Chapter 7: The First Floor & the Guild’s Legacy

Audi stepped through the massive gates leading to Floor 1 of the Tower. The air was thick with anticipation as a crowd of new adventurers gathered in the clearing.

Standing before them was a man with a commanding presence. His dark armor bore the insignia of the Adventurer's Guild, and a massive greatsword rested on his back. He scanned the newcomers with sharp, calculating eyes before speaking.

"My name is Hundred, examiner of the Adventurer's Guild. Welcome to Floor 1 of the Tower." His voice was deep and steady. "I will explain the rules of survival here, so listen carefully."

The crowd quieted, hanging onto his every word.

The Role of the Adventurer's Guild

Hundred folded his arms. "The Adventurer's Guild is responsible for organizing and maintaining order within the Tower. The current chairman, Uno, is personally leading an expedition to clear Floor 51 as we speak. That should tell you just how dangerous this place becomes the further you climb."

Murmurs spread through the group.

"Now, you might be wondering—why is Floor 1 so... peaceful?" Hundred smirked. "It wasn't always this way. Originally, Floor 1 was filled with monsters, just like the deeper levels. But long ago, the Adventurer's Guild launched a large-scale extermination campaign. What remains now is a controlled hunting ground where lower-ranked adventurers can train."

Audi frowned. "So... the monsters here are just remnants?"

Hundred nodded. "Exactly. Each time we clear a floor, merchants and settlers move in, transforming parts of it into towns. But—" he raised a finger, "—there are still untamed areas on every floor. On Floor 1, that place is known as the Dungeon."

The Dungeon & the Tower's Ecosystem

A silence fell over the group at the mention of the Dungeon.

"The Dungeon is where monsters continue to breed naturally," Hundred explained. "We don't clear it completely, because doing so would ruin the Tower's ecosystem. The balance between monsters and adventurers must be maintained. If the Dungeon is wiped out, the food chain collapses, and the entire Tower will suffer."

Someone in the crowd scoffed. "So, we just let the monsters live?"

Hundred's expression darkened. "No. We manage them. Monsters exist for a reason, just as we do. Some adventurers hunt them to keep the population under control, while others use the Dungeon to train. But if we ever wipe out an entire floor, the balance of the Tower will be thrown into chaos."

Monsters of Floor 1

Hundreds pointed toward the grasslands ahead, where small creatures could be seen wandering.

"The common monsters you'll encounter here are Slimes and Rabitats. Unlike the dangerous creatures on higher floors, these monsters play an essential role in the ecosystem."

Slimes, small gelatinous creatures, jiggled near a stream.

"We harvest Slime cores to create potions," Hundred continued. "Some of the best medicines—fever cures, antidotes, and healing tonics—all rely on Slime essence as a key ingredient."

He then gestured toward the fluffy Rabitats, rabbit-like creatures with soft fur.

"Rabitats, on the other hand, provide valuable materials. Their fur is used for clothing, armor lining, and winter gear. Their meat is also a reliable food source."

Audi took in the information. Even the weakest monsters had value in the Tower's ecosystem.

Hundred's gaze swept over the newcomers. "Your first task as adventurers is simple: prove you can hunt these monsters. If you can't handle Floor 1, you have no business climbing higher."

He let his words sink in before delivering his final announcement.

The First Trial: The Dungeon

Hundred's eyes narrowed as he looked at the assembled recruits.

"So, tomorrow, you will all enter the Dungeon—the true test of an adventurer," he declared. "Everyone who wishes to climb the Tower must face it. Prepare yourselves."

The crowd stirred, some excited, others nervous. Audi, however, clenched his fists. This was only the beginning.