Chapter 2

I rummaged through my backpack, searching for the thickest books I could find. Hoping their weight and bulk would make them suitable weapons. I tested their potential by whacking myself with one, that definitely wasn't a good idea. "Oof... yeah, that should hurt something. Or someone, maybe even a monster."

I looked back at the portal infront of me, my mind racing with a difficult decision. Should I step through into the unknown with my friends by my side, or leave them behind for their safety?

'Leaving them here is the safest idea possible, if they come with me. They might end up injured… or worse, dead.' I thought.

I held my backpack tightly on my back, many people came here because of the earthquakes but now that several portals randomly appeared, it would make sense that they scream.

"Ah?! what's happening!?"

'... Knew it, but it's fortunate for me because the others have their own problems and wouldn't even worry about me going inside there.'

All of a sudden, a shaking acquired again. "Oh shit. Guess I'm dead this time." I deeply sighed.

I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself for the chaos, unable to bear the thought of witnessing the disaster that was about to unfold.

As I cautiously opened my eyes, the surreal sight before me left me stunned. "A tower... just formed here? In the middle of the road?" I exclaimed.

'A tower forming was impossible,' I thought, my mind racing. 'Because they are hardly seen together in stories and it could disrupt the earth's balance because of the appearances of unknown things that shouldn't be able to exist in this world.'

"Ugh, what am i even saying?! I'm not even that smart and i don't know these things!" I exclaimed. A few people glanced at me strangely, and I quickly looked away, preserving my dignity.

Under my breath, I muttered, "But I have to admit... this is kind of exciting." I pondered my next move. "The portal or the tower? I've heard that towers in stories can transport random people to—"

I opened my eyes to find myself in an unfamiliar surroundings. "Oh?! I must be inside the tower." I looked around, taking in the bewildered faces of the people nearby. They seemed shocked, still reeling from the tower's sudden appearance and the mysterious events that followed.

As I counted the people around me, a sudden movement caught my attention. A strange creature materialized before us, it's presence both startling and intriguing. "A bear?" I muttered, suprised by it's appearance. "A cute one, at that."

The bear stood before us, it's compact, medium-sized frame radiating an undeniable charm. Its soft, fluffy fur was a warm, sunny yellow, reminiscent of honey or daffodils. The bear's cheeks added a pop of color, blushinh a delicate rose hue that gave it an endearingly innocent appearance. It's bright, curious eyes sparkled, completing the bear's cute demeanor.

The others murmered in suprise, talking about the bear's irresistible cuteness. "But… in my opinion, he's kind of ugly."

Just as suddenly as it had appeared, the bear spoke up in a clear, cheerful voice. "Greetings, everyone! I'm Meadow, your guide. I'll help you navigate this place."

But before Meadow could continue, a man stormed forward, his face red with anger. He grabbed Meadow's shirt, nearly lifting the bear off the ground. "Hey! Where are we?!"

I watched with concern, thinking, 'This guy's going to get in trouble...'

Meadow's expression turned stern. "Hm, such a troublesome human." With a swift, almost imperceptible motion, the man's head was separated from his body.

The group gasped in shock, but Meadow's calm demeanor didn't waver. "Oh, don't worry... only those with malicious intent meets this demise." Meadow's words were laced with an unsettling nonchalance.

I watched as the blood from the man's body stainted the ground. 'Uh... this was only expected but I can't help but feel like I'm going to puke...' I thought.

Meadow's gaze swept across the crowd, inviting questions. "Anyways... Does anyone have any questions for me, regarding this tower?"

I raised my hand, and Meadow's eyes locked onto me. "Guide, how many of us are trapped in this tower?"

Meadow's expression turned thoughtful. "Ah, good question... We have approximately 500 individuals here." The bear's voice was matter-of-fact.

I pondered for a moment before speaking up again. "May i ask more?"

Meadow nodded graciously. "Yes, you may. What's on your mind, human?"

I took a deep breath before asking, "How many towers are there in this nation?"

Meadow's expression turned thoughtful. "To be honest, I don't know the exact number. But i can tell you that there are numerous towers scattered throughout the nation."

The bear's eyes seemed to gaze into the distance as it continued, "You see, every person between the ages of 12 and 40 is being transported to a tower. No exceptions. With so many people that are supposed to be transported, the higher ups have decided to make hundreds of towers for this land."

"Ages 12 to 40, that means... my parents are safe, and so are my younger siblings." A sense of relief washed over me. "That's fortunate."

Meadow's expression turned serious. "Now, let's start with a simple trial. But first, to access the tools you'll need to survive, simply say 'Status window.' This will open your personal system, which will aid you in combat and help you survive the tower's dangers – including potential traitors among us."

I nodded inwardly, thinking to myself, "That's obvious. With this many strangers trapped together, it's almost guaranteed that there's at least one traitor – or more – among us."

...

I whispered, "Status window."

A transparent box materialized before me, displaying my stats.

[Status window]

Name: Mia (Full name: Hidden)

HP: 100%

MP: 10

Class: Sword Fighter

Skills:

Attributes:

Stamina: 14

Strength: 12

Dexterity: 9

Perception: 7

Remaining Skill Points: 0

"Hm, my training was worth it after all." I muttered. "The reason for my training was to punch my siblings but i didn't expect this at all."

To be continued…