used to it yet," Jae-Hyun said, his tone matter-of-fact. "Give it time."
Ahri hesitated, then summoned her interface, frowning as she studied the unfamiliar layout. Her system was simpler than his, with fewer options and a more streamlined design. The skills listed were sparse, basic spells and sword techniques she had mastered long ago.
"This doesn’t make sense," she muttered. "Why does it feel so… restrictive?"
Jae-Hyun leaned over, his sharp eyes scanning her interface. "Your system’s built for synergy," he explained. "It’ll adapt as you grow. Focus on what you have for now. Also, to activate your system, think the command ‘system’ in your mind. The rest should be self-explanatory."
Ahri nodded, her expression thoughtful as she closed the interface. "Alright," she said, her tone more confident. "Let’s do this."
The first floor’s monsters were weak, barely posing a threat as Jae-Hyun and Ahri moved through the dense undergrowth. Jae-Hyun’s shadows dispatched most with ease, their fluid movements a stark contrast to Ahri’s more measured attacks. She fought cautiously, testing her limits with each swing of her sword, each spell cast. Her movements lacked the precision she was accustomed to, but there was a quiet determination in her every step.
By the time they reached the fifth floor, Ahri was visibly tired, her breaths coming in short, controlled bursts. She wiped the sweat from her brow, glancing at Jae-Hyun with a faint smirk.
"I think I’ve found my limit for now," she said, lowering her sword. "I need a break. Besides, I still have a daily training quest to finish."
Jae-Hyun nodded slightly, his gaze unreadable. "So you’ve got those too," he said simply. "Take the time you need. You’ll need your strength."
Ahri gave him a mock salute before stepping back toward the Tower’s exit. “Don’t go too far ahead without me,” she called over her shoulder, her tone light despite the exhaustion in her voice.
Jae-Hyun watched her leave, his sharp gaze lingering on her retreating figure. With a brief exhale, he turned and made his way to the Tower's teleportation hub, activating the option to return to the tenth floor. The familiar sensation of displacement washed over him as the system whisked him to his destination. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, resuming his climb deeper into the Tower alone.
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The monsters on floors ten through twenty were noticeably stronger, their attacks more coordinated and their defenses more resilient. Jae-Hyun’s shadows moved with precision, striking down the creatures with practiced efficiency, but even they struggled to keep up with the increasing difficulty.
Jae-Hyun’s blade cleaved through another monster, its body dissolving into shimmering particles as he exhaled sharply. The battles were taking longer, each floor demanding more time and effort than the last. He paused briefly, wiping the sweat from his brow as he surveyed the forested terrain around him.
“It’s taking too long,” he muttered, his tone edged with frustration. “I didn’t expect to start struggling so early; I thought I was stronger.”
He glanced at the system interface, his sharp eyes narrowing as he reviewed his progress. Two levels gained since starting the climb, bringing him to Level 39. Yet, despite the increase in power, the monsters seemed to scale with him, their strength keeping pace with his own.
As he dispatched another wave of enemies, a fleeting thought crossed his mind. “It sucks I can’t summon these things,” he murmured. “Is it because they’re created by the Tower?”
The idea lingered, gnawing at the edges of his thoughts as he pushed forward. By the time he reached the twentieth floor, exhaustion was beginning to set in, his movements slower and less precise. He paused just outside the boss chamber, his gaze flicking to the system notification that had been nagging at him since he first entered the Tower.
System Notification: Hidden Item Detected. Location: Floor 20.
Jae-Hyun’s sharp eyes lingered on the notification, its words resonating with a sense of mystery and promise. His mind raced with possibilities—what could this item be, and why was it hidden? For a brief moment, he felt a flicker of excitement, tempered by the realization of the challenges ahead. "Whatever it is," he muttered to himself, "it must be important if the system is pointing it out."
Jae-Hyun’s sharp eyes scanned the area, searching for any clue or anomaly that might lead him to the item. Minutes stretched into hours as he combed through the dense forest, his frustration mounting with each passing moment. Finally, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, he let out a sharp exhale, straightening and brushing the dirt from his hands.
“Enough for today,” he muttered. “I’ll deal with the boss tomorrow.”
With a final glance at the imposing chamber door, Jae-Hyun turned and began the long descent back to the Tower’s entrance.
Jae-Hyun exited the Tower, his steps purposeful yet heavy with the weight of unfinished business. The cool night air wrapped around him, a sharp contrast to the stifling tension of the Tower’s upper floors. His mind raced with thoughts of the hidden item quest, the struggles he faced climbing from floors 10 to 20, and the shadow of inadequacy cast by his earlier confrontation with the Aegis Legion’s vice-leader. Despite leveling up twice during the climb, the realization that the Tower’s challenges were steadily growing gnawed at him. He had assumed his progress was solid—perhaps even exceptional—but now it felt like the road ahead was steeper than ever.
As he walked through the bustling streets, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced at the screen to find a message from Ahri:
Ahri: Don’t forget—the Silver Talon Guild’s raid on the Rank A Gate is tomorrow. Apparently, Mi-Rae is going to be there.
His steps faltered slightly, her words stirring a mix of emotions within him. Mi-Rae. He hadn’t seen his sister properly in years, not since their family had been torn apart. Even though he had caught glimpses of her and learned bits about her current situation, the thought of confronting her directly felt daunting. Still, he couldn’t let the opportunity pass. If she was going to be at the Gate, he needed to see her. The question was, how?
Jae-Hyun: Got it. Thanks for the heads-up.
He pocketed his phone and exhaled slowly, his gaze drifting toward the distant silhouette of the Tower against the night sky. Tomorrow would bring another set of challenges, but for now, he needed to rest and prepare. The faint ache in his limbs reminded him of how taxing the day had been, but his mind refused to settle. Sleep would come, but not easily.
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The next morning, Jae-Hyun woke early, his body refreshed but his mind already focused on the tasks ahead. He completed his daily training quest with mechanical precision, the repetitive movements grounding him as he worked through his thoughts. After a quick meal, he checked his gear and headed toward the Rank A Gate staging area.
The streets near the Gate were buzzing with activity. Adventurers and guild members crowded the area, their chatter blending into a cacophony of anticipation and tension. Silver Talon’s presence was unmistakable—their crest hung prominently above their staging point, gleaming in the morning light. Jae-Hyun adjusted his hood, pulling it lower over his face as he moved through the bustling crowd near the Gate. His steps were deliberate, his posture neutral, and he kept his gaze downcast, avoiding eye contact with anyone who might notice him. The noise of clinking armor and the hum of adventurers preparing for the raid provided enough cover for him to blend in, his presence fading into the sea of activity as he searched for Mi-Rae.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
He spotted her near the edge of the group, standing apart from the others. Her long dark hair framed her face, her expression calm but focused. She looked a bit different than he remembered, her demeanor exuding a quiet confidence that tugged at his heart. For a moment, Jae-Hyun hesitated. The years between them suddenly felt like a chasm, and he wondered if this was even the right thing to do. But he had come this far.
“Mi-Rae,” he called softly as he approached. His voice was low, but it carried enough weight to catch her attention.
She turned, her brow furrowing in confusion. It took only a second before her eyes widened in recognition. “Oppa?” Her voice trembled, barely above a whisper, as disbelief and raw emotion flashed across her face. She took a step forward, as if to embrace him, but Jae-Hyun raised a hand to stop her.
“Not here,” he said quickly, his tone firm but not unkind. His sharp eyes darted around, scanning for anyone who might be watching. “We can’t draw attention. Here, take this.” He slipped her his number. “Use it if you need to.”
Mi-Rae’s hands trembled slightly as she clutched the piece of paper. A rush of disbelief, memories of their childhood, and a wave of relief after years of thinking he was gone flooded her mind. Her knees almost buckled, and her breath caught for a moment. Her face lit up with a mixture of joy and disbelief. Even though he looked different, she would never forget the small details—his sharp gaze, the faint scar near his temple, the way his voice carried a calm authority. “I… I never thought…” Her words faltered as emotion threatened to overwhelm her.
Jae-Hyun gave her a small, fleeting smile. “Stay safe,” he said softly, beginning to turn away.
“Wait,” Mi-Rae started, but before she could say more, a booming voice cut through the noise.
“Mi-Rae! What are you doing?”
A tall man strode toward them, his armor adorned with the Silver Talon’s insignia. Though his frame appeared larger at first glance, he was of average build—nothing particularly imposing, though his posture exuded authority. His sharp features, angular jawline, and neatly styled black hair marked him unmistakably as Tae-Jun, Mi-Rae’s brother—and the man who had betrayed Jae-Hyun. His cold, calculating eyes swept over Jae-Hyun, narrowing in suspicion, though they lacked the physical dominance one might expect.
“Who’s this?” Tae-Jun asked, his tone sharp and demanding.
Mi-Rae hesitated, clutching the paper tightly. “It’s… someone who was lost,” she said cautiously, her voice carefully measured.
Tae-Jun’s piercing gaze studied Jae-Hyun for a long moment. His brow furrowed slightly, and his lips curled in a faint sneer, though his eyes lingered on Jae-Hyun a fraction too long, as though trying to piece together a puzzle that didn’t quite fit. The faintest flicker of doubt crossed his face, but he quickly brushed it aside with a dismissive scoff. “You look familiar,” he said slowly, stepping closer. “Almost like…” He trailed off, his eyes narrowing further before he shook his head with a scoff, followed by a laugh. “No, impossible. Silly of me to even think that. There’s no way they could change this much, let alone still be alive.”
Jae-Hyun’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing. His sharp blue eyes locked onto Tae-Jun’s for a brief, tense moment before he turned his attention back to Mi-Rae. “Stay focused. Don’t draw attention to yourself,” he murmured under his breath before stepping back into the crowd. His hood shifted slightly as he adjusted it, ensuring his face remained obscured. Every movement he made was deliberate, calculated to avoid unnecessary attention.
Tae-Jun’s gaze lingered a fraction too long, a faint furrow creasing his brow as though the pieces didn’t quite fit. But then, he dismissed the thought, turning back to Mi-Rae. “We’re leaving soon. Don’t get distracted.”
Mi-Rae watched Jae-Hyun leave, her heart pounding in her chest. For all the years of doubt and despair, her brother had returned—different, yes, but undeniably him. Her grip tightened on the paper as a faint, hopeful smile spread across her face. She knew this was just the beginning.
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The morning was still young when Jae-Hyun stepped into the bustling adventurers' market, but his thoughts were far from the lively noise around him. The encounter with Mi-Rae and Tae-Jun lingered, a storm brewing beneath his calm exterior. Seeing his sister again had stirred emotions he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in years—relief, guilt, and a burning desire to protect her. Yet the sight of Tae-Jun had brought the opposite—a cold rage that simmered dangerously close to the surface.
He clenched his fists, willing the anger to subside as he moved through the market, his hood pulled low to avoid unnecessary attention. The memory of Tae-Jun’s arrogant laugh grated at him. The man had brushed him off as if he were a ghost, a figment of impossibility. Yet, Tae-Jun’s dismissiveness didn’t erase the truth. They were on a collision course, and Jae-Hyun knew it was only a matter of time before their paths crossed again—this time without pretense.
But it wasn’t just Tae-Jun who occupied his thoughts. Mi-Rae’s participation in the Rank A gate raid weighed heavily on him. She looked strong—of that, he had no doubt—but how strong? He cursed himself for not checking her system stats when he had the chance. She had grown since he last saw her, but Rank A gates were treacherous, even for seasoned veterans. The thought of her in danger twisted something in his chest, but there was nothing he could do now. The gates were heavily guarded, and he wasn’t yet strong enough to intervene.
Still, the knowledge gnawed at him, pushing him to channel his frustration into action.
Approaching one of the older vendors, a grizzled man with a scar running across his cheek, Jae-Hyun kept his voice steady and neutral. “What can you tell me about the twentieth floor of the Tower?”
The vendor squinted at him, his weathered hands pausing over a stack of faded maps. “Twentieth floor, eh? That’s where things start to get tricky. Monsters hit harder, traps are meaner. But you’re asking about specifics, aren’t you?”
Jae-Hyun gave a subtle nod, his patience thinning as the vendor dragged the moment out.
“Well,” the man continued, tapping a finger on the table, “not much is known, but they say there’s an NPC at the entrance to the boss chamber. Gives you a key to get in. That’s all I’ve got. Hidden rooms or secret quests? Haven’t heard anything solid. You might be chasing shadows.”
The vendor’s dismissive tone grated on Jae-Hyun’s nerves, but he kept his expression unreadable. “Anything else? Rumors? Anything unusual at all?”
The man shook his head. “Just that most who climb that high tend to stick to the basics. Get in, kill the boss, and get out. Anyone looking for secrets either keeps their mouth shut or doesn’t make it back to talk.”
Jae-Hyun nodded curtly, sliding some money onto the vendor’s table before turning away. He had heard whispers about the NPC before but had dismissed it as irrelevant, just another Tower quirk. Questions churned in his mind as he considered the NPC’s purpose. Why had no one spoken of them beyond their role as a gatekeeper? Could this figure be tied to something deeper within the Tower’s mechanics, a secret that even the seasoned climbers had overlooked? Or was he simply grasping at shadows in his desperation? Either way, the NPC was his only tangible lead, and he wasn’t about to let it slip through his fingers.
The market was alive with the chaotic energy of adventurers preparing for their climbs. The clamor of haggling voices mingled with the metallic scrape of swords being sharpened. The air carried a faint mix of leather, sweat, and the acrid tang of potion ingredients. Jae-Hyun kept his hood low, weaving through the throng like a shadow. His sharp eyes flicked from vendor to vendor, but he avoided lingering too long, unwilling to draw unnecessary attention to himself.
As he moved through, ears sharp for any scraps of conversation. Most talk centered on mundane topics—trading prices, guild politics, and tales of low-tier dungeon conquests. Nothing useful. Still, Jae-Hyun couldn’t shake the feeling that the hidden item was tied to something deeper, perhaps something even the seasoned climbers had overlooked.
Eventually, he found himself at a small adventurers’ guild building. It was a modest building, more of a resting point than a proper guild hall, but it had a notice board crammed with papers. He scanned the postings, searching for anything related to Floor 20. A few bounty contracts and team advertisements caught his eye, but nothing of substance.
“Looking for something specific?” a voice interrupted. Jae-Hyun turned to see a young clerk behind the desk, her expression polite but uninterested.
“Information on the twentieth floor,” he replied. “Anything about hidden areas or unusual mechanics.”
The clerk shrugged, flipping through a ledger. “Not much documented. The Tower’s pretty good at keeping its secrets. But if you’re looking for the key to the boss chamber, the NPC near the entrance is your only lead. Beyond that, you’ll have to figure it out yourself. Sorry.”
Jae-Hyun thanked her and left, his frustration mounting. The lack of information wasn’t surprising, but it was no less irritating. The Tower’s unpredictability was part of its design, meant to weed out those who lacked the skill or determination to adapt.
Hopeless he asked the system directly, "Is the hidden item truly on the 20th floor?"
The system responded with a taunting confirmation: "Yes. Struggling?"
Jae-Hyun clenched his jaw. Now he was certain—the NPC had to hold the answer. There was nowhere else left to search.
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Back at the Tower’s base, the atmosphere buzzed with activity. Adventurers of all levels milled about, their conversations blending into a steady hum of excitement and tension. Jae-Hyun kept his hood low, slipping through the crowd like a shadow. His eyes flicked toward the massive entrance, where faint runes shimmered, signaling the active floors above.
The mention of the NPC weighed on his mind as he approached the entrance. The air near the Tower felt charged, a faint hum of magical energy radiating from the glowing runes that adorned its massive doors. Adventurers passed by in groups, their voices hushed as they exchanged last-minute strategies. Jae-Hyun took a deep breath, steadying himself as he adjusted his hood once more. The weight of the Abyssal Bond, the hidden item quest, and the confrontation with Tae-Jun swirled in his thoughts, but he pushed them aside. Focus. Every step forward demanded his complete attention now.
He pulled up his interface, reviewing his objectives one more time. The hidden item quest remained maddeningly vague, offering no clues beyond its existence. Frustration simmered beneath his calm exterior, but he pushed it aside. He’d start with what he knew and uncover the rest as he climbed.
Before stepping into the Tower, Jae-Hyun glanced at his messages. A brief exchange with Ahri from earlier lingered on the screen:
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He pulled up his interface, reviewing his objectives one more time. The hidden item quest remained maddeningly vague, offering no clues beyond its existence. Frustration simmered beneath his calm exterior, but he pushed it aside. He’d start with what he knew and uncover the rest as he climbed.
Before stepping into the Tower, Jae-Hyun glanced at his messages. A brief exchange with Ahri from earlier lingered on the screen:
Ahri: “I’ve been making some progress. Leveled up twice since yesterday! The system’s inventory and shop options are… strange but helpful. You might want to check them out sometime. It’s different from what I’m used to, but I think I’m starting to figure it out.”
Jae-Hyun smirked faintly at her excitement. She was adapting quickly, even if she had started from scratch. Her determination was evident in every word.
Jae-Hyun: “Good. Keep pushing. I’m heading into the Tower again. I’ll update you later.”
With that, he dismissed the interface and stepped forward. The familiar sensation of the Tower’s pull enveloped him, and the bustling world outside faded into the surreal atmosphere within. His destination was clear—the twentieth floor and the mysterious NPC he had learned about. This time, he was ready to uncover the truth.
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Arriving at the twentieth floor, Jae-Hyun wasted no time navigating the dense, eerie forest that stretched before him. The monsters he encountered fell swiftly to his blade, his movements precise and unrelenting. Each step brought him closer to the boss chamber—and the NPC he now suspected held the key to the hidden item.
The forest seemed to close in around him the closer he got. The towering trees swayed slightly in a windless space, their shadows dancing unnaturally in the faint light. The atmosphere was suffused with an odd hum, as though the Tower itself was watching, waiting.
As he approached the chamber entrance, a figure materialized from the shadows, standing perfectly still in front of the massive, rune-etched doors. The NPC looked disarmingly human, dressed in plain, nondescript robes. Their expression was neutral, almost serene, with dark, deep-set eyes that seemed to pierce through Jae-Hyun.
“Welcome, adventurer,” the NPC said, their voice calm and measured. “You’ve reached the threshold of the twentieth floor’s final trial. Here is the key to proceed.”
The NPC extended a hand, revealing a small, metallic key adorned with intricate carvings that shimmered faintly in the dim light. Jae-Hyun took it without hesitation, his sharp eyes studying the figure closely.
“Is this the only thing you have to offer?” he asked, his voice cold and direct. He wasn’t about to leave without exploring every possibility.
The NPC’s serene demeanor shifted slightly. Their lips curved into a faint, unnatural smile that sent a chill down Jae-Hyun’s spine. “That depends,” they said, their tone dropping to something almost sinister. “Do you wish to play one of my riddles?”
Jae-Hyun’s grip tightened on his sword. The tension in the air was palpable, but his curiosity outweighed his caution. “What happens if I do?” he asked.
The NPC’s smile widened unnaturally. “If you succeed, you will be rewarded with something… extraordinary. But fail, and you die. Three attempts are all you will receive. Do you accept?”
Jae-Hyun considered the offer carefully. The risk was clear, but he had to accept it, it was the system order. With a nod, he said, “I’ll play.”
The NPC’s eyes gleamed with an unsettling light. “Very well. Here is your riddle:
I walk with you from birth to death.
I take many forms, yet remain the same.
To end me, you must end yourself.
Who—or what—am I?”
Jae-Hyun’s mind raced as he analyzed the riddle. The first attempt seemed obvious. “Time,” he said, his voice steady.
The NPC shook their head slowly. “Incorrect.”
Frustration gnawed at him, but he didn’t waver. He thought deeper, considering the phrasing and its implications. The answer felt clear now. “Death,” he said, his tone sharper.
The NPC’s smile widened further, their expression almost unnervingly delighted. “You are close. But I never said the answer was to be spoken.”
Jae-Hyun’s sharp eyes narrowed as realization dawned. The NPC’s wording had been deliberate. The answer wasn’t meant to be spoken—it was meant to be acted upon.
“Here’s your answer,” Jae-Hyun said coldly, lunging forward with his blade aimed directly at the NPC’s neck. The strike was swift and precise, a killing blow.
Or so he thought.
But the NPC moved faster. Their hand shot up, catching the blade between two fingers with an effortless grace that defied belief. Jae-Hyun barely had time to register the speed of their reaction before the NPC’s serene expression twisted into something grotesque. Their smile stretched impossibly wide, their eyes gleaming with a malevolent light.
“Congratulations,” the NPC hissed, their voice a mix of amusement and menace. “You are the first to solve this riddle.”
With a flick of their wrist, the NPC released the blade and stepped back, their form shimmering faintly as they extended their hand. A small, crystalline pendant materialized in their palm. The gem at its center glowed with a soft, ethereal light, its surface etched with runes that pulsed faintly.
“Take it,” the NPC said, their tone returning to its earlier calm. “The Shard of Temporal Edge is yours. It will serve you well.”
Jae-Hyun hesitated briefly before taking the pendant. Its weight felt solid in his hand, the energy emanating from it both calming and invigorating. Without another word, the NPC vanished, leaving Jae-Hyun alone before the boss chamber doors.
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Jae-Hyun’s grip on the pendant tightened as he stared at the empty space where the NPC had stood. His heart pounded in his chest as the reality of the encounter sank in. The speed—the precision—it had been beyond anything he had ever seen. For the first time, he truly grasped the depth of the Tower’s mysteries.
“A millisecond,” he muttered to himself, his sharp eyes narrowing. “That’s all it would have taken. If they had been even a fraction slower…” He trailed off, shaking his head. The Tower wasn’t just a challenge of strength. It was something far more dangerous.
Exhaling sharply, he turned his attention to the pendant. The runes glowed faintly, and as he analyzed its effects, his breath caught. The Shard of Temporal Edge enhanced his reaction time, scaling it with his agility. The improvement was almost imperceptible at first, but as he tested his movements, he realized just how significant the boost was.
The pendant seemed alive in his hand, its faint hum resonating with his own energy. He flicked his wrist experimentally, marveling at the fluidity and precision of his movements. Each action felt sharper, faster—as though time itself bent slightly in his favor.
“This can’t be real,” he murmured, his sharp eyes widening slightly. The precision, the speed—it was almost too good to be true. And yet, the proof was in his own movements. He could feel it, the subtle edge that had been missing before.
A wry smile tugged at his lips. “I could say it was worth the risk,” he muttered under his breath.
He tucked the pendant away, refocusing his mind. The boss chamber loomed ahead, its massive doors etched with glowing runes that seemed to pulse in time with his racing heartbeat. Steeling himself, Jae-Hyun stepped forward, his fingers brushing against the door’s cold surface. He hesitated for a moment, a rare flicker of doubt crossing his mind.
The NPC’s speed, their eerie demeanor—it had shaken him more than he cared to admit. If they were just the gatekeeper, what kind of danger awaited within the chamber? His grip tightened on his blade, the weight of the Tower’s secrets pressing heavily on his shoulders.
A sudden, faint sound made him glance over his shoulder instinctively. The forest was silent, the shadows unmoving, but the memory of the NPC’s grotesque smile lingered in his mind. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something—or someone—was still watching.
“No turning back,” he muttered, pushing the doors open. A faint, ominous light spilled out, bathing him in its glow as he stepped into the unknown.
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Meanwhile, miles away from the Tower, Mi-Rae leaned against the cold stone wall of the Rank A Gate outpost, her armor still dusted with the remnants of the raid. Her fingers hovered over her phone, the faint glow of the screen illuminating her features in the dim light. She couldn’t believe she had her brother’s number—that he was alive, after all this time.
A rush of emotions welled up inside her. Relief, disbelief, and a longing that had been buried for so long all surfaced in an instant. She re-read his contact profile over and over, the reality of his presence slowly sinking in. Even though he looked so different now, the brother she had grown up with was still there.
Her fingers hesitated over the keyboard before typing a single message.
Mi-Rae: “I still can’t believe you’re alive. I’ve been thinking about you non-stop since earlier. How have you been? What happened all this time? Are you okay? I really want to hear from you soon.”
Hitting send, she let out a quiet sigh, tilting her head back to gaze at the stars above. “I just hope you’re safe, oppa,” she whispered to herself, the words carried away by the cool night breeze.