Chapter 3

Meadow's voice cut through the air, "Now that you've all had a chance to view your Status windows, let's move on to the tutorial stage!"

I thought to myself, "A tutorial stage, huh? Piece of cake for the experienced fighters or boxers, but for the rest of us including me... let's just say it's going to be a bloody welcome to the tower."

Meadow's voice sliced through my thoughts, "Alright, let's begin the tutorial stage! I hope a good number of you will still be breathing by the time it's over."

My thoughts drifted on, 'Why did I end up as a sword fighter, anyway? A gun that fires mana-infused bullets seems way more practical to me. I'm also afraid of blades so being a sword fighter is an occupation that I don't like.'

I vanished from the place, reappearing in an unfamiliar environment. The landscape surrounded me - lush bushes, towering trees, and a tranquil sky. But I knew better than to let my guard down. This was, after all, a tutorial stage. "What kind of monsters are in the tutorial stage, I wonder?"

A slime materialized out of thin air, sending me stumbling backward in suprise. "What the hell?!" I yelped. The slime was a gooey, translucent blob about the size of a large melon!

"I'm fortunate that the bear gifted us a sword earlier but... I don't feel that confident on defeating the slime considering that I'm not experienced."

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and focused on calming down. I stepped back, prepared. Then, with determination, I charged forward and swung my sword at the slime. The blade sliced through it with ease.

I stood there, taken aback. "Really? That's it? I didn't expect it to be so... easy. Guess I got lucky!"

Time seemed to drag on, but I persisted. After what felt like an eternity, I had taken down a small army of slimes - 12 of them, to be exact.

The clock struck its final note, and Meadow's voice was heard, "Time's up!" The world around me blurred, and I felt myself being pulled back. When my vision cleared, I found myself and others stand in the same large room where we'd first gathered.

Meadow's voice was low as he surveyed the room. "It's quite a dire situation. We've lost a staggering 389 people including the one I killed. Our numbers have dwindled to just 110." The room fell silent, with the other survivors exchanging shocked and horrified glances.

'We only have 110 people left in this tower, I expected lower… but many people died only because of the tutorial stage, imagine how many will die in the next round.' I thought.

As the hours ticked by, a towering figure approached me, accompanied by a woman whose gentle smile and rounded belly suggested she was expecting. "Hey, kid," The man said with a warm smile. "You're the youngest among us. I'm Kang-ho, and this is my wife, Eun Ae."

"Ah, hello," I replied, my curiosity piqued. "I'm Mia. But you're from Korea, aren't you? How did you end up in this tower? I thought each country had it's own towers."

Kang-ho chuckled. "That's true, but Meadow explained that the Korean towers were overcrowded. My wife, Eun Ae, an I actually live in the Philippines, so we were assigned to this tower instead."

I nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. But why did you approach me, Mister?"

Kang-ho's expression turned warm. "My wife and I noticed you seemed a bit lonely. As the youngest among us, you should have fun with the others. So, we'd like you to think of us as family - consider me your uncle, and Eun Ae your Aunt. We also don't mind you calling us that!" The couple smiled at me, their eyes kind and genuine.

"Oh, that's nice of you but I'd like some time to myself right now," I said with a polite smile. "Could I have some space, mister?"

Kang-ho nodded understandingly. "Sorry to disturb your peace, kid. Just remember, my wife and I are here for you whenever you need help."

"How did they figure out I'm the youngest?" I wondered. Then I soon realized. "I must look really young, and now that I think about it, everyone here seems to be at least 15 years old or above."

As the minutes ticked by, I exchanged a few pleasantries with Kang-ho and Eun Ae whenever i met them by chance, but It was also difficult to be tough when I felt so alone, surrounded by strangers in this tower.

The bear remained nearby, observing us with an air of quiet curiosity. He looked irresistibly fluffy and cuddly but also ugly.

I soon drifted off to sleep, only to be pulled into a bizarre dream. In the dream, I stood before a mirror, and my reflection stared back. But something was off. I looked like myself, yet... different. My eyes widened as I realized I was gazing at my reflection but with a different gender.

"What the...?!!!"

To be continued…