Morning – Final Preparations
Dawn light came through the thin curtains. Jin-Seok opened his eyes. His breathing was steady. Today he would enter the Tower.
He swung his legs over the bed and felt the cool floor. The house was quiet. No distractions. Just the plan for the day.
He went through his routine. Cold water on his face. Thirty minutes of meditation on the floor. Physical training followed: two hundred push-ups, three hundred sit-ups, stretching exercises. His reflection in the mirror showed an eighteen-year-old ready for the challenge ahead.
After a simple breakfast of rice, grilled fish, and tea, he walked to his grandfather's room. Each step reminded him of the responsibilities he carried.
---
The Study – Legacy and Equipment
The study door was slightly open.
Inside, the room held memories and equipment. Leather chairs showed use from long hours. Shelves contained Tower guides, historical accounts, and magical theory books. Trophies from his grandfather's climbs were displayed, reminders of survival and achievement.
On a chest beneath the window lay a suit. Black, well-made, with red stitching visible in the light. It fit him perfectly. Over it, he added a coat designed to combine traditional and modern styles.
Next to it was a black-silver ring. The engravings caught the light. He slid it onto his right hand, and it fit comfortably.
On a display shelf were masks collected over years. One in particular drew his attention: black, sleek, with a demon-like design. He put it on. It became invisible to others but always concealed his identity.
Looking in the mirror, Jin-Seok no longer saw the uncertain boy from that morning. He looked ready.
---
Farewell – Alfred, the Butler
"Alfred," Jin-Seok said as he walked down the staircase.
The robot butler appeared. "Young Master Jin-Seok," it said. "You are dressed properly. Is today the day?"
"Yes. I'm climbing the Tower."
Jin-Seok placed a hand on Alfred's shoulder. "You've taught me well. Your guidance will help me inside the Tower."
Alfred's voice changed slightly. "My main task was to prepare you for this day. That task is complete. I will maintain the mansion until your return. Gardens, library, study—all will remain as you left them."
"I may be gone for years," Jin-Seok said.
"And your grandfather may not return. I will wait. Time is not an issue. Promise me you will find the answers you seek, and return safely."
Jin-Seok nodded. "I will."
Alfred's sensors glowed. "Good luck, Young Master Jin-Seok. I will await your return."
---
The Tower District – First Encounter
The Tower District was busy. The obsidian spire rose above everything, its top hidden in clouds. Around it were buildings for shops, guilds, and services.
The plaza was crowded. Veterans pointed out rookie mistakes. Hustlers sold information and charms. Minor fights had already occurred but were stopped by Tower security.
Jin-Seok arrived early to watch before the trials started. The crowd had both beginners and experienced climbers.
A commotion started behind him.
"Make way for Iron Fang!"
A group of five climbers in red jackets with a wolf emblem moved through. Some stepped aside respectfully, others grudgingly.
At the front was a blond young man with blue eyes. Rank insignia marked him as Marcus Kane, a rank 15 Super Rookie.
"Look at all these bottom-feeders," one of his companions said. "Half won't survive the first floor."
"The rest will quit after the trials," another added.
Jin-Seok ignored them, focusing on the Tower entrance. Then, near the registration booths, a small disturbance occurred.
---
Intervention – The Child and the Guild
"Watch where you're going, brat!"
Three Iron Fang members surrounded a small girl, about ten, holding a basket of trinkets. Some items had fallen.
"I-I'm sorry!" she stammered.
"Sorry doesn't fix my uniform," the tallest said, raising his hand.
Jin-Seok acted instantly, grabbing the man's wrist. "Picking on children now? How far has the guild fallen?"
"I—"
"I am with Iron Fang," Jin-Seok said calmly. "Even more embarrassing for you." He twisted the man's arm, forcing him into an awkward position.
The man tried to punch with the other hand. Jin-Seok stopped it, then swept his legs, sending him down.
"Your footwork is weak," Jin-Seok said. The other two rushed him, but he moved efficiently, correcting their stance and showing proper technique.
"Please stop!" the girl cried.
Jin-Seok stepped back. All three lay on the ground, embarrassed more than hurt.
Footsteps approached.
"What's going on here?"
Jin-Seok turned, eyes narrowing.
Arrival of the Iron Fang Ace
Marcus Kane, Iron Fang's ace, appeared from the crowd. He was rank 15 on the Super Rookie list, undefeated in official duels.
"Marcus!" one of the fallen guild members said. "This guy… he attacked us!"
Marcus narrowed his eyes at the scene and then at Jin-Seok's masked face. Without warning, he struck, his fist carrying spiritual energy meant to end fights quickly.
---
The Clash of Strength
Jin-Seok stopped it with one hand.
The shockwave barely moved him. Marcus froze, surprised that his full-strength strike was stopped so easily.
"Impossible," Marcus said. "My Iron Mountain Fist…"
"Sloppy execution," Jin-Seok replied. "Too much force at the start left you open. Your technique lacks penetration."
The crowd went silent. Even Tower officials approached, noticing the disruption.
---
Order from Authority
"That's enough!" A WTA official stepped forward. "Violence outside the Tower is not allowed. Stand down immediately."
Jin-Seok released Marcus's fist and stepped back. Marcus stumbled, hiding the slight tremor in his hand.
"This isn't over," he muttered, his confidence shaken.
"It is for today," the official said. "Iron Fang Guild members, report to your area. Everyone else, disperse. The newbie trials start in thirty minutes."
---
A Small Act of Kindness
Jin-Seok knelt beside the little girl.
"Are you hurt?" he asked.
She shook her head. "No, thank you. I'm sorry for causing trouble."
"You didn't. What are you selling?"
"Lucky charms," she said, showing carved wooden figures. "I save money for me and my brother. He's training to climb the Tower, and training costs money."
Jin-Seok looked at the items. "Do you want to climb the Tower too?"
Her eyes lit up. "Yes! But first, I want to help my brother."
Jin-Seok pulled out a platinum card. "I'll take everything you have."
"Everything? That's too much! I can't make change!"
"Keep the card. Use it when needed. Consider it an investment in a future climber."
She hesitated but accepted it. "Thank you. I'll use it wisely."
"Take this card too. Call the number if you have any problem. Now go somewhere safe. The trials are starting."
She ran off, basket empty, smiling.
---
Tension with Marcus
Marcus flexed his hand where their strikes had met. When their eyes met, he looked away.
Jin-Seok turned to the Tower entrance. The massive doors were opening. The trials were about to start.
---
Unexpected Legacy System Activation
Jin-Seok found a quiet corner. The Newbie Trial Zone was ahead, but something happened before anyone else noticed.
[Legacy System: Host Detected.]
[Synchronization Resuming… 55%]
[Time Elapsed: 18 years, 2 months, 11 days.]
[Warning: Dimensional Displacement Detected. Resuming paused sync…]