While waiting for the event to begin, Maria could feel the pain in her body gradually subside as her strength began to return. Though her limbs were still a bit sore, the numbness and palpitating pain that had plagued her earlier had completely disappeared.

Normally the human body's muscle recovery time should be around 24 hours, depending on the body's composition, strength, and diet. However, for those who workout, the most appropriate amount of recovery time was around 48-72 hours.

Experiencing muscle pain is quite common, both for those who do or don't exercise. Maria knew how uncomfortable and painful it was to move around with such stiff limbs, for she had experienced it herself.

Due to their Uncle's pestering, Maria and her siblings often engaged in a myriad of physical activities at a young age to the point that waking up with sore limbs became the norm for them.

And since Maria knew how long muscle pain typically lasts, her body should've recovered in about a week or two, yet in less than 20 minutes, the aching pain from before had disappeared. All that was left was the lingering headache that seemed to persist throughout the dream.

Maria wasn't complaining though, she was worried that she would have to enter the event in such a condition. Fortunately, that wasn't the case. Although the headache remained, it was still something Maria could tolerate, she was used to having them anyway.

I stopped exercising after I got into college since things got busy but... Is the dream trying to tell me that I should resume exercising? Well, I knew I shouldn't have stopped when—

Out of nowhere, a muffled groan broke the silence, causing everyone's heads to swivel simultaneously. Their gaze fell on a young girl, her body arching outward as she stretched. She let out a soft yawn, facing the black wall before turning around to glimpse four people. Her droopy eyes went wide with surprise.

She quickly stood up in an agitated manner and pulled out a pair of scissors from her bag. The tip of the scissor was stained red, and Maria immediately became alert as she directed her gaze at the girl.

"Who are you people?" The girl asked while pointing her scissors at them.

Luke and Kiana raised both of their hands while the little boy hid behind Maria.

"We're not here to hurt you," Luke said in a soft tone. "We're just as confused as you are."

The girl remained cautious as she continued to point her sharp scissors at the two people. Luke tried his best to calm the girl down while maintaining his distance. Meanwhile, Kiana just stared at the girl.

Ignoring Luke's attempts to convince the girl, Kiana began walking calmly toward the girl with her hands still raised. Seeing the unknown woman approaching her, the girl slowly stepped back with her scissors now pointed toward Kiana.

Kiana stopped a meter away from the girl and asked, "Do you remember anything before coming here?"

"What?"

"Do you remember anything before waking up in this place?"

The girl looked confused at her question, but stayed vigilant, keeping her sharp scissors pointed at the two. Kiana stood by with her hands still raised, waiting for a response, yet the girl remained quiet and wary.

Maria understood the girl's cautious nature toward them. She had woken up in an unknown place and the first thing she saw was a group of four people who were strangers to her. Anyone would've felt scared, confused, and chary by those people.

Utter silence shrouded the atmosphere for a moment until the girl's gaze fell on Maria and the little boy. It appears that the sight of the two was enough for the girl to slowly let her guard down. After all, one was injured while the other was a young child.

Even though her vigilance relaxed a bit, she still kept her distance from them.

"If I remember anything before waking up here..." The girl muttered and her brows furrowed while thinking. She pondered for a moment before speaking, "I remember going to school when I suddenly felt dizzy and... collapsed on the sidewalk. I was still awake at that time, but..."

She seemed to be remembering something and her expression became dark. She frowned as she continued, "I saw a figure of a person that stood out amongst the faceless people walking past me. He was smiling at me creepily... then I passed out."

A figure standing among faceless people... There's a possibility that it was the Host.

"What's your name?"

"What's yours first."

The girl was cautious. It was good to be wary of strangers.

"Kiana."

The girl looked at the man.

"Uhm, Luke."

Then her attention shifted to the little boy and he lowered his head at her stern gaze. "J-Jiahao..."

Jiahao hid behind Maria, his hands clasping the back of Maria's coat. She could feel his trembling fingers, so she stroked the boy's head as a means to comfort him.

"Maya," Maria said, keeping her gaze on Jiahao.

The girl continued to cast a cautious look at them, but there was a slight change in her expression. She lowered her scissors, her shoulders relaxing to some degree. The wrinkles on her face soon disappeared, leaving only an exhausted and pale girl gazing at them.

"Chun Hee," The girl introduced herself nonchalantly.

A quick pause surfaced on Maria's face before she inquired, "You're Korean?"

Chun Hee nodded, slightly confused.

Maria made a complicated expression as she began to look at the people around her.

"Jiahao, you're Chinese, right?"

The little boy nodded innocently, also looking a bit bemused. Maria then looked at the two people and immediately came to a realization. Not only her but the others also seemed to realize what she noticed and began exchanging glances.

"Are... all of you foreigners?" Maria asked carefully, her gaze fixed on Kiana.

No one answered, causing Maria to frown.

It was quiet so she asked again, "What language are you hearing me from?"

Her question might've confused people, but the four immediately understood what she meant, even the little boy. For them, they could understand Maria in these languages:

Luke: English

Kiana: Dutch

Chun Hee: Korean

Jiahao: Chinese

As for Maria, she could hear them in English. She didn't notice this change since she assumed they spoke fluently in this language and might've been multiracial or biracial. Also, she didn't want to possibly offend anyone if she were to ask casually about their origins.

"It seems like we're under the influence of a language setting," Kiana stated.

"A what?" Luke asked with a muddled expression.

"This is supposed to be an event... and since there are mysterious floating messages that appear at times, I think we're in some... game? I know all of you must have played at least one video game in your life." Kiana explained in a calm yet uncertain tone. "It's my opinion but there's always a 'change language' located at the settings in a game, correct?"

They all nodded in agreement.

"How is that possible though?" Chun Hee muttered, her finger resting on her chin. "So does that mean we can understand each other even though we're speaking in different languages? Like it's auto-translating our words?"

Kiana nodded.

A language patch. It was a setting that most games should have. By locating the language patch in the settings and clicking on its tab, users could select their chosen language to be able to familiarize themselves with the instructions or goals of the game.

Some games also switch servers once the user picks their chosen language which was useful for interacting with players if the game was meant to be played with one or more players.

It would be difficult to communicate if they all spoke in a different language. The purpose of the event required teamwork if a language patch was needed.

There were a total of five players, they were chosen to be participants. The figure that Chun Hee saw was likely the person behind this strange event. To clear this event, they had to work together.

At least... that's what Kiana speculated. Surprisingly, it was accurate. Maria was beginning to feel suspicious around her.

How did she know the language patch? No one would think that something related to video games can affect reality, especially a language patch. It sounded like a farfetched concept. Most would just assume the other person was good at speaking a certain language.

Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

Who would've thought Kiana would have this idea? Maria only knew this because of the novel...

"This is really..." Luke didn't continue his words.

When silence fell between the five people, Maria used this opportunity to quietly observe the four people, her mind beginning to work as she took down mental notes.

The Player Selection Event often selects people with great potential to play a huge part in the games.

Luke's appearance and introduction alone were enough for Maria to be cautious of him. He was very tall with a good physique. When introducing himself, he mentioned that he was a construction worker, so naturally, his strength and stamina should be better than theirs. Maria would have to keep her guard up around him.

Maria's gaze then drifted to look at Kiana.

A young woman with a gentle aura and slender appearance. From the sheer size and thickness of the backpack, it could be deduced that it was laden with miscellaneous items. There was also a metallic blade poking out of her drop leg sheath, a combat knife. This added some truth to Kiana's words about hiking, yet her choice of outfit made it difficult for Maria to fully believe her.

The bolero jacket I can ignore but the jeans... they're not good for hiking... it looks more like she's dressed to go to a mall or meet up with friends...

She doesn't seem stupid... so why would she wear jeans on a hike?

The woman sitting a few feet apart from Maria was rather quiet and calm, she seemed to be quite perceptive based on her analysis regarding the language patch. She was carrying a combat knife that was tucked in the sheath strapped on her thigh. Although she looked gentle and kind, Maria couldn't help but be wary of her.

Hmm, she doesn't look dangerous at the moment... I should look after myself when I'm with her. Next...

Maria still couldn't understand how two minors could be involved in the Player Selection Event.

There was never a case of minors being selected in the Player Selection Event, and the ages that were usually pulled in were supposedly young adults in the book... so how? The GameMasters weren't that cruel to include children based on the information in Book 3, so Maria didn't understand how they were involved in this event.

Unless these children know how to stand up for themselves, they'll most likely be a burden to them in the nightmare rooms.

So, two males and three females... two of which are children while the rest are adults...

It was a strange combination for a black tower event and there were obvious disadvantages for them such as Jiahao and Chun Hee, but Maria shouldn't judge one based on their age and appearance.

Inside the Tower of Nightmares, strength wasn't the main factor. As long as one was smart or careful, fighting wasn't completely necessary. It all depended on the owners of the nightmare rooms themselves. Along with the owners, there were also various methods to clear the nightmare rooms written in the book.

Though it would be quite laborious, the Tower of Nightmares is notorious for its difficulty on the higher floors such as the 1-9th level floors. But there was also benefits when being placed on the top floors, such as the rewards. The higher the level, the greater the rewards, as do most video game premises.

Yet while the rewards would be good, the penalty however...

...Calm down, it's just a dream.

The penalties, I won't experience them. No way.

Maria convinced herself that everything that happened, such as waking up to a vast view of space and encountering the Cetus constellation, was nothing more but a sequence of imaginary scenes.

I just missed reading that novel, that's why I'm suddenly dreaming about it... Yeah, that's right... I'm just dreaming...

But still... I don't want to die... even if this is really a dream... I still don't want to die...

And in order to survive, she needed to determine the strength and intellect of these four people. Because once they're useless or hinder her, Maria wouldn't hesitate to abandon them the moment danger appears. If she didn't, they would only make things troublesome for her to make it through until she woke up.

Mhm... Don't feel bad... They're probably just part of my dream anyway...

Once she repeated these words to herself five times, Maria finally let out a deep sigh and relaxed her tense nerves. For now, she had to wait for an announcement for the event while keeping an eye out on these four 'people'.

★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆

"What do you think is the reason for you to be selected for this event?" Kiana suddenly asked this question to Maria.

You tell me.

"Is it because I play video games that I was chosen to participate here?" Maria also didn't know why she was selected apart from it being part of the dream's meaningless sequences.

The five people had been stuck inside the lobby of the black tower for over fifteen minutes now. Since they had nothing to do, the only thing they could do was converse with one another.

Luke was already sitting beside the two children, bragging about while lifting his right arm, proudly showing off his biceps. Maria didn't need to guess what they were discussing based on Luke's arrogant expression and gestures.

With Luke boasting his muscles to the two children, Kiana on the other hand was busy chatting away with Maria. As they talked, Maria noticed that Luke seemed to be avoiding Kiana. Maybe it was because of their little dispute earlier that caused Luke to be somewhat ambivalent around the woman, afraid even.

"Are you a streamer?" Kiana asked curiously.

"No, I work as a barista. Though I do play video games when I have time." Maria replied and turned to question Kiana. "What about you? Do you also play video games?"

Kiana shrugged and answered, "I play when I have time. I mostly prefer reading rather than playing."

"Reading is also nice."

During this period of waiting, the two women kept themselves busy as they continued their conversation in a tranquil and friendly manner.

With nothing to do other than sit around, the best action to take at this moment was to interact with other players. Having conflicts with other players was the last thing Maria wanted, so it was better to interact and understand the players she was forced to team with.

The more Maria listened to Kiana, the more she was able to learn about the woman.

First of all, Kiana was a year younger than Maria and was currently working as a firefighter. She had a hobby of hiking and camping, explaining that she had always enjoyed going to the forests at a young age. The reason why she was carrying a combat knife was for self-defense purposes, Kiana didn't feel comfortable going to forests and even public spaces without any form of weapon to defend herself with.

Not only that, Kiana is quite fond of birds, especially blackbirds like ravens. She also enjoys reading books and playing video games. It seemed like they had some things in common than Maria had expected. Though, Maria felt a little unsettled.

Isn't this a bit too detailed...? Can my subconsciousness even make something this realistic...?

Maria couldn't help but furrow her brows before turning her gaze to the three other people. Luke and the two children seemed preoccupied in their conversation.

Based on their amused expressions, they seem to have grown a bit comfortable around each other. Maria thought Chun Hee would've been more vigilant around them, so she was surprised to see her easily conversing with the other two.

An abrupt silence fell between the two women, causing it to break the flow of their conversation. The silence hung heavy between them, making Maria's attention dart toward Kiana with a raised brow. She couldn't see the other woman's face, adding up to her quiet state, Maria was a bit concerned.

Just as she was about to ask Kiana if she was alright, the other person finally spoke.

"Aren't you curious about this event?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, what is this event all about? What's our purpose for being here and how are we even brought here?" Kiana looked down with knitted brows, playing with her nails as she pursed her lips into a frown. "I've wondered about this since the moment I woke up in this strange place..."

There was a brief pause between the two; it made Maria feel a little uneasy, nonetheless, Kiana continued.

"Maya, what do you think this event is all about?" She asked in a small voice. "What is the purpose of this event, why are we brought here... how were we brought here... and, just what is going on?"

After speaking, a blanket of silence once again enveloped the two women.

Darkness covered their surroundings, and only the dim glow of the lanterns provided a sort of warmth to them. However, it failed to ease the mood and seemed to bring an even greater sense of loneliness and gloominess to their area.

Across from them, Luke and the two children chattered happily together. With their broad grins and bright eyes, it looked as if they were in a completely different situation compared to the two women who wore grave expressions.

Their loud voices could be heard on their side, and Maria could hear them complain about school matters, such as Luke disliking Math and Chun Hee skipping classes because of one terrible teacher. Maria envied their choice of topic, though she couldn't blame Kiana's questions. After all, Maria also wondered about some things regarding her situation.

Although she already knew the purpose of this event, what made Maria wonder more was why she was chosen. Even though it was specified in the novel that people who were selected for the event were those who showed great potential for the second phase, Maria still didn't understand what potential she had to be acknowledged by the Black Tower.

Just what potential do I even have to be here? Is there a specific reason?... Am I here just to be screwed around...? Why am I still thinking about this as if everything is real—

"Maybe there's no reason."

"Huh?"

"I think there's no specific reason why we're even here..." mused Kiana with a smile, yet that smile seemed to contain a hint of despair. "It's my thoughts though, I don't really know. Maybe we're brought here as a joke, maybe this event is just a stupid game show or prank show you'd see on the internet..."

Maria was silent upon listening to her words. She stared at Kiana, not knowing what to say. Kiana seemed to understand her silence and giggled a bit.

"Hey, do you think we'd get some sort of prize if we win whatever this event has in store for us?" Although she looked calm, the strained tone of her voice betrayed her brave facade.

There was no response from Maria and Kiana couldn't help but smile awkwardly. She pulled her backpack to use as a pillow to sleep, however, just as she was about to lie down, a low voice sounded.

"I hope it's a cash prize."

Kiana's gaze flickered over to Maria.

"If this really is some game show or prank show, then they better give us something good if we take part in this event."

Kiana blinked two times before giggling softly. "Yeah, whoever is behind this should prepare us some compensation for making us do this without our consent and knowledge."

The corners of Maria's lips tugged up, revealing a small smile, but a hint of ridicule could be seen in her eyes.

Game show? Prank show? Don't make me laugh.

It was a stupid thought, and Maria only went along with Kiana just to comfort her. But there was no way this was some prank show or game show. How could it explain the system messages? The dreamscapes? The monsters? The... uncanny resemblance of it from that book?

That's right... It's impossible for it to be a game show... This is all... just...

"Do you think we can be friends?"

Upon hearing her question, Maria suddenly woke up from her thoughts and looked at Kiana with wide eyes. She was caught off guard by this question and couldn't hide her surprise, causing Kiana to immediately wave her two hands in a flustered manner.

"I know it's a bit random and a weird thing to ask in this situation..." There was a nervous smile plastered on Kiana's face. "But... when I think about having to go through an... unknown event... after waking up in a strange place and then coming here... I can't help but want someone to trust in this situation."

Maria was silent, feeling both flattered and conflicted by her words. Then, her gaze landed on the remaining people who continued to bicker from the distance.

"What about them? I don't think they're bad people." Despite the fact that Maria didn't trust any of them, she still had to admit that the three appeared harmless, naive even.

"I'm not saying I don't trust them or think of them as bad but..." She muttered shyly. "I'm just wondering if you want to keep in touch after this event. You seem like a nice person, not to mention we have a lot of things in common that I think we'll be good friends... but it's fine if you don't want to!"

There was no answer.

Kiana seemed a bit nervous and even added, "If being friends is a bit too much then you can just think of it as us teaming?... uhm, maybe temporarily if that's what you prefer?"

Maria's gaze averted to Kiana who smiled nervously at her. She thought carefully while keeping her attention on Kiana's facial expressions, subtly scratching her wrist with a pensive look.

After a minute of silence and observation, Maria finally gave a response.

"Alright, let's team up first." Maria sat up straight and added. "Then I'll consider if we can be friends or not."

Kiana paused and stared at her, a pleased smile slowly forming on her face and her eyes shone with delight. She moved closer to Maria and started to talk more casually, bringing up a new topic to change the mood.

The early gloomy atmosphere between them melted into a more lively one, making Maria feel at ease a bit. Though, Kiana's voice soon became distant as Maria fell into deep thought.

So far, only Luke talked about his dreamscape... and I can understand if the three are still leery, but... I need to know what their dreamscapes are...

If I don't get the information I need from them about their dreamscapes... then who knows what kind of trouble awaits me in the nightmare rooms...