Secrets of the Forgotten Realm

The group trailed behind their mysterious savior, weaving through the ruins of the dead city. The deeper they went, the more unnatural the world became—floating stones defied gravity, buildings twisted at impossible angles, and the air crackled with an unseen force.

Finally, they arrived at what appeared to be an abandoned temple, its entrance marked with ancient symbols that glowed faintly.

The stranger turned to face them, lowering their hood. Beneath it was a young woman with piercing silver eyes and short, raven-black hair.

"My name is Lyria," she introduced herself. "And this world is known as the Forgotten Realm—a place where lost souls are thrown into a game of survival."

"A game?" Hori repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Who created it? And why us?"

Lyria's gaze darkened. "That… no one truly knows. Some believe it's a punishment. Others think it's a test. But one thing is certain—there is only one rule here: survive."

Jin-Won clenched his fists. "And the creatures? What are they?"

Lyria exhaled slowly. "They were once people like you. Players who failed."

A chilling silence fell over the group.

Then, a new system notification appeared before them.

> [New Mission Unlocked: The Path of Ascension]

Objective: Reach the Tower of Trials.

Lyria's eyes narrowed. "Looks like you've been chosen for something bigger."

She turned toward the horizon, where a massive, ominous tower loomed in the distance. "If you want answers, that's where you need to go. But be warned… only the strong make it to the top."

Jin-Won took a deep breath. He had no choice. If this world wanted him to fight, then he would.

But he wouldn't fall like the others.

He would win.

---

The Tower Beckons

The journey to the Tower of Trials began at dawn—or what passed for dawn in this twisted realm. The sky never brightened, only shifting from crimson to a deep violet.

As they walked, Lyria explained the true horror of the Forgotten Realm.

"This world is divided into zones, each one deadlier than the last. The Tower is at the heart of it all, and every floor is a new trial. Only those who clear them can escape."

Jin-Won frowned. "And what happens if we fail?"

Lyria's expression darkened. "Then you join the monsters you fought yesterday."

A heavy silence followed.

As they approached a bridge leading out of the dead city, a sudden roar echoed through the air. The ground trembled, and from the mist ahead, a massive shadow emerged.

A towering beast, its body a fusion of stone and darkness, blocked their path. Its glowing, hollow eyes locked onto them with hunger.

> [Mini-Boss Encounter: The Gatekeeper]

The system's notification flashed before them.

Lyria stepped forward, gripping her spear. "Time for your first real test."

Jin-Won raised his sword, determination burning in his chest.

This was only the beginning.

---

(To be continued…)