Tyler crossed his arms as Kaela scanned the treeline, still tense from the status reveal.
"So what's the big deal?" he asked. "Why do I need to be so careful? This is just a game… right?"
Kaela shot him a sideways glance. "Not exactly. Not anymore."
Tyler frowned. "What do you mean?"
She exhaled slowly, then leaned against a nearby tree.
"The closed beta for Ancient Apocalypse was supposed to last one month. That's what the developers told the public. But it didn't." She lowered her voice. "Some testers—especially the ones backed by noble or wealthy families—got almost three extra months of unannounced access. While the rest of the world waited, they were already grinding. Farming boss loot. Stacking levels. Building guilds."
Tyler's brows furrowed. "…So how strong are they now?"
"Some of them are already in the mid-50s." She tapped her foot nervously. "And because of the real-world benefits the game gives you—strength, wealth, influence—those families treat it like a war. A territory. They'll wipe out anyone who threatens their advantage. You? You're the kind of person they'd never let walk away."
Tyler's jaw tightened. "So… I'm a target just for existing."
Kaela nodded grimly. "Yeah. A glowing, stat-breaking target with infinite mana."
"…Great."
He turned his head toward the forest, thinking for a moment. "Are there any big events we can join? Something to level up fast—gain skills, credits?"
Kaela tilted her head. "There are a few rotating dungeon events and regional quests, but they're hard to solo. Most are group-based and time-locked. Still, if we're lucky, something might trigger nearby."
Tyler nodded. "Then we keep our eyes open."
The two walked side-by-side through the thickening trees, leaves crunching beneath their boots. Rays of sun filtered through the dense canopy, and birds chirped softly from above.
"…So," Tyler broke the silence, "what's your story?"
Kaela raised an eyebrow. "We're doing backstory already?"
"Hey," he said, cracking a smile. "We're probably about to fight for our lives again. Might as well know who's at my side."
She snorted. "Fair enough."
"I'm from the lower rim of Calden City," she said. "Grew up in the shadow of the towers. You know—the glass ones owned by the elites. My mom was a factory enchanter, my dad was a scout for the relic markets. We made ends meet until… well, the economy collapsed after the first mana surge. Things got ugly."
Tyler nodded slowly. "I get it."
Kaela glanced at him. "What about you?"
"Complicated," he said. "Maybe I'll tell you someday."
They shared a small silence before the wind suddenly shifted.
A strange pulse rippled through the ground.
Tyler froze. "Did you feel that?"
Before Kaela could answer, the forest around them shook.
Then, just ahead of them, light tore through the trees as a massive obsidian tower erupted from the earth, sending shockwaves into the air. The top of the tower split open, a glowing red eye pulsing at the summit like a beacon.
[World Event Triggered]
You have discovered: The Forgotten Spire – Trial of the Beast
Participants: 2
Difficulty: Moderate
Warning: Leaving the zone will result in death
Initializing Challenge…
Boss Approaching… Level 8 – Ravager of Flesh
Kaela's face paled.
"You've got to be kidding me…"
Tyler drew the Obsidian Blade from his back as the ground trembled and something massive began to emerge from the trees ahead—something breathing, snarling, and entirely too large for level one players.
He grinned.
"Guess we're skipping the tutorial."