The threads burned behind SeTa's eyes—shimmering concepts in motion, sliding through the air like invisible strings on a cosmic loom.
They weren't just hallucinations. They responded to thought.
Each thread connected to something—space, memory, direction, presence.
And for a moment, SeTa wasn't standing in a dungeon.
He was everywhere.
> SYSTEM NOTICE:
[Thread Sense – Fragment Activated.]
You are interfacing with a Proto-Logic Layer. You are not authorized.
"Not authorized?" he muttered. "Says who?"
> SYSTEM CORRECTION:
Authorization confirmed. Welcome, [Inheritor-Class: Undeclared].
The threads vibrated.
He raised a hand—and one thread glowed gold. It felt… old. Familiar.
Like the feeling he'd had when he rewrote his mirror-self's logic in Challenge 3.
A whisper echoed again. This time clearer. Younger.
> "SeTa... you shouldn't be here yet."
"But you always arrive too early, don't you?"
"Rewrite it. Like you always do."
Before he could question the voice, a wave of data surged through his mind.
> ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: [EX Awakener – Floor 0]
Ranking Bonus: Top 3
Unique Skill Unlocked: [Inception EX]
– Class: Mythic
– Function: Logic Override / Rewrite
– Usage: Once per 24h
– Scope: Local Reality Layer (20m radius)
– Risk: Sanity Bleed (High)
A stat window opened in front of him.
---
[INCEPTION EX – LV. 1]
Reality is a construct. You are the flaw in its design.
— You may rewrite a single logical law within your zone of influence.
— WARNING: Contradictions may cause cognitive instability.
---
SeTa stared.
"What the hell kind of power is this?"
> SYSTEM NOTICE:
Leaderboard Finalizing…
You have been placed in the Top 3.
Floor 0 Completion: 99.77%
Personality Metric: [Singular].
Path: [Subversion / Solitary].
Rewards pending…
A new corridor appeared ahead—curved, silver, and ancient. The threads parted before it like grass in the wind.
He exhaled slowly.
The power didn't make him feel stronger. If anything, it made him feel even more alien.
Like this wasn't meant for someone like him.
Like it never had been.
He walked forward.
Step by step.
One thread followed.
A single silver line that wrapped around his wrist like a tether.
It pulsed once—warm. Then faded.
---
[Floor 0 – Final Stage Unlocked]
Proceed to Exit Gate to finalize placement and rewards.
---
He turned back one last time.
The corridor behind him was gone.
The cries. The mirror. The voids. The memory-rooms.
All of it… erased.
> Tutorial Ending.
Welcome to the Tower.