---
Leo woke up before sunrise, his mind sharp despite the restless night. Today was the day he would enter the Tower.
He wasted no time—showering quickly, dressing in his gear, and strapping on his weapons. As he stood before the mirror, he took in his reflection:
Mana Blaster secured on his right thigh.
Windcutter Sword strapped to his back.
Protection Coat, snug and ready for battle.
A small bag filled with potions, rations, and essential survival gear.
He looked the part of a true awakener. He clenched his fists, steadying himself. This is it.
---
City S – Awakener Association (Tower Entrance)
The massive obsidian Tower loomed over the city, its peak vanishing into the sky like it had no end. It wasn't just a building—it was a portal. A gate to infinite worlds, each floor leading to a different reality.
Security personnel were stationed everywhere, monitoring the steady stream of awakeners flashing their IDs before stepping inside. Near the base, a blue shimmering portal stood open—the entry point to the Tower.
Today was different from other days. Every 18-year-old awakener entered the Tower on this day. The government had standardized it—after years of education, training, and learning about the Tower, this was their chance to prove themselves.
The courtyard buzzed with activity. Groups of fresh awakeners gathered, some forming last-minute parties, others standing alone, lost in thought.
Leo scanned the crowd. Excitement, fear, determination—it was all there. Just like him, everyone here sought power, fortune, recognition.
Above the portal, a holographic screen projected the Tower's entry rules:
[Tower Entry Rules]
Once inside, you must survive until you clear the First Floor.
Dying in the Tower means real death.
Each participant will receive a Trial based on their class.
Solo Entry or Party Entry is allowed.
Leo took a deep breath. No turning back now.
A staff member, dressed in a black uniform, approached him. "New awakener?"
Leo nodded and handed over his Awakener ID. The staff scanned it, then handed him a silver bracelet.
"This is your Tower Identifier. It'll track your progress. Clear the First Floor, and you'll be officially recognized as an awakener."
Leo fastened the bracelet to his wrist. "Anything else I should know?"
The staff smirked. "Yeah. Don't die."
Leo chuckled. "I'll try."
The blue portal shimmered, swallowing one awakener after another.
Leo stepped forward, placing his hand against the light.
A sudden force pulled him in.
His vision twisted. Warped. Blurred.
Then—
Everything went dark.
---
[First Floor – Trial Begins]