The world had changed in three days—so drastically that even the most imaginative minds could not have predicted the scale of terror, confusion, and wonder that swept across every corner of the globe.
It began with the earthquakes.
They weren't the usual trembling of tectonic plates; they were synchronized, rhythmic pulses that shook every continent at the exact same moment. The ground cracked in straight lines instead of jagged ones, and animals began to flee long before the first tremor struck. People who had lived through a dozen natural disasters instantly understood that this was something different—something unnatural.
Then the structures appeared.
Black pillars rose from the ground as though pulled upward by invisible hands. They were perfectly smooth, darker than obsidian, swallowing every glimmer of light that touched them. And in the center of each cluster of pillars stood a single monumental tower, its entrance sealed by a door that had not existed hours earlier.
The media swarmed them. Scientists, spiritual leaders, soldiers—none could stay away. Curiosity outweighed fear. The first person who went too close was a journalist, a woman determined to capture a world-changing headline. She took three steps past the marked perimeter. Her body dissolved—not violently, not loudly, but as though she had simply been erased from existence.
Her camera dropped.
People ran.
Panic replaced curiosity within seconds.
Governments across the world issued urgent statements asking citizens to stay away from the structures, now referred to unofficially as Abyss Towers. But fear turned into dread when a voice echoed simultaneously in every mind on Earth.
A deep, resonant voice that did not sound human.
"The Tower of Abyss has initiated its function.""In two days, every individual must challenge the tower to survive.""Those who enter before the allotted time will be transformed—reborn as monsters according to their latent power.""Low, Mid, Upper… the floors shall decide your fate."
The voice vanished, leaving humanity trembling. Chaos erupted—people screaming, governments collapsing into confusion, religious leaders proclaiming judgment day, scientists scrambling to explain the impossible.
But in one quiet district of the city, Lee was not panicking.
He had been expecting this.
He had been preparing for it.
He alone among billions did not tremble when the voice spoke. Instead, he calmly zipped up his old backpack and exhaled a slow breath through his nose.
"Just as I thought… The estimation was accurate," he muttered.
He didn't know if others had dreams like he did—fragments of warnings, flashes of glimpses into futures that made no sense until now. But he had trusted them. And because of that, he was ready to take his final steps of preparation.
Across the room, two young women watched him.
Hanabi, sharp-eyed and brisk, leaned near the wall with her arms crossed. She had the aura of a commander—someone capable of making decisions under pressure, someone who understood what was at stake.
Behind her, lying on the bed, was Nana, the academy's training principal. Normally she was a pillar of strength, the one who taught others how to awaken their powers, but days of nonstop drills—trying to strengthen every last trainee before the unknown threat arrived—had pushed her past her limits. She now lay under blankets with a cold pack on her forehead.
Her voice was a soft whisper."Lee… don't overdo it…"
Hanabi clicked her tongue. "Let him do what he needs to. We're literally facing the end of the world."
Lee tightened his boots.
"I'll be back by evening," he said. "I need to get everything I can before tomorrow. Food, tools, herbs… anything that'll increase our survival chances."
Hanabi frowned. "Herbs? Poison herbs? Why are you even bothering with those? At least buy a proper weapon. A sword. A shield. Something that actually helps you not die."
Lee paused. "You'd be surprised how useful misunderstood plants can be."
She rolled her eyes."No. What's useful is not dying in the first five minutes."
Nana let out a quiet laugh even in her exhaustion. "Hanabi… he already knows what he's doing. Let him buy whatever he wants."
Hanabi ignored her. "Also—buy Nana a gauntlet. A strong one. And pepper spray. High-grade. The strongest you can find."
Lee raised an eyebrow. "Pepper spray? Against monsters?"
"It's not for monsters," Hanabi replied. "It's for humans. People are going to panic, fight, steal, betray. Pepper spray will help keep creeps away while we climb the tower."
Lee nodded. That did make sense.
"And a gauntlet?""She needs a weapon that doesn't rely on her being fully recovered. Something simple, protective."
Nana coughed lightly. "I don't need all that…"
"Yes," Hanabi said firmly. "You do."
Lee offered a faint smile before heading toward the door.
"I'll purchase everything. Food. Supplies. Medicines. Tools. And the items for both of you. Rest well."
Hanabi gave him a final command as he stepped out:
"Don't return half-prepared. Buy everything that can keep us alive."
The moment Lee stepped outside, the chaotic energy hit him like a wave.
People ran through the streets carrying sacks of rice, bottled water, batteries. Entire families rushed from store to store in fear. Thunderous arguments broke out over dwindling supplies. Soldiers patrolled intersections, trying to maintain order.
Posters had already gone up.
AVOID THE TOWER. ENTRY BEFORE THE COUNTDOWN WILL RESULT IN TRANSFORMATION.
Announcements played constantly through speakers.
"Citizens are advised to remain calm. Do not attempt to approach the black structures. Essential supplies will be rationed…"
But nobody listened.
Human instinct was stronger than government instructions. Everyone wanted to survive, and survival meant preparing for the unknown.
Lee adjusted the straps on his backpack and walked steadily through the frantic crowds, determined not to be swept up in their panic.
His first destination: the pharmacy.
The pharmacy was overflowing. Lines stretched outside, but Lee squeezed through, unwilling to waste precious time.
He moved with purpose, weaving past frantic customers, grabbing everything he knew would be essential inside the tower:
– disinfectants– antibiotic ointments– painkillers– anti-inflammatory tablets– bandages– antiseptic wipes– cold/flu meds– stomach relief medicine– anti-venom kits (if available)– energy boosters– electrolyte powders
In most situations, people overvalued weapons and undervalued medical supplies. But Lee knew—inside the tower, injuries would be constant. A single untreated wound could kill you faster than any monster.
The pharmacist looked exhausted, overwhelmed by the crowd.
"You buying for your whole family?" she asked while ringing up the items.
Lee shook his head. "For survival."
She paused, then nodded silently.
Everyone understood.
When Lee left the pharmacy, his backpack had gained heavy weight—but it wasn't enough. Not yet.
Next: food.
The supermarket looked like a battlefield. Shelves were half-empty, carts overturned, crowds pushing and yelling. Security guards tried (and failed) to maintain order.
Lee moved with calm efficiency.
He picked foods with long shelf life and high calories:
– dried meat– protein bars– nuts– canned beans– compressed biscuits– jerky– sealed rice packs– instant noodles– dried fruit– nutrient paste
Food was crucial. But more important was portability. In the tower, heavy luggage would slow him down.
He placed everything into vacuum-sealed bags and paid at the fastest self-checkout available.
Then he went to the hardware section.
Here he gathered:
– a heavy-duty torch with replaceable batteries– a wind-proof lighter– water purification tablets– compact rope– a thermal blanket– reinforced gloves– duct tape– a folding utility knife
Hanabi's words echoed:
"Buy something that actually helps you not die."
So he added:
– a small steel shield– a collapsible spear– and a waist belt for carrying tools.
But he still wasn't finished.
The most unusual part of his list awaited him behind the old herbal shop in the corner of the city.
Most considered this place useless, the kind of store only elderly herbalists cared about. But Lee knew otherwise.
When he entered, a bell chimed softly.
The shopkeeper, an old man with milky white eyes, looked at Lee without surprise.
"So… it has begun," he murmured. "I knew you would come."
"You knew?" Lee asked.
"You carry the scent of foresight," the old man replied. "Take what you need."
Lee moved directly to the back shelves.
He picked the rare herbs he had researched for months:
– Silent Fern: calms nerves, slows bleeding– Red Bison Herb: restores stamina, but causes intense heat in the body– Nightshade Blossom: poisonous without proper preparation– Ghostvine powder: used to mask scent from beasts– Frost Petals: lowers body temperature temporarily– Cloud Moss: acts as a fast-acting painkiller
To others these were random plants.
To Lee, they were the difference between life and death.
Hanabi, of course, would have scolded him for buying "strange grass instead of actual weapons," but she didn't know.
Not everything inside the tower could be fought with blades.
Some things required knowledge.
Lee's final destination was the weapon shop—crowded, loud, and overwhelmed with customers demanding refunds, exchanges, and stronger gear.
The shopkeeper recognized Lee.
"You're here for essentials too, huh? Everything's going fast."
"I need a lightweight sheath sword," Lee said. "A standard one is fine."
"And a shield?"
"Yes. A small one."
"And… pepper spray?" the man asked in disbelief.
Lee nodded without embarrassment. "High-grade. As strong as available."
"And a gauntlet?"
"For someone recovering from exhaustion."
The shopkeeper hesitated, then went to the back.
Minutes later he returned with a dark-steel gauntlet—reinforced, light, and designed to channel strength evenly through the arm. Perfect for Nana.
"This is the last one," he said. "Lucky you."
Lee paid immediately.
When he finally walked out of the shop, evening light stretched across the sky. His backpack was nearly full, his shoulders heavy, but his mind calm.
He had everything.
The final night before the countdown.
Hanabi opened the door before he could knock, looked at him head to toe, then at the bags in his hands.
"Well?" she demanded.
Lee placed everything gently on the floor.
"I bought food, medicine, tools, rope, weapons, a shield, and…" He pulled out the small black canister. "Pepper spray."
Hanabi snatched it immediately. "Good."
Nana sat up slightly on the bed as Lee placed the gauntlet beside her.
Her eyes widened. "This… is for me?"
"Yes. You'll recover soon, but until then, this will protect you."
Nana blushed faintly. "Thank you, Lee."
Hanabi inspected every item one by one—checking durability, sharpness, weight, functionality. She didn't praise him, but she didn't criticize him either.
Which for Hanabi was high praise.
"You did well," she finally said. "Tomorrow… the tower opens for early entrants. People stupid or desperate enough will go and get turned into monsters."
Nana shivered. "We're entering the day after tomorrow, right?"
"Yes," Lee said.
Hanabi crossed her arms. "We'll climb. Survive. And we'll reach the top."
Lee sat down, exhaling deeply. His body was tired, but his resolve was unshaken.
Tomorrow would be the last day of preparation.
The world trembled.
The Tower of Abyss loomed.
And humanity held its breath as fate approached.
But Lee—calm, prepared, and determined—was ready.
At least, as ready as any human could be for the beginning of the end.
[Character Status: Lee Yun]
Level: 5 [UnAllocated stats :25]
Title: Unawakened Successor of the God of @#$%^&*
Race: Human (?)
Class: ??? (Yet to be determined)
Alignment: Neutral
[Basic Stats]
Strength (STR): 8 → (Slightly above average due to physical endurance)
Dexterity (DEX): 7 → (Decent agility, but not refined)
Constitution (CON): 10 → (Survived hardships, high pain tolerance)
Intelligence (INT): 6 → (Lack of knowledge about the mystical world)
Wisdom (WIS): 9 → (Has a strong will and survival instincts)
Charisma (CHA): 8 → (Socially withdrawn due to past trauma)
Luck (LUK): 3 → (Fate has been cruel, but things are about to change)
[Hidden Stats]
Willpower: 15 → (Developed over years of suffering and loneliness)Mental Resilience: 12 → (Can endure intense fear, trauma, and mental attacks)Mystic Potential: ??? → (Unknown; connected to his dragon tattoo and eye)Corruption Resistance: 30% → (Natural resistance to dark forces, but can still be influenced)
[Abilities]
Iron Will (Passive): Cannot be easily intimidated or mentally broken.Survivor's Instinct (Passive): Increased awareness in life-threatening situations.
Unawakened Eye (Sealed): ??? (Will unlock upon certain conditions)
Dragon's Call (Sealed): The hidden spirit within his tattoo will respond when necessary.
Soul Seal (Passive & Active): A transcendent ability that binds a target's soul to the wielder's will, enforcing absolute suppression regardless of level, rank, or resistance once specific conditions are met.
[Equipment]
School Uniform Clothes: Offers protection Defence+1.
Bare Shoes: Basic footwear Movement +2,
stat bonus Intelligent + 10.
Special information :
Soul Seal (Passive & Active)Description:
A transcendent ability that defies conventional power structures, the Soul Seal grants its wielder dominion over fate itself. This ability allows the user to inscribe an unbreakable seal upon a target's soul, binding their existence to the wielder's will. Unlike ordinary restrictions, the Soul Seal disregards the opponent's level, rank, or power, ensuring absolute enforcement once the conditions are met.
Effects & Conditions:Seal Effect (Active):
Can completely suppress, bind, or restrain a target, rendering them unable to act against the wielder's command.
If fully activated, it can permanently imprison, weaken, or even erase the target's presence from existence.
The seal remains inactive until specific conditions—determined at the time of casting—are fulfilled.
Seal Activation (Passive Trigger):
Once the predetermined condition is met, the seal automatically activates, regardless of the target's awareness, resistance, or power level.
The condition varies depending on the situation and is influenced by the wielder's will. Some examples include:
"If the opponent attempts to kill me, the seal will activate."
"If the opponent betrays me, their power will be sealed."
"If the opponent's heart wavers in loyalty, they will be unable to move."
"If the target's soul harbors malice, their strength will be drained."
No Mana Consumption (Intelligence Stat Exemption):
Unlike most sealing techniques, the Soul Seal does not consume mana and is instead fueled by the user's willpower and dominion over fate.
As a result, even in a mana-deprived state, the user can still activate this ability effortlessly.
Higher-tier Sealing (Unawakened Potential):
Certain high-level beings may resist the initial effects of the seal, but they cannot escape it indefinitely.
If the user fully awakens the Soul Seal, even divine or otherworldly entities will be unable to resist its grasp.
This power can eventually overwrite existing contracts, curses, and divine decrees, bending reality itself.
Flair & Appearance:
When the Soul Seal is activated, the user's eyes turn a piercing blue, glowing with an ethereal light that signifies the absolute enforcement of their will.
A rune-like sigil appears over the target's chest, forehead, or limbs, resembling ancient chains wrapping around their soul.
The intensity of the seal's glow determines its binding strength. Once fully sealed, the target's body may even manifest phantom chains, signifying complete subjugation.
"This is not just a restriction. It is sovereignty over existence itself."