ASSASSINATION.

The tower's economic system was distinct from traditional reward systems. Completing the tutorial on different difficulty levels granted varying amounts of Karma Points: EASY mode rewarded 100 Karma Points (K.P), NORMAL mode granted 500 Karma Points (K.P), HARD mode provided 10,000 Karma Points (K.P), and HELL mode offered a substantial 50,000 Karma Points (K.P). The highest scorer depended on their achievements.

There is also rumored to exist another mode called 'Nightmare' beyond the four main modes, but none have ever survived this mode. However, Ren and the other 2 unknown climbers had also cleared this mode, as their Karma levels were close to Ren's.

After the tutorial phase, Karma Points could be earned by defeating monsters and other beings. Climbers could also gain sponsorship from the higher entities on the 99th floor—gods and demons. They can only watch others' movements after one climbs the first 10 floors, and they can access the status window of those who accept their sponsors.

The tower's leveling system differed from traditional games. Leveling up didn't grant additional stat points, and quests didn't offer rewards. Climbers could increase their stats only through training and consuming resources. This made it challenging for climbers to earn Karma without being part of a guild.

Leveling up helped one overcome the limitations of their body. One could reach level 100 at most, with only a few top climbers achieving this. And the max any stat can become is 999, but no one has ever achieved this level of stats, as increasing one's stats becomes very tough after a person's stats go past 100. Consequently, very few individuals managed to attain a stat level of even 500 at level 100. Well, there's bound to be some exception, but that's not the point here. What comes after level 100, that's a mystery, as no one has ever achieved it, not even gods and demons who live on the 99th floor.

Despite the hardships and limited resources, climbers persisted on the first floor. Those under 18 could find refuge thanks to awakening centers, but anyone above 18 was abandoned to their fate. This led many to choose life on the first floor, enduring difficulties rather than facing the dangers below.

---

INSIDE OF A HOTEL - EVENING.

Ren entered the cozy hotel lobby, the air conditioning providing a refreshing contrast to the warmth outside. The soft hum of conversations filled the room as patrons relaxed in plush chairs and sofas. A helpful concierge welcomed Ren with a warm smile.

"Good evening, sir. How can I assist you?" the concierge inquired, his eyes glinting with a sense of professionalism.

Ren returned the smile. "I'm looking for a room for the night. Just a comfortable place to rest."

"Certainly, sir. We have a range of rooms available to suit your needs. Would you like something standard or perhaps a bit more luxurious?"

Ren considered his options for a moment. "A standard room will be perfect, thank you."

The concierge quickly checked his computer, tapping away at the keyboard. "We have a standard room available on the third floor, overlooking the city. It comes with all the amenities you might need."

"That sounds great," Ren agreed, grateful for the opportunity to unwind after his day of exploration.

The concierge handed Ren a key card with a slight bow. "Enjoy your stay, sir. If you need anything, don't hesitate to contact our front desk."

With a sense of appreciation, Ren navigated to his designated room on the third floor and proceeded to settle in. Focusing his thoughts inward, he mumbled under his breath, "My sixth sense is telling me that someone is following me ever since I entered the city. It might be because of the way I wasted my money; they might think I am one of the unknown. This is becoming increasingly inconvenient. I must expedite my growth to avoid becoming a subject of unwelcome experiments."

Determined to counter potential threats, Ren meticulously laid out a network of traps within his room. Finally, he made his way to the bed and surrendered to the embrace of deep slumber. The memory of his continuous 11-12 day period without rest weighed on him. Despite his physical healing, his mental fatigue endured, compelling him to seek restorative sleep.

---

INSIDE THE HOTEL ROOM - MIDNIGHT

Ren was peacefully asleep on a soft bed. A dim light from a nearby streetlamp created gentle shadows around the room. The atmosphere was calm, with only the distant hush of midnight. Suddenly, a shadowy person entered through an open window.

Once inside, the shadowy figure immediately noticed the traps in the room. With exceptional skill, he skillfully bypassed the traps Ren had set. Not a single trap was triggered, suggesting the figure had an uncanny ability to predict his locations.

The room stayed quiet as the figure moved toward Ren's bed. With quick, fluid movements, he took out shining knives, ready to stab Ren's heart.

"Sorry, kid," the shadowy figure whispered in a low voice. Just as the blades were about to strike, Ren's eyes shot open.

The figure looked surprised, his face covered by a black mask. The surprise turned into determination. Ren's reflexes kicked in, and he rolled away from the bed, narrowly escaping the attack.

Ren's feet landed on the floor, going from sleep to alertness.

"You'll need to do better if you want to kill me. And, by the way, who are you?" Ren asked calmly. His voice remained steady, a contrast to the tension in the room.

"Not telling!" Ren exclaimed, dashing toward the figure at full speed. His speed was so fast that even the shadowy figure couldn't understand. In a blink, Ren was in front of him. Ren then used all his strength to punch the figure's stomach. The figure flew into the wall, cracking it, and took his last breath, dying.

The moment the figure breathed his last, a message materialized before Ren.

*****************************

[DING...]

[CONGRATULATIONS, YOU RECEIVED 500 EXP, FOR KILLING A LEVEL 5 CLIMBER.]

[YOU HAVE LEVELED UP.]

[YOU ALSO RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 15,760 KARMA THAT THE OTHER PERSON HAD.]

*****************************

"Darn! Who would've guessed he was so frail? I would've been gentler if I knew. I need to find out why he wanted me dead." Ren swore to himself. Then suddenly, a thought crossed his mind.

**********(TO BE CONTINUED)**********