The Sky That Cracked
Year 2090, Blue Star
It started quietly.
At 11:47 AM, the sky split.
Dr. Elena Vasquez was reviewing data at the Geneva Observatory when all the instruments triggered at once. Gravity readings and electromagnetic signals were abnormal. Through the observation window, she saw a thin fracture in the sky.
From the fracture, the Tower appeared.
It was a large black structure, taller than the clouds. Its walls were smooth with unknown symbols that emitted a faint glow.
The Tower caused an unusual pressure in the air.
When the World Burned
Panic spread worldwide.
Governments deployed military forces. Satellites tried to scan the Tower, but signals failed at higher levels.
Religious leaders called it a divine test. Scientists suggested an alien attack. Both were incorrect.
Seventy-two hours later, rifts opened.
Captain Maria Santos was at a forward observation post when a rift appeared fifty meters away. The air in the rift was distorted.
Creatures came through the rift:
Figures with multiple jointed limbs.
Serpentine beasts with crystalline scales.
Flying creatures made of energy that produced high-pitched sounds.
Santos ordered her team to fire.
Bullets and explosives had no effect. The lead creature caused windows to break and walls to crack. Two soldiers were injured.
The creatures advanced.
Evacuation zones grew from fifty to five hundred kilometers. Fires spread across Blue Star, caused by the creatures.
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The Desperate Volunteers
Countries built fortified zones around the Tower and deployed advanced weapons. None were effective.
People volunteered from around the world, including soldiers, scientists, and civilians.
The First Wave returned with no survivors. The Second Wave was larger and better equipped, but also failed. The Third Wave reached the Tower but disappeared upon touching the gates.
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When Hope Walked Out
Four months and seven days after the Tower appeared, seven people exited the Tower.
The leader, Ryu Han-Seok, was of average height with silver hair and simple clothing. He showed no obvious special features except confidence in his actions.
The media called them the Seven Survivors. They became known as the Seven Sovereigns.
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The Blade That Cut Reality
Han-Seok did not lead an army.
A rift opened near a safe zone. Military forces kept distance. Han-Seok approached the rift alone.
He drew a steel sword. When he swung, the rift and the creatures inside it were removed.
The area returned to normal. Han-Seok sheathed the sword and left.
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The New World Order
Han-Seok and the other Sovereigns trained people to climb the Tower and establish safe zones.
At the first Global Crisis Summit, Han-Seok said:
"We are here to teach people to save themselves. The Tower is an opportunity, not an enemy. Progress must be earned one floor at a time."
People from around the world became Climbers.
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The Four Pillars
Four regions formed:
Eastern Alliance – Islands and hills. Capital: Kairo City. Known for skilled Climbers and martial academies.
Northern Dominion – Northern regions including Russia and northern Europe. Capital: Novagrad. Known for Berserkers, beast tamers, and energy users.
Western Union – Cloudbreak Territories. Capital: New Geneva. Known for engineers, tactical Climbers, and elite gear users.
Southern Coalition – Emberwild Expanse. Capital: Port Solene. Known for survival experts and adaptable Climbers.
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The Sky Federation
The Sky Federation, called Stratos Union, floats in the atmosphere, powered by Tower energy. Portal bridges connect it to the regions.
It manages:
Climber regulations
Portal operations
Tower Records Archive
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The Age of Climb
Fifty years after the Tower appeared, it still stands.
Climbers from all regions continue to challenge the Tower. Some seek power, some knowledge, and some personal goals.
Monsters still appear, but trained humans confront them.
The world remains dangerous but people are no longer defenseless.
A note in the Sky Federation archives reads:
50 years since First Contact. The sky split, and people adapted.
Present Day — Kairo City
Year 2140
Kairo City never stops. The city operates day and night, with lights, vehicles, and digital displays keeping activity constant. Flying vehicles move along the skylanes, following set paths above the streets.
Rain falls steadily. The streets are wet and reflective. Holographic advertisements are visible across buildings.
The largest display in the central plaza shows:
"Welcome to Kairo—the Eastern Alliance's crown jewel."
"Join the Tower Lottery today! Become a Floor Conqueror."
"Ascend. Evolve. Earn Eternity."
Even at a distance from the Tower, its influence is visible. The Tower affects the economy, social structure, and daily life of the city.
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The Mansion — Central District
In the Central District, a large estate sits among modern skyscrapers. The mansion is old but maintained, with stone walls combined with modern security systems. It is quiet compared to the rest of the city.
The estate grounds are visible in the city's lights. The mansion has been in use for generations and contains historical records and personal items from its occupants.
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Echoes of Tomorrow
Inside the mansion, Jin-Seok sleeps in a bedroom with heavy curtains and standard furniture. He is eighteen, with sharp facial features. He moves restlessly in his sleep.
He was having nightmares again.
The sky was blood red. Rain fell, but it wasn't water—it was blood, dripping slowly.
In the middle of it all, a man sat on a throne made of broken bodies, like he had killed everything that moved and grown bored. His head was down, waiting for someone.
Then the dream shifted.
Two figures fought on top of a mountain—or maybe a volcano. He couldn't tell. The heat was suffocating.
They moved like they'd been fighting forever. One of them held a sword.
Jin-seok stared at it. He didn't know why it looked familiar, but his heart started pounding.
Then a soft voice called his name.
He turned. Someone was walking away into the dark, then vanished.
Jin-seok tried to yell. Tried to move. But his body wouldn't listen. The scream got stuck..
Jin-Seok wakes suddenly, sweating. He is in a controlled, climate-regulated room. He is alone, and the furniture and technology around him are intact.
He mutters, "Again."
He reaches for the nightstand, hesitates, and pulls back. Whatever is in the drawer will remain untouched until he is ready.
Outside, the city continues its daily activity.
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Dawn in Kairo City
Morning begins. Flying vehicles move along skylanes. Citizens start their routines. The city functions efficiently, with consistent traffic, work, and commerce.
Advertisements appear on holographic screens and billboards, displaying offers and messages about the Tower, training, and famous figures. One large display shows Ryu Han-Seok, known for his actions during the crises fifty years ago.
Jin-Seok walks through the city with a school bag over one shoulder. He moves deliberately and avoids drawing attention. People do not recognize him personally but sense something different about him.
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Central Academy
Central Academy is a large school building made of glass and metal. Today is graduation day. Students and staff move throughout the building and courtyard.
Drones record the event. Students wear uniforms or branded clothing indicating sponsors and support.
Jin-Seok stands apart from the crowds, observing without engaging.
Other students talk about him:
He has high academic scores in all subjects, including combat theory, mana control, and tactical analysis.
He has rejected offers from Tower scouts and sponsors.
He is an orphan and has no family support.
Jin-Seok remains calm but aware of the attention. His isolation comes from the lack of sponsorship and the freedom it allows him.