The tower was not just a test of strength. Each floor required something different—wisdom, resilience, adaptability. But I had no choice but to move forward.
The Key to the Third Floor was warm in my hand as I stepped through the gate that appeared before me. A wave of energy swept over me, pulling me into the unknown once again.
Third Floor – The Court of Reflections
I landed inside a massive hall, its walls covered with mirrors. Countless reflections of myself surrounded me, shifting and changing with every step I took.
Then, a mysterious voice echoed through the space:
Voice: "Welcome to the Court of Reflections. The challenge here is not of strength, but of the self. You will face the deepest darkness within your soul. If you overcome it, you may proceed. If you fail… you will remain here forever."
I gripped my sword tightly. "I've already faced enough demons."
The moment I stepped forward, the mirrors rippled like water, and shadowy figures emerged—distorted versions of myself. Their eyes glowed with a sinister red light, their movements unnaturally fluid, like specters.
But this was not just an illusion. These entities began attacking me!
Battle with the Shadows
The first reflection lunged at me with blinding speed, its sword slicing through the air toward me. I used Shadow Step to evade, but to my shock, the copy of me used the same skill and vanished!
"They're not just illusions… they have some of my abilities!"
I had no choice but to match them. I activated Hunter's Eye to predict their movements, but every time I attacked, they countered with the same power and speed.
Then, I realized the truth: They are not enemies I can defeat with strength alone… I must understand myself to overcome them!
Closing my eyes for a moment, I unleashed Shadow Pulse, a wave of energy rippling through the area. When I opened my eyes again, I noticed some of the shadows had recoiled, while others remained unaffected.
"So… these are the real ones I need to defeat!"
With renewed focus, I ignored the fading illusions and aimed precise strikes at the true enemies. One by one, the shadows collapsed until only one remained—my strongest reflection.
We clashed in a final duel, but I knew brute force alone wouldn't be enough. I used Shadow Seal, slowing its movements, then delivered my final strike to its chest.
The reflection shattered, and silence filled the hall.
"Luckily, it didn't copy all my abilities."
[You have passed the Third Floor trial!]
• +300 Energy Points
• New Ability: "Will of Shadows" – Grants resistance against mental and illusion-based attacks.
• Key to the Fourth Floor
Fourth Floor – The Arena of Warriors
As soon as I stepped onto the next floor, I found myself inside a massive arena, surrounded by a crowd of shadowy figures chanting in excitement. In the center of the arena, seven heavily armed warriors stood waiting.
A glowing text appeared before me:
"To move forward, you must defeat all seven in single combat. Each warrior is stronger than the last."
There was no time to think, as the first warrior had already charged at me!
The fierce battle continued, each enemy more formidable than the previous one. I utilized all my skills, from Shadow Step to Hunter's Eye, and even Shadow Seal to slow them down. When I finally defeated the seventh warrior, the next passage opened.
[You have passed the Fourth Floor trial!]
• +400 Energy Points
• New Ability: "Shadow Rush" – Increases your attack speed when fighting in darkness.
• Key to the Fifth Floor
Fifth to Ninth Floor – A Journey of Blood and Trials
Each floor was different from the last.
On the Fifth Floor, I had to hunt prey in a dark forest before it hunted me. The Sixth Floor pitted me against an army of shadow creatures in an epic battle. The Seventh Floor was a test of the mind, trapping me in a maze of illusions. The Eighth Floor tested patience—I had to remain in a pitch-black room without moving for hours, or I would be pulled into oblivion.
But the Ninth Floor… was the hardest.
Ninth Floor – The Sage's Court
I found myself in a room entirely white, with a single table in the center. Sitting at it was an old man with glowing eyes.
Sage: "To reach the Tenth Floor, you must answer one question. But beware… if you answer incorrectly, you will remain here forever."
I sat before him, ready.
Sage: "What is the thing that, the more you try to grasp it, the farther it becomes?"
I had to think quickly. I recalled my journey, everything I had faced, and said:
"The past."
The sage smiled, then vanished, revealing the door to the Tenth Floor.
With one final whisper, barely audible:
"Be careful."
[You have passed the Ninth Floor trial!]
• +1000 Energy Points
• New Ability: "Dark Barrier" – Creates a shield of shadow energy that protects against fatal attacks.
• Key to the Tenth Floor
I stared at the massive door before me and took a deep breath.
What awaits me next?