———
Both parties will not deceive each other under any circumstances and cannot reveal the other party's information to a third party without consent.
Should the contract be broken, one party will turn into an artifact.
———
Shun signed the contract and pressed his finger against the panel. It scanned his fingerprint, turned green as confirmation, and then vanished.
Rakina opened her palm for a handshake. Shun accepted it.
"Pleasure working with you, Shun."
"The pleasure's all mine."
Shun released her hand and pondered, "Are we going to enter the Tower as soon as it opens?"
"It'd be unwise. We don't know what awaits us there, and with how we are right now, the chance of survival is low.
"We should gear up first and get the essentials we need to survive.
"First, your weapon…"
Rakina launched into a long discussion about Shun's gear.
He had to admit, she was quite knowledgeable—down to the very details. She explained his gear thoroughly: its material, quality indicators, maintenance tips, what not to do, and how to utilize it to its fullest potential.
Shun wasn't particularly studious and couldn't absorb everything, but he made sure to retain the important parts.
Once everything was settled, Rakina declared, "We will enter in five days."
Shun showed hesitation.
"Don't worry. Two months in the Tower would only pass as a single day in the real world."
Shun sighed in relief. He didn't have to worry about time running out.
After that, they continued eating while chatting about mundane things. Shun occasionally cracked a joke, and Rakina giggled now and then.
"Is there something in this world you've always wanted to try but never could?" Shun asked curiously.
Rakina looked at her empty plate, idly spinning her fork. "It'd be dancing."
"Wait, seriously? I always thought you could do it."
"I can't. But once all of this is over, I'd like to try."
"Why didn't you do it in the past?"
"Because I got caught up in school. I told myself that doing anything other than studying or training was a waste of time.
"I focused only on things that had merit. But after almost dying a few times, I realized something."
Shun didn't say anything. He waited for her to go on.
"The goals I'm chasing... aren't everything. Life is short. I might as well try the things I've always wanted to do.
"I should've taken a moment to pause and look at the world around me. Obviously, I won't let it distract me too much from my goal.
"I still have to find a way to wake up my mom and sister."
Shun listened quietly and took a sip of his drink.
"Won't conquering the Tower fix that? I heard it grants any wish."
"Unfortunately, it's not as omnipotent as people think. The previous generation of my kin tried—and failed. The only thing the Tower gave was a way to reduce the intensity of the curse."
"I never heard of witches conquering a Tower."
"There are Towers beyond the world's knowledge."
"Wouldn't that be dangerous?"
If monsters kept spawning in a Tower and were left unchecked, it would generate unstable particles called Gleptron.
If gathered in high concentration, it would trigger a catastrophic event known to humanity as a "Wave."
Gleptron also came from uncleared Rifts and monsters in the overworld.
"We have a special division in the association to take care of it."
Shun grunted in acknowledgement, feeling somewhat reassured.
With his concerns eased, he resumed eating and savoring his food.
But then the ground trembled, mana pulsing beneath it. He froze and looked down, startled.
Brrr. Brr.
His phone rang.
Who's calling me? Shun wondered, and was about to answer—when other phones in the restaurant began ringing too.
Shun frowned. Something was off, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
Rakina stared at the unknown caller name on her screen: Noue.
Suddenly, a strange energy seized her body and compelled her to raise the phone.
Rakina struggled, but it was futile. Shun noticed and turned around—only to see the phone morph into a massive door with teeth and flesh. It pounced on her at an unexpected speed.
Rakina reached out to him.
"Shu–!"
Shun instinctively grabbed her hand—but it was too late. The door devoured her.
"Rakina?"
The room grew still and eerily silent. Only his breathing echoed in the void.
The phone reverted to its original size. Its screen dimmed ominously.
What the heck is going on?! Shun looked around, but the restaurant was now empty—only phones remained, scattered on the floor, their screens eerily glowing.
Brr...
His phone rang again.
He flinched. Inwardly, he screamed not to look—but a strange force moved his body against his will. His hand raised the phone.
It transformed into the same door with teeth and flesh. Beyond it was pure white.
Before he could react, the door collapsed onto him, swallowing him whole.
Darkness took over—but deep within the void...
---
[System Notice: Constellation 'Monarch God' has assigned you a scenario.]
---
Main Scenario 01
Objective: Destroy the Tower.
Difficulty: SSS
Reward: New Exclusive Ability
Description: The Tower of Odysseum is an existence that revolts against the very order of the universe. It is built from the grief and rage of billions of souls. One must free them from endless torment and guide them to eternal rest.
Penalty for Failure: Death
---
The wind brushed softly against his cheek. His hair swayed gently. The grass wasn't an exception—nor were the leaves that shaded him.
The rustling leaves whispered like voices. Shun's eyelids twitched. Slowly, he opened his eyes and sat up.
His head throbbed, but the pain subsided.
"Where am I?"
He looked around. Soft grass. A vast plain dotted with trees. In the distance—a walled city.
Did I get transmigrated into another world?
That was his first thought. Understandable, considering all the stories he'd read.
[Welcome to the Tower of Odysseum.]
A panel appeared before him.
[Please complete the quest to advance to the next floor.]
---
Advancement Quest
Objective: Build a temple 0/1
Progress: 0%
---
***
He stared quietly, then dismissed the panel and looked up at the sky. Crystal blue. Not a single cloud in sight.
Beyond that serene sky, he saw it—a black hole with a white glowing ring around it.
It felt distant, so he didn't dwell on it.
He looked back down. The land stretched far and wide. He pinched his chin, deep in thought.
Then he heard it—a faint, steady breathing behind a tree.
Curious, he walked over and saw a girl.
Isn't that… the girl from back then? He blinked, heart skipping.