The wind screamed as Kazen approached the base of the tower. Its structure was impossible—twisting in on itself like broken code, pieces floating in midair and realigning every few minutes. Just watching it gave him a headache.
The interface flickered again.
> Warning: The Tower of Echo is unstable.
> Recommended Power Level: 5+
> Current Level: 3
> Continue? [Y/N]
He pressed "Y" without hesitation.
A gateway materialized—thin like glass and humming with static. The moment he passed through, the air shifted. Time lagged behind him. Gravity wobbled.
Inside was a circular chamber with walls of obsidian. Dozens of data shards floated in the air, displaying broken scenes: a child crying, a knight dying, a god laughing.
Then, a voice.
"Welcome, Rewriter."
It came from everywhere and nowhere, like an echo layered over itself.
"I am Echo. Fragment of the system. This tower tests your right to evolve."
Kazen narrowed his eyes. "So you're a checkpoint?"
"Correct. Prove your worth or be deleted."
Without warning, the floor cracked. A humanoid figure emerged—armor forged of data, a greatsword forming midair. Its face was a mirror, reflecting Kazen's own expression.
> Mirror Construct – Level 6
> Ability: Copy last used skill
> Weakness: System Lag
Kazen didn't wait.
Code Rewrite activated.
> Edit: [Enemy Speed -20%]
> Duration: 12 seconds
> Cost: 18 MP
The enemy lagged. Kazen rushed forward, using the stolen "Beast Pounce" to vault up and crash into it with full force. The construct reeled back.
It mimicked his move a second later—but with lag, it missed.
Kazen spun behind it and unleashed a raw pulse of soul energy. The system reacted.
> Unique Skill Unlocked: Soul Drive (Tier E)
> Converts willpower into energy. Risk of backlash at low control.
He screamed as power surged into his limbs. He punched straight through the construct's chest. It exploded into code fragments.
> Enemy Defeated
> Level Up: 3 → 4
> Reward: Echo Core | Skill Upgrade Token
The chamber dimmed. Echo's voice returned.
"Accepted. System Sync +5%."
A door opened ahead, this one less glitchy. Clean light poured in.
Kazen walked forward, breathing hard.
This wasn't a dream. This was war. The system wasn't just a tool—it was alive, evolving with him.
And something told him… the real enemies weren't monsters. They were watching him from beyond the code.