Chapter 2: The Next Floor
Chapter 2: The Next Floor
Jin Seol stood over the lifeless beast, his breath ragged, his body buzzing with an unfamiliar sensation. He clenched his fist, feeling the residual power coursing through his veins. This was real.
He had killed a monster with his bare hands.
The system notification still hovered before his eyes.
> [Objective Completed: Beast Defeated.]
[Skill Acquired: Beast's Fury.]
Jin focused on the newly acquired skill. A window popped up.
> [Beast's Fury – Passive]
Enhances physical strength by 30% when engaged in combat. The more damage taken, the stronger the user becomes.
His eyes widened. A skill that grows stronger the more I fight? That explained why he had felt faster and stronger during the battle. The sensation had been overwhelming, almost addictive.
Before he could process more, the Tower's voice echoed through his mind once again.
> "The First Trial is complete. Proceed to the next floor."
The ground beneath him trembled. Jin barely had time to react before a flash of white light swallowed him whole.
---
[Second Floor: The Hall of Beginnings]
The blinding light faded, and Jin found himself in an entirely new environment. Gone was the endless void and the battle-scarred platform. Instead, he stood in an ancient stone hall, its towering walls inscribed with glowing runes. Dozens of other survivors stood around him, most of them visibly shaken.
Jin scanned the room, taking in the people around him. Some clutched weapons—daggers, spears, even bows—while others looked completely unarmed.
That was when the system spoke again.
> "Welcome to the Second Floor: The Hall of Beginnings."
"Total Players Remaining: 7,234,197."
"Total Players Eliminated: 2,765,803."
Jin felt his stomach tighten. Almost three million people died… on the first floor alone?
A murmur spread through the crowd as the weight of that number settled in. Some players were already breaking down, while others gritted their teeth in grim determination.
Then, another message appeared.
> "The second trial will now begin. The Hall of Beginnings is a sanctuary. Before proceeding, all players must choose their starting path."
A stone pedestal materialized in the center of the hall, glowing with radiant light. Above it, three words appeared in golden script:
> [Warrior]
[Mage]
[Rogue]
Jin frowned. A class selection?
One by one, players stepped forward and touched the pedestal. The moment they did, a flash of light enveloped them, and a window appeared above their heads.
[Warrior] – Increases Strength & Defense. Gains a free weapon.
[Mage] – Increases Intelligence & Mana. Gains a free spellbook.
[Rogue] – Increases Agility & Dexterity. Gains a free dagger.
Jin watched as people quickly made their choices. Most of the larger, bulkier players picked Warrior, while those with sharp eyes and quick hands selected Rogue. A few, with a keen interest in magic, opted for Mage.
Jin, however, hesitated. What should I pick?
Normally, this choice would define a player's entire growth path… but Jin wasn't normal. His Glitched System gave him a unique ability—to steal, copy, and evolve skills.
If that was the case…
Why limit himself to one path?
An idea formed in his mind. Slowly, he stepped forward and placed his hand on the pedestal. A soft hum of energy coursed through his palm as the system recognized his presence.
> [Choose your path.]
Jin smirked. I choose… all of them.
His system reacted instantly.
> [SYSTEM ERROR: Unable to register multiple paths.]
[Glitched System Override… Error bypassed.]
[Congratulations! You have acquired the unique class: Celestial Player.]
Jin's vision blurred as a surge of pure energy flooded his body. The pedestal shattered, sending a shockwave through the room. Gasps erupted around him as a golden aura burst from his form.
> [Celestial Player – Unique Class]
The path of all. Gains access to Warrior, Mage, and Rogue skills. No class limitations.
A hush fell over the hall. Everyone was staring at him.
---
Rivalry Begins
Jin clenched his fists, feeling his new strength. He could already tell—this class was beyond anything the others had received. But his moment of triumph was short-lived.
From the crowd, a voice rang out.
"That guy's class… it's different from ours."
Jin turned toward the speaker—a tall, broad-shouldered man with a massive sword strapped to his back. His eyes were sharp, predatory. A warrior.
Others murmured in agreement. The jealousy was almost tangible.
Then, another voice spoke. This one was smooth, calculating.
"A special class? That's interesting."
A young man with silver hair and piercing blue eyes stepped forward, a small smirk playing on his lips. His outfit was that of a mage, but the way he carried himself screamed danger.
Jin met his gaze, an unspoken tension crackling between them.
> "Players, prepare yourselves."
"The next challenge begins… now."
A sudden shift in the air sent a chill down Jin's spine. The moment was over. The real test was about to begin.
---
End of Chapter 2