The sun began to rise beyond the horizon, throwing an inviting golden warmth across the land as Jin stretched his limbs, still adapting to his new life.

Each morning, Jin felt a surge of exhilaration and anticipation as he prepared for the trials that waited ahead in the tower.

Living with the blacksmith Het, Jin forged a bond with Het that transcended mere companionship.

From the moment Jin had stumbled into Het's humble workshop, he was charmed by the methodical wisdom that unfolded in front of his eyes

Under the guidance of the wise blacksmith, Jin learned the art of fighting.

With scars adorning his soul, Het was a seasoned warrior who knew a great deal about the tower. He taught Jin the intricacies of wielding weapons, the importance of quick reflexes, and the need for a focused mind in the face of danger.

Jin's mornings were filled with intense training sessions. With each thrust of the sword, each shot from the bow, and each step he executed in the art of stealth, he refined his abilities.

But today the morning was different. Today was the day he would face the first floor.

As Jin entered the workshop, he was welcomed with the scent of smouldering coal and the repetitive clang of metals. Het stood at the forge, his muscular arms pumping the hammers to spread the flames.

"Good morning, young Jin," Het said, his voice gruff but filled with warmth. “Are ye ready for today?”

Jin nodded; his eyes gleaming with determination. "I've trained for this. I'm ready to face whatever lies ahead."

The blacksmith gave a nod of approval, a glint of sorrow flashed in his eyes. "Keep in mind, Jin—not everyone who visits the challenges on these floors remains unchanged. People are changed by the tower, sometimes for the better and sometimes not. Remain loyal to who ye are and never lose sight of your purpose."

Jin took a deep breath, letting the blacksmith's words sink in.

The tower was a mysterious and terrible place that could change even the most honourable hearts into something they would never recognize.

But Jin was determined to find only the light.

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"You worry too much, old man," Jin jeered, his voice bubbling with an air of confidence. A mischievous glimmer danced in his eyes as he continued, "Of course I am going to do better than you."

Het laughed and tapped the anvil with his hammer. "Aye, that's true. The Tower is only for young ones. However, we need to make sure ye have the right tool before you take on the difficulties." He gestured for Jin to stand beside him by a worktable.

As Jin stood by the worktable, he looked at the assortment in front of him and his eyes grew wide with wonder.

Feeling its weight and balance, he cautiously picked up a gleaming longsword. "Is this sword even the same?" he questioned. "I never imagined it would change this much."

Sword of Evil

Rank : ???

Spawns all the monsters in the wielders zone when the kill count reaches 20.

Current kill count : 0/20

Passive Attribute : Applies a random buff every 10 minutes.

"With time, you'll figure out how to use it with buffs," Het said, his fingertips tracing the edge of a shield. "But keep in mind that a hunter should use more than just their weapon. Knowledge, strategy, and quick thinking are just as important."

Jin nodded as he timidly cleared his throat.

Taking a deep breath, he gathered his courage, and inquired, "So, Het, how did you become a blacksmith?" You are quite skilled in combat... you were a hunter before, right?

"Well yes," Het said, his voice evoking a sense of nostalgia, "I wasn't always a blacksmith. I used to be a hunter, too, out in the perilous territories much like the others. I practiced my fighting skills against monsters and unfathomable obstacles."

Jin listened carefully; his hands tightened around the sword.

With remorse in his voice, Het went on, "But the path of a hunter is a treacherous one." he said "I had faced innumerable monsters and rescued innumerable lives, but it took a tremendous toll on me both mentally and physically. I started to wonder if this was the right course for me to take."

Jin's eyes drew together as he considered what Het had said.

A hunter's life for him was sacred and full of splendour and adventure. Leaving such a life behind seemed almost unjust. But Jin could not help but notice the obvious fatigue in Het's voice.

"One tragic day," Het said, "I came across a community destroyed by a horde of creatures. The people were helpless, with their homes ruined and their lives devastated. It was then that I understood I had more to give the world than just my hunting talents."

Jin's grip on the sword loosened slightly, his heart now consumed with curiosity. "What did you do?" he asked softly, urging Het to continue.

"That's a story for another time" Het replied, his voice filled with a hint of mystery. "I will tell you, but only if you manage to clear the first floor."

In a swift motion, Het then reached into the folds of his cloak, retrieving a pendant engraved with intricate symbols.

Handing it over to Jin, Het spoke with a reassuring tone, "Take this for now, Jin. It has a power that will support you as you explore. Its actual powers might not be understood, but despite that, it will be your unwavering ally as you face the challenges."

Pandora’s Dream

Rank : Epic

Gives something that was lost after climbing a floor.

Use left : 19/100

Jin's eyes fixated on the pendant. With a nod of gratitude, he clasped the pendant in his hand.

“So, you want to confirm if I am new or not…” Jin said