There was no time to rest. Although I had survived my battle against the hunters, my wounds were severe, and my body was completely exhausted. But ahead of me, looming in the distant horizon, stood a colossal tower shrouded in darkness, radiating a sinister aura that sent chills down my spine.
"This isn't just an ordinary structure… It's the source of their power."
I gathered my strength and stood up, clutching my bleeding side, then cautiously made my way toward the tower. Each step felt as though I was sinking into a vortex of dark energy. The air around me grew colder, and the eerie whispers began echoing in my mind once again.
"I can feel it… Something is watching me."
The Tower Entrance
When I reached the tower's gate, I saw ancient symbols carved into it, glowing with a faint purple light. There was no handle or keyhole—only a deep darkness beyond it. I knew this wasn't just a door; it was a test in itself.
I held the "Ancient Hunter's Ring" I had obtained from my last battle and felt it pulsate with a hidden power. As I raised my hand toward the door, it silently swung open, as if swallowing me whole.
Without hesitation, I stepped inside. The moment I crossed the threshold, a strange force suddenly pulled me downward.
Falling into the First Floor
I wasn't falling normally—I was being dragged through an endless void. Darkness surrounded me, but suddenly, a blinding light pierced through the nothingness. When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a massive hall.
The walls were covered in strange engravings, and along the sides of the corridor, dozens of statues made of black stone stood in formation, as if guarding the place.
"This place… feels like a tomb."
Before I could move, the statues began to tremble. Dark cracks spread across their surfaces before they shattered, revealing creatures with stone-like bodies and eyes glowing the color of blood.
First Challenge: The Shadow Guardians
There was no time to think. The creatures lunged at me with terrifying speed, their movements heavy but deadly.
I used "Shadow Step" to evade one of them, but barely dodged another attack from behind. Fighting against a group of enemies was harder than I had expected.
"I can't rely on speed alone—I have to use everything I have."
Activating "Hunter's Eye," I began to see their movements before they happened. It didn't make the battle easy, but it gave me an edge.
I waited for the perfect moment, then used "Accelerated Pulse" to dash toward the nearest creature, driving my sword straight into its chest. But instead of collapsing, its body exploded in a wave of dark energy, sending me flying backward!
"They don't die easily…"
I needed a new strategy. These creatures weren't just moving statues—they were formed from the very essence of shadows. I had to find their weakness.
Focusing intensely, I noticed that each creature had a small glowing core in the center of its chest.
"That's the target!"
I moved swiftly, dodging their relentless attacks, then struck directly at the first core. This time, the creature didn't explode—it disintegrated completely, turning into black dust.
"So that's how it works!"
I fought with greater precision, using all my abilities to land decisive blows while avoiding the relentless assaults coming from every direction. But the battle was draining me quickly. I needed to finish it as soon as possible.
Gathering all my energy for one final strike, I activated "Accelerated Pulse" at full power and lunged at the last remaining creature. Before it could react, my blade pierced its core, and I felt a surge of energy flow through me.
As the final creature collapsed, a new passageway opened before me, with a message waiting.
Rewards Earned:
• +100 Energy Points
• New Ability: "Shadow Pulse" – Allows you to unleash a burst of shadow energy, granting you enhanced speed and strength for a short time.
• "Second Floor Key" – Grants access to deeper levels of the tower.
What Awaits Me Above?
I looked at the dark passage that had opened ahead. I had passed the first trial of the tower, but I knew that what lay ahead would be far more difficult.
This wasn't just an ordinary tower… It was the true domain of the hunters.
And the question that lingered in my mind—
"Who is the true ruler of this tower? And what awaits me at its peak?"