The World Beyond Reality

As the creature's claws descended, the dungeon trembled violently; its walls cracked and glowed with unstable energy (a **Dungeon Break**), a rare yet perilous event. The beast roared in confusion, temporarily distracted by the chaos (however, Minho, battered and desperate, seized the moment). Ignoring the searing pain in his body, he sprinted toward the dungeon's entrance—dodging collapsing stone and surging waves of mana. The ground split behind him because the dungeon threatened to collapse entirely. With a final burst of strength, he dove through the exit just as the dungeon sealed itself shut, leaving him gasping on the forest floor, alive but shaken.

Minho stumbled out of the forest surrounding the dungeon, his hoodie tattered and bloodstained; his breaths were shallow and labored. The encounter with the creature had left his body battered and his pride shattered (although he clenched his fists, trembling with frustration). **"You're weak,"** the monster's voice echoed in his mind, the words stinging more than his wounds. If he wanted to return to the dungeon—and survive—he couldn't stay like this.

He pulled his hood (over) his head, shadowing his face. There was only 1 place he could go to change his fate: **The Tower of Trainees.** However, this journey would not be easy because challenges awaited him. Although he felt an urge to turn back, he pressed on, knowing that destiny was within his grasp.

---

The sun hung low in (the) sky as Minho reached (the) southern coast of Korea. The journey had been long; however, the sight before him was worth every step. **The Tower of Trainees** was a monumental structure that seemed to defy nature itself. Its black stone shimmered faintly in the evening light, rising endlessly into the clouds. Around (the) Tower was a sprawling plaza, alive with activity. Vendors called out to potential customers, selling charms, guides and tools for new challengers. Spectators crowded around massive screens that displayed live footage of Raiders battling their way through the Tower's trials. Some cheered, but others whispered in awe. The towering **Leaderboard** displayed the names of (the) most successful challengers. At the very top, the name **Jang Hyuk – Floor 100** gleamed in bold gold letters, a testament to his dominance (because) it showcased his unparalleled skill.

Minho adjusted (his) hood, his heart pounding as he approached the (registration area). Unlike dungeons—which were the exclusive domain of Hunters under the strict supervision of the **Master Guild of Hunters** and its subsidiary guilds like the **Horizon Hunter Guild**—Towers were open to a different class of warriors: **Raiders.** Anyone could attempt the Tower of Trainees (a public proving ground) because those seeking strength and power-ups tested their limits. A sleek registration booth stood at the base of the Tower, staffed by attendants in black uniforms. A long line of hopefuls snaked through the plaza; each one eager to begin their climb. When Minho reached the front, an attendant glanced (up) from a glowing tablet. However, he felt a sudden wave of uncertainty, but he pushed it aside. Although the atmosphere was charged with anticipation, this moment was (everything) to him.

"Name?" the man asked, his tone bored.

Minho hesitated. His name felt too intertwined with his failures; his weaknesses loomed large. He desired a fresh start, unencumbered by his past. However, this desire was complicated, because he knew that running away was not a solution. Although he yearned for change, the memories persisted, haunting him. But, perhaps, with time, he could redefine himself.

"Put me down as ???," he said quietly.

The attendant raised an eyebrow (however) didn't question it. "Fine. Entry fee is 100,000 won." Minho handed over the money and received a sleek black wristband in return. "This will track your progress and unlock access to higher floors. Don't lose it. Once you're inside, you can only exit by forfeiting or completing a floor. Good luck." Without another word (but), Minho stepped through the massive double doors into the Tower.

---

The air (within) was cool and still; the chaotic noise of the plaza faded behind him. Minho found himself in a circular chamber with glowing platform at its center. Around him, other entrants prepared for the trials ahead: some stretching, others checking their equipment. A holographic interface shimmered to life before him, displaying the Tower's rules and objectives. However, he felt a sense of unease because (of) the uncertainty that loomed ahead. Although he was ready, the weight of the moment lingered. This made him question his own abilities, but he steeled himself, determined to persevere.

- **Objective:** Reach Floor 100.

- **Rules:** No outside assistance (provided by the Tower only). - **Rewards:** Skills, power-ups and recognition.

At the bottom of the screen, a prompt flashed: **"Begin?"** Minho exhaled slowly (his mind set). **"This is where I start over."** He pressed **Yes.** The platform beneath him glowed; a rush of light enveloped him. When the glow subsided, he stood on the first floor—a dense forest bathed in twilight. The air was thick with humidity (however), the distant sounds of movement hinted at unseen dangers. Before him lay the path forward: climb, fight, survive and rise through the Tower's unforgiving trials. Above, barely visible through the trees, the shimmering portal to the next floor hovered in the distance. Minho tightened his grip on the dagger the Tower had supplied him (and took his first step into the unknown).

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Back in (the) plaza, the massive Leaderboard updated in real time as new entrants began their climbs. A new name appeared at the bottom of the list: however, (this) change was not unexpected. Although many had anticipated the shifts, some remained surprised by the rapidity of the updates. 1. The competition was fierce; (but) only the most determined would rise to the top. Because of the pressure, every climber felt the weight of their ambition.

**??? – Floor 1**

No one has noticed it yet (however), soon the mysterious name would rise higher and higher -----