Trial Of The Tower (6)

The dimly lit corridors of the tower echoed with the sounds of battle as Melody and Razer tore through the monstrous opposition.

[System Display: Identified Monsters]

[Name: Abyssal Hound]

[Name: Stalker Wraith]

Melody's movements were fluid and precise. With a single, powerful kick, she sent an Abyss Hound flying backward, its body crashing into a crumbling stone pillar, shattering bones upon impact. The beast yelped in agony before slumping lifelessly.

Razer, on the other hand, was brutal and savage. He lunged at a Stalker Wraith, his claws slicing through its ghostly form, disrupting its essence. With a primal snarl, he dug his hands into its ethereal body and tore it apart, the creature vanishing into nothingness.

Xavier remained behind, keeping a watchful eye on the battle while nocking an arrow in his bow. He released it with expert precision, striking an Abyss Hound in the eye as it attempted to retreat into the shadows. It collapsed, twitching violently before going still. A chime from the system caught his attention.

[System Notification]

[You have leveled up!]

[Current Level: 21]

[Stats]:Strength: 33| Agility: 33 | Endurance: 33 | Intelligence: 24 | Perception: 20

[Passive Skills:[ Survivor's Instinct

He still had no title or job, but he was grateful for the instincts that had kept him alive thus far.

With a resounding crunch, Melody delivered a final devastating blow to the last Abyss Hound, caving in its skull with an effortless stomp. Silence followed. The battle was over.

[System Notification]

[Second Floor Cleared! Would you like to proceed to the next floor?]

Xavier let out a relieved sigh before confirming his choice. The elevator at the end of the ruined hall hummed to life once more. He smirked, pleased that this floor had been easier than the first. However, he couldn't help but grumble under his breath. "No rewards? Seriously? Does Melody count as my prize?"

He turned to glance at her. As if sensing his gaze, she resumed humming that eerie, tranquil tune from before. He shook his head with a wry grin before shifting his attention to Razer, who was feasting on the remains of their fallen enemies. The grotesque sight made his stomach churn. Surprisingly, Melody turned her head away as well, seemingly just as disgusted.

Xavier sighed and faced the elevator. "Alright, let's move on. Razer, Melody, follow me."

---

[Downtown Brooklyn]

In a cramped apartment, Boxer, Xavier's loyal companion, rolled onto his back, kicking his legs in the air as he scratched an itch against the cool tile floor. His peaceful moment was interrupted by a sudden knock at the door. His ears perked up as he flipped onto his paws, tail wagging excitedly.

Could it be his owner? He bounded toward the door, his nose twitching as he sniffed the air. However, his tail slowed, then stilled. This scent... it wasn't his owner. Boxer barked sharply, warning whoever stood on the other side to stay away.

A soft, startled "Oh!" came in response, making his ears twitch curiously. The voice was familiar, yet distant. The person outside hesitated before calling his name, "Boxer?" Boxer barked again, less aggressive this time, but still wary.

The jingle of keys made him tense. The doorknob turned, and as the door creaked open, Boxer's gaze lifted to meet the emerald-green eyes of the tall woman standing in the doorway. Her dark blue hair cascaded past her shoulders, framing her striking features. She wore a casual white top that contrasted against her black jeans, and her black heels clicked lightly against the floor as she stepped inside.

Boxer stared, unsure for a moment. Then recognition dawned. Her scent, though masked by perfume, triggered old memories of a large house filled with laughter and warmth. His tail hesitated before wagging slowly.

The woman knelt, her eyes softening as she reached out, stroking his fur. "Boxer... it's been so long." Her voice wavered with emotion. Pulling him into a warm embrace, she buried her face in his fur, whispering, "I missed you."

This woman... She was Anna. Anna Grace.

Releasing him, she stood and surveyed the small apartment with a wistful sigh. "Xavier... where did you go?" she murmured, sadness evident in her tone.

A storm of emotions swirled in her eyes as she clenched her fists. She had come looking for him—but would she be ready for what she was about to uncover?