Legacy Character Awakening
Jin-Seok stepped through the rune-covered portal. Aris appeared beside him, translucent arms crossed—approval, exasperation, he couldn't tell.
"You could've killed him," the skeletal figure said. "It would've been easier."
"That's why I didn't."
Aris paused, then allowed a faint smile. "Hmph. You're more foolish than you look. Good. Keep it up."
---
[Legacy System Notification – Sync Resonance Triggered]
A Legacy Soul stirs in response to your decision.
Your restraint toward the Sealed Minotaur has awakened a fragment of memory within a dormant Legacy Character.
"He did not swing the blade… even when he had the right."
[New Legacy Sync Opportunity Detected]
A powerful Legacy Character has been moved by your resolve.
If you succeed in freeing the Minotaur's curse in the future, this character will unlock permanently.
Hidden Legacy Character – ??? [Mythical Tier]
Status: Locked
Condition to Unlock: Break the seal upon the Sealed Minotaur
Sync Link: Emotional resonance established
"One bound by chains will one day be unshackled by another who refuses to bind."
---
Jin-Seok blinked. "Wait… that actually triggered a Sync Link?"
"Congratulations," said a dry voice behind him. "You made a ghost cry."
Aris solidified slightly, skeletal jaw set in a grin. "Legacy Characters aren't just tools. We were real once—Tower climbers like you. We had our own paths. Our regrets."
---
[LEGACY SYSTEM ALERT – BEHAVIORAL BREACH DETECTED]
Legacy Character [Aris Telvhan] attempted unauthorized information disclosure.
System Rules violated. Stop immediately.
Disciplinary Protocol Armed
Aris will be sealed for 1 day if repeated.
Duration increases with each violation.
During the seal, praise to the system is mandatory every 10 minutes.
Example:
"System is wise. System is kind. I am grateful."
---
Aris froze, staring at the notification. "…That's real?"
He turned to Jin-Seok, outrage clear in his skeletal features. "I have to worship the system like some bard?"
"You'll get used to it," Jin-Seok said.
"Like hell I will," Aris muttered.
The system chirped, almost satisfied:
[Compliance Restored. Stay grateful, Aris ]
---
Jin-Seok thought of Asterion, of promises, and the fragile bonds forming in the Tower. The Minotaur would wait, and Jin-Seok would honor that trust.
The cathedral fell silent again—but this time, it felt like hope.
Time Taken to Clear: 9 minutes, 26 seconds
---
System Recognition
As he stepped through the exit, golden text appeared.
[Tower System Notification]
Unprecedented feat achieved.
Nightmare Maze Trial – Cleared in 19 minutes, 26 seconds.
Previous Record: 1 hour, 49 minutes, 30 seconds.
Record Holder (Hidden): ???
Do you wish to leave your name in the Tower Records?
[Yes] / [No]
A second prompt, edged in purple:
[Legacy System Prompt]
Reveal your name and gain a random Unique Skill.
Hide your name — Gain +1000 Legacy Points.
Jin-Seok paused. "What's the point of records anyway?"
"Top 10 fastest clears, solo, no-damage… fame brings opportunity—and danger," Aris explained.
"You show your name, you get a target. Hide it, you gain points. Your choice."
Jin-Seok smiled beneath the mask. "They'll come after me either way. Might as well give them a reason. That Unique Skill looks worth it."
Aris laughed, approving. "Good. Go wild. And remember… the great Aris Telvhan walks beside you."
Jin-Seok pressed [Reveal Name].
Tower Announcement:
Name Confirmed: Ryu Jin-Seok
New Record etched into Tower Records.
Title Gained: Nightmare's End
+5% movement speed and perception in illusion zones
Immune to Fear
---
Global Tower Broadcast
Across floors, guildhalls, battlefields, and quiet corners:
[Tower Broadcast – All Floors]
New Record – Newbie Maze Trial (Nightmare Mode)
Challenger: Ryu Jin-Seok
Time: 19 minutes, 26 seconds
Previous Record: 1 hour, 49 minutes, 30 seconds
---
Reactions Outside the Maze
The waiting room erupted.
The Administrator's jaw dropped. "That record… in Nightmare mode?"
Whispers spread:
"Who is he? Noble heir?"
"Previous clear was 1 hour 45 minutes—he did it in under 20?"
"Fluke? Luck?"
"Cheating?"
The Administrator thought, Do they really think Nightmare mode is that easy?
Jin-Seok emerged, calm as ever.
---
Ripples Across the Tower
Floor 700: A noblewoman dropped her crystal wine glass. "…He's alive?"
Floor 900: A massive warrior paused mid-swing. "…Good. I'll wait at the top."
Upper Tower: An ancient being opened long-closed eyes. "Ryu… again. The cycle repeats."
Mountain Monastery: A youth paused mid-sword stroke. "Time to sharpen my blade. I want to meet him."
Tower Library: A cloaked figure looked up. "He has come."
Floor 500 Tavern: A drunk man grinned,
raising his mug. "Took ya long enough, kid."
Ryu Jin-Seok's name was now Tower history. Attention stirred. Powers long dormant had woken.
The real journey had only just begun.