{Host has entered a new world: Tower of God}
{Integrating body…}
{Integration complete.}
{Host body: 25th Baam}
25th Baam?
His eyes snapped open.
I have Baam's body.
That meant Irregular status. Unlimited potential.
And with the System? A grin threatened to break free. I'm even more overpowered than he ever was.
He clenched his fist in the air, suppressing the surge of excitement threatening to overflow.
This time, I'll change everything.
He closed his eyes briefly, forcing calm.
It's time to use my ability. I've always wanted to do this.
Shinsu was everywhere in the air, in the ground, inside his body. Like water… yet not water. Like energy… yet not energy. Untouchable to the unawakened.
Slowly, he closed his eyes.
His breathing softened.
One inhale.
One exhale.
The world faded. Sounds dulled. Thoughts quieted. Even his heartbeat slowed…
Until he felt it.
Something faint, like mist brushing against his skin.
"…So this is Shinsu." His voice was barely a whisper. "It's even more impressive than I imagined."
It was cold like touching the ocean at night.
And it obeyed.
The Shinsu moved toward him like a knight bowing before his king.
Then a voice echoed from the distance.
"My, my… it's been a while since there's been a visitor like you."
He appeared from the shadows.
At first glance, the figure was clean short, lean, built like something engineered for speed rather than bulk. Not broad-shouldered, not heavy. The kind of frame that didn't waste strength on show. Every line of him felt intentional, sharpened down to purpose.
But it was his head that commanded attention.
A smooth, pale helm masked his face completely, as if his identity had been sealed behind a single flawless surface. From the top rose two long, blade-like horns sleek, upward-curving prongs that split the darkness like white crescents. They weren't decorative. They made him look predatory, like a creature that didn't need to bare teeth to threaten you.
Where a face should've been, there was only a shadow, an impression of a narrow slit, or a thin violet-dark line where eyes might hide. It gave the unsettling feeling that he was looking at you… but you weren't worthy of seeing what he used to look back.
Baam knew him immediately.
Headon.
The mastermind. The manipulator. The one who chose who could enter the Tower and climb.
I can't trust this guy.
"My name is Headon," the figure said smoothly. "I'm the Guardian of the First Floor of the Tower. What's your name, young man?"
I have to act accordingly.
"My name is… the 25th Baam."
"What a difficult name to say." Headon tilted his head slightly. "Well then, I'll call you… Bam."
He paused.
"So, Mr. Bam… how did you end up here?"
Baam's mind flashed to Rachel.
That cunning
He stopped himself.
She was real now. Not a fictional character. A living, breathing person with her own schemes and intelligence.
And I'm not the old Baam anymore. I'll change everything.
A cold thought surfaced.
She used him. Manipulated him. Betrayed him.
The easiest solution would be to kill her.
That would prevent everything that's supposed to come.
But he pushed the thought aside for now.
"I was in a cave," Baam said evenly. "A light appeared, and then… I was here."
He lied.
Headon's gaze lingered on him sharp, suspicious, as if he knew the boy was lying but chose not to press.
"Congratulations," Headon said, raising his staff. "You, who opened the door and came in… have earned the right to climb the Tower."
He gestured upward.
"This means you have the chance to have everything. All you have to do… is climb."
His voice dropped, cold and measured.
"The Tower is such a palace. But remember it is a hard and painful journey to embark on."
He turned slightly, not looking back.
"Young man… are you willing to take that risk?"
"I would take the risk," Baam said, his expression unreadable.
Headon's grin widened.
"Excellent. I like your resolve."
He tapped his staff against the ground.
"Then let's do a test… to see if you are qualified to go up the Tower."
"A test?"
"In this Tower, every time you go up a floor, there is a test to see whether you are qualified to proceed. Tests are decided by the Administrators and Rulers of each floor." He swung his staff lazily. "Of course, the difficulty varies depending on which floor you're on…"
He pointed his staff forward.
"You need to pass my test to go to the next floor."
Baam already knew this speech. He'd read it countless times in the manhwa.
"Look. This is the test of the First Floor."
Tap.
The staff began to glow.
From the shadows ahead, massive iron bars appeared and beyond them, something stirred in the dark water.
"The ball," Headon said, gesturing to a large, round sphere suspended in the chamber, "is a simple test. It's designed to pop when hit hard enough."
His voice sharpened.
"To pass the test, the rules are simple: You need to go inside those bars… and either outrun or defeat that monster by popping that ball. Do that, and you pass."
"That monster?" Baam asked, his gaze fixed on the water.
"Yes. He's a White Steel Eel a massive fish that lives in the Shinsu flowing through the Tower. Usually, he has a very mild temperament…"
Headon's grin widened.
"But right now? He's starving."
Baam remained calm.
The creature was immense its sheer size was impressive. In the real world, such things only existed in movies and fiction.
But here, it's reality. I need to get used to that.
In all honesty, this test would be the real divergence from the canon timeline.
Baam wasn't the weak, inexperienced boy from the beginning of the original story. With the two abilities he had, he would surpass even the King, the 10 Great Families… and Urek Mazino himself.
He stepped forward, his voice steady.
"I will pass this test."
Headon grinned, showing sharp white teeth.
Baam was walking toward the gate when
WHAM!
A boot came flying toward his face.
He dodged.
"What?!" A woman's voice rang out in surprise. "You dodged that?"
She blinked.
"Hm. Nevermind."
Baam exhaled slowly.
Even I don't know how I dodged that. Maybe it was because he'd read the manhwa. Or maybe it was his God of Combat skill already at work.
But he knew her immediately.
Ha Yuri Zahard. One of the Zahard Princesses.
And the moment she appeared, Baam felt it the overwhelming pressure radiating from her.
It felt like a lion hunting a deer in the jungle.
It's immense, he thought, a bead of sweat running down his face as chills ran down his spine.
She could kill me with one finger if she wanted.
"Hey, new guy," Yuri said, planting her hands on her hips. "You got a death wish?"
Her words felt gibberish.
She looked at him in confusion.
"Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Right. In the Tower of God, every inhabitant used a Pocket to communicate across different languages. Without one, understanding each other was impossible.
Yuri glanced at Headon.
"Hey, Headon. Why haven't you given him a Pocket yet?"
"Oho." Headon's tone was nonchalant. "Come to think of it, I forgot to give him one."
Yuri's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"You forgot? You're one of the oldest Guardians in the Tower, aren't you?" Her voice dripped with accusation and sarcasm. "I think it was on purpose. You really expect me to believe that?"
She turned sharply.
"Hey, Evan! Come here! Don't just stand there!"
A tired voice echoed from above.
"Yeah, yeah… I'm coming."
A man with silver hair descended, carrying a bag. Baam recognized him immediately.
Evan Edrok. A Guide. A High Ranker.
He looked shorter than in the manhwa. Baam almost smiled.
"I knew you were her Guide," Headon said, glaring at him.
"Ha ha ha… l-long time no see, Mr. Headon," Evan said nervously. "You still look so young and healthy."
"Shut up," Yuri snapped. "You have extra pockets, don't you? Give one to this boy. Headon didn't even give the poor kid a Pocket."
"Okay, okay… so this is why you called me down here?"
Evan rummaged through his bag.
Seconds later
"Oh, here it is." He stretched his hand toward Baam. "Here. An A-grade Pocket is a bit too generous since you're new… but this is all I've got for now."
Baam took the Pocket.
{Congratulations, Host. You have obtained your very first item: A Pocket.}
{Analyzing item…}
{Analysis complete.}
{Would the Host like to view the description?}
Yes.
The window revealed a detailed description.
{Item: Pocket}
{Item Rank: A}
{Item Type: Communication Device}
{Description: Pocket enables the wearer to understand the different languages spoken in the Tower by translating them all into Macsethian. It possesses a number of other abilities, such as a timer and communication function. Different ranks offer different functions the biggest difference being the number of languages that can be understood. An A-grade Pocket is extremely expensive. Every Regular receives an E-grade Pocket when entering the Tower.}
Baam bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Evan. I appreciate this."
"Let me introduce myself," Evan said formally. "I'm Evan Edrok, an A-Rank Guide and a Ranker of the Tower. That lady over there is Lady Yuri, also a Ranker of the Tower judging by her aura, you probably already figured that out." He gestured to the device. "What I gave you is called a Pocket. It's essential when going up the Tower. There are many functions, but first of all, it translates every language of the Tower into Macsethian."
After the explanation, Yuri turned back to Headon.
"So what I mean, Mr. Headon…" She tapped her elbow playfully against his staff. "Wouldn't it be fair to lower the test level?"
"Princess," Headon said slowly, "you really want him to go up the Tower, don't you?"
"Oh, very well then." Headon's grin widened. "I'll change the rules slightly."
"Oh really?" Yuri said, her face lighting up like a student hearing there's no homework.
"How about this?" Headon said, holding his chin. "You lend him one of the weapons that you own."
She looked confused.
"Yes. Your weapons are only for High Rankers. If you lend him one, it will be a huge advantage."
He paused.
"Why don't you give him… the Black March?"
"It's against the rules, but if you lend him the Black March… I will allow it."
Yuri turned toward Baam.
"Hey, new boy. What's your name?"
"My name is 25th Baam," he said confidently.
"Wanna go up the Tower? Or give up?"
Yuri's voice was sharp, like a cutting sword yet behind her bright red eyes, burning curiosity shone.
Who wouldn't want to know the intentions of an Irregular? Those rare beings capable of forcing the Tower itself to open its gates for them.
Evan was still in shock. He couldn't breathe. His ears pricked.
Baam noticed their curiosity.
He allowed himself a faint smile.
And this time, he chose to answer with sincerity.
"To be honest, Miss Yuri… I want to climb and seek the truth. I know it's dangerous even from the very first floor. But it's unthinkable for me not to climb the Tower before I've even begun."
Yuri raised a brow. A cunning smile curved her lips.
"If you possess such unwavering determination, then the objective you pursue must truly hold great significance."
"Yes."
Baam's voice steadied.
"In fact, my goal is simple freedom… and to one day stand as the King of the Tower."
The air stilled.
"I know there are beings far stronger than me. Yes, I know there are monsters who could erase me with a single thought… but as long as I still breathe, I will continue to climb. Power is not given it is taken. And one day, the Tower will kneel beneath my feet."
Yuri Zahard stared at him in silence.
For a brief moment, the air between them felt heavier, as if even the Tower itself had paused to listen.
She had seen countless Regulars before arrogant ones, desperate ones, broken ones. Many spoke of dreams. Many shouted about reaching the top.
Most of them… were liars.
But this one was different.
His voice carried no hesitation. No arrogance. No madness.
Only certainty.
"…King of the Tower, huh?" Yuri muttered, folding her arms beneath her chest, her bright red eyes narrowing slightly.
Anyone else saying those words would have made her laugh.
Yet she didn't laugh.
Because his eyes weren't the eyes of someone chasing a fantasy.
They were the eyes of someone who had already chosen his path… and burned his hesitation away.
Yuri clicked her tongue softly.
"You're insane," she said, though her tone lacked mockery. "Do you even understand what you're saying? There are monsters in this Tower who could erase you without even lifting a finger."
She stepped closer.
The pressure of a Zahard Princess filled the space—heavy, overwhelming, enough to crush most Regulars to their knees.
But he did not kneel.
Not even a step back.
Not even a tremble.
For the first time, Yuri's expression shifted.
Surprise.
"…You really mean it," she whispered.
It wasn't bravado. It wasn't ignorance. It wasn't desperation.
It was resolve.
A slow grin appeared on Yuri's face wild, sharp, and full of interest.
"Hah… interesting."
She turned away slightly, her long hair swaying behind her.
"Fine then," Yuri said. "Climb. Struggle. Survive."
Her red eyes glanced back at him, shining with curiosity.
"Show me… whether your determination is real… or just another dream the Tower will crush."
"Well then."
Yuri suddenly stepped forward.
Without warning, she stretched her hand into the air—calm, confident, as if the world itself would obey her command.
"Arms Inventory… Visible Mode."
The space around her distorted.
A faint golden ripple spread outward, and then
Weapons began to appear.
One by one.
Short needles. Long needles. Blades. Ignition weapons.
Each floated silently in the air around her like loyal soldiers awaiting orders.
And every single one of them… radiated overwhelming power.
High-rank weapons.
Even standing near them made the air feel sharp, heavy dangerous.
Then Yuri casually reached out and grabbed one.
A black needle.
Elegant. Silent. Deadly.
She turned and extended it toward him.
"Alright, Baam. Take this… this is the Black March."
Evan's eyes widened instantly.
"L-Lady Yuri, you can't do that!" he cried, panic clear in his voice. "How can you just lend something like the Black March?! That's one of the 13 Month Series!"
But Yuri didn't even look at him.
Her gaze remained fixed on Baam.
"Take it, boy."
Baam slowly accepted the weapon.
It was light.
Too light.
Yet the moment his fingers wrapped around it, he felt something deep and ancient sleeping within the needle—like a living presence watching him.
Yuri spoke casually, as if handing over a legendary weapon was nothing special.
"It's a needle—the most basic weapon in the Tower. Designed to stab and pierce. Simple… but deadly."
She paused slightly.
"It's one of the Thirteen Month Series."
Evan looked like he might faint.
"I'll lend it to you," Yuri continued, already turning away. "So try it."
And just like that, she began walking off as if the matter was already settled.
Baam looked down at the Black March in his hand.
Power. Warmth. Weight beyond steel.
"…Thank you," Baam said quietly, his voice firm with sincerity. "I promise… I will return this to you."
And for the first time
The Black March faintly trembled.
As if it had heard him.
{Ding. New weapon acquired.}
{Item: Black March}
{Rank: B (Unignited)}
{Description: One of the 13 Month Series, crafted by the blacksmith Ashul Edwaru. The weapon is sentient and contains a girl's spirit inside it. When ignited, it is capable of unleashing extreme power like the other 13 Month Series.}
"Lady Yuri, why are you helping that boy by lending him the Black March?" Evan asked.
"Perhaps you fell in love at first sight or…"
He paused dramatically.
"That's a crime, you know…"
"Shut up, you idiot!"
WHAM!
Yuri knocked him on the head.
"Lady Yuri… can that Irregular change the Tower?" Evan asked quietly, rubbing his head.
Yuri didn't answer immediately.
"I don't have time for idle fancies," she said, turning away. "I'm just taking a liking to him. That's all."
A translucent screen suddenly popped up in Baam's vision.
{New Quest Unlocked}
{Objective: Defeat the White Steel Eel}
{Reward: One Spin Chance}
Spin Chance? Is that a new function, System?
{Yes, Host. Spin Chance allows the Host to spin the Wheel of Fate.}
{Possible rewards include: Passive Abilities, Traits, Skills, and Special Items.}
Baam's eyes gleamed.
In a world like the Tower… that's priceless.
His gaze slowly lifted toward the dark water ahead, where something vast and monstrous stirred beneath the surface.
The White Steel Eel.
A predator of the First Floor.