The First Floor

Chapter 25

The gate opening reached far into the distance, visible for miles around. Tall buildings and bustling businesses surrounded it, creating a vibrant backdrop for its colossal size. However, the most striking feature was the million-ton metal gate, supported only by a massive stone arch that stood in stark isolation.

Upon entering the gate, players were met with an awe-inspiring vista. The arching gate stood as a solemn sentinel at the edge of the vast west landmass, a land ruled by countless kings and queens and guarded by formidable armies. This gate symbolized the law and the authority it commanded, a place where only the strongest, most courageous, and most resourceful could hope to thrive.

The interior of the gate remained an enigma. The stone arches supporting its colossal weight were as thick as entire houses. Players marveled at this architectural wonder, but upon circling around to investigate, they found nothing behind it. The gate served as a one-way passage, with an invisible force preventing monsters from entering and powerful gatekeepers ensuring the safety of those who passed through.

As Dane stepped through the gate, he found himself in a realm that matched his vivid imagination. The first floor he had envisioned was now a reality, as magnificent and awe-inspiring as he had always imagined it to be. The attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship filled Dane with pride for what he and his former team had created.

Inhaling deeply, Dane tasted the fresh air filled with mana particles. His youthful body absorbed these particles with ease, reminding him of the breathing techniques his mother had taught him in his childhood. The lessons he had once seen as mundane now proved invaluable, allowing him to clearly perceive the mana dust floating in the air. It was a breathtaking sight that filled him with wonder and excitement.

At the same time, the East Lazarus guild continued to march toward their destination, not knowing that their leader was sick and was currently being monitored as she was seen roaming the outer city tower in a trance state. Mary Kay frantically searched for Charlotte and took her to the same clinic Bonnie and Cody were recuperating in. Charlotte looked normal; her actions were actually the same, but the way she interacted with Mar Kay was different. Charlotte was a strong, silent personality; she hardly reacted like this. She knew that each member of the Lazarus Clan had different personalities, but their manner of communication was direct, rough, and unapologetic. Mary Kay sensed a shift in Charlotte's demeanor and knew something was not right. She decided to investigate further to uncover the cause of this sudden change in behavior.

Every member of the clan was strong-willed and somewhat rash, but this is their way of being honest to their true selves. The key personality trait they all have in common is that they never back down from any problem. Seeing Charlotte leave and entrust her guild to somebody else is a clear indication that something is wrong. Mary Kay and Bonnie notice that Charlotte was not even thinking about the quest to hunt down the Evolve Drake.

She was kind of playful and too caring toward Bonnie and Cody; his was not like her. Among their eldest cousins, Sebastian and Charlotte were opposite in personality; Sebastian is sensible and easy to get along with, while she was reserved and cautious with her actions. She sees Dane as a potential rival, as his personality was unpredictable and he holds a lot of secrets.

Seeing Dane easily hunt down a chimera without even uttering a single sound and show fear toward a monster that was considered invincible, Charlotte began to question her own abilities and wonder if she needed to step up her game in order to keep up with him. She couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration mixed with jealousy towards Dane's natural talent for hunting.

Sebastian was the only person she saw as a true threat to her own skills and reputation before, but when she defeated him in a spar with sheer determination, she gained that satisfaction of finally being on the top. But when she saw and witnessed how Dane responded, it was something she can't forget. As she herself cowered in fear, facing a chimera in the past. But Dane faced the creature head-on without hesitation, displaying a bravery that she had never seen before. His fearlessness and skill in combat left her in overwhelm.

She could feel that Dane was hiding a tremendous power, but he just wasn't ready to fully unleash it yet. Charlotte's pride was shattered instantly; her mind created a situation based on her own fear and ego. But this wasn't the case.

All the Lazarus clan members knew how competitive most of them were, especially

Charlotte, Hamilton, Elias, Wyatt, Maverick, Sabine, and Ezra Lazarus. Each one was determined to prove themselves as the strongest and most skilled in combat, leading to constant challenges and battles within the family. Despite the intense rivalry, they all shared a deep bond and loyalty to one another that could never be broken.

Mary Kay asked Charlotte why she went out of the tower; the information that the messenger pixie was something she never paid to do, she simply couldn't just shrug what just happened. Traveling outside the tower while riding a warhorse that is a native creature inside the tower. She didn't even dismount her horse and entered the tower exit; the gatekeepers forcibly removed her, and the incident just made it clear she was out of her mind.

She just walked out of the tower like nothing happened and proceeded to walk aimlessly around the outer tower city. Until she was found by Mary Kay, standing in front of the clinic entrance in a trance state, whatever was making her act so strangely seemed to have a strong hold on her, and Mary Kay knew she needed to get to the bottom of it before things escalated further. She gently guided her inside the clinic, hoping to uncover the source of her unusual behavior.

Mary Kay assumed she ingested a parasitic, bewildered worm; her actions were similar toward those who contracted the worm. This particular worm was first discovered to dwell in small stagnant lakes in the deep forest of southeast Solnara on the first floor. These worms bewildered worm are not life-threatening , but ingesting a chemical that temporarily turns the person into a submissive, trance-like state. Many slave traders used this to subdue violent slaves into submission without getting hurt;, the effect of this trace-like state lasts for 24 hours, and after, the person would wake up feeling drowsy and disoriented.

The medical doctors that took Charlotte's blood confirmed she was indeed infected by the bewildered worm, knowing this, Mary Kay requested that she get sedated until the effect of the bewildered worm wore off completely. This was a precautionary measure to ensure Charlotte's safety and prevent any potential harm from her altered state of mind. The doctors assured Mary Kay that once the effects of the worm subsided, Charlotte would return to her normal self.

This action was planned when they were on temporary leave. Mary Kay was convinced a spy infiltrated Charlotte at the guild while they were at the ancestral home a few weeks ago. This information is not new to them, as many guilds hated the Lazarus clan since they slowly ascended toward the top guild listings. because of their huge number and vast different kinds of skills and abilities, they easily dominated the other clans. Being part of their force was hugely profitable, as they only request loyalty among their members, as the Lazarus Clan was known to take on multiple quests and has a success rate of 80 percent.

Mary Kay counted that after a month of strategically traveling and creating six guild bases in the first tower, she gradually claimed dominance in many fields in hunting, information networks, and supplies. These incidents happen, suggesting in moments that they all deemed very important, their enemies would ruin their mission.

The Elders were actually aware of these, as they were the ones that established what the younger generation is currently managing; the elders never interfere with the young ones, as they see this as their own problem to overcome. Injuries and even death are a normal state of the Lazarus mindset. That is why they were trained to never back down from any problem, whether it's waging war, hunting, or daily survival. The Elders believed that only through facing and overcoming challenges could the younger generation truly grow and become strong leaders in their community. This philosophy of tough love and self-reliance was deeply ingrained in the Lazarus mindset.

The communication outside the tower was normal, but it's different inside the tower; they could only rely on physical messengers like flying pixies and other supernatural beings. Payment varies on the location, as these creatures can sense each player as they were created to access the tower player location, but for a hefty price of a gold coin.

Mary Kay's mind raced, a storm brewing within her as she considered the precarious situation. She knew it was only a matter of time before Charlotte snapped out of her bewilderment, and when she did, a whirlwind of fury and demands for explanations would surely follow. The stakes were high; a day without Charlotte at the helm of their team was, by their standards, a failure. Jacob, as loyal and competent as he was, wouldn't initiate their planned offensive without Charlotte's direct order.

And so, they lingered at the bustling open market, at the heart of the empire of Solnara Cererindur, a group of hardened warriors seemingly out of place amongst the vendors and shoppers, waiting for their leader's return. Four long hours had crawled by since Charlotte had delegated command to Jacob. He, in turn, had dispatched one of his own to search for their missing leader, yet time continued to bleed away, each passing minute adding to Jacob's growing impatience. The irony was not lost on him: Charlotte, usually the most punctual and driven of them all, was the very person holding them back from their objective.

While this was happening, Dane yearned to enhance his abilities for the safety of his loved ones. However, as he ascended the grand staircase to the first floor, he was captivated by the breathtaking scenery that unfolded before his eyes. His feet moved involuntarily, drawn as if by an unseen force towards the captivating vista.

The azure sky stretched above, its pristine expanse unbroken by clouds. Creatures that had once existed only in the imaginations of Dane and his team took flight overhead, their wings a vibrant tapestry of colors against the celestial backdrop. The fauna and flora they had meticulously crafted in digital form now sprang to life, their vivid hues and intricate designs dancing before his senses.

Dane reached out and gently caressed the petals of a delicate flower, its soft texture sending a shiver of delight through his body. The scent of exotic blossoms filled the air, intoxicating his nostrils and awakening a sense of wonder that had long been dormant within him. His mind raced to comprehend the magical world that had emerged from their imaginations, a testament to the boundless possibilities that lay before them.

The vast, open, flatland had only one manmade road path, and it led toward the empire Solnara Cererindur. The massive walls protecting the wide empire were as majestic as the gate, but the protective wall stood only half the size of the tower entrance and exit gate. The empire wall was designed as the primary landmark where players increase their skill, status, level, and equipment..

The rulers of this empire, the nobility, lived in luxury and extravagance, surrounded by lush gardens and opulent palaces. The citizens of Solnara Cererindur revered their rulers, who were known for their wisdom and benevolence towards their people.

The gatekeeper allowed produce and food to enter the first floor, but the condition should meet their guidelines: all products should be placed in natural containers, no man-made or artificial containers like plastic and toxic materials. Foods and ingredients are the most important aspects of the citizens' daily lives, as they relied on the quality and freshness of these goods for sustenance and well-being. The gatekeeper's strict guidelines ensured that only the best and safest products made their way into the empire, maintaining the health and happiness of its inhabitants.

Metal works needs proper documentation and requests from the noble lords and the reason why these human products are needed inside the tower; swords and melee weapons armory medicine were allowed, but because many tower residents are accustomed to getting healed by cathedral priests, chemical medicine is not permitted without thorough examination and approval. This strict regulation was put in place to prevent any potential harm or misuse of substances within the tower, prioritizing the well-being and safety of all its inhabitants.

When Dane created the virtual world, it was a testament to harmony, now seeing a place where the hum of the past and old technology that once resided in the history books of Earth. now vibrated alongside the subtle pulse of magic inside the tower. Mana particles, the very lifeblood of arcane energies, permeated everything, yet they didn't clash with the modern necessities that defined the society. Instead, they coexisted, a delicate dance of innovation and the mystical.

The landscape was a study in contrasts, the expansive plains stretching out like a vast canvas, their flat surfaces broken only by pockets of vibrant vegetation. These weren't dense, impenetrable forests, but rather patches of plant life, ranging from small clusters of unusual flora to moderately sized groves, giving the area a striking resemblance to Earth's taiga, or boreal forest. However, this was no mere imitation; the plants and animals here were infused with a supernatural essence, familiar yet otherworldly, adding a layer of enchantment to the familiar forms. The animals showed hints of magical abilities, the plants glowed with soft lights, and many of them had natural healing or protective nature. This allowed the world to thrive with many ecosystems, both natural and magical.

The animal kingdom within this realm presented a stark contrast to the familiar. Predatory creatures, far from the docile counterparts of Dane's world, were paragons of agility, viciousness, and an unnerving mystique. They possessed abilities that seemed to bend the very rules of nature, moving with impossible speed and striking with lethal precision. Even the flora held a dual nature, with plants capable of both miraculous healing and inflicting grievous harm, weaving an element of peril into the enchanting landscape.

Dane, recalling the scale of just the first floor, marveled at its vastness. The landmass alone was comparable to the entire Earth, and that didn't even take into account the floating continents and gravity-defying islands that dotted the sky. He was left in a state of awe, the sheer immensity of the boreal forest and its countless mysteries both overwhelming and captivating.

Dane decides on a route; it's a place unknown to many, a place where a small mana vein is exposed, a place where most living organisms gain their mana properties. It's located inside a cave that is a hibernation cave for horned black bears. The journey to this hidden mana vein would be treacherous, as the location is filled with numerous tribes of goblins and ogres. The mana vein wasn't discovered even when the tower was still a virtual game, so no information is currently available.

Gaining this vein will secure what he lacks when it comes to mana; even if his mana is already at 2000, it's nothing compared to a seasoned player that has a 6-digit mana level at their disposal. Sadly, he has his reason also, as the tower system was copied from the Arcane Crusade Virtual Game. The scenario concerning the Evolve Drake is the trigger sign that they need to clear the first floor scenario.

If the players don't clear the Empire of Graves before the year ends, a catastrophe will fall onto the first floor. This never happened inside the virtual game, as many players cleared the scenario, and Eve reached the seventh floor, because it's a game unlike this time around, so many players died.

Sadly, the new players that awakened their powers had actually no prior knowledge of the game; the old gods orchestrated this situation to maintain a consistent supply of players for their own twisted amusement. That is why they assumed Dane was a new awakened player. Nobody knows what the criteria were to become a new player; those who woke up and gained abilities from the tower had no choice but to learn from the player association.

The allure of the second floor, whispered to hold untold treasures and challenges, ignited a reckless ambition within a select group of players. Having pieced together the initial scenario for ascending, they scrambled to regain their footing and quickly armed themselves. Gathering their guild members inside the imposing tower, they foolishly believed they could outpace the Empire of Graves, envisioning themselves as the first to breach the coveted level. What began as a daring gamble quickly devolved into a devastating tragedy. Within a single month, nearly a hundred players perished in the unforgiving gauntlet.

Undeterred, two more attempts followed, each mirroring the catastrophic outcome of the first. The root of their failure wasn't simply a lack of skill but a fundamental misunderstanding of the scenario. The players, blinded by their desire for glory, disregarded the intricate system crafted for the Empire of Graves. Furthermore, the lack of manpower and, more critically, the absence of support from the powerful noble families proved to be their undoing, leaving them woefully unprepared to face the orchestrated challenges within the tower.

This was the main reason why Charlotte Lazarus made an effort to secure the supplies as they accepted the Royals quest to eliminate the evolved Drake; their chances were still undetermined, but having two more guilds joining them was a promising sign of potential success. However, the situation changed when somebody or some group was deliberately sabotaging their efforts.

Dane's plan was simple: increase his mana and covertly help his clan to gain access toward the second floor with minimal detection and zero deaths for all the participating players. After that he can finally explore the tower as much as he can without complication, as he just wants to live a life freely.

Dane walked toward the direction opposite where most players were going; many thought he was insane, just like the other new players, reckless and careless. But Dane knew that his unconventional approach was the key to achieving his goal without drawing unwanted attention. The highest beings that are living inside the tower have a mana level of 10 thousand and up; these are the Elder Named Dragons, Arch Named Demons, and Named Virtues, and the second documented group of beings in the tower with a mana level of 6 to 3 thousand are called the Warlords; these are the royals who seek more power through force, the Cathedral High Priest or Holy Priestess, who seek more control by increasing their followers, and battle archmages who wish to expand their knowledge and absolute dominion in magic no matter what the cost.

These three are in a constant three-way struggle for power and control within the tower, each seeking to ascend to the highest level of authority by using their mana to dominate their enemy with ease.

skills like martial arts and melee combat often tap into a different kind of energy: Aura. Unlike mana, which is drawn from the environment, Aura is generated internally, a manifestation of the user's own life force and will. It's an intrinsic energy, perpetually linked to the individual's body, resonating with their physical and mental state. This close connection allows practitioners to imbue their weapons, enhance their physical prowess, and infuse their attacks with extraordinary power.

Unlike mana, which is an external energy source drawn from the environment, aura is a deeply personal force, generated from within the user's own body. It's an intrinsic energy, a manifestation of one's inner vitality and spirit, inherently tied to the individual's physical being. This vital connection means that aura is never truly detached from its source; it's a constant emanation and extension of the user. Mana, on the other hand, possesses a detached quality. It can be harvested from natural sources, concentrated, shaped, and then unleashed. This detachment allows for versatility, enabling mana to be formed into projectiles for offensive spells or manipulated to create defensive shields and barriers, often far removed from the caster's body.

When Damon Lazarus created the virtual world, he wanted to break down all available information to conquer and survive the tower missions and scenarios.

The fabric of this realm is interwoven with unseen forces, energies that pulse and flow, shaping reality itself. Among these, three distinct types stand out: mana, aura, and essence, each possessing unique properties and influencing the world in profoundly different ways. Mana, the most common and readily accessible, is the wellspring of magical power, raw and volatile, capable of being shaped and directed through focused will and incantation. It is a dynamic force, easily harnessed for feats of elemental manipulation or arcane constructs. Aura, on the other hand, is a more personal energy, an emanation of an individual's soul, reflecting their inner nature. It can be subtle, barely perceptible, or a radiant beacon, capable of influencing emotions and even bestowing physical prowess. Finally, there is essence, or spirit energy, the most elusive of the three. It is the fundamental life force, the spark of existence itself, found in all living things and imbued within the very landscape. Its power is subtle and profound, capable of healing or devastating, and often requires a deep connection to the natural world to truly master. These three energies, each with its own distinct characteristics, form the foundation of magic and power in this realm, constantly interacting and shaping the world we know.

Damon Lazarus gained this knowledge from his mother's teachings, as she has mastered their clan's breathing technique to gather energy and convert it to aura and channel it into her inner core.

As Dane recalled this, he finally understood why his mother's teachings were important, as he unconsciously used this breathing technique normally as he walked further away from the towering gate, walking toward the only mountain in the area, a place that many players and tower residents avoided. The area is filled with toxic wild plants; those who venture into this part of the area near the mountain are potion masters and have extensive knowledge of the landscape.

Residents that saw him walking in that direction just gave out a heavy sigh knowing another player will soon vanish without a trace. Dane perfectly knows what he is doing; he was the one who created this landscape based on the design created by his former teammate.

The terrain was rough and had no actual path; this was what he expected to encounter, and Dane was actually excited to see how players would navigate through the challenging terrain he had meticulously crafted. As a game developer, he took pride in creating immersive and unpredictable environments that kept players on their toes.

Dane had walked nearly two hours nonstop. His breathing was steady, and he doesn't show any signs of fatigue. The sun beat down on him, casting long shadows across the rugged landscape he had designed, and Dane couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing he had been a recluse for many years when he was still a weak and frail 53-year-old game developer. He loved every minute of his travel; he could now see the entrance toward the dense forest where a solitary mountain loomed in the distance, beckoning him closer. The sense of adventure and exploration filled him with a renewed sense of purpose as he eagerly made his way towards the mysterious mountain. The 2000 forest is eerie and has this very unusual smell; it wasn't that putrid nor overpowering, but rather a unique blend of different plant scents that intrigued him. The plants his team created in the game had different and detailed information and classification about nearly 200 kinds of plants growing inside the forest.

This place is just one of ten similar forests on the first floor. But this one is the smallest and nearest to the gate. A few potion masters come to this place to gather plants and turn them into potions with various uses.

Dane was getting nearer when he saw a caravan wagon parked near the forest opening. Four people were seen setting up camp as they saw him coming near them. They are residents of the tower; they were a bit cautious seeing a person going to this part, as nobody travels to this place, as nothing can be gained here, not unless the person is also a potion maker.

The area was known to contain invisible creatures that change their shape to trap their prey, so either the young man was lost or something else was at play. Dane raised his hands and greeted the four and mentioned he meant no harm, as Dane never came near the caravan; the father had already drawn out his short sword while the mother secured her eldest daughter and her ten-year-old son at the back of the caravan wagon.

Dane's mind raced as he observed the four figures before him. They reminded him of the Romani people back on Earth, known for their diverse skills, particularly in crafting and potion-making. Yet, these individuals were a stark contrast to the vibrant image he held. They were visibly worn down, their faces gaunt, and their clothes tattered, hinting at a life of hardship.

A wave of concern washed over him. What circumstances, he wondered, had driven them to such a desperate state? He felt an urge to help, to offer whatever assistance he could. But before he could formulate a greeting, the father, with a nervous tremor in his hand, brandished a short sword, a clear signal of defensiveness. His voice, though strained, was firm as he told Dane to leave them be.

The fear etched in the man's eyes and the trembling in his hands spoke volumes. It was clear these weren't simply vagrants; they were a family deeply scarred by their experiences, wary of anyone outside their close-knit circle. Dane realized, with a sinking feeling, that their struggles were far more profound and complex than he'd initially imagined. His good intentions, he understood, would need to be approached with great care if he hoped to make a difference.

Dane never intended to create more problems, so he stepped back and walked away from them.

And continuing on his way, Dane and the four family members were just about twenty meters away from the forest glade.

"Father, the young man looked like he was carrying no supplies with him."

"Seline, that is the reason why I pointed my sword at him; he was wearing unfamiliar clothing. Chances are that person is a player."

" a player?"

"Those are people with skills and abilities beyond the ordinary; they can be very dangerous."

"They have many names; some are called hunters, adventurers, or mercenaries. But they themselves call each other players."

"when I went to the nearest town near Solnara Cererindur, many shop owners and merchant guilds preferred doing business with them, as they had more product to sell coming from the other side of the gate."

"We are just ordinary traveling merchants. You both are still young; those players are not trustworthy. They are the reason our clan has no land to call home, as most players used their powers for personal gain."

"Father, you can't judge all players based on the actions of a few. It is unfair to generalize and assume all players are untrustworthy. We should judge individuals based on their own actions and character."

"Hush, child, haven't you seen what those players did to our caravan? Among the twenty families that were part of our caravan, we were lucky enough to be on the very back of the line when those players ambushed us."

"Father, we weren't even sure those that attacked the caravan were players."

"they might be ordinary bandits,"

"Regardless, it's important to remember that, we cant let our guard down, we need to stay safe until we can find the rest of our caravan members."

"and this is the safest place I could think of."

"Arguing now is pointless; I am just protecting my family , you, your younger and mother brother are my only treasures."

"Let's focus on staying safe and finding a way out of this situation together. We'll make it through this, just stick close to me and yourmother "

"We need to stay calm and think rationally, we will find a solution as long as we work together."

"Chances of getting attacked by bandits here are low."

"Father, what about the monster that resides inside the forest?"

"Those creatures hardly go out of their habitat, but just in case, let's move the wagon to a different area."

"Tell your mother that we are moving the wagon."

While all the commotion was unfolding elsewhere, Dane had already reached the edge of the forest, stepping into a small clearing. His eyes quickly scanned the immediate area before settling on a towering weeping fig tree that stood just a few feet away. It was a behemoth, easily twenty feet tall, its branches draped low like a curtain of emerald green. Despite its undeniably creepy and ominous presence, Dane recognized it for what it was: a common sight across the Asian continent. Unfazed by its eerie appearance, he reached into his dimensional storage, retrieving a compact military hammock. With practiced ease, he began to climb the tree, his movements agile and efficient. Reaching a thick, sturdy branch, he carefully secured the hammock, creating his makeshift campsite within the leafy canopy.

The rustling of leaves was the only sound as Dane worked, his movements economical and practiced. It only took him a few minutes to set up his covered hammock, the skill a bittersweet echo of his late father's teachings. "Never trust the ground, lad," his father would say, "especially in a place you don't know. Always go up or down." This mantra, and the knowledge behind it, had been passed down and now shaped Dane's approach to camping.

As he already found, a sturdy tree, the branches reaching protectively overhead, and swiftly secured the hammock. His father's old tactical bag, a sturdy relic of adventures past, sat nearby. It was more than just a bag; it was a carefully organized testament to preparedness. Each pocket contained a specific component of a survival kit: tinder, a fire starter, a small hatchet, fishing line, and other essential tools all fit snugly in their designated spot. The bag itself, like a well-stocked vault, held the rest of his provisions, neatly packed and ready for whatever might lie ahead.

The weight of the bag was about 15 kilos, including his mother's katana and his father's Desert Eagle and a few ammunition. Wearing it while traveling toward the forest might hinder his movement and he notice that his dimensional storage has certain feature that he finds useful. With a mental command, he could access any item stored within the bag without having to physically rummage through it. This would definitely come in handy during moments of urgency or danger in the wilderness.

And he can place the items without even opening the storage, with a simple command, all the items will automatically return to his storage as its a registered item, even if he leaves it due to a reason he has no control over, as soon me mention " items return"

All the items he took out will return to his dimensional storage; even the food and water inside will never spoil nor get contaminated with the passage of time. This magical feature ensures that he always has access to fresh supplies whenever he needs them, no matter how long they have been stored in his dimensional storage. the MRE food he has at his families home was his daily sustenance during his time away from home.

When he was still Damon Lazarus, he usually ordered MRE foods as he absolutely loved eating it , he those order other foods but he was raised by the lazarus clan to eat what they kill in the hunting ground, so their were times when he had to rely on his stored MREs for sustenance.

If the hunt produces no kill, he would have no choice but to eat the MREs he had stored. This was a reminder of his upbringing and the importance of being prepared for any situation.

Despite his initial reluctance, Damon eventually grew to appreciate the convenience and reliability of his magical feature, especially during times of scarcity or emergency. This unique ability also allowed him to share his supplies with others in need, earning him a reputation as a generous and resourceful ally.

When the 53-year-old Damon returned back home, he made sure to stock up with many different MRE foods. His mother kitchen floor was filled with crates of this stuff, when he died and came back alive and notice he gain other wordily abilities , those few hours alone after meeting the Lazarus clan as his own son and renamed himself as Dane, those few minutes alone he was able maximize dimensional storage usage , placing the any item no matter the size nor amount, was not and issue, if the items are place inside a bigger container no matter now many the items were in side, like his back, it will only register under one storage slot , currently he has five dimensional storage slot, like what he created in the virtual game, it a standard amount to store items, increasing the slots need to be paid with gold coins in the Cathedral like the rest.

The first slot was for the camping bag and weapons; the second slot was for military gear and equipment. These are all the military crates in his father's secret and personal storage room. The third was allocated for a month's worth of MRE foods, and the fourth was also a month's worth of clean water.

The best part of eating MRE foods is you don't need to worry about cooking or refrigeration, making them ideal for emergency situations. Additionally, having a month's worth of clean water ensures that you can stay hydrated and healthy during any unforeseen circumstances.

Dane's current camping location was secure, and he could see the caravan before him as he was monitoring the area from a hidden vantage point. The caravan wagon was now being pulled by their horse, but it seems the animal was too weak to pull the heavy wagon any further. He could see the father and mother trying their best to push the wagon, but it was too much; their efforts were futile as the wagon remained stuck.

Dane's location was between fifty and seventy meters; the land mass he went on was higher; he was on a tiny hill; the whole area was a combination of several altitudes to make the terrain more difficult for carts to traverse. It's challenging to notice how the land has changed. The creatures in the forest are still wary of going out to hunt; Dane could rest as the family was still safe as the wagon was still far from the forest influence. The family decided to take a break and assess the situation before attempting to move the wagon again; they had no choice but to set up camp where they were; the father could not remove his fatigue as he asked his wife to ensure the campfire wasn't that big; he is still weary of the young man they saw a few minutes ago; he might be just waiting for the right moment to strike.

He took his sword and walked toward the path the young man took and followed the traces of his footsteps on the soil; sadly, the path he was now on was a mound mound. Sadly, the father didn't see any traces of the young man. Not knowing he was further away and was at the top of the hill that was connected to the forest, the sun was still up, and by Dane's calculation, it was about past 5 pm; he could still clearly see the man holding his sword and using a magical tool emanating with light.

As their campfire was finally lit, the father was convinced he was already gone, but he was so cautious he took out another artifact, but it was smaller, as big as a pen, and carefully drove it into the ground and activated it by saying the activation spell.

"That's a sensor alarm," Dane whispered to himself.

"I never expected that the tower residents had this much overwhelming need to protect their family."

"Was it because the learning program was where each non-playable character evolved based on the situation they were in?"

"That's really amazing; so they are no longer just code; they are actual living beings."

"Since they have genuine feelings, they are no longer adhering to their basic program. "

"Now this will be an issue; they are not artificial intelligences anymore, but sentient beings capable of making their own choices."

"I have to be careful how we proceed from here on out."

"How many tower residents felt suffering and pain? those this mean they bleed and die and never respawn back?"

" I just realized this is no longer a game, but it's the new reality."

"I never anticipated this level of complexity when, those old gods replicated Arcane Crusade."

"this is terrible!"

Dane said, his voice filled with concern.