The journey to the merchant city of Varesa was supposed to be peaceful. After defeating the Shadow Wraith, Ethan thought they would finally get a moment to breathe. But as they approached the city, an uneasy tension filled the air. People were rushing through the streets, doors were being shut, merchants grabbed their goods and fled indoors.
Selene frowned. "Okay, something's definitely going on. Last time I saw people this panicked, a dragon was circling above a town."
Lyra shook her head. "No dragons here… but the flow of mana is trembling."
Aeloria stopped suddenly, her expression turning sharp. "Everyone, look at the sky."
Ethan followed her gaze.
Above the center of the city, the clouds began to swirl, forming a massive spiraling vortex. Lightning of silver and deep violet crackled inside it, illuminating the entire city in flashes of unnatural light. The wind grew wild, pulling leaves and dust into the air.
Then—A thunderous sound shook the ground.
From inside the vortex, something began to descend.
A structure.A colossal tower made of shimmering black stone marked with thousands of glowing runes. It emitted a pressure so powerful that Ethan felt his knees weaken.
The tower slowly slammed into the earth, sending a shockwave through Varesa. People screamed and fell to the ground as the towering structure settled, impossibly tall—its peak vanishing into the clouds.
Ethan whispered, "What is that…?"
Aeloria's eyes narrowed, her voice barely audible."The Tower of a Thousand Trials… It chose this place."
Lyra gasped. "You mean the legendary tower that appears at random? The one no one has ever conquered?"
Aeloria nodded. "Yes. Only those acknowledged by its magic can enter."
Before Ethan could speak, the System activated violently.
[WARNING — UNKNOWN WORLD ANOMALY DETECTED][Synchronizing with external structure…][Challenge Status Updated][Ethan Gray — Marked Challenger of the Tower]
A glowing sigil appeared on the back of Ethan's hand, shaped like an eye embedded within a circle of runes.
Selene's jaw dropped. "W–What did you do this time!?"
Ethan held up his hands defensively. "I didn't do anything!"
The ground trembled again—this time calmly. A second sigil appeared, not on Ethan… but on someone else across the square.
A young man stood there, his cloak fluttering dramatically. He had striking red hair and a cold expression, his gaze sharp as blades. When he noticed Ethan's glowing mark, he smirked.
"So you're a Chosen Challenger too," he said, stepping forward with confidence. "Try to keep up. I won't wait for weaklings."
Selene hissed. "Ugh, great. A rival."
Aeloria's eyes flashed with recognition. "That's Kael Draven… a prodigy swordsman from the Northern Houses. Dangerous and prideful."
Kael didn't deny it. He simply pointed at Ethan. "Let's see who reaches the top first."
Before Ethan could respond, the massive doors of the tower rumbled open. A deep, booming voice resonated through the city, echoing directly into the minds of the marked challengers.
"THE TRIAL BEGINS.""ENTER, OR BE FORGOTTEN."
A pulse of magic surged outward, and every challenger felt it tugging them forward.
Ethan swallowed hard. "Well… I guess that means we're going in."
Lyra stepped close, her hand gently resting on his arm. "We're with you. Every step."
Selene grinned. "And if that arrogant guy gets in our way, I'll slash his boots open."
Aeloria nodded with calm determination. "The tower is ancient and merciless. But together, we stand a chance."
They approached the entrance. The inside glowed with golden light, swirling like liquid magic. Kael entered ahead of them, not even glancing back.
Ethan took a deep breath.
This was the next step.The next challenge.The place where he would grow stronger… and uncover more secrets about himself, the System, and this world.
With his companions beside him, Ethan stepped through the glowing threshold.
The world shifted.The air changed.The ground vanished beneath his feet.
And the first trial awaited.
The Hall of Beginnings.