Arc 2: The Tower of Power
Nora
What exactly is going on? Everyone is gathered on the stairs in front of the tower—what are they waiting for?
Suddenly, the tower doors opened, and a man stepped out.
"Good morning, everyone. Registration for our tournament is now closed. This tournament will give you the opportunity to join our organization."
He was a tall, strong Black man wearing the organization's uniform: a coat decorated with red tribal patterns.
'Registration? We didn't sign up anywhere.This must be a mistake...Has this happened in previous editions?'
"You have all passed the first test, congratulations. We placed the barrier around the tower so that only those who have control over their soul can pass through. Therefore, you may proceed to the next stage," the man announced to the more than seventy people present.
"My name is Berbatov, and I will guide you to the top."
We followed the man inside the tower. As soon as we passed through the massive door, I realized the grandeur of this organization.
Inside was a very spacious area, with numerous chairs and doors leading to places I had no idea about.
"This is the organization's headquarters, our central base where we organize all missions, reconnaissance, strategy, and meetings. Our leader is waiting ahead to speak with you."
Some of us were nervous, others silent—perhaps experience made a difference. We took a few more steps forward until we reached a small, bearded man who looked to be at least eighty years old. He wore a black coat decorated with yellow tribal patterns all over.
"Sir, I have done as you instructed," said Berbatov.
"Thank you very much, Berbatov," replied the old man. "To everyone here, congratulations on passing the first phase. My name is Aoji, and I am the leader of this organization. Before you proceed, I want to inform you that if you climb the stairs behind me, you will be confirming your acceptance of all the rules and challenges imposed. From that point forward, everything that happens will be with your consent.
"The only rule we have is… reach the top."
"There are fifty floors. Those who reach the 49th floor will be allowed to join the organization, and the one who reaches the 50th floor will have the right to choose their class and even the power to form their own team."
After that long speech, old Aoji withdrew slowly, heading toward an elevator on the left.
In front of us—and everyone else—stood a long staircase leading upwards.
"Climb the stairs and proceed to the next challenge. I will meet you on the next floor," Berbatov said, vanishing amid a small explosion of darkness.
We all rushed toward the massive staircase before us and climbed it for more than ten minutes until we reached the next floor.
What is this?A forest?What kind of tower is this?
It was a forest filled with dense fog. Animal sounds surrounded us—noises I had never heard before—loud echoes bouncing through the trees. From my experience, these are sounds of large animals.
"You arrived faster than I expected, but one of you has been here for five minutes already," said Berbatov, pointing to the young man sitting by a tree—the same one with the blindfold, the one whose aura I couldn't sense.
"I'll be on the other side of the forest. You have twelve hours to get out of this place, or the exit gate will close, and you'll be trapped. Well... see you later," Berbatov said, disappearing again into the darkness.
"Let's stick together, Helena. We'll find a way out of this place," Nora said to Helena, who was gripping her backpack tightly with both hands, preparing for a long afternoon.
continued...