Aron walked in silence behind Iresom, his footsteps echoing softly against the marble pathway. The night air was cool, carrying a faint metallic scent that hinted at the blood spilled earlier in the city. Ahead of him, the silver gates of the mansion gleamed under the moonlight. The intricate carvings etched into their surface seemed almost alive, catching the light in a way that made them shimmer.
Iresom placed his hand on the gate, and a soft hum filled the air. With a slow, smooth motion, the gates swung open, revealing a long black stone path leading deeper inside. Aron kept his expression blank, though his eyes darted over every detail.
Just then, a familiar chime rang in his mind, and a glowing screen appeared before him.
[ You have Leveled UP! ]
[ You have Leveled UP! ]
[ You have Leveled UP! ]
[ You have Leveled UP! ]
[ You have Leveled UP! ]
[ You have Leveled UP! ]
[ You have Leveled UP! ]
[ LVL: 16 --> 23 (+7) ]
[ All stats +21 ] [ Title effect: +50 undisturbed stats points {To kill a higher floor being} ]
[ You have met the requirements for a new stat!]
[ You have Acquired a new stat "Energy"! ]
[ Energy: This stat cannot be increased by adding stat points, You have to absorb the atmospheric energy into your body to increase this stat ]
[ You have defeated a being of higher floors: Cornwell Letros ]
[ You have achieved the impossible once again! ] [ You will be rewarded thoroughly! ] [ Processing suitable reward.... ]
Aron's lips twitched slightly, though he quickly schooled his expression into calm indifference. That fight was worth it, he thought, his excitement buried deep beneath a layer of composure. With Iresom so close, he couldn't afford to let anything slip.
The pathway seemed to stretch endlessly before them, until finally, they reached a pair of massive obsidian doors. Strange runes shimmered faintly across their surface, shifting like rippling water. Aron's eyes narrowed. Those runes… they're more than just decoration. Definitely protective wards.
Iresom stopped and turned, bowing slightly. "Please wait here, young sir. I'll inform my lady of your arrival. Once she's ready, you'll be escorted inside."
Aron gave a curt nod. "Fine. Don't take too long."
The butler dipped his head again, then stepped toward the doors. As he approached, the runes glowed brighter, and the massive slabs slid open without a sound. Iresom disappeared inside, leaving Aron standing alone in the moonlit courtyard.
The moment he was alone, Aron's calm mask slipped, his focus shifting back to the glowing system screen hovering in front of him. One line caught his attention like a knife to the gut:
[ You have defeated a being of higher floor than yourself: Cornwell Letros ]
His brow furrowed deeply. 'Cornwell… a higher floor being? That doesn't make sense. In his past playthroughs, Cornwell had only ever been a second-floor boss, nothing more. Either the rules have changed, or there's something going on here.'
He clenched his fist, forcing himself to breathe evenly. This Tower isn't playing by the same script anymore.
Then another thought hit him, and his eyes widened slightly. The mission reward—I almost forgot about it.
"System," he commanded silently, "show me the mission reward."
The screen shifted instantly.
[ Mission: Kill the Duke 'Akresman' living in Sotten on the 2nd floor. ] •Progress: 100% {Complete!}
[ Reward: You have gained access to the 3rd floor of the 'Xorex Tower' ]
[ Reward processing complete! (For achieving the impossible!) ]
[ Reward: "Detraxio" Elixir ]
[ Detraxio Elixir:
•Crafted from the Detraxio plant that grows on the 49th floor.
•Considered the highest-tier elixir between floors 1-50.]
[ Effects:
Permanently increases Agility and Intelligence by +100 (only effective for Lvl.10 - Lvl.49)
Instantly heals most diseases and minor injuries.
Hidden effect: May resurrect someone from death. {NOTE: Depends on Luck stat} ]
Aron blinked, stunned into silence. A slow, sharp breath escaped him as he read the last line again. 'Resurrect someone from death? That's insane. His mind spun. 'This wasn't in the original game. The Tower… it's even more unpredictable than I thought. Is this really the same world I played through twice before?'
He ran a hand through his hair and let out a slow exhale. "Fine," he muttered under his breath. "More surprises just means I need to stay ahead of the game."
Before he could think further, the obsidian doors slid open again with a soft hiss. Iresom stepped out, bowing low. "My lady is ready to receive you now, young sir. Please, follow me."
Aron slipped his calm mask back into place, his expression smooth and cold. "Lead the way."
As they entered the mansion, Aron's gaze swept over the interior. It was grand yet unsettling. Runes glowed faintly on the walls, casting a pale, almost dreamlike light. Massive stone pillars rose toward a vaulted ceiling, etched with patterns that seemed to shift when viewed from the corner of his eye.
At the center of the hall was a long dining table with only two chairs—one at each end.
And at the far end sat a woman.
Lasandra's beauty was striking, her posture flawless, and her expression carrying a mix of amusement and danger. Her gaze locked on Aron, and her lips curved into a slow, knowing smile.
"Well, well," she said, her voice smooth like silk but edged with something sharp. "You breached the Treskson Wall and stirred up chaos on the east side of the city." She tapped a finger lightly against the table. "Impressive… and reckless."
She ran her tongue briefly over her lips, the motion casual yet deliberate. "Come. Sit. We have much to discuss."
Aron's jaw tightened ever so slightly, though his face remained unreadable. 'This woman… she's dangerous. One wrong move and I'm finished.'
As he walked toward the table, memories from his past playthroughs surfaced—details he hadn't thought about in a long time. His lips curved into the faintest of smirks. 'Back then, I thought she was just another powerful NPC. But now… now I know better. And I can use 'that' to my advantage.'
He sat across from her, meeting her gaze without flinching. Lasandra's smile deepened, full of mystery and promise.
The rules had changed, but Aron was ready to play...
_ _ _
To be continued
_ _ _
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