Jay stirred, his consciousness emerging from the depths of a healing slumber. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor echoed in the hospital room, a steady reminder of his fragile yet tenacious grip on life. The sterile atmosphere and pristine white walls enveloped him, painting a clear picture of his current surroundings.
His body, wrapped in bandages, ached with soreness, remnants of the intense battle on the tower's floor. Despite the visible burns from the lightning bolts, Jay felt a surprising strength returning to him. He flexed his limbs cautiously, reassured that he could still move.
Turning his attention to the television, Jay raised the volume, the soft hum of the news broadcast filling the room. The date on the screen indicated that two weeks had passed since Jay's daring challenge. He deduced that Rose, lacking the means to heal him, must have transported him to the safety of the hospital after his victorious ascent.
Calling out for Raijin, Jay faced the reality that the old soul had departed, freed from the confines of the third floor's gallery. The news continued to unfold before him.
In the tower climbing hierarchy, a pair of siblings from Norway, Bridgett and Olaf Young, claimed the top spot. Their strength was undeniable, yet Jay couldn't shake the thought that he could defeat them. Bridgett's beauty, with her captivating blue eyes and flowing blonde hair, left a lingering impression on him.
As the translation unfolded, Bridgett encouraged others to enter the tower, emphasizing the necessity of strength to challenge the unforgiving floors. She proudly declared their level 14 status and imminent confrontation with the 7th floor.
In second place were a French team led by Francis Neoma, a wealthy university student in the right place at the right time. They tackled the 6th floor with levels ranging from 12 to 13, including comrades Bobby Finn and Katrina Hymn.
Comparing them to the Korean Army engaged in the fifth floor, Jay noted the disparity. The army was searching for people to join their ranks, instead of joining the guilds. But the seeds of distrust sown by restricting access to the tower were fresh in the minds of the common people.
Slightly overwhelmed by the intake of information before him, Jay retreated back into the comforting embrace of sleep, allowing his recovering body and mind a respite from the crazy world outside.
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As Jay gradually roused from his rest, a nurse approached with a needle, aiming to draw blood for tests. Instinctively, Jay pulled away, asking what she thought she was doing. . The nurse explained she wanted to test his blood, she was curious at how he was able to recover from near death in a mere two weeks. She marvelled at his strength, stating that he was as resilient as an ox.
Thanking her for the concern, Jay declined the blood draw, concerned that she would find what made him so powerful. After declining, Jay asked how much his stay would cost him. After the nurse disclosed the cost, Jay realised the urgency of finding a means to sustain himself. As he was unemployed at the moment, he pondered on the challenges ahead.
Recalling the tower climbers and guild leaders who embraced brand deals and interviews, Jay toyed with the idea of sponsorships. However, he did not make connections easily, he avoided meeting new people and making friends. The loss of his parents had left him averse to forming attachments, he had everything he ever wanted one day, and the next his parents were taken away.
Exiting the hospital, Jay's hunger nudged him towards a nearby convenience store. He had little money to his name, with no life savings to rely on. As he walked, he noticed a vacant building adjacent to the store, sparking a sudden inspiration.
In a swift realization, Jay envisioned a store that could aid individuals in conquering the tower's floors. His plan included selling both information and items acquired from completed floors. The proximity of the vacant building, less than a kilometre from the tower, made it an ideal location for his venture.
With determination and a plan forming in his mind, Jay's next hurdle was acquiring the funds to purchase the vacant building. It was a challenge he recognized wouldn't be easy, but the prospect of creating a business that aligned with his strengths and independence fuelled his resolve.
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When Jay returned home, he was thankful that the power was still on. He loaded up his computer and searched to see if anyone had made a website to buy and sell things from the tower.
As soon as he pressed his enter key, Jay was mind boggled and everything this website had to offer. After searching through the website, Jay realised he hadn't received his rewards from completing the third floor yet.
As soon as Jay opened his status page he was flooded with rewards:
Stolen novel; please report.
*Congratulations on completing the Third Floor*
*Bonus Rewards*:
- Nimbleness of the Wind: + 2 Agility
- Strength of the dwarves: + 2 Strength
- Tenacity of the golems: + 5 Health
- Feathers of the Phoenix: x 25
- Innovative: Learn abilities 10% faster
- Ability: Smear - Covers users weapon with a paralysis toxin
- Passive Ability: Unyielding spirit - when facing an opponent five or more levels higher, reduce enemy stats by 10%, increase users stats by 10%
- Title: Nirvanic Rebirth: +10% resistance against all elements
- Raijin's Echo: User emits a fierce roar, intimidating and disorienting enemies
- Raijin's Amulet (Legendary): An Amulet owned by Raijin - learn lightning spells 10% faster
Oh my goodness, Jay cried out to himself looking at his stats, every single one of them was over thirty.
Just looking at his strength he concluded that he was the most powerful man on this planet.
After checking his rewards Jay listed five phoenix feathers on this website, selling them at $75,000 USD each. The high price was due to the fact they could be used to create stronger weapons and armour. Jay banked on wealthy people purchasing them.
After taking a photograph of the feathers and entering them on the website Jay decided it would be time for him to go to sleep.
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Jay's lazy nature, as per usual, led him to sleep in until 10:00 am. The stream of sunlight finally forced him to rise, and as he stepped out of bed to wash his face, he was taken aback by his reflection in the mirror.
Normally, Jay considered himself average, maybe a seven out of ten on a good day. But today, he felt like he'd levelled up in the looks department. Easily an eight and a half, and that was before his shower and getting dressed.
"This must be the result of levelling up and getting stronger," Jay mused, playing with his hairstyle in the mirror.
With newfound confidence, Jay checked his phone, only to find a deposit of $375,000 and multiple messages from potential buyers asking for more.
This windfall marked the first time Jay had seen so much money. Ignoring the buyers' messages, he rushed to lease a small two-floor office space. After negotiating a rate of $4,000 a month, he paid a year's worth of fees upfront. Money problems, it seemed, were a thing of the past. Now, Jay could live in luxury.
Taking a bus to the car dealership, Jay test-drove a couple of vehicles. Despite being little-known, Jay was actually a car fanatic, his childhood filled with endless conversations about cars. His parents used to take him on road trips frequently. However, after their passing, he gave up driving and relied on public transport. Now, with a new life ahead, he decided to indulge himself.
Eventually settling on a sleek black BMW 4 Series, Jay spent $75,000 on the vehicle. As soon as the paperwork was signed, the car was his. Marvelling at the stunning interior, he drove back to his new office and parked the car out back. He decided to make the office his living space, bringing him closer to the tower.
After retrieving his deposit from the old landlord and leaving keys under the welcome mat, Jay headed to the mall to purchase some sharp suits for himself. With all his affairs in order, Jay felt ready to embrace his transformed life.
After parking in the underground spaces, Jay made his way to the tailor's store for custom-made suits. Standing at a whopping six feet two inches, Jay's transformed physique exuded power, with a broad chest and long, agile legs.
Inside the store, an old man greeted Jay, surrounded by tools on a desk at the back. Jay's measurements were swiftly taken, and the old man got to work, crafting blazers, trousers, and dress shirts - everything a successful businessman would need.
As Jay's clothes were being sorted out, he decided to take a stroll around the mall. He stumbled upon an actress doing a meet-and-greet interview, as she prepared to become a challenger of the tower. Supporters surrounded her, snapping photos and videos, while others patiently waited their turn to ask questions.
Intrigued, Jay wondered why someone with a seemingly perfect life would risk it in the tower. He grabbed boba and settled down to listen to her 'inspirational words.'
"It's probably just a publicity stunt," Jay told himself. However, the more he listened, the more he realized how serious she was. This lady, with more money than she could ever need, was willing to risk her life for the sake of her fans.
Jay raised his hand and, when chosen, asked, "You know you could die, right? Why would you risk the life you have now?"
The fans turned aggressive, shouting, "Why would you say that?" and "Our idol isn't going to die in the tower; she'll be the one to defeat it."
Jay found their reactions ridiculous and ignored them. The idol responded into the microphone, "Yes, I know that I could die, and I know I also have to kill to survive in there. But you don't have to worry about that, young man. I have powerful friends climbing the tower, and they've already completed the third floor. They will look after me."
"Ridiculous," Jay snorted.
"Excuse you?" the lady replied.
"I said that's ridiculous. I've completed the third floor, and just looking at you, I can tell you're not ready to kill," Jay asserted.
The crowd murmured, expressing disbelief, awe, and some even pointed out the purple ring on Jay's finger as proof of his challenger status.
"You... what's your name? If you're really a challenger, why aren't you with a guild? Everyone knows you can't clear the tower by yourself," the idol stuttered.
"Of course, you can," Jay scoffed back at her. "I'm doing it; anyone can. You're a liar," the woman responded.
"Say whatever you want," Jay said. "I don't really care. Anyway, my suits are ready. Goodbye."
And just like that, Jay walked back to the tailor's, where his new clothes were freshly made for him. Once he put them on and walked out of the store, everyone's gaze was on him.
"Whoa, is that a model?" "He looks like a movie star," some of the general public chattered to each other.
Jay simply ignored them, getting into his car as he rode off back to the office. It was almost time for him to enter the Tower again.