18 The First Floor

Daniel woke up the next morning feeling excited and a bit nervous. The unknown could be scary thing. However, it also made him realize that he was truly alive, and that is life was worth living.

He immediately started his cultivation, as he wanted to breakthrough before entering the Tower. His body faded in and out of reality, as his Nano-Cells absorbed the Reality Energy. Just before he was going to have to stop because the strain on his body, he felt a slight popping noise. His Nano-Cells started to increase the absorption of Reality Energy, and Daniel knew that he could now cultivate for a longer period of time. He had officially stepped into the Awakened 3rd Level Life.

Getting up, he could feel the energy inside his cells, ready to explode with power, the moment he makes a move. He smiled to himself, as he knew that he was ready to challenge the Tower.

He took a quick shower, and a simple outfit, consisting of bland colors. His goal was to appear as a normal person. Unlike the tutorial, which always consisted of a survival environment, the first floor was a mystery. It was best to wear clothes that didn't make you stand out.

Making a quick check over his spatial ring, he made sure he had ample supplies. Now that he was an Awakened 3rd Level Life, he didn't need to eat and drink as much, as his body tended to rely on energy to survive. However, he couldn't survive purely on energy yet, as only Level 1 Life Forms could do that. Hence, his packing of food and water.

Daniel had his light saber hidden behind his jacket, strapped to his belt. With all his gear and supplies checked, he mentally pictured the Tower, and thought, 'Enter'.

Daniel appeared inside the white room in the Tower once again. He didn't meet up with the girls, as he already said his goodbyes last night.

A women's voice sounded in his mind, "Climber, welcome back to the Tower. Do you wish to challenge the first floor?'

"Yes" said Daniel.

"Very well. Please choose the category that you wish to challenge."

In front of Daniel's eyes, a screen appeared listing his choices.

{Challenge Category Selection

War- Fight on the battlefield, let the mayhem commence

Assassin- Scout, sneak, kill, escape

Tamer- You're my pet now!

Treasure- X marks the spot, give me the loot

Survival- I can't breathe, where's my space suit?

Hide- They won't find me under my bed

Find- Ready or not, here I come}

Daniel looked at the list that went on and on. There was a category for almost anything you could imagine.

However, Daniel had done his research and went to the the very last page. The very last option read, 'Random- The Tower randomly chooses your category: Completing this challenge, Climber will be given a hidden reward, calculated upon completion score and difficulty.'

Daniel selected this option. He was confident that he could accomplish most of these challenges. Plus, he read that the hidden reward, was usually an amazing prize.

The Towers voice appeared once more, "Now choose the level of difficulty for your challenge. I will warn you that choosing anything above Challenging, will result in only two possible outcomes, passing or death. If you choose the Challenging difficulty setting, then you can still fail and leave alive, once the time limit is reached. Do you understand the rules?"

"Yes I do." Said Daniel.

"So be it. Now choose."

Once again a screen appeared before his eyes.

{Challenge Difficulty Selection

Challenging- Even if you can leave alive, you will probably still die before you do.

Difficult- Most people die.

Hard- If you get lucky, perhaps your death won't be too painful.

Hell Mode- If you're a genius amongst geniuses, there's still a 6ft deep hole waiting for you.

Instant Death- Feeling suicidal? Light yourself on fire instead. It will be a far less painful death.

Obliteration- Impossible to complete. Shouldn't even be an option.}

{Tower Tip: The higher the difficulty, the higher the rewards. Hidden opportunities await those brave enough to grasp them.}

Daniel had been thinking about this choice for a long time now. He'd known the levels of difficulty for a while, and always debated in his mind what to choose. It was a difficult choice because he was very confident in himself, but didn't know if he was overestimating his capabilities.

Closing his eyes, he stopped his thoughts and relaxed his mind. He then started to run his Reality Mind ability, hoping that he could perceive a hint through reality itself.

Slowly scanning his eyes over the difficulty options, he felt a vibration like feeling in his mind. He knew this meant that he was supposed to choose this option. Unfortunately for Daniel, his challenge would now be attempted in Hell Mode.

Gritting his teeth, Daniel told the Tower of his selection.

"Climber, you are about to challenge the first floor. The category you selected is Random. The difficulty is Hell Mode. Is this correct? This is your only chance to make changes." Said the Tower.

With a resolute voice, and eyes filled with a steal will, Daniel said, "Yes, I am sure in my selection."

"As you wish Climber. I wish you luck in your challenge. May you bring honor and glory to your species."

When the Tower finished speaking, a countdown filled the white room.

{First Floor Challenge Begins in...

10..

9..

5..

3..

2..

1..}

Daniel vanished from the white Tower room.

When he reappeared, a notification from the Tower appeared in his mind.

{Category- Maze

Difficulty- Hell Mode

Time Limit- None

Mission- You have arrived at the entrance to the Maze of Misery. You have four tasks to complete.

Task 1- Find the exit.

Task 2- Locate the Temple of Targus, and exterminate the inhabitants.

Task 3- Aquire the tears of the Lich King.

Task 4- Kill the Level 2 Life Form, Reaper of Souls.}

As Daniel read his tasks, he could only sigh in despair. He couldn't judge the difficulty of the first two tasks, but if the last two were any indicator he knew that Hell Mode was no joke. With his current strength, he could say with certainty that he had no chance against a Level 2 Life Form.

Snapping out of his depressing thoughts, he started to scan his surroundings. He was in a ten by ten foot room, made out of stone. It was completely dark. Luckily, Daniel's cultivation progress improved his vision, so that he could still somewhat see. He noticed that there was only one exit to the room. Other than that the room was empty.

Knowing that once he stepped out of the room, his trial would begin, Daniel took out some body armor from his spacial ring. Once he armored himself, he unhooked his light saber from his belt. He was now ready for action.

However, Daniel did not charge forward, but instead closed his eyes. He visualized his success in his upcoming trials. He would succeed and pass this floor. Although he would face difficulties, he would also have a chance to grow stronger.

Opening his eyes, Daniel's will was now solidified towards accomplishing his goals. Nothing would stand in his way. With that thought, he walked into the passage way, entering the Maze of Misery.