TOWER EXPLORATION
1106 Words
You've been noticed, the voice said.
It wasn't loud, not echoing or dramatic. Just calm, like someone was speaking quietly in a large, empty room.
Grey blinked. By whom?
And where am I.
There was a pause. Then the voice spoke again.
The purpose of this game is not entertainment.
The light became clearer now. It wasn't a line, it was a doorway, narrow, tall, and floating in the dark without any walls around it.
The Multi-Verse Game exists to select.
Grey found it annoying that it did not respond, but he took a step forward. Although he didn't feel his legs, he was somehow able to move.
Select what?
Candidates for a higher form of existence, the voice replied.
Grey stared at the doorway. It pulsed faintly as he approached. So this isn't just about levelling or surviving?
No, those are only the surface. The real system runs deeper, and only a few will reach that level.
And what happens if I do?
You stop being part of the game, the voice said. And start becoming something else.
Grey frowned. That's not an answer.
You'll understand when it matters.
The light around the door dimmed for a moment, then brightened again. It was waiting.
Then why show me this now? He asked.
Because you've been flagged, the voice replied. Your choices, your pace, your growth. You are on a path that may lead further than the others. So we're watching.
Grey didn't move.
He was silent for a while.
Then he stepped through the door.
There was no sound. No shift. Just a blink and he was standing in a wide open plain.
The sky was grey. The ground was flat, cracked earth. Wind blew softly, but there was no source.
Across from him stood a figure. Hooded. Faceless. Completely still.
It didn't speak. It only raised its hand and pointed.
Behind Grey, a floating screen appeared.
[Message from the System Overseer]
Welcome, Candidate Grey.Observation initiated.Continue your progress. The next signal will come when you're ready.Do not seek it. It will find you.
The screen vanished.
And in the next moment
Grey opened his eyes.
He was back in the courtyard, lying on the floor. The sky above was the same. The air smelled of heat and ash. Firetail stood nearby, his scaled wings pulled back now that the threat had passed. Flarer landed softly beside him, while Molter finally stepped back.
Grey sat up slowly, rubbing the side of his head.
No pain.
No lingering dizziness.
Just silence.
He looked around, then at his hands.
It all felt normal again.
Yet something was different. He couldn't quite explain it, but the space around him felt lighter. Like something was watching. Like something had marked him.
And though the system hadn't sent a new notification, he knew.
This game wasn't just about surviving or passing events; it was more than even he could think.
Arrgh, this just added a lot more to my trouble, he thought. But all I need is to get stronger, and that is exactly what I would do.
I would continue climbing the tower tomorrow, but today I should relieve myself of stress, he said.
With a wave of his hand, his 4 thralls were sent to the death domain.
So, how do I even exit this place? He thought while stroking a non-existent beard.
As he thought this, a glowing door appeared on the field.
I guess that's my ticket, he said, stepping forward without hesitation.
Grey was back to the buzzing of the market, but what was surprising was that nothing had changed, even though he spent over 3 days in his space.
Even the trader and customer he caught sight of before he entered were still talking.
It was the right choice to increase the time difference by that much; I achieved that much with so little time.
Is that a restaurant? Nice.
A good place to start my vacation, he thought as he sprinted towards the stall.
As he sat, he could not help but marvel at human nature.
To think that even in a situation this dire, they still think about making profits.
Good day, sir, a young lady said to Grey.
What would you like to order? She finished, holding a notepad with a practised smile.
Spiced meat skewers with flame sauce, he said, although not actually believing they had that on their menu.
Coming right up, sir, that costs 50 TP.
Wait, you do have, he asked, surprised.
Yes sir.
Woah, Grey got happy when he heard they had it.
It had been his favourite meal right from childhood.
But still, how were they able to get meat for it, he thought.
So, how do I pay? Grey asked, confused.
You just have to send a request to your system, the lady replied.
Grey nodded, then tried it.
System, transfer 50TP to her, Grey said, pointing to the girl.
I have received it, the girl said as she went away with a smile.
Grey just smiled, then looked outside the window, taking in the breathtaking sight of the 10th floor.
The girl soon returned with his order, setting the skewers down gently. Enjoy, she said as she left.
The first bite sent a warm, spicy jolt through his mouth, and he let out a quiet sigh. After everything, this simple taste feels nourishing, he thought.
Grey finished the last bite and stood up, stretching a little.
That was nice, he said, patting his stomach.
He glanced at the sky. It was late afternoon, with orange light spilling across the buildings.
I will walk around a bit, he decided. I might learn something useful before heading back.
With that, he walked off into the crowd.
Grey was currently walking towards the central district of the 10th floor.
[Core Functions Unlocked]
As Grey walked closer, the system sent a new notification to him.
[Skillbook Archive]
[Weapon and Gear Repository]
[Tower Exit Gate]
[Guild centre]
Woah, the tower also had these functions, Grey thought as he inspected each one carefully, taking in their details.
But I don't need them for now, he thought.
He walked through an archway that led to a smaller section of the district.
It was quiet here, less crowded, a few benches lined the path, and there was a small pool in the centre.
He sat down near the edge of the pool.
The water was clean and still. His reflection stared back at him.
After a while, he stood.
That's enough for today.
He walked back the way he came.
His steps were slow but steady.
Tomorrow, I will continue to climb.
- Writer
