The scent of burning incense hung heavy in the room. On the altar, portraits of Yujeo's parents and great-grandparents stood solemnly, bathed in flickering candlelight.
When the ritual ended, Yujeo sat quietly, his gaze settling on his grandfather.
From his inventory, he retrieved the
[You have taken the 3rd Bite]
[You have acquired the skill:{Covet's Authority}(Temporary)]
[All of your stats have increased by 5]
[Strength:10.0→15.0]
[Agility:13.0→18.0]
[Stamina:12.0→17.0]
[Endurance:11.5→16.5]
[Defence:10.5→15.5]
[Mental Fortitude:14.5→19.5]
[Charima:14.5→19.5]
[You have surpassed the Human Body's Natural Limit]
[Skill:{Mind's Hub}(Lvl-1) has reached (Lvl-2)]
[New Sub-skill:{Mental Compression} has been acquired]
[Skill:{Mind's Hub}(Lvl-2) has been deactivated]
Okay… So I guess now I can take control over the narrative, right, Quartz‑ssi?
I exhaled slowly, my tone half‑joking but my mind already elsewhere.
"Today," I said, "just after this, I'm planning to go to the Tower."
My uncle .The man who'd raised us after everything looked up from his cup of tea. "Are you planning to die again?"
His words hit sharper than intended. He leaned back, sighing."One of your friends, uh… what was his name again? Oh yeah, Kang Sok. He said you died but somehow came back. You really think you can pull that off twice, kid?"
I sighed, leaning back. "Even if I don't, I'll probably end up dying at the hands of my Constellation anyway. He wants entertainment, not your lousy family drama."
Uncle Jinhwan's face darkened, his voice rising like thunder. "What do you mean by 'lousy family drama'? We're worried about you, Yujeo! Why don't you seem to care?"
I met his glare, my tone flat and eyes dull. "Do you think I care about something as… unimportant as this?"
His jaw tightened. "Oh, wow. Unimportant matters? That's what you call your family now?"
I ignored my uncle's remarks and said calmly, "Even if He doesn't kill me, His Apostles and even the Tower's Bosses will come after me. And I'm certain of that."
I continued, as a purple screen flickered into view before their eyes. "This morning, a Boss of the Tower messaged me. He threatened me and said I must enter the Tower at all costs."
I stepped out of the house, pulling out my phone to order a cab.
But then Haeryn appeared behind me, her voice hesitant.
"Hyung… are you really going?"
I offered a calm smile. "Of course I have to. Or… are you planning on joining me?"
She blinked, caught off guard. I continued, my tone casual but firm.
"You came to the station, which is why I gave you the Fruit. I thought you wanted it. But if you don't… you can just return it."
Haeryn dug into her bag, pulling out the apple. She took a deliberate bite.
"Of course I'm eating it," she said, determination softening her features. "I can't just leave my emo brother alone."
"You brat! What do you mean I'm emo? You're the only emo one here!" I said, stretching her cheeks until she pouted in protest.
Then, with a teasing grin, I added, "Well, would you mind checking your system announcements, huh?"
I guess the Author has to take over for a little while.
[You have taken the First Bite.]
[You have awakened.]
A warm sensation surged through her veins, spreading like fire and starlight beneath her skin.
She opened her black-red eyes and looked at Yujeo."So… this is what awakening feels like?"
I smiled and said, "Yeah, that's what awakening feels like. But hey, don't even think about taking the second bite, got it?"
I then continued, "Now, here's my question: did you, even for a moment, find yourself in a white room filled with light before returning here? And… up to which point have you played 'Infinite Abyss'?"
She stammered, her voice trembling slightly. "U-Up to Floor 0… I couldn't progress any further."
I said, standing outside as the pleasant autumn wind brushed past us, "Well then, let's give you some information about… Floor 0. The details I have are from a bookshelf on Floor 50."
Soon, the cab pulled up in front of the house, and Haeryn and I stepped inside.
I said, siting inside, "Floor 0 of Aeternum is unique for everyone. It's a mimic of the Abyss and reflects how each person sees and experiences the world—a kind of worldview or a preview. At its center lies the Seed of Ascension, a medium climbers use to reach godhood or even beyond."
Hearyn asked, "So… it's basically a death zone?"
I shrugged."You could think of it that way, if you want."
The cab driver said,"We've reached Jamwon Hangang Park."
I stepped outside, Haeryn following close behind. The park lay in ruins were twisted metal scraps from what used to be cars scattered everywhere.
Amid the devastation, one structure stood tall and unmistakable was the Tower of Infinity,Aeternum from Infinite Abyss.
The tower's body was intricately carved, depicting the stories of Climbers and Players from all across Existence.The Tower stretched beyond the clouds, reaching into a place that seemed to exist nowhere.
I stepped toward the [Gates of Aeternum] and pushed them open.
The doors swung outward, releasing a swirl of mist. As it brushed against me, I realized it was just Aero elemental mana. Inside, the gates revealed a churning wave that looked like water, flowing and twisting unnaturally.
I stepped through, Haeryn close behind following me.
[You have entered Aeternum,The Tower of Infinity]
[Floor 0 is being prepared...]
[Floor 0 has been prepared]
I opened my eyes and found myself lying on wet grass.
I pushed myself up and saw a tower looming in the distance.
So… this is my Floor 0. It looks a lot like the one in the game, but somehow… different.
---
[Floor Mission: Climb the Towers]
Description:Climb to the Top of the 5 Towers and use one of the three relics of ◼️◼️◼️ to heal the tear of Space-Time.
Reward:10,000 Credits;One of the Three Relics used;Key to Floor 1;???.(Extra reward from hidden missions)
---
I opened my inventory and pulled something out.
[You have taken out:
This is
It has a hidden feature.Yoy just have to activate it when I pour my mana into it to shape an item.
Focusing my mana, I used the
[Item has been formed]
[Would you like to give the stats?]
[Yes/No]
Of course [Yes]. Why the hell would I say No?
I then entered the stats and details for the item. The item would remain until Floor 30 for as they are overpowered stats for the tutorial.
---
[Item Details]
Item: Arcanum.
Grade: Mystic.
Rank:SS.
Type: Equipment.
Status:Ring.
Durability:Up until floor 30.
Description:(You may enter what you want)
Item Skills:
1.Magic Mastery:Allows the user to copy,learn and understand spell to gain mastery.
2.Arcane Genesis:Allows the user to create spells.
---
I then looked up at the sky.
It was a breathtaking sight. An endless canvas of stars scattered like diamonds. At its center hung a crimson-red moon, glowing ominously. Beneath it stood a colossal tower, piercing the sky. Above each of the six towers floated massive, planet-like structures, slowly orbiting in silence.
A warm light spilled over my back. I turned slightly and saw the sun rising from the horizon, painting the world in blue.
I braced myself, then lunged forward. The moment I dashed, the world around me seemed to slow.
The 1st Tower was 35 meters away felt like it was just a step ahead.
My vision sharpened, narrowing like a predator locked onto its prey. A roaring wind crashed into my ears, hot air burned against my skin, and my clothes fluttered violently. My heart pounded, lungs burned, and blood buzzed in my veins.
A fleeting surge of exhilaration, clarity, and a hint of embarrassment came into my body.
How humiliating… my clothes had completely torn apart from this insane speed and scorching heat. I was practically running around naked, all because of this damn burst of power.
[Skill:{Manifestation}has been activated]
I manifested a sleek black ensemble—a tailored suit with a long, flowing coat, a crisp black shirt underneath, and polished black shoes.
I then manifested a comb and a mirror. After all, one must look sharp, right?
I carefully combed my hair back, keeping it sleek and tight against my scalp, with no parting in sight.
I pushed open the Tower's gates and stepped inside.
The moment I entered, the world around me shifted. Walls, ceiling, even the floor were made entirely of mirrors. My reflection stared back at me from every direction, infinitely and unnervingly silent.
[You have entered:The Tower of Reflection]
[Mission: Climb to the 10th Floor and conquer the 1st Floating Island]
The air was cold and still, like the tower itself was holding its breath, waiting to see what I'd do next.
[To be Continued...]
[End of Chapter 11:Login]