Chapter 5 : Entering the Tower (1)

Boarding the large vehicle provided by the Association, Do Yoon and the others set off toward the Tower.

The route they took led them through a part of the city that had been reconstructed for Tower operations.

The surrounding buildings grew

fewer as they approached the central zone, and eventually, the colossal structure of the Tower loomed in front of them.

The Tower was massive, a sheer spire reaching so high it vanished into the clouds.

No matter how many pictures or broadcasts one had seen,

standing before it in person was a different experience altogether.

The sheer pressure it emitted made Do Yoon unconsciously hold his

breath.

“We’ll be entering through a dedicated portal prepared for Hunter parties,” explained Choi Gun Woo from the front seat.

“Since Do Yoon is a

new registrant, your first official entry will be recorded here.”

Jo Ha Rin turned her head slightly and looked at Do Yoon.

“Don’t be nervous. The first floor is just a warm-up.”

Han Ji Hyuk nodded beside her. “Most of the monsters there are small fry. Think of it as a training ground.”

Despite their reassuring words, Do Yoon’s fingers twitched slightly as he clenched them into a fist.

It wasn’t fear—more like an overwhelming sense of anticipation.

As they disembarked near the portal zone, uniformed staff members stood by, scanning their IDs and verifying the equipment they were

carrying.

Do Yoon’s Aether Suit shimmered subtly in the sunlight. Compared to the flashy gear of the other four Hunters, it still felt plain—but it felt

like his.

A voice called out as they stood before the portal.

“Hunter Kim Do Yoon. You’ll be entering the Tower under supervision today. Please verify your skill one last time.”

The interface on his watch-like device blinked. He tapped it, and the words appeared:

Skill: Ally
Description: Connects to an unknown supporting entity.
Type: Passive/Support
Rank: Undetermined

Han Ji Hyuk, reading over his shoulder, let out a low whistle.

“Undetermined rank, huh? You don’t see that often.”

“It means they couldn’t even categorize it properly,” said Jo Ha Rin, narrowing her eyes. “Must be something special.”

Do Yoon simply nodded. He wasn’t ready to say more.

The portal shimmered before them, pulsating like a giant soap bubble caught in a beam of light.

“Let’s go.”

With Choi Gun Woo taking the lead, they stepped through.

The sensation was bizarre—like passing through jelly and suddenly being submerged in water. His ears popped, and his body felt lighter and

heavier all at once.

Then—

He opened his eyes to a vast field of green.

It looked like a peaceful valley at first glance—lush grass, gentle slopes, scattered trees.

But just a few meters away, a small creature with gray fur and long claws screeched and darted into a bush.

“First floor, Tower zone,” said Choi Gun Woo. “Monsters: Gremlins, Lizardlings, and occasionally, trap-type mimics.”

“Tutorial stage, my ass,” muttered Jo Ha Rin. “Still dangerous enough to kill if you screw up.”

Han Ji Hyuk smiled as he handed Do Yoon a short sword.

“Basic weapon. Until we see what fits you best, use this.”

Do Yoon took it with a firm grip.

The blade felt light—but not too light. He did a couple of swings.

“I’ll take point. Ah Hyun, you’re in charge of watching Do Yoon. Ha Rin, Ji Hyuk—rear and sides.”

“Roger that~” chirped Jung Ah Hyun.

Do Yoon’s pulse quickened.

And then—it began.