[Max's POV]
My golden eyes slowly regained their focus after the effects of my new Trait kicked in. A soft moan escaped my lips as white steam-like substance rose from my skin, curling into the air like vapor from molten steel.
Within a minute, every wound, burn, and fatigue vanished from my body and its restored to its peak state.
I blinked once, exhaled, and stood up. Lamina slid smoothly back into its sheath with a metallic whisper. My gaze fell upon the description of the new Trait bestowed by my Bloodline and Physique — and I had to admit, it was absurd.
[Infinite Regeneration:]
[The Player's body hold an endless Vitality. All forms of injury or damage are instantly healed — be it a lost limb, ruptured organ, or any internal injuries. Any poison or toxin is nullified. Physical death is impossible for the Player.]
A faint smile tugged at my lips. "Well… my Bloodline and Physique really are something," I muttered. "But I need to be more careful from now on."
I mentally made a note, then asked, "System, how many Myth Coins do I have left?"
[Myth Coins – 517,500 Coins]
A series of new notifications echoed in my head.
[Player has cleared all Dungeons and Labyrinths]
[You have cleared the 1st Floor of the Tower]
[System Shop is unlocked for Player]
[Residential Area is now available to Player]
"Ohh… guess I cleared it, huh," I murmured, chuckling lightly as I started planning my next steps.
I laughed under my breath. "Well, I'm filthy rich now — at least on a town scale."
Stretching my arms, I muttered, "I'm not tired anymore, but I should check out the Residential Floor and the Shop." I inspected my reflection in the faint sheen of Lamina's blade. No visible changes. Still me. I turned toward the exit circle, stepping in as light engulfed my body.
The world shifted.
Moments later, I was back outside the Labyrinth. But before I could even take more than a few steps, my path was blocked by four figures — encircling me from every side. I sighed inwardly. Of course. I had managed to avoid this kind of nonsense until I cleared the floor.
The one in front stepped forward — broad shoulders, tanned skin, brown body armor gleaming with cheap enchantments. His smirk was as annoying as it was predictable.
"Move," I said, my tone flat, eyes unamused.
My mana shield flared subtly — a silent precaution. Not that they could even touch a hair on me.
The man raised both hands mockingly. "Now, now, no need for hostility. I saw you enter that Labyrinth alone. Thought you were some lunatic trying to challenge the Tower solo, but here you are — alive. That means you cleared it, and in three hours, no less. Impressive." He smiled, stepping closer. "We're from a powerful guild on the upper floors. We recruit Players with potential. What do you say? Interested?"
I stared at him blankly. Potential, huh. I almost laughed. Instead, I just tilted my head slightly.
"If your sales pitch is over," I said, voice dripping with sarcasm, "I have things to do."
I brushed past him — or tried to. A low growl escaped his throat, and before I could take a second step, his fist flew toward my back.
Clang.
His hand met the invisible wall of my mana shield and bent backward with a sharp crack.
He howled, stumbling away, clutching his arm. I turned, irritation simmering beneath my calm expression.
"You've already earned two strikes," I said, my voice cold and precise. "Walk away, and I won't break your bones."
They didn't listen.
Weapons came out — daggers, a short sword, even a club. I sighed, running a hand through my hair.
"Very well," I muttered, my lips curling into a small, twisted grin. "Broken bones it is."
I moved.
To them, I vanished — a gust of air, a blur of movement. A heartbeat later, the first scream echoed through the corridor.
Bones snapped. Flesh thudded. In twenty seconds, the entire group was on the ground.
One's jaw hung at an odd angle, hands twisted. Another's leg was bent backward, shoulder crushed. The third wheezed helplessly, a punctured lung making every breath agony. The last one — their leader — lay flat, limbs contorted at unnatural angles, eyes wide in disbelief.
I crouched beside him, my tone patient — almost kind.
"You know," I said, "I've been exploring myself along with this Tower… and recently, I realized something. I enjoy violence. Not necessarily the blood — just the act. The feeling of breaking something that thinks it can stand against me." My grin faded. "So no hard feelings. But next time you try a scheme or show up with backup, no matter how invincible you think they are… they'll die with you. Remember that."
I stood up, dusted off my hands, and walked away. Behind me, their groans echoed faintly.
"Time waste," I muttered with a sigh.
"So, System," I asked casually, "can I buy a residence on this floor, or is it a rent-type living arrangement?"
I was already thinking about Revanya. She'd climb the Tower in a year or so, and I wanted her to have everything — safety, luxury, stability. She was the only thing that mattered to me now. Maybe my mother too… though I hadn't seen or heard from her in years. If not for memory, I wouldn't even remember her face.
[Players can buy most things in the Tower for a price. The available options depend on the Player's Grade.]
"Can I get a ballpark estimate of how much the best property here costs?"
[Ahhh… System would like to remind Player Max that it is not responsible for your real estate concerns. You'll have to figure that out on your own.]
I blinked, half expecting a holographic hand to emerge and smack me across the head. Clicking my tongue, I muttered, "Worth a try."
The teleportation platform shimmered again as I stepped into the residential area. The System briefly explained the rules — no fighting, follow establishment laws, obey the Tower's enforcement.
The atmosphere was different here than dungeon entrances; lively and buzzing. Players were laughing and bragging about their dungeon raids and labyrinth run.
"Flame Elks couldn't even touch me!" someone shouted proudly.
"Got my drop rate boosted — lucky day!" another cheered.
The streets were lined with signs and stalls overflowing with gear, food, and curiosities. But what caught my eye were the sentries doing patrols — the Myth Sentinels. Their grey uniforms bore the insignia of the Tower Administration, and they radiated authority.
I walked through the bustling market, my eyes scanning through everything. Due to crowd, a strange unease lingered inside me. I'd spent most of my life isolated — even the past two years had been silent, cold, and detached. The only one who'd ever managed to break that wall was Revanya.
I stopped before a potion shop, the scent of herbs and mana thick in the air.
"What's the difference between the System Shop and these?" I asked aloud.
[…]
For the first time, the Tower didn't respond.
I chuckled softly, "You really want me to have interaction with others, huh?"
I surrendered to the hint and pushed open the glass door.
A pleasant chime rang out.
"Welcome to Mystic Brew! What kind of potions or tonics would you like to see today?" The receptionist smiled warmly behind the counter.
I froze mid-step. "Uh… hi. I was going to ask for vitality— no, stamina— wait…" I scratched my head awkwardly. "Actually, I don't need any potions. I wanted to ask about the best hostels on this floor. I can pay you for your time. I'm new here…and don't really know anyone to ask about something like this."
Her eyes softened slightly, confusion turned to understanding. After a brief pause, she smiled. "It's okay. You can ask. I can tell you're new here — it's fine if I can help."
That small kindness caught me off guard. I nodded gratefully as she continued.
"As for hotels, there are a few with good food, staff and privacy. Virelle Residences and Skyveil Plaza are one of the best in solid mid-range options. If you want luxury, Equinox Court, The Monarch, and The Silver Spire are the best."
I nodded thoughtfully. "How much does a Vitality potion cost here, by the way?"
"The best-quality common range costs around 40–60 Myth Coins. The Uncommon range runs about 80–120 Myth Coins."
I blinked. "Wait… why are they so cheap? On the planet, they cost thousands of Gold Coins."
She laughed softly. "You probably don't know the conversion rate yet. One Myth Coin equals one hundred Gold Coins on Mythos Planet."
My brain froze for two seconds as I did the math. Then I exhaled sharply, muttering under my breath—
"I really am filthy rich."