Chapter 5 — The Blade The moment the tutorial ended, Jaden did absolutely nothing. He simply lay down. His body felt like it had been run over by a truck. Five days of surviving in that forest had exhausted him more than he wanted to admit. The worst part wasn't even the fighting. It was the constant feeling that something could attack at any moment. Jaden closed his eyes. He didn't care about the tower. He didn't care about his ability. He didn't care about the reward. For the next few hours, he just wanted to sleep. --- When Jaden woke up, the chamber was much quieter. He slowly sat up. His body felt better. Not completely recovered, but enough. He looked around. Some students were sleeping. Others were talking in small groups. A few were examining their rewards. Jaden opened his status window. [TIME UNTIL FLOOR 1: 6:12:37] He blinked. “Six hours?” He had slept for nearly seventeen hours. Apparently, his body had needed it. Jaden stretched. Then remembered something. The reward. [NOVICE ARMAMENT BOX] He opened his inventory. The box was still there. Jaden selected it. The screen expanded. [NOVICE ARMAMENT BOX] Select one weapon: [Short Sword] [Long Sword] [Spear] [Bow] [Dagger] [Staff] Jaden stared at the choices. “So this is it.” He rubbed his chin. A sword was the obvious choice. At least, that's what every fantasy protagonist would pick. But Jaden wasn't a protagonist. He had an F-rank ability. Strength: 5. Agility: 7. He couldn't exactly swing around some giant sword and expect to become powerful. He considered the spear. Long reach. Good for keeping enemies away. But it required more space and probably more skill than he had. The bow was tempting. He could attack from a distance. But he had no idea how good his Agility was compared to the monsters of Avoria. And if something got close? He'd be screwed. The dagger was fast. Easy to carry. But its short range meant he'd have to get dangerously close to enemies. The staff was probably useful for someone with magic. Jaden looked at it. “Not exactly me.” That left the swords. The short sword was lighter. Easier to move with. But it sacrificed reach. The long sword had better reach and power. But it would also be heavier. Jaden thought about his fight with the goblin. He remembered how helpless he'd felt. How every attack had pushed him backward. He needed something balanced. Something he could use in different situations. He selected the long sword. [LONG SWORD SELECTED.] [Novice Long Sword has been added to your inventory.] Jaden opened the item. A simple sword appeared in his hand. It wasn't decorated. No glowing runes. No legendary name. Just a plain steel blade with a simple handle. Jaden held it carefully. “It's heavier than I thought.” Dazim's voice came from behind him. “You picked a sword?” Jaden nearly dropped it. “Don't sneak up on people!” Dazim laughed. “You were staring at that thing like it was going to talk.” “I'm thinking.” “About?” “Whether I made the right choice.” Dazim looked at the sword. “It's probably fine.” “That's reassuring.” Dazim smiled. “You're an F-rank. You don't exactly have a lot of options.” Jaden glared. “Thanks.” “I mean it.” Dazim patted him on the shoulder. “We'll help each other.” Jaden looked at him. Dazim continued. “Seriously. Don't worry about being the weakest.” Jaden didn't respond immediately. He looked down at his sword. Then smiled. “Thanks.” Dazim grinned. “Besides, I've got your back.” “Even if I get you killed?” “Can't die if you're near me.” Jaden laughed. “Your confidence is ridiculous.” “It's an A-rank ability. I'm allowed.” Around them, the rest of the class was preparing. Weapons were being tested. Abilities were being discussed. Students were comparing strategies. Aira had organized everyone into small groups for preparation. But eventually, she shook her head. “There is one problem.” Everyone looked at her. “We don't know what Floor 1 will be like.” Rayden crossed his arms. “So?” “So we can't make a proper strategy.” Rayden shrugged. “Then we'll adapt.” The teacher looked at the students. “Whatever happens, stay calm.” Someone laughed nervously. “That's easier said than done.” Another student said, “If there's a monster, I'm running.” “Where?” The student paused. “...Good question.” A few people laughed. For the first time in days, the atmosphere wasn't completely miserable. Even Jaden felt slightly lighter. They were still trapped. They still had no idea what was waiting for them. But at least they weren't alone. The countdown continued. [TIME UNTIL FLOOR 1: 01:02:14] One hour. The students gathered near the center of the chamber. Jaden checked his sword one last time. It wasn't special. It wasn't powerful. But it was his. Aira walked past him. “You ready?” “No.” She smiled. “Good answer.” Jaden raised an eyebrow. “You?” “No.” They both laughed quietly. Dazim walked over. “Jaden.” “What?” “If something happens…” Jaden looked at him. “Stay behind me.” Jaden frowned. “You're a Guardian.” “Exactly.” “You'll get hurt.” Dazim shrugged. “That's what I'm here for.” Jaden stared at him. He didn't know what to say. After everything that had happened, those simple words meant more than Dazim probably realized. “Thanks.” Dazim smiled. “Don't mention it.” The final countdown appeared. [00:10:00] The chamber became silent. Ten minutes. Students checked their weapons. Some prayed. Some stood completely still. Others tried to joke. Jaden simply stared at the countdown. [00:05:00] His heartbeat increased. [00:01:00] The entire chamber began shaking. Jaden tightened his grip around the sword. [00:00:30] A strange black mist began gathering in the center of the room. [00:00:10] Ten. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six. Five. Four. Three. Two. One. [FLOOR 1 IS NOW OPEN.] The lights vanished. A massive circular formation appeared on the ground. Symbols Jaden didn't recognize began glowing around its edges. The Host appeared above it. That familiar smile returned. “Congratulations, Players.” Nobody answered. “You have completed the Tutorial.” The Host raised one hand. “Now your real journey begins.” The magic circle expanded. A giant portal opened. Beyond it was darkness. Not the darkness of a room. Something deeper. Something endless. The Host continued. “Welcome to the Tower of Avoria.” A few students stepped backward. “Before you enter, there is one final rule.” The Host smiled. “You will enter alone.” Silence. Jaden froze. “...What?” The Host continued. “No parties.” “No groups.” “No companions.” “No assistance.” “Each player will face Floor 1 individually.” Jaden stared at Dazim. Dazim stared back. “Wait.” Jaden's face twisted. “You've got to be kidding me.” Dazim laughed nervously. “Looks like our plan didn't last very long.” Jaden looked toward the portal. His grip tightened around his sword. The entire class had spent the last five days trying to find one another. They had finally gathered. And now— They were being separated again. The Host's smile widened. “Good luck.” One by one, the students began stepping toward the portal. Jaden watched them disappear. Aira went next. Rayden followed. Then the others. Eventually, only a few remained. Dazim looked at Jaden. “See you on the other side.” Jaden smiled. “Yeah.” Dazim stepped into the portal. He vanished. Jaden was alone. He looked down at his sword. A simple blade. Nothing special. He remembered the Host's words. One hundred floors. He took a deep breath. Then stepped forward. The moment he crossed the portal— [WELCOME TO AVORIA.] The blue screen appeared. [FLOOR 1 — BEGINNER'S FOREST] [OBJECTIVE: REACH THE FLOOR'S EXIT.] Jaden stared at the forest ahead. He tightened his grip on the sword. “...Here we go.”