Zero moved through the corridor with the same precision that had saved him moments ago. Every step measured, every breath controlled. The faint hum of the Tower pulsed beneath his feet, like a heartbeat that mirrored his own. Shadows shifted along the walls, but he paid them no mind. Only one thought guided him now: understand this world, and dominate it.
The corridor opened into a large chamber, its ceiling lost in darkness. Bioluminescent crystals lined the walls, bathing the space in a cold, pale light. In the center of the room, a strange platform rose slightly above the floor. Symbols were etched along its edges—ancient runes, their meaning obscured but clearly deliberate.
From the shadows, movement flickered. Zero's gray eyes narrowed.
"You're new," a voice said, calm but with a note of curiosity.
Zero pivoted, sword ready. A figure emerged: tall, wiry, cloaked in dark fabric, with sharp, amber eyes. Their posture was relaxed, yet every muscle was coiled like a spring.
"I am Zero," he replied evenly. "Who are you?"
The other smirked. "Name's Kalen. Like you said… you're new. Haven't seen anyone move like that in this chamber before. You fought well."
Zero's eyes remained cold, unyielding. "Observation and efficiency. Nothing more. I do not seek praise."
Kalen chuckled, stepping closer. "Fair enough. Most climbers scream when they see these things." He gestured toward the darkened corridors. "Floor tests. That's what this is. We don't know what awaits. Only that the Tower rewards the strong and punishes the foolish."
Zero's lips barely moved. "I do not seek reward. I seek survival… and advancement."
Kalen's smirk deepened. "Good. That's why you'll last longer than most."
The First Floor Test
The platform in the center of the room began to glow faintly, illuminating more of the chamber. Symbols along its edges pulsed like a heartbeat. Then, a deep hum resonated through the air.
From the shadows, figures emerged. Other Regulars. Some armed, some unarmed, their expressions ranging from apprehension to aggression. Each one glanced at Zero, assessing, judging.
A bell rang—a low, resonant chime that vibrated through the chamber.
"The first test begins," a voice echoed, seemingly from everywhere and nowhere. "Only those who prove their skill, wit, and strategy shall move forward. Fail… and be eliminated."
Zero's eyes scanned the group. Weak, strong, cautious, reckless. Every movement, every posture told a story. Within seconds, he mapped the battlefield in his mind.
Number of Regulars: 12
Weapon types: 5 swords, 3 staves, 2 ranged, 2 unarmed
Probable alliances forming: 4 groups
Threat levels: high, medium, low
A small smile flickered at the corner of Zero's mouth—though it was more calculation than amusement.
This will be… informative.
Initial Conflict
A Regular, tall and broad-shouldered with a crude sword, stepped toward Zero. "You there. New guy. Think you can survive this?" His voice was loud, filled with bravado.
Zero's gray eyes met his, unflinching. "I will survive because I calculate, adapt, and execute. You… will not."
The man snarled and lunged, swinging the sword with brute force. Zero's reaction was instantaneous. He sidestepped, pivoted, and with a flick of his wrist, his blade met the attacker's arm. Sparks of energy flared along the sword, and the man yelped, staggering back.
Another Regular tried to flank him. Zero's head turned just enough to anticipate, and he blocked the incoming strike, countering with a calculated thrust that forced the attacker to retreat.
The room erupted into chaos. Some Regulars formed temporary alliances to attack him; others hung back, observing. But Zero moved like a predator—efficient, cold, methodical. Every motion minimized risk, maximized effect.
Tactical Brilliance
Kalen, standing to the side, observed silently. "He's… precise," he muttered. "Cold. Completely calculating. Not wasting energy, no hesitation… he's different."
Zero anticipated attacks before they came, parried, redirected, and neutralized threats. He did not kill unnecessarily—yet the fear he instilled was enough to force compliance. By the time the bell rang again, signaling the end of the first stage, Zero stood alone, sword at the ready, unharmed.
The other Regulars either lay exhausted or had withdrawn to reassess. Their faces showed a mixture of fear, respect, and begrudging acknowledgment.
Zero did not celebrate. He did not acknowledge their reactions. His gray eyes scanned the chamber again. The Tower had tested him. He had passed. But he already calculated the next challenge, the next step, and how to use every advantage to ascend.
First Alliance & Observation
After the test, Kalen approached him. "You're not like the others. You're… something else."
Zero's expression remained impassive. "Call it what you will. I am Zero. My purpose is to climb, learn, and survive. Do not mistake efficiency for weakness."
Kalen grinned. "Fair enough. There's a lot you'll need to learn in this Tower—politics, strategy, alliances. You're fast, strong, smart… but the Tower punishes even the cleverest if they underestimate the unknown."
Zero inclined his head slightly. "I do not underestimate. I calculate. That will suffice."
Kalen laughed softly. "Cold. I like it. You'll fit right in… if you survive."
Zero's gaze shifted toward the exit corridor, toward the unknown. Tests, trials, and threats awaited. This Tower was alive, filled with danger, deceit, and power. And he… would not just survive. He would master it.
[To be continued in Part 3]