The Trial of Physical Endurance
Mark collapsed onto the cold, black floor of the rest area. His body trembled, his breath was ragged, and his muscles screamed in agony. He had survived. The tutorial was over, but at what cost?
The system's words still echoed in his mind: "Prepare for the first floor." He'd had only moments to savor his victory before being teleported here. He glanced around. The room was empty, illuminated by a soft light emanating from the walls. It was clearly designed for recovery.
Mark lay there, staring at the invisible ceiling. It was real. All of it. He was no longer on Earth. No longer just a high school student. He was now a forced participant in a cruel game orchestrated by an unknown power.
After several minutes, the familiar system voice spoke again.
[[Recovery in progress. Fatigue and injuries healing.]]
A soothing warmth enveloped his body, easing his aching muscles. His breathing slowed, and little by little, strength returned.
"Xi..." he murmured, testing the name he'd given the system interface.
[Yes, Citizen Mark?]
"What was that tutorial? Why was it so hard for normal humans?"
[The Dungeon Multiple Universes (D.M.U.) is not designed for your species. Another species earned the right to integration. Humans are secondary participants, lacking initial evolutionary advantages.]
Mark clenched his fists. "So we're just cannon fodder?"
[In pragmatic terms, yes. But each victory will make you stronger. It's your only chance of survival.]
He exhaled slowly. Complaining wouldn't change anything. He had to move forward.
[[Status updated. Please check your progress.]]
[Mark's Status]
Species: Human Humanoid
Age: 17
Physical Condition: Excellent
[Physical Stats]
Strength: 10 → 13
Agility: 10 → 12
Constitution: 10 → 13
Charisma: 2
[Mental Stats]
Intelligence: 9
Perception: 3
Luck: 4
[[Skill Points Available: 5]]
Mark nodded, satisfied despite the circumstances. He'd grown stronger, but he knew it wouldn't be enough.
[Would you like to allocate your points before progressing to the first floor?]
He hesitated, then nodded. After what he'd experienced, boosting his constitution made sense. He distributed the points:
+3 Constitution → 13 → 16
+2 Agility → 12 → 14
The change was immediate. He felt sturdier, faster. His body responded more fluidly, like finely tuned machinery.
[[Allocation confirmed. Next stage: First floor.]]
Mark rose slowly, clenching his fists. The fear had subsided. He was ready.
First Floor: The Trial of Physical Endurance
The light around him flickered, and in an instant, he was elsewhere. A vast forest stretched before him. Towering trees with dark trunks and dense foliage formed a natural labyrinth. The air was heavy with humidity, and an oppressive silence hung in the air.
[[Welcome to the first floor.]]
[[Main Objective: Survive for 4 days.]]
[[Side Quests Available.]]
[[Failure = Elimination.]]
Mark froze. "Four days? Alone, here?"
[Correct. This floor tests your physical endurance. You must find food, shelter, and avoid predators.]
He clenched his fists. This wasn't just a survival challenge—it was a war of attrition.
[Time Remaining: 96:00:00]
Mark moved cautiously, eyes darting between the trees. The ground was covered with fallen leaves, and faint noises echoed in the distance. After hours of walking, he stumbled upon a small stream. The clear water offered some relief.
[[Side Quest: Collect Food Resources.]]
He gathered berries, confirming their safety with Xi. As he picked, a rustling sound made him freeze. Turning around, he locked eyes with a giant rat.
"You again..." Mark growled.
The rat charged. Mark dodged, activating Quick Punch. The impact sent the creature stumbling, but two more emerged from the underbrush.
The fight was brutal. He ducked, struck, and endured. When the last rat dissolved into particles, a notification blinked.
[[+5 XP]]
Time dragged on. Mark built a crude camp in a hollow tree, keeping his senses sharp.
[Time Remaining: 72:00:00]
The next day, he found a trail littered with small animal corpses. It led to a dark cave, its entrance clawed and scarred.
[[Hidden Quest Unlocked: Find and Eliminate the Rat King.]]
Mark stepped back, heart pounding. "The king?!"
He turned to flee, but it was too late. Hundreds of red eyes flickered in the shadows. A low growl rumbled through the air.
"Shit…"
The rats surged like a living wave. Mark ran, lungs burning. Every time he turned to fight, he killed one, but three more replaced it.
He stumbled, rolled across the forest floor, and scrambled upright. Fatigue weighed on him. His muscles ached, his arms bled.
[Time Remaining: 48:00:00]
Finding refuge atop a boulder, he watched as rats climbed relentlessly.
I can't run forever… he realized. I have to fight.
Something snapped inside him. Fear gave way to cold resolve.
Mark leaped into the horde. His fists blurred, skulls cracked, and ribs shattered. The world dissolved into a crimson haze. Each punch, each scream, each drop of blood fueled his determination.
[Time Remaining: 24:00:00]
He lost track of time. His body moved on instinct. He no longer ate, slept, or thought. Only the fight remained.
A ragged laugh escaped his lips as he struck down another rat. He didn't care anymore.
"More… give me more!" he roared, eyes wild.
As if the dungeon answered his madness, a colossal silhouette emerged: the Rat King.
A monstrous beast, black as night, its eyes burning with pure malice.
Mark didn't hesitate. He charged, dodging claws, climbing onto its back, and hammering down blow after blow.
[Time Remaining: 06:00:00]
Time slowed. Every second stretched into eternity. The king thrashed, but Mark held firm.
With a final scream, he drove his fist into the creature's skull.
The Rat King staggered… then collapsed.
[[Congratulations! Hidden Quest Completed.]]
[[Rewards: +10 Constitution, +5 Strength, 500 Credits, Lost Compass.]]
Mark fell to his knees, gasping. He'd survived. But at what cost?
[Time Remaining: 00:00:10]
Xi's voice chimed softly:
[Time expired. Teleportation in progress.]
Mark smiled faintly, eyes fluttering shut.
I'm still alive.